David
United States Of America
Customer
Rating
9
Customer Rating On return from their adventure we ask customers: “On a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?”
David's Trip Date:
3rd Jan - 22nd Jan 2025
What was your most memorable moment?
Walking among the penguin colonies.
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Great holiday
On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?
9 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Crossing the Circle in Style?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Quark Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
We always felt safe. The Zodiac excursions were among the best things on the trip. The expedition leaders made the excursions very enjoyable and educational.
Tell us about the expedition team
They were very knowledgeable and friendly. Some were better at giving lectures than others but overall good. On the first Quark trip we took the artic 7 years ago, the expedition leaders would eat with the passengers--that is, individually they would find a table of passengers to sit down with for a meal. It was an opportunity to ask questions and get to know them. That did not happen on this trip which was disappointing. They generally ate together and often in the Bistro.
Tell us about the Ultramarine
Great ship. By far the best room we have had an expedition cruise. The dining room facilitated meeting new people with some larger tables. It was also very efficient at loading and unloading zodiacs as well as getting people on and off the zodiacs. We had only one short helicopter ride but it was great.
Tell us about the Kayaking
It was good. There was only one slot available when we signed up a year ago so Carla took that but they opened up some new ones during the passage so I signed up then. They were able to Carla and me together which was nice. It was quite pricey though. Carla's was $250 I believe when signing up a year ago. On the boar they charged $390 for a single trip. While I went because Carla had already signed up, that is excessive.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
While we were there it was around zero Centigrade. I overpacked with warm clothes based upon what they said. Perhaps it is because I am from Minnesota and used to cold weather but I never wore all the layers they suggested. The parkas they provide are very warm.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
I don't think it changed my perspective but it certainly gave me a new appreciation of the enormity of Antarctica and the issues of how global warming is affecting it.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
I thought they were good. We traveled with another couple and I know they had some confusion about weight limits on the charter flight to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires. I believe Swoop told us one thing and Quark did tell us a lower amount else. I noted that Quark had told us a lower limit but the other couple did not. It all worked out though. I thought the video Swoop had shortly before the trip was excellent. And it was helpful to talk with the Swoop rep just answer practical questions.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
Very prepared. Again, though, if I were doing it again, I would pack fewer layers and fewer duplicates of warm things.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No