Audrey Benedict (booking for Mehry Khosravi)
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?”
Audrey Benedict (booking for Mehry Khosravi)'s Trip:
Photographers' South GeorgiaAudrey Benedict (booking for Mehry Khosravi)'s Trip Date:
16th Nov - 3rd Dec 2018
Audrey Benedict (booking for Mehry Khosravi)'s Ship:
Akademik Sergey VavilovOverall, how was your trip?
1. The overall quality of the experience! 2. South Georgia landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities are the best of the best in the Southern Ocean! 3. The ship operator's staff was excellent, and the Russian crew was great! The Kayak Program's Marko and Katie were absolutely extraordinary! 4. The overpopulation of fur seals since my 2009 trip and the onshore safety issues that the staff handled so perfectly and professionally. 5. David's idea to do a sunrise visit ashore at Gold Harbor! Unbelievable!
In one sentence, what did you think of Antarctica? Did it live up to your expectations?
The South Georgia expedition was a superb experience in every way for my group of 17 participants (including myself). This was my 3rd trip and my last one (with Fathom Expeditions) was in 2009, so I had a good basis for comparison. This trip exceeded my expectations because of the excellent leadership of David Sinclair as expedition leader for the ship's operator. One bonus was his decision to return to the Falklands when an approaching storm system would have eliminated further Zodiac landings in South Georgia.
Would you visit again?
Yes
How was the service that Swoop provided?
1. Swoop's service as a polar specialist was in advising and handling arrangements was topnotch! 2. Absolutely satisfied, especially with the extra time added at the end in the Falklands. 3. Yes! The Vavilov was the perfect choice for us! 4. If I have a complaint, it is that the ship operator's expedition staff seemed absolutely unaware of the leadership expertise of Drs. Dee Boersma (penguins)and Sue Moore (whales) as potential presenters onboard. Trying to fit them into the set programming was difficult and unsatisfactory.
How likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend?
10 out of 10
You chose a/an Photographers' South Georgia experience. How was that experience?
Daisy Gilardi as the photographic leader was EXCELLENT in every way! Her lectures and interpersonal interactions in the field with participants set a fine standard. BRAVO!!! I had been concerned that the photographic emphasis might outweigh the natural history content. Not the case at all! I would unconditionally recommend this trip to anyone and not just photographers!
How were your experiences on the zodiac excursions and shore landings?
1. The combination/choice of shore landings and Zodiac cruising to provide different perspectives. 2. The wildlife and the scenery!!! 3. Not an important part of this trip. 4. The expedition staff handled logistics with knowledgeable expertise, kindness, patience, and a strong sense of professionalism and a focus on safety.
