Incredible! Every day was surprising, filled with adventure. Highlights: seeing gentoo and chinstrap penguins in a snowstorm, crossing the Antarctic circle, seeing humpback whales up close, and watching penguin parents tend to their hatchlings. I traveled solo and met plenty of like-minded fellow travelers. I would encourage anyone considering it but who might be nervous to go for it! It is the perfect trip for solo travel. The ship operator's team was just phenomenal - great energy, positive attitudes, fun, and generally just good humans. We weren't able to fly back on schedule because of weather conditions but for me this just added to the spirit of adventure. It is not for everyone though! You need to be able to let go of control and roll with unforeseen circumstances.

Mind blowing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. I would go back in a heartbeat. It far exceeded any expectations I had and I absolutely fell in love.

Yes

I am very satisfied with what I received from Swoop. I booked fairly last minute so there were not many options, but I was very happy with everything you provided. I felt extremely well prepared. I'm in user experience and your site is very well-designed and easy to navigate. I appreciated all the articles and checklists, and the visual format to help me stay organized (no small feat). I also appreciated your recommendations around photography and lenses.

Fully exceeded expectations, as mentioned in comments prior. It was a good choice for me. I would recommend to others IF they are comfortable with uncertainty - the flight option means that you cannot control your exact arrival and departure, which is not feasible for everyone. Also, you're in Antarctica - so weather dictates what you do, which some people seemed disappointed by. I felt the tour operator did an exceptional job in all regards, including communication around weather issues, friendliness, knowledge, and organization. Highly recommend.

Accommodations were fine, as expected. The Dreams hotel serves its purpose, I wasn't wowed by it but didn't really care.

Highlights: all the penguins, humpback whales, minke whales, elephant seals, leopard seals, crabeater seals, glaciers and glacier ice. I enjoyed the penguins most. I could sit and watch them for hours! I also loved geeking out with wildlife photography. Icebergs were cool too. The expedition staff were 90% fantastic. A couple seemed less enthused by their work and a little less friendly than others, but this was by far the exception. The vast majority were exceptional and I enjoyed getting to know them.

Go! Let go of need for control and planning and go!

Your communication and clarity leading up to the trip was much appreciated. I also appreciate your asking for feedback and making it easy to respond. I have already recommended you to several friends. Great job!