Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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2 Reviews

5 out of 5

David Scott

Reviewed July 2023

Everything hoped for

What you see on a trip such as this is always dependent on being in the right place at the right time. However the hard work and depth of knowledge of the expedition guides made for a memorable experience. They were always up, (if they ever went to bed), scanning the land and sea and sea ice, out early in the morning in zodiacs looking for the best opportunities to see wildlife, and using their experience to take us to amazing places. As a result we had good encounters with five polar bears over three days, saw hundreds of Walrus, thousands of sea birds, whales, seals and dolphin. Although not seemingly planned, the captain and expedition leader decided a complete circumnavigation of Svalbard was possible, so that’s what we did. It felt like a true expedition and that we were in the hands of experts. If anyone tells me that we were lucky to see and do so much, I would reply that one definition of luck is preparation meeting opportunity and the efforts of the guides and leader ensured we were prepared to take advantage of every opportunity that arose.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was inspirational and it is difficult to isolate particular moments: looking at a tundra landscape of flowering alpines was just as meaningful as watching a Polar bear from a zodiac walking along the shore and going about it’s business unconcerned by our presence. Being surrounded by perhaps 30 Beluga Whales in a glacial Bay and turning off the engine to listen to them blowing and chattering to each other was pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Woody, worked phenomenally hard, and took a personal interest in ensuring that everybody on board was getting the most out of the trip that they could. His knowledge and experience, and direction of the expedition guides was faultless, and his seemingly effortless control of the whole trip and enthusiasm made us wake up each day looking forward to a new adventure.

Advice for Potential Travellers

At the end of the trip the option to pay shipboard gratuities by MasterCard was offered. However the ship we were on, Ocean Adventurer, did not have a card reader leading to my suspicious bank immediately blocking my card when they tried to put it through remotely and a bit of a struggle to get it unblocked. If I had thought about it I would have brought enough dollars to pay the gratuities in cash, and thereby avoiding embarrassment.

Suggestions

The attention to the care of the passengers by the boat crew was also exceptional. From remembering what drinks we liked at dinner to ensuring that entering and leaving the zodiacs was always made with safety uppermost: Always two in front and one behind.

Miriam da Silva

Reviewed June 2022

Free in nature after two years delay

This expedition on Quark’s ship the Ultramarine was delayed from July 2020, and the original booking was for another ship, but then this new one was available, and has dedicated single cabins.
Because of the pandemic we had to take tests before flying to Oslo, and there another antigen test for Quark. All negative persons were allowed to board the charter flight up north, where we met our ship. Because of said pandemic the staff had their own bubble and would not mingle with the travellers,and inside masks were compulsory.So we met the staff only on the zodiac trips and when ashore.Meals were also a lonely affair, as distances were to be kept, buffets had personnel with masks and gloves put on your plate what you asked for and showed, all behind glass
So only the outside, zodiac cruises and walks ashore, were really free, the nature is beautiful, animals free too and showed up to pose for picture, including a group of 3 polar bears who had their meals already caught, and were close to shore. So all zodiacs passed in silence close to the shore, and made rounds number of times, to give us a long and great view of them.
We were the first trip where the ship could circumference Spitsbergen island, even though we had to break some ice and were in a long foggy day. but it all added to the special nature of that area.
Lectures given in the evenings by the staff had different topics, from the animals we saw to their personal adventures(close contacts with bears, kayak circumference trip of Spitsbergen,)And history of course.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing polar bears so close up, without danger, and really doing their thing. Seeing the mountains with fresh snow, the endless sea with ice flows.And so many glaciers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The expedition leader was Solan, very experienced and he led us together with the captain on a very special trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even though the trip is close to Spitsbergen, there were moments of a rougher sea, so take motion sickness medication. If not, the doctor on board can also help, but better to take what you are used to. You need fully water proof pants, it can get really wet, and I'd advise to take at least two pairs of those pants. Otherwise, layered clothing, no need for anything fancy.And waterproof gloves, several pairs too. Come with an open mind: nothing is guaranteed, except that you'll have a great time.What will fill that time is a surprise.

Suggestions

This trip was booked with Exodus, who helped me though the cancellations and re-booking to get the best trip possible.