Visiting the old British Antarctic Survey huts which have been left 'as they were when the occupants left'.

Great holiday

Saw Adelie and Gentoo penguins, Minke and Humpback whales, Weddell, Fur, Crabeater and Leopard seals. All amazing. Got some good photos, but the ship's photographer made a fantastic video for everyone.

Enjoyed all the zodiac cruises, but they could be chilly at times. Getting up close to icebergs and wildlife was amazing. Always felt safe getting on and off the zodiacs and while whizzing around too. The first zodiac cruise was spectacular, in an iceberg graveyard. First memories.......

The Expedition Team were fabulous. Luke Kenney was the leader, he was excellent giving briefings and keeping us posted on what was happening at all times. The other members of the team were so knowledgeable. Some great lectures on subjects that I really didn't think would interest me......but they absolutely did. Sarah and the icebergs........Anthony and photography and also the whaling industry.......Scott and the birds.............Chris and the botany..........Julia and the Port Lockroy Post Office. The Expedition Team were about the ship all the time, on the look out for wildlife, happy to chat. They really were fabulous.

Thought Silver Explorer was fabulous. Best food we have had on a cruise ship - by far. Liked the different wine each day, it was a nice way to try different wines (could have done with a summary of the wines at the end of the trip). Service in the restaurant and bar was excellent. The staff were all so friendly. Cabin was good, Butler and his team were excellent. Nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff. Reception staff were helpful. Everything seemed so well organised. It was nice to be able to go onto the Bridge.

If I could give a score out of 5, I would score this trip 6!!

Pack layers for keeping warm ashore, I wore a thin thermal top, a thick thermal top, a sweatshirt, if it was really cold or a long zodiac ride a sleeveless fleece and then the big jacket provided as part of the trip. I had a fleece neck tube, fleece hat. Also had gloves and over gloves (a bit like waterproof gloves) and I made an 'elastic string' so I could quickly and easily take my gloves off to take photos and I didn't have to put them in a pocket or drop them, they just dangled - just like being a child!!! On a couple of occasions a walking pole might be useful (when there were a couple of climbs, needed more for coming down). However, walking poles not needed most of the time - in my opinion. Despite the ship’s operator telling me to the contrary, there were binoculars in the cabin. Pack plenty of travel sick remedies.....it can be a bit bumpy across the Drake Passage.

Far more knowledgeable about lots of Antarctic related things.

There was lots and lots of information in the Swoop web site, but several times I struggled to find the same page again. After a while I book marked every page I thought I might refer to again.......but then it took a while to work out which page I wanted. Always got prompt replies from Aimee.