Robert Lesnick
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?”
Robert Lesnick's Trip Date:
14th Jun - 29th Jun 2018
Robert Lesnick's Ship:
Akademik Sergey VavilovOverall, how was your trip?
Would consider the trip to contain high quality vs a high quantity of experiences. Our trip was highlighted by a half-day observation of lone young female polar bear and a haul-out of a herd/huddle of bearded walrus. One of the benefits of traveling with One Ocean is getting to know fellow passenger. The arctic trip was no exception. Very interesting ship mate from all over the global seeking a unique experience.
In one sentence, what did you think of the Arctic? Did it live up to your expectations?
Wonderful add-on adventure to previous antarctic experience.
Would you visit again?
Maybe
How was the service that Swoop provided?
Swoops dedication and care to achieve a high value, high quality experience is exceptional. Staff are extremely knowledgeable about the ship, and the itinerary of the expedition and are able to offer the best advice to maximize the travel experience.
How likely is it that you would recommend Swoop to a friend?
10 out of 10
How were your experiences on the guided excursions?
I have mixed feelings about the excursions. It may seem silly to say, but One Ocean tended to cater to the extreme regarding passenger preferences. Excursions were devoted to hikers, kayakers, photographers, plant specialists, and birders. This practice left little for several passengers who just wanted a "general" experience. Schedule lost 2 days of activities due to poor weather and ice conditions. Understand that climate is not controllable, but staff might have had better alternatives when such changes are necessary. Nevertheless, staff were exceptionally attentive, knowledgeable and helpful. Svalberg is a beautiful if harsh area and voyage was memorable.
How would you describe {vessel.title} if talking to somebody potentially interested in going to the Arctic, and what tips would you pass on?
The Vavilov is an exceptionally appropriate vessel for arctic/antarctic voyages. It is comfortable but not ostentatious, stable and quiet, and has an amazing amount of viewing decks and areas. Passenger count limitations ensure that travelers get a more personalized experience. One Ocean employs specialists to provide important insights into excursion experience. These adventures appeal to adventurers not "cruisers". Unique product which delivers on expectations.
If Swoop arranged some of your travel before/after your voyage/group trip. How did we do?
Self arranged travel, however SWOOP provided additional confirmation of travel schedules and maintained master itinerary which was convenient and comforting.
Do you have any tips or advice for other people planning a trip to the Arctic?
Travel to arctic areas offer opportunity to visit other areas (Northern Canada, Scandinavia etc.) easily reachable as preliminary or subsequent to voyage.
Anything else? Tell us anything you’d like to share that we forgot to ask! It’s ok to leave this empty too :-)
Regarding answers above: Happy to share pictures but not very good and resolution is poor (just use cameras in phone). Already been to Antarctica. One last thing - obvious question is since I have been to both arctic and antarctic, which did I like more? The question is a bit misdirected. The fact is that I see the experience as additive vs comparative. Why choose between polar bears or penguins when you can have both!! Thank you SWOOP!!