Leigh
United States Of America
Customer
Rating
8
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?”
Leigh's Trip Date:
2nd Feb - 27th Feb 2025
What was your most memorable moment?
The majority of the trip was a memorable moment, but the giant, steaming pile of male elephant seals was incredible! Got some great video of them "talking" to each other. Also got some great video of a close-up humpback whale slapping his fins back and forth.
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?
8 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Antarctic Basecamp Adventure?
10 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Oceanwide Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
Enjoyed immensely. Always felt safe. Most memorable was the day we did a zodiac cruise and spent some great time with humpbacks (as noted earlier). They also brought us hot chocolate with rum, which was awesome. Overall, the balance of zodiac cruises and zodiac landings was perfect.
Tell us about the expedition team
Cannot say enough good things about this team! Everyone was so knowledgeable and helpful and friendly. Enjoyed all the lectures and talks.
Tell us about the Plancius
The twin cabin was excellent. The food was incredible (especially considering the size of the ship and the number of people they had to feed. I was very impressed with all the fresh fruit and vegetables served the whole time. No small feat to stock up for! I would definitely go on the Plancius again.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to Antarctica?
Just to be clear on what you want to do on the trip. Not everyone wants a basecamp type of adventure. I would suggest people be aware of what they want to do, which I think Swoop is good at helping them decide. And definitely take some Dramamine! It's all I took, but a lot of people had scopolamine patched too. A lot of people got pretty ill, but I was lucky! That Drake Passage is no joke!
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
Not particularly, because I am already an avid traveler and adventure junkie, but Antarctica was just spectacular! I would go back in a minute!
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
My feedback is more about the Patagonia part of the trip, which I am happy to share separately. It kind of felt like once Swoop had our money, we were passed off a bit. While Carys is very nice and helpful, there were times when she was less than responsive and didn't always answer our questions fully. There was also a disconnect as far as Carys and others being on their own Antarctic trip and no one ever getting back to emails afterward. Also didn't realize that Carys moved to Patagonia for their summer and we kept thinking she was in the UK 6 hours ahead. Just some lack of commuication.
How prepared and excited for Antarctica did you feel?
100% excited! 98% prepared. The webinars and portal information were very helpful.
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
