Antarctica/ Falklands/ South Georgia Testimonials

Clipper Adventurer | National Geographic Endeavour | Polar Pioneer | Akademik Shokalskiy | Akademik Ioffe | Minerva | Orlova | Andrea | Clipper Adventurer (charter) | Professor Molchanov | Professor Multanovskiy

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Clipper Adventurer, December 2009 What an incredible trip! South Georgia was mind-blowing, but all the destinations and landings were great. Thank you ExpeditionTrips for all your support; Chris and Amanda did a great job! Their responses were timely, descriptions and instructions were complete and detailed and they answered all my questions promptly. The guides onboard the Clipper Adventurer were personable and knowledgeable. The interaction of groups of penguins, seals, and other birds was mesmerizing. There was so much going on I didn’t know what to photograph first! (more) Steve & Susan Heffelfinger; Albuquerque, NM View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Clipper Adventurer

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Clipper Adventurer, January 2009 My trip was utterly fantastic!!! In fact, I really don't think it could have been any more perfect. The ExpeditionTrips staff was very helpful and understanding. Joy Martinello is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and a pleasure to deal with. I would book future trips through you as well as recommend your services to others. Even though we never met face to face, I feel I was treated with "professionalism with a personal touch" and believe me, such treatment is certainly a rarity these days. (more) Helen Latchford; Ajax, ON, Canada View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Clipper Adventurer

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Clipper Adventurer, January 2009 I certainly found your service of the highest quality - especially the experience I had after my December 2007 trip was canceled. One thing I was particularly impressed with, in working with you, is that I got to speak to the same person all the time. I thought the information you put together was very comprehensive and useful - I did a lot of research before I went. We were particularly lucky with the weather on this trip; I did not wear all the warm things I bought especially!! Onboard, the whole organization was first class. The guides were extremely knowledgeable so I learned a lot. Laurie was an exceptional leader and every lecture made the whole trip so much more interesting and a great learning experience. (more) Veronica Thighe; Aurora, CO View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Clipper Adventurer

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands National Geographic Endeavour, February 2007 Now you have the best kind of agent's bragging rights when it comes to the "I-told-you-so" factor. Everything you told us was true and then some. We went with very high expectations for the National Geographic Endeavour and in every case our expectations were exceeded. The Expedition Staff was amazing... so much experience, so much knowledge, and such friendly "good people" ... they really blew us away with their presentations and their quality time whenever they were with us. We expected 3, maybe 4 good folks and had 14 (lost count?) professionals, each one superb in his or her specialty. (more) Doug & Dale, Camden ME This trip now operates aboard the National Geographic Explorer. View this trip Read All Testimonials for the National Geographic Endeavour

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia National Geographic Endeavour, December 2004 I would use ExpeditionTrips.com because I value the judgments rendered by the company. Simply put, you know what you are talking about! The trip exceeded my expectations. It was extraordinary. It is what I call a "painless learning experience!!” It was the opportunity of a lifetime. It was educationally strong, offered adventures (sea kayaking, hikes), and took advantage of all the possibilities -- spontaneous extra zodiac cruise to get closer to whales, and there was a Christmas service at the whalers’ chapel at Gritviken). I am an inveterate traveler and this has always been my dream. (more) Patricia C; Scarsdale, NY This trip now operates aboard the National Geographic Explorer. View this trip Read All Testimonials for the National Geographic Endeavour

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia National Geographic Endeavour, November 2003 Expedition Trips willingness to deal with passengers as individuals and see to our concerns was appreciated. A previous trip to Antarctica in February of 1998 had made it clear to me that the very vastness and wonder of the place was not to be comprehended. But in a small measure it could be seen and experienced. Also, the destinations of this particular trip were most enticing. There is no one special moment in a trip of this kind. There is only the cumulative wonder. As a photographer working in black and white the moment comes with a sense of beginning to see. (more) Michael Flanagan; Longmont, CO This trip now operates aboard the National Geographic Explorer. View this trip Read All Testimonials for the National Geographic Endeavour

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia National Geographic Endeavour, November 2003 I would highly recommend ExpeditionTrips.com and would book future trips with you. Your attention to detail and knowledge of all aspects of the trip made it very worry free. I also want to thank you for the complimentary DVD of our trip that you gave me. It is beautiful and to be cherished. I had never been on a cruise before but I could not imagine a friendlier, more eager to please, better trained, more immaculately attired or more knowledgeable crew. The ship was well appointed, clean and well maintained. The Endeavour had ample zodiacs, lifeboats, kayaks, evacuation drills, well marked exits and a highly experienced crew. I felt safe at all times! (more) Ed Adlam; Santa Barbara, CA This trip now operates aboard the National Geographic Explorer. View this trip Read All Testimonials for the National Geographic Endeavour

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia National Geographic Endeavour, December 2003 Thanks to Ashton at ExpeditionTrips.com for all you did - your ears must have been burning as we all talked about how fantastic you have been throughout the entire process We very much valued and appreciated your superlative service, expert advice and great follow-up. My every expectation was exceeded, beginning with your absolute desire to make this trip a truly memorable and personalized experience for me. What struck me as extraordinary was that, without exception, every single one of "Ashton's Antarctic Adventurers" (as we began calling ourselves) on board the ship, had nothing but praise and considerable appreciation for your superb all-round professionalism and fantastic service in planning, executing, delivering and following up on the trip. Antarctica is a land which inspires superlatives, but no words can really do justice to what, in essence, has been an amazing realization of a lifetime's dream and for this I owe you many, many thanks. (more) Shubha Chawla, London, UK This trip now operates aboard the National Geographic Explorer. View this trip Read All Testimonials for the National Geographic Endeavour

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Polar Pioneer, January 2009 The personal care from all of the staff at ExpeditionTrips far exceeded any of our expectations. We'll certainly check with you before we book another trip! The trip itself lived up to our expectations and much exceeded them. We were surprised that the accommodations onboard the Polar Pioneer were as comfortable and spacious as they were, and the superb quality of the food was really surprising. We especially appreciated having bowlfuls of fresh fruit always out in the galley. The lecturers were always good and sometimes splendid, though we did wish that they had a more accommodating venue as the lecture hall was a bit cramped. A primary example of the excellent care we received onboard by the ship’s staff is when I (Carol) broke my wrist. The doctor was immediately summoned and spent much of the morning with me, examining, icing my wrist and applying a cast, all the while, monitoring constantly my pain level. Robert & Carolyn Mehaffy; Walterville, OR View this trip | View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Polar Pioneer

Wildlife of South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula Polar Pioneer, February 2004 I would book with ExpeditionTrips.com if I planned to travel on an adventure like this one again! Everything fell into place: finding this type of expedition on the internet, getting the reservation through Ashton Palmer (who was extremely kind and helped to make the trip preparations easy), feeling that everything would work out well (and it did!). (more) Sheila Forrette; Pear Blossom, CA View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Polar Pioneer

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Akademik Shokalskiy, December 2008 I would have to give you a 10 +; nothing was too much in giving us our 'trip of a life-time'. We felt very special! The staff onboard was marvelous; each one was so friendly and incredible in the knowledge they had to offer. Our safety and happiness was their first concern and they took great care of us. The sights were more incredible than I could have imagined - the blue color of the icebergs, the clear skies, the wildlife. I only wish I could have spent more time there! (more) Margaret Willis; Surrey, United Kingdom This trip now operates aboard the Akademik Ioffe & Vavilov. View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Akademik Shokalskiy

Antarctica & South Georgia Akademik Shokalskiy, November 2008 It was definitely a positive experience working with ExpeditionTrips; in fact, I will be in touch soon to plan my next trip….Galapagos and Machu Picchu! Joy and Amanda were always available for questions and the information provided before the trip was very complete and detailed, so there were no surprises. The trip exceeded my expectations; all of the expedition staff and ship's crew aboard the Shokalskiy were outstanding! (more) Greg Testa; Seattle WA This trip now operates aboard the Akademik Ioffe & Vavilov. View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Akademik Shokalskiy

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Akademik Ioffe, February 2009 I had wanted to visit Antarctica for a long time and really wanted to see either King or Emperor penguins. Joy and Amanda did everything they could to assist and advice in my choice and preparation of the trip. Thank you both for your help in organizing it for me! The trip was fantastic; it was everything I expected and more! I had such a great time! I can’t speak highly enough of all the expedition staff and ship's crew. The Captain allowed us on the bridge at any time and the guides, including Scotty, were so enthusiastic when they gave educational sessions they made it come alive; almost felt you were there, re-living Shackleton's experience! Verna Wakefield; Mildura, Victoria, Australia View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Akademik Ioffe

Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands Akademik Ioffe, November 2006 Our experience with Expedition Trips was very positive. Lori Gifford was extremely helpful at all times and gave us excellent advice. We certainly would book another trip with you in the future if we found a suitable one. The trip more than fulfilled our expectations, it was absolutely fabulous, the weather was wonderful and the sea was not rough so we had the best of everything! The itinerary was excellent and the days were always full of things to do. I can't think of anything that could improve it. (more) Carolyn and Gordon Hannah; Cambridge, UK View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Akademik Ioffe

Antarctica, Falklands, and South Georgia Akademik Ioffe, February 2004 The journey was INCREDIBLE! I would definitely book future trips with ExpeditionTrips.com! They are very helpful, knowledgeable, and organized. Everything met my expectations. The ship was very comfortable, as if I was back in my own living room. The staff and crew were very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, as well. (more) Dana Winess; Boca Raton, FL View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Akademik Ioffe

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Minerva, February 2006 Joy - We are back home. Just a note to say a big thank you for all you did for us in setting up the expedition trip to Antarctica - it was absolutely fabulous. Overall, we did very well for weather and the whole trip was an even greater experience than we had ever anticipated. We thoroughly enjoyed the Explorer II, as you anticipated, and we never ever felt that the ship size restricted the trip in any way. The shore based zodiac experiences gave plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wild life… (more) David and Eleanor Reeves; North Yorkshire, England Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Minerva

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Minerva, November 2007 Working with Expedition Trips was very smooth and a great choice! This trip met all of our expectations. The weather was fantastic and I’m glad we opted for the expedition with more days in South Georgia. The level of service provided by the staff was super. Every day we had lectures, which at first we thought might be boring; however, we found ourselves getting to the main lounge early for a good seat. A couple of times we watched the lectures from our cabin when we were trying to regroup from so many landings. The expedition staff was first rate and shared historical facts with humor and scientific details. Patricia, the ornithologist, had an infectious love of penguins and had us all laughing at her penguin walks. We had experts on history, birds, whales, fisheries, Antarctic research projects, the earth’s plates, sea currents, global warming, photography and more! They all were very passionate about what they did. (more) Sonia Niemotka; Fresno, CA Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Minerva

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Minerva, January 2007 Working with ExpeditionTrips was fabulously positive. The lecturers Tim and Pat were outstanding, and I cannot praise them enough. Jannie, Stephanie, Carol, Russ, Mike & Charley were all excellent as well as the Captain. The inspiration was the hope to have the experience of a lifetime. My most memorable experiences were the Falklands ‘Trek’ which was a fabulous hike through red back hawks and megallanic penguins, South Georgia – EVERYWHERE – this is THE PLACE IN THE WORLD!, and Paradise Bay with the ice smoothed reflections. The trip was beyond expectations once we reached Ushuaia. Nancy and John Briggs; Boise, ID Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Minerva

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Orlova, January 2009 Thank you so much from the both of us! It was a most wonderful experience and a privilege to be able to visit the Antarctic. Everything with ExpeditionTrips.com was positive, from the beginning of communication through to the end of the trip and the quality of service was outstanding. Neil, in particular, had an interest in the history of Shackleton and had always wanted to go to the Antarctic. (more) Neil & Cathy Chambers; Havelock North, New Zealand Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Orlova

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Orlova, January 2007 We had a fantastic time! The expedition team was outstanding and everybody worked so hard! We made so many landings, will have to ad them up one day! Then there was the Shackleton’s walk, and the day we went out 4 times! South Georgia was the hit for us as our main goal was to see penguins and it was beyond our imagination! The Orlova was nice and the Russian crew very efficient; really enjoyed the young dining room servers and the food was very good. So, just want you to know we’re two very satisfied customers! Thank you for a trip we’ll never forget! Denis and Andree Porchet; Fairbanks, AK Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Orlova

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Orlova, January 2007 Thank you for all you did in making our trip so wonderful. We would undoubtedly book future trips with you. The pre-trip information and guidance was valuable and much appreciated. Lori was prompt and complete in their responses to my queries. Everything went like clockwork: The agency you use in Buenos Aires was a pleasure to work with and absolutely reliable and on time. The city tour and all the connections were great. The cruise was also a once in a lifetime experience--exceptional service and we'd happily sail with them again. South Georgia was without doubt the most memorable part of out expedition. The wildlife, scenery, remoteness all combined to make it an unforgettable experience. In fact, the Antarctic itself was somewhat anti-climactic after that. If it were available I would heartily recommend people consider visiting South Georgia in preference to the Antarctic. (more) Judy and William Killam; Vancouver, B.C. Canada Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Orlova

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Orlova, January 2007 My experience working with ExpeditionTrips was very positive. Joy was very responsive. This is the best trip I have ever taken! It is in a different realm. It's primal. It's raw nature and it all forces you to become aware of it when you are there. The staff was incredible--the naturalist, historian, geologist all made the trip even better. Shaun was the tour leader and he was outstanding and very helpful. Akos and Jamie were also outstanding, wonderful photographers. Eugene Morita; San Rafael, CA Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Orlova

Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Orlova, January 2006 Joy was simply a "joy" to work with and I can't thank her enough for her efforts to make my trip as wonderful as it was. To say [this trip] exceeded all my expectations would not be praise enough. Knowing what I do now, this was easily the best travel experience I have ever had. No matter where I travel, I probably will never surpass the experience. (more) Louise Traige; Los Angeles, CA Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Orlova

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Andrea, January 2007 Our experience with ExpeditionTrips was very positive. We started planning rather late and Joy was extremely helpful and patient guiding us through the various choices as we went on. I do not know of a single thing that could be improved. The expedition staff under the guidance of Brad, were all very knowledgeable and taught us a lot with great enthusiasm. The Captain and his crew were very nice and helpful, and the open bridge policy was great. (more) Anne and William LeMaire; Miami, Florida Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Andrea

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands Islands Clipper Adventurer (charter), December 2005 Absolutely a positive experience working with your office! I'd call you first for future travel. Where did you excel. JOY - That wondrous woman. I called her so many times with a multitude of questions. I'm sure at times, she would have loved to just say "STOP” but her courtesies, her kindnesses, her thoughtfulness, her obvious love of her position. She stands out with the word "Quality" in spades. NEVER lose her. She stands out of the crowd. Your on-board representative was constantly offering her help for her Expedition group. She hosted a most gracious pre-dinner gathering and was there at the call for any assistance she could offer. You should be very proud of her. (more) JoEllen Hagerty; West Linn, OR View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Clipper Adventurer (charter)

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands Clipper Adventurer (charter), December 2005 [ExpeditionTrips] excelled in your advice in guiding us and our friends in choosing this trip aboard the Clipper Adventurer. On the ship, we received a very high quality service from all staff, guides and crew who throughout were very efficient and enthusiastic. The efficiency in loading 100 passengers on and off the Zodiacs was a brilliant example. We travel widely, but have never been south of Ushuaia. Antarctica sounded fascinating and the combination of the Falklands and South Georgia was a bonus. The most memorable was Antarctica – the most inhospitable and most beautiful continent. Geoffrey & Jenny Farrer-Brown; Radnage, Bucks, UK View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Clipper Adventurer (charter)

Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia Clipper Adventurer (charter), January 2003 The trip to Antarctica and extension to Patagonia was beyond fabulous! We have also used ExpeditionTrip.com for 4 other expedition cruises and they has provided us with simply wonderful service and expert advice! (more) Richard and Ilene Jacobs; Boston, MA View this trip Read All Testimonials for the Clipper Adventurer (charter)

Explorers' Cruise Professor Molchanov, January 2003 Ashton and staff were very helpful. The additional tours we requested were very good and the tour guides were knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. We enjoy unusual and unique trips. I would definitely recommend this trip, because it is truly a unique, one of kind experience. (more) Joe & Francine Pittman; Mission Viejo, CA Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Professor Molchanov

Explorers' Cruise Professor Multanovskiy, January 2003 Thanks for such attentive and meticulous care with our travel plans! Ashton, you were wonderful!!! Thank you for the wine and for the Welcome Home note. We never actually drank the wine (it made it back to Miami safely), though we have plans to have a long night with wine & cheese and photographs (as soon as they are all developed). This trip was way beyond anything we had imagined. We were especially impressed with the smoothness of the logistics as well as the enthusiasm of the staff to make changes as opportunities arose to please us. (more) Pat Gulett & Chriss Miller; Miami, FL Please contact us for future departures and rates. Read All Testimonials for the Professor Multanovskiy