Monica
South Africa
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?”
Monica's Trip Date:
29th Dec - 10th Jan 2025
What was your most memorable moment?
Camping in the snow, going to sleep with clear skies and being woken up by snowflakes
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
Were Swoop right to recommend Oceanwide Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
Loved the Zodiac excursions as they allowed us to see things and access places we wouldn't have been able to on the ship. I always felt safe. A highlight was having the humpback whales close to our Zodiac
Tell us about the expedition team
The team was super knowledgeable and were happy and keen to share their knowledge and skills. They were also very accessible and happy to answer any questions. The team represented a wide range of areas of expertise applicable to Antarctica. I just loved Sara's morning wake-up call, and her skills at adapting and changing plans based on the weather were admirable. Being able to get 24hr access to the bridge and Captain Per was a highlight. Matt was always available help with photographic questions. I have to say that the whole team were amazing. My favourite lecture was Sara's talk on Women in Antarctica
Tell us about the Ortelius
The ship was great (a working ship, not a luxury liner) which it served its purpose well. If I did it again I would request a cabin towards the back of the ship as ours was in the front and you feel every swell there. The crew and staff were amazing - so happy, positive and nothing was too much trouble. The food was exceptional - plated and served dinners, so many options, and fresh and delicious. I don't know how they did it for 2 weeks!
Something Else?
The trip surpassed my expectations on every level and I am still trying to process it! For me it was a deeply personal experience as well as well, as we did the trip as a family with our 2 sons and their partners. We all live on different continents so it was a precious time with new and beautiful memories to share
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Just go, and sooner rather than later. Its not as cold as you think but prepare well, layer up and enjoy. Don't stress too much about the Drakes Passage and take it as it unfolds. Prepare with medication if you are susceptible to sea sickness, but know that there is a doctor aboard who can also help. Our doctor Veronika was just lovely
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
It has exposed me to a part of the world I had never seen before and it is so magical. It has raised my awareness to many of the challenges faced by the area and how we can made a difference
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
Please don't tell Swoop clients to print boarding passes/vouchers etc! It is not necessary.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
I felt as prepared as I could be but it is difficult to understand know prepared you are until you are there!
Would you consider another trip to Antarctica with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
No
Would you be interested in travelling to The Arctic with Swoop?
Yes
