Michelle
Canada
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?”
Michelle's Trip Date:
14th Feb - 24th Feb 2024
What was your most memorable moment?
Seeing the penguins, whales, seals, dolphins, sea birds in their environment. Natural beauty of Antarctica - the ice, snow, mountains. Learning more from the lectures from the marine biologist, then also the presentation on the sad whaling history (told by a Norwegian expedition member whose uncle was a whaler) - the room was silent. The trip gives you lots to learn and think about in a bigger context.
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: Antarctic Peninsula in Focus?
9 out of 10
Tell us about the SH Vega
The cabin was great! We were on Deck 5. Nice big comfy cabin - loved the fake fireplace. Let me note to future passengers - we had Room 518, which is next to a big loud exhaust vent. It didn't bother my husband but it bothered me greatly - I could not enjoy the balcony. So suggest no one books 518. I would sail on the Vega or with Swan Hellenic again. The food was solid. However, the food was not as good as a recent cruise we took on another cruise line (Celebrity Apex). Staff in restaurant went to great lengths to ensure I was comfortable since I am gluten-free/celiac but a couple of times there was nothing gluten free to eat and they had to make something for me separate. Unlike other cruise lines, the food in the buffet is not labelled as vegan, gluten-free, et cetera. The ship is brand new, so all the spaces are super nice - great looking ship! We'd sail again on the Vega. All the staff are super helpful and nice.
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
Yes, enjoyed the zodiac cruises. Felt safe at all times. Most memorable cruise was slowly moving through the icy water early morning, or all of a sudden catching penguins leaping off the side of the zodiac.
Tell us about the expedition team
Solid expedition team - Anya (marine biologist), Emil (ornithologist) and Nils (general naturalist). Brandon, group leader, did an excellent job of making sure our time on-boat was maximized.
Were Swoop right to recommend Swan Hellenic?
Yes
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
This is the kind of trip that you have to think about it for a couple of weeks and look at your photos to truly reflect. Yes, maybe that the earth is fragile, and what can we all be doing to protect it.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
I think if I had not booked last minute, I could have secured a better price 6 - 10 months ago. I would suggest to others that a ship with the lowest number of passengers (that will still be in your budget) is best, so you can maximize your outings. We had 132 passengers, so much easier to manage < 100 getting on shore at a time. I regret only bringing my iPhone and not a real camera with a telescopic lens. I think making the trip a bit longer and trying to go to the South Georgia Islands, Falkland Island would be great. We should have stayed in Ushuaia a few days on our own as well. I over packed since there was laundry on board and it was not wet or rainy to any extent.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
Thank you to Ben and Rebecca for their help.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
Felt prepared but could not get super excited as I had to work at my job at home right up to the end and could not enjoy the rush of going on vacation. I should have taken more time for myself to get ready.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
Yes
