Michele
United States Of America
Customer
Rating
10
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?”
Michele's Trip Date:
1st Feb - 20th Feb 2025
What was your most memorable moment?
St. Andrew’s Bay South Georgia probably stands out as the most memorable. To be able to walk among the hundreds of thousands of King Penguins, Sea Elephants, Fur Seals, Albatross and other sea birds with a backdrop of glaciers and mountains ending at the sea was beyond imagination.
Which of the following best describes your adventure?
Life changing
On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend or colleague?
10 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Oceanwide Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
The zodiac excursions, which we did almost twice a day every day, were a highlight to each day. Each guide educated us each ride on the emergency procedures and the guide and a deck hand helped us by taking both our hands/arms to get on and off the zodiac each time. I always felt very safe. At times the ride could get a bit bumpy but our safety was the zodiac drivers priority. Other times it was extremely cold, my hands and face were freezing - mostly from taking off my gloves to take pictures. ;) My most memorable zodiac cruise was when a curious humpback whale played around and under our zodiac then avid us farewell with a huge fluke salute when diving.
Tell us about the expedition team
Every expedition team member was well trained and seemed to be an expert in a specific field on which they lectured. Working long hours they always had a smile and a friendly word. My favorite lectures were on the whales and I would have to say Ursula, the whale expert, stands out in my mind. Her passion for saving the whales is beyond compare!
Tell us about the Hondius
The Hondius was way better than I expected. I was in a double room (originally booked in a quad room) as the ship was not full. The was PLENTY of room for all our belongings. Storage under the bed for suitcases, boots and shoes, a tall hanging locker per person with shelves inside, and another locker with 4 shelves. A desk, TV and large head in our room. We had a large lounge where all the meetings and lectures were held, a library with lots of reference books and another lecture room for special lectures. The food was fabulous. Breakfast and lunch were always cafeteria style with LOTS of choices. Dinner was cafeteria style or if we were at sea, plated with a preordered meal of three choices for an entree. The food was great. Always had a vegetarian choice. I will definitely choose Oceanside Expeditions and the Hondius for my next polar expedition.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
The number one thing I would advise others is take less clothing. The expedition is casual.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
Yes it has. I plan to do all I can to minimize my use of plastics and waste and eat more plant based meals. I want to do all I can to help with global warming to minimize the melting of the glaciers and polar ice to protect the animals and our planet.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
I felt very prepared and excited. I can’t believe it is over!
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
