Lana
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?”
Lana's Trip Date:
11th Nov - 24th Nov 2024
What was your most memorable moment?
Everyday involved an impact fill experience of majestic power and the serene strength of the Antarctic. At the peak of a snowshoeing event I came to realize all of what surrounded me did not seem real. Words can not describe what I saw and felt on this journey.
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: Antarctic Peninsula Explorer?
10 out of 10
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
I always felt safe, the Zodiacs are amazing in their durability and ability to access shore. I was most impressed as the Zodiacs managed to dodge, maneuver and forge through sea ice, floating ice and submerged unknowns as we pursued our approach to shore in order to camp overnight. Departing from the campsite involved additional maneuvering and persistence.
Were Swoop right to recommend Aurora Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about the expedition team
All expedition team members were filled with knowledge and experience in their specific areas. The teams worked well in harmony, provided humor, fun and an extensive wealth of knowledge on all topics. I felt safe and secure with my Expedition Team and have the utmost respect for them as accomplished individuals.
Tell us about the Sylvia Earle
Quality accommodations, convenient amenities, pristine cleanliness, superb food, excellent service. My cabin was well appointed and had more than enough storage and space to be extremely comfortable. The water was hot, the shower was welcoming. The food had a wealth of variety, was excellent to the taste and displayed with precision. Only matched by the service. I would most definitely seek the Sylvia Earle again. I felt it was a first class experience.
Tell us about the Snow shoeing & Hiking
Snowshoeing and hiking was an easy option to explore yet one more interface with the Antarctic. Nothing was difficult, the Expedition Team was well prepared and professional. I would recommend it to other travelers as it did not require advanced preparation and certified experience such as scuba diving. Scuba diving, kayaking and snorkeling are wonderful options but do require some experience and commitment. Snowshoeing was a perfect option.
Tell us about the Camping
I was not sure what to expect. I was not disappointed. Fortunately the weather was good and the ability to absorb my isolation in the middle of the night, on a bed of ice and snow, surrounded by the mountains, silence and ocean with only a bedroll and sleeping bag. Unmatched.
Something Else?
I traveled to the Antartica with my sons, their wives and my grandchildren. We ranged from 70 to 7 years in age and there was something for everyone. The entire ship made us feel special. I was planning to make the journey with or without my family. I am so grateful they chose to accompany me as I do not believe I could return home and describe what I felt and saw with words or a photograph. As a family we were able to experience the journey together. Thank you to Aurora Expeditions, the Sylvia Earle and Swoop for helping to make this a one of a kind and memorable vacation that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Do your homework, know what you want to do and how you want to experience the Antarctic continent. If you aren’t sure, ask. It’s most likely a once in a lifetime experience. If you seek the best (Aurora Expeditions) you will not be disappointed. Once you have made your decisions, enjoy. You will not be disappointed.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
Yes, I have a deeper appreciation for the part each of us plays in preservation of the Antarctic. It may seem untouched, but it is not. So much of what we do in the world affects the Antarctic. I also have a deeper appreciation for the Andes mountain range that sharply jets into the sky and creates the stunning beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. I did not expect the magnitude of the land.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
My team was amazing and very responsive. The software program that collects data on each traveler has a few glitches but such is our digital world. Team members at Swoop helped in every corner. Swoop did an amazing job at helping set up tours, transportation, hotel reservations and experiences from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. I appreciated their professional help. It made the trip easy and removed potential language barriers and potential frustrations.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
Very well prepared. I did a lot of research prior to booking my trip. Swoop helped me fulfill all that I was expecting and Antartica did not disappoint. I recognize getting there and experiencing what the Antarctic has to offer is dependent upon how you get there and your ability to explore. Weather is always an issue but Aurora and the Sylvia Earle made their best efforts to provide experiences above and beyond while working with Mother Nature. Aurora Expeditions was an excellent choice.
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
Yes