Ron
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?”
Ron's Trip Date:
27th Oct - 7th Nov 2024
What was your most memorable moment?
Standing on the Antarctic Peninsula.
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?
10 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Antarctic Peninsula Explorer?
7 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Aurora Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about the Greg Mortimer
The Greg Mortimer was a great experience. It is a smaller ship, but quite comfortable and Aurora had an outstanding crew onboard. I was especially impressed by the cabin attendant (Fernando) and the restaurant personnel. The food was excellent and the servers were incredible. I have been around the food service industry for over 60 years and I have never seen staff that always displayed a happy temperament. My only complaint was that the gym was rather limited. It was adequate as a means of sustaining my training.
Tell us about the expedition team
They members of the team that I worked with and shared meals with were outstanding. I have been enjoying camping and outdoor activities for over 50 years, including serving with mountain search & rescue. I have been around a lot of good people and some idiots. The Aurora team members were knowledgeable, professional, and very personable. They were attentive to the safety protocols required in general and in Antarctica specifically, and informed about the locations we visited.
Tell us about the Snow shoeing & Hiking
I found the snowshoeing to be a very enjoyable experience. The Expedition Team selected nice routes and maintained a reasonable pace, although I would have preferred more time to rest and contemplate the location. I was not terrible pleased with the snowshoe bindings. They had four or five straps that had to be buckled. (I am experienced with bindings that have two or three.) That is no small feat when precariously balanced so as to not fall on the Antarctic snow, while wearing multiple layers of clothing that block one's downward gaze and impede contortions.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
You will spend a lot of money for the experience. Make sure that it is an appropriate experience for you, compatible with your personality and consistent with your travel expectations and needs.
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
It changed nothing, but helped me better appreciate that I travel solo for a very good reason. That is the wilderness experience that my soul requires.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
No.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
I was well prepared for the outdoor experiences, given my history of being in the outdoors. I had all of the skills, knowledge, and equipment before the trip. I was not excited. My personality is not accustomed to experiencing excitement and I have journeyed and camped in some spectacular places. My reaction to those places is one of reverence and not excitement. The outdoors is my church, so being there is a more somber religious experience.
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?
No
