Gordon Alan (Dondi) Powell
Malaysia
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?”
Gordon Alan (Dondi) Powell's Trip Date:
8th Jun - 17th Jun 2025
What was your most memorable moment?
Pls note that this was my 3rd time to Svalbard. First two times were on much smaller ships with much less people and we just loved those expeditions. You got the feel that they were real expeditions where anything was possible. The itineraries were flexible depending on conditions of course. This was a great trip and I would recommend it to first timers. I would be more wary of recommending it to photographers. There were too many people on the zodiacs and it was obvious that the schedule was More important than the expedition flavor of a real expedition.
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?
8 out of 10
On a scale of 0 to 10, how would you rate your trip: Into the Polar Bear’s Realm?
7 out of 10
Were Swoop right to recommend Quark Expeditions?
Yes
Tell us about Zodiac excursions
Many of the zodiac crew did not understand photography and what photographers need and look for. There were also too many people on the zodiacs. As a serious photographer I wouldn’t have minded paying more to limit zodiac passengers to 4. 10 to a zodiac was difficult and too restricting. 8 was barely acceptable (bit only because we had no choice).
Tell us about the expedition team
They need training in photography. And in the needs of photographers and in the challenges of photography from zodiacs and from a ship
Tell us about the Ocean Explorer
Excellent and exceeded expectations. It wa my best “large” cruise ship to date. 100 or less pax is a good number. Any bigger and I would not have signed up
Something Else?
In the beginning of the cruise everything was smooth then as the cruise progressed we began to feel rushed in the loading of the zodiacs. Towards the end there would be traffic and the discomfort of being I. Winter clothes in a warm environment. We really felt rushed on the last three days.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to The Arctic?
The smaller the ship the better. If you are a photographer go on an expedition that is photographer oriented. But if you just want to step into a wonderful environment for the first time of your life, go with Quark!
Has your experience changed your perspective in any way?
No. Except it reinforced the need to protect our environment. Again this is from the perspective of someone who has been to Svalbard three times and who had two excellent and exciting small ship expeditions.
Do you have any recommendations for Swoop, or feedback about the team?
You guys are good and thorough and I find you very professional and thorough
Would you consider another trip to the Arctic with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Antarctica with Swoop?
Yes
Would you be interested in travelling to Patagonia with Swoop?
Yes
