Service on board was excellent and food plenty and of good quality considering the length of the journey.

It also arranged for visits by U.S. ambassadors to four of the countries which we visited, as well as onboard and shore music performances, meals in the desert, and other experiences…all of which were over the top.

Further, in view of the absence of a developed tourist infrastructure in many of these countries – including Liberia and Sierra Leone, Togo, Benin, Cameroon - high praise for having been able to arrange the visits which we had.

The trip was staffed with a wide array of cultural and naturalist specialists: historians, economists, cultural experts, a linguist, a musicologist, an ornithologist, three photographic instructors, and a world class National Geographic photographer.  The list goes on and on. 

The lecture staff was truly exceptional; we would love to travel again with them, and with Lisa Kelley, the expedition leader.

Jacob Edgar (musicologist) appeared to know everyone worth knowing in popular music in the countries which we visited and arranged for several live performances by local musicians.  Likewise, the NG Photographer, Massimo Bassano, gave two excellent presentations about his work for National Geographic and was always approachable to provide help to photographers at any level of experience.

Rating the quality of service received from ExpeditionTrips on a scale of 1-10–how ‘bout 11?!

The staff, guides and crew were amazing. They were attentive, highly educated and informative and always kept a great sense of humor. The guides were always patient and so wonderful about helping each person experience the trip in their own way. They were masters of finding wildlife during zodiac rides, and each guide seemed to have a special area of interest or education which made for a very well rounded team and great lectures! The dining room staff was above and beyond.  They would come find my daughter each meal and ask if they could make her something special. Danny, the Head Waiter, even delivered pizza to our cabin when he heard she was not feeling so well on the Drake Passage. 

The experience with ExpeditionTrips was very positive. Abby was exceptionally helpful in finding a trip that would allow my 9 year old to travel and making sure I had realistic expectations about the trip for her. We will miss the ice and the wildlife! How can anything compare after this?

I loved the Delfin II. There must have been a food stylist on board, as every meal was elegantly presented. Fernando Sanchez, Photo Instructor on the Delfin II, was so helpful. Another guest and I requested help with camera settings. He'd give us a lesson each day, send us out to hone the skill, and give a lesson the next day.  I came home a better photographer.  If it weren't for ExpeditionTrips, I would NOT have known about the Nazca Lines trip that I added on. Paracas and the Nazca Lines were amazing. Thank you ExpeditionTrips — 9.99! All materials were received in a timely fashion and were perfectly clear. Jennifer and Joy were most helpful finding the perfect boats and trips for us.

Or maybe the enormous humpback whale that elegantly passed within centimeters of our zodiac whilst we were cruising round giant, shockingly blue icebergs?....Or maybe a separate evening zodiac cruise where we were getting up close and personal to beautiful glaciers, only to have the expedition leader and ship's doc motor up alongside us and offer us a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine.... in the middle of the channel! How funny. And lovely.....Or maybe the snow falling in absolutely exacting, tiny star shapes that you would never see at home. Even the snow was perfect, quite literally.

In particular, it was hard to believe that the ships local crew could be so happy, friendly and chatty day in day out, all season.  But it seems mid-season they certainly were, so 10/10. Very professional. And the food quality was excellent - varied, the quantity, the choice, the never ending snacks in between meals...

We received a very high level of service, above our expectations.  There was more expedition staff than we expected, and they were extremely knowledgeable, interesting, and informative.  And our experience working with ExpeditionTrips was very positive–I would give you a 10!

I have found ExpeditionTrips to be first class.  You have always handled all requests professionally and personally and assisted greatly in trip planning before we finalize our final plans.  The best indicator of our satisfaction is that we are coming back for our third trip within 18 months booked through ExpeditionTrips.

The trip surpassed my expectations, and we were very happy with the Isabella II. The staff was extremely accommodating and the naturalists were very knowledgeable. The lead guide provided us with a debriefing power point each evening, which gave us a clear expectation of the following day’s activities.

We expected a lot and received much more than we expected. The entire trip was conducted in a very professional way, yet also a very personal way. The weather was great, the scenery fantastic and the wildlife awesome. There is not much that could be done to improve this trip. The staff, guides and crew did everything possible to answer any questions, concerns or needs. The cabins aboard ship were modern, roomy, and kept exceptionally clean and it was a joyful experience all the way around.

Antarctica was a lifetime dream of my wife, Marianne, and since we are getting older we decided to make it happen. There is no "one" memorable part as the entire trip was totally memorable.

The staff, guides and crew was outstanding: very knowledgeable, educated in the area of expertise and very, very helpful if anyone had questions or needed further explanations. All guides were helpful if anyone needed help walking in difficult areas such as down the mountains and in and out of the zodiac. We did the Polar Plunge which was a hoot and, can you believe, we actually landed on Elephant Island. It was a very small area and a bit slippery but we set foot on the island. That we will never forget. Of course, we had very good weather and did 27 landings which apparently was above what the leaders expected. We did not expect to do hiking trips over the mountains where the ship picked us up at the end of the trail, and several hikes over glaciers where we sledded down on our bottoms—what fun! I’m not sure you can really explain to anyone all the experiences unless someone has been there.

Everybody associated with the trip (crew, guides, staff, hotel services aboard) were absolutely great and did everything in their power to maximize our experience. They put daily logs, daily agenda's, certificates of accomplishment (polar plunge, camping, etc.), routes and maps, and a photo slide show on the internet so we had many things to help us savor the experience after we got home. Prices aboard ship were surprisingly low. No gouging for drinks, souvenirs, supplies, laundry, etc. That really surprised me! Also, the crew was very knowledgeable about the continent (its history and flora and fauna) and they were all very safety conscience. 

The trip was about what I expected, but truly, until you've been there and experienced it first hand, you don't know what you're missing. Several days in particular felt like I was on another planet. Photos don't really do it justice.

I've always wanted to go to Antarctica, but never had the time. It's been on my bucket list for a while. I was afraid that eco-tourism would hasten its pristine condition, but was happy to see all of the "conditions" put upon us to keep the continent pristine.

For as long as I can remember, Antarctica has been on my "To-Do" list.  The opportunity to photograph the isolation and wildlife has been a dream of mine for many years. This trip exceeded my expectations. The ship staff, from the captain to our room attendant, were all stellar. The ship's open bridge policy was a special treat that I have not experienced on other ships.

So many king penguins, albatross, and whales! South Georgia was the main reason we chose the longer trip rather than the short trip to just Antarctica. We would have liked to have experienced Stanley on Falkland Islands--just a taste maybe for a short visit--not even a full half day. The area around Paradise Bay was spectacular and our weather was much better than it could have been.

The advice I was given on staying in the old part of the city on our way to the Galápagos and in the newer part on our way out was excellent as well. I would definitely book future trips with you. I can't think of any improvements at this time. Everything was great; my daughter until now had always stayed in resorts when she traveled, so this was a first for her, and she enjoyed almost every minute of it (the exception being the second evening when we were on a long run in open water and it was a bit rough and she became seasick).

I have wanted to visit the Galápagos Islands for at least 40 years. When my husband offered our daughter a trip anywhere with me to celebrate graduation from nursing school she chose the Galápagos. The most memorable part was probably our first encounter with marine iguanas on Genovesa Island on the second day. There were thousands of them sprawled around on the rocks. It was awesome! But then snorkeling with hammerhead sharks was pretty outstanding as well. And the sunrises and sunsets were nice. It was all good. 

My daughter and I are gluten-intolerant and had notified the ship through ExpeditionTrips. The chefs were creative and diligent in seeing that our food remained gluten-free. In addition to preparing our entrees w/o gravies or sauces or preparing a totally different entree if necessary, they provided us with beautiful and generous plates of fruit for snacks and desserts when others were having pastries and sandwiches.  We also much enjoyed the folded towel "origami" on our bunks every day; we had taken along a large ugly stuffed Bill the Cat doll as our trip mascot, and some days when we returned to our cabin we found he had several towel companions, one of which was usually wearing my reading glasses! 

The staff, guides and crew of the National Geographic Endeavour was way past expectations. The Expedition Leader was extraordinary. She seems so sweet and casual, but she ran the tour like Patton going through France. She packed so much into so little time. There was something for everyone, even the wimps who wanted to take the easy tours. The food was extraordinary. The cooks and food staff did a great job of providing interesting and well-displayed food. I am going to search out an Ecuadorian cookbook after the trip.

The guides were both passionate and dedicated to the sustainability of the Galapagos. Their love of the place was evident in everything they did and they loved sharing it all with us.  The ship was fantastic—perfect for us. Great service, very clean, good food and very friendly staff. Everyone seemed to really enjoy their jobs and were fun to be around.  I would very definitely recommend this ship to anyone.

Pictures alone cannot convey the grand scale of things in Antarctica or the context in which things exist. Our encounters with wildlife were endearing: the humpback whales who came up to our Zodiacs to check us out and the curious penguins.

Antarctica was the 7th continent I had yet to set foot on. The timing of this trip worked into my schedule and so I signed up!

Everything was smooth and easy - and safety was always the first priority of everyone. I eat a vegan diet and the staff was amazing - taking care of me, making sure I always had delicious food, and went above and beyond to meet my dietary needs and ensure I was happy with what they were providing. [Antarctica] had been in my mind for years - I've read about trips, thought about going. I was fascinated by the environment, the Antarctic explorers and history, the wildlife, and the vastness of the mostly untouched continent (for now).

They were always available to help out and make the trip exciting.

Everyone from the bartender to the marine mammal specialist truly love their jobs and Antarctica in general. One special staff member is a major "historical" figure. She was in the first all-female party to cross to the South Pole—she was incredibly inspiring. The most memorable part of the trip was that it was so much more than I could've ever expected. The continent was astounding…words and photos don't begin to do the beauty and majesty of Antarctica justice.

The bridge staff was great about explaining where we were heading, the charts, etc., when they had the time. The lectures on the area’s history and climate change/global warming were excellent and very, very informative. The information sessions we had every afternoon at "cocktail time" were full of information. Hiking through the snow and seeing penguins and seals up close capped off any expectations we would have had. Seeing all of the penguins on their nests was such a treat.

When I made reservations a week before the trip she helped me get all my documents and everything else I needed, spending a lot of time on phone calls and emails.

The ship’s staff was wonderful. They were very knowledgeable and friendly. They sat with guests at dinner and spent time with us in the lounge. They shared their knowledge, enthusiasm, and experiences with us. They also watched out for older passengers like myself and were always willing to lend an extra hand if you needed to get in or out of the zodiac or seemed to be struggling on a slope or step. They seemed to anticipate your needs and I couldn't have asked for anything more. I think the most memorable part of the trip was the penguins everywhere and that they were so unafraid and friendly. I was also impressed by the unspoiled beauty.

The activities we participated in and the sites we saw cannot be depicted in literature or photos. It was simply amazing. I know of no way that this trip could be improved. The personality of the ship’s staff was simply remarkable. They were having a great time, and it was obvious in the demeanor and interaction with the guests. They were accommodating to any and all requests as well as friendly and fun to be with. They were all experts on the region so there was a lot learned from interaction with them.

On one of the days when we completed the kayaking and shore excursion, one of the passengers mentioned that they would like to take a polar plunge. While the opportunity to participate in this event occurred a couple days prior to this day, this particular passenger had reconsidered and now wanted to take a dip in the southern ocean. Based on this one request, the expedition staff assembled the personnel and equipment necessary and several people joined this passenger in taking a polar plunge. It was neat to see the staff "make it happen", all initiated by a last-minute request. There are countless other examples of the staff being continuously accommodating, but this was the first one that comes to mind.
 
I was inspired to go on this trip when my friend told me about the trip. The destination is inspiration enough... it is a trip of a lifetime to see Antarctica. The most memorable part of the trip was simply seeing a part of the planet that is completely pristine and cut off from human intervention.

The trip was even better than expected. The staff, guides and crew were absolutely fantastic. The staff was always so friendly and polite. The food was fantastic, the cabin kept so clean, the guides so knowledgeable and the captain so clever and out to get us the best and safest experiences.

I am still trying to process all I saw and did and I have been home for a week.

The staff and crew on the Explorer are outstanding. The ship's crew is friendly, helpful and hard working. Having the bridge accessible is a real treat and I loved being up there watching the waves break over the bow the day we had heavy seas. The naturalists are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share their knowledge. The talks they gave were helpful and interesting. Any questions I had were always answered quickly. They showed us where to look and what to look for while on a landing and kept us safe from territorial fur and elephant seals.

Having been to Antarctica before, I anticipated this trip being similar, just longer. Other than that, I had no preconceived ideas about the additional places: the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. The Falklands visit was pleasant and interesting, especially the Black-Browed Albatross/Rockhopper penguin colony. But South Georgia took my breath away. I had no idea of what to expect and was blown away by the sheer volume of life on those beaches and the beauty of the landscape. While I knew of the elephant and fur seals, I never anticipated what the staff called "moments" with the weaner elephant seals. It is hard to imagine anything that weighs several hundred pounds as being cute, but they are. They are adorable with big hopeful eyes and they crawled all over me searching for a meal. I followed the rules with difficulty and did not touch them, just took photos. That was my very unexpected memorable moment of the trip.

The trip exceeded our expectations in that it had more inspiring and "take your breath away" moments than expected, many of them indescribable. I don't know if it can be improved because I think we were on the Cadillac of trips to Antarctica. We cannot say anything remotely negative or even neutral about the service and staff. Everyone was spectacular in knowledge, service, and attention to detail. The Expedition Leader was always accessible and, along with the Captain, planned our journey to maximize calm seas and good weather. The ship's open bridge policy was an added bonus.  Because of the open-bridge policy, the captain was available and willing to answer questions. The first officer showed my husband how to read charts and navigate our ship to the point that my husband thought he could have navigated in an emergency.

There were so many memorable moments that it is hard to choose one that stands out the most. The ability of the ship to land in fast ice was one of the attractions of the Explorer over other ships and fortunately we had the chance to do that.  It was truly one of the most memorable days of our traveling lives.  We would gladly go back to the White Continent except for the cost. Seeing Orca Type B Killer Whales swimming right next to our Zodiac and trying to dislodge a leopard seal from an ice floe was pretty exhilarating. The naturalists said it was rare to see this kind of feeding strategy up close and personal. An overall memorable part of the trip was the education received from the naturalists on the history, geology, and wildlife of all places visited. 

expedition companies and to thoroughly understand the booking terms and conditions.

The trip exceeded expectations. I was very interested in the Antarctic explorers and we were able to follow in Shackelton’s footsteps in South Georgia (a highlight!) and have a Zodiac cruise at Elephant Island.

The staff—from the restaurant staff to people who maintained the rooms to expedition staff—were superior. I felt our safety was in good hands even in such a remote area. The food was first-class and served quickly.

The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. One of the reasons I was thrilled to get onboard La Pinta was because it goes to so many of the islands. I am not a huge fan of cruises because I would rather be on land exploring than spending most of my time on a ship. However, there were enough land excursions and water activities that I really feel as though I got to see most of what the islands had to offer. The scenery and wildlife were some of the best I've seen. I really enjoyed being able to get so close to the wildlife. Swimming with wild sea lions was both terrifying and fun.

And, in Quito, Hotel Patio Andaluz was great! I really cannot think of any way that the trip could be improved.

It would be hard to improve on the itinerary and the high level guides and staff. The cruise leader, along with the ship captain and other staff members, made the trip exceed all of our expectations. The ship captain skillfully managed the ship in hurricane-force winds, remaining on the bridge for over 30 hours. The guides were excellent. Their experience, knowledge, humor and general love of life made the trip a wonderful life memory. Two of the guides have been involved in Nobel Peace Prize winning work to eliminate land mines around the world. Another guide has made first descents of white water rivers in Tibet and other remote places. Other guides were experts in marine biology, ornithology and Antarctic history. The guides presented interesting programs while we were sailing as well as interesting commentary during the Zodiac cruises. The most memorable parts of the trip were seeing the startling blue color of the icebergs and taking the polar plunge in the minus 0 C water!

It was indeed a great pleasure to have them to answer my questions and truly deal with even the most minute detail. The trip was phenomenal in every way. The Delfin II is a first class act with their service, food, excursions and knowledge of guides and staff.  They always wanted to provide the very best service. The crew was phenomenal. EVERY guide was highly knowledgeable, friendly, and superb. Our waiter was very amiable and kind, and aimed to please!!

The entire trip was memorable since I was taken care from the time I arrived In Buenos Aires to the time we flew back in to leave. The Expedition Leader and was just amazing. She is so attractive and at times, in the lounge, doing a recap she would be dressed to the nines and in 4-5" heels. Yet when our zodiacs arrived at the landing sites, so many times she was there, in her waders and her hair in braids. It was an astonishing transformation.  The photographer was just great and so willing to share his knowledge. Every one of the Expedition Team was unbelievably caring. 

The housekeeping staff was phenomenal. The guides were so informative and the wait staff were as pleasant and helpful as they could be. They were the hardest-working people I've ever encountered! And always with smiles on their faces!

There was nothing that needed improvement.

The crew kept the ship spotless and the food was all served hot. They even remembered to tell me what foods contained my allergy and offered alternatives. The staff seemed to work together flawlessly and with great respect for each other. We had a great team of guides lead by an intrepid New Zealand adventurer who did a great job of herding us with a great sense of humor. The guides were happy and excited when they could show us special wildlife and put safety first on the ship, the Zodiacs and on land. The excitement of one of the naturalists was contagious. His bird sighting numbers rose exponentially every time he saw one. And he counted 71 bowhead whales when we only saw several puffs from their breathing holes! We spent a lot of time on land with him telling us all about scat from the various animals and birds. The afternoon lectures from the staff were great. I’ve known about the intrepid explorers in the Arctic and wondered what they had to face. Luckily, we were coddled so well that we didn’t have the real experience they had endured. Ours was all positive: good food, warm beds, experienced happy leaders, and great weather.  

I like travelling to colder regions and this trip gave the opportunity for a longer voyage from Alaska all the way to Seattle.

The crew and the team of naturalists provided excellent service and the kitchen team supplied an amazing range of delicious food. It is difficult to pick out particular moments of the trip as being the most memorable, but being surrounded for almost half an hour by a very large school of Pacific white-sided porpoises leaping and diving was very special as was watching humpbacked whales’ circular feeding and getting close to orcas.

What was really special was having some of the crew and guides from our previous trip. There were crew members whom we had no day-to-day dealings with and they would call us by name!!

The trip met all of our expectations. We really wanted to see remote Alaska and this was the best way we could find. The crew was absolutely excellent. I really liked the way the crew and staff remembered and called us by our names - that really made us feel welcome. Also, we really were treated as if we were at home. The only improvement would be to offer adult-only cruises sometime in the season. Although there were very few children we would have preferred none.

From the gal who met us at the airport to the chef on board to every single naturalist, we experienced nothing but perfection. The ship and crew were marvelous, the food was delicious and the animals are indescribable. Talk about perfect!  To insure perfection was even more perfect, the organizational ability of those who meet us at the airports, hotels, Zodiacs, ship and plane was top drawer. There were two guides who were particularly outstanding (although all of them were excellent). One took three of us deep water snorkeling even though we were the only ones who wanted to go again. She was in the water the whole time explaining every fish, rock formation and penguin encounter and she taught my granddaughter how to dive down with snorkeling equipment on to get better pictures.  Another guide made every hike a joy. He was very informative and made us laugh all the time.

I don't think you could improve on this trip. We would definitely seek ExpeditionTrips’ advice before travelling, especially to unusual places.

A simply brilliant team looking after us, all complimented each other and extremely knowledgeable and great funit was such a happy ship!

Although there was a significant amount of attention paid to photography (Richard is an enthusiastic amateur), it appeared to us that this area of focus did not detract from the enjoyment of the trip by those who were not so “into” photography.

The staff was consistently first rate, possibly the best staff which we’ve had on this type of trip.  Every member of the staff was super-enthusiastic about his/her area of expertise and did an excellent job at explaining things to use mere mortals.

We were interested in this trip because it included a return visit to Spitsbergen, in quest of polar bear sightings, as well as the opportunity to visit rarely visited areas of Russia.  We also thought that the expedition staff sounded great. 

Memorable parts of our expedition(s) included the following:

Visit to the monastery and churches in the Solovestsky Islands, in Russia. This is an extremely important religious site for the Russian Orthodox Church but also served, during Stalin’s time, as the first camps of the Gulag.

Several expedition stops in Franz Josef Land, Russia, as well as several encounters (always from the safety of the ship) with polar bears and a zodiac cruise amongst a large group of walruses.

Interaction with expert photographers on the expedition staff, each of whom were willing to freely share their knowledge, and the interaction with Paul Nicklin, a National Geographic photographer, who was a delight.

ALL of the staff onboard was professional, friendly and the service excellent. They made sure they knew all the guests by name (the biggest advantage of small ship cruising, not to mention the ability to go to places the "big boys" can't go) and seemed to appear out of nowhere to anticipate your needs. We very much enjoyed getting to know them personally. They all had such fascinating stories to share about their lives outside of the cruise world. A couple of the naturalists stand out as having been particularly attentive to all the guests. I learned so much under the photographer’s patient tutelage. It was definitely an added bonus for me to have worked with her. Our trip leader was delightful and really kept us entertained, informed and made us feel at home from the very first day. His vast knowledge of the area offered new tidbits to learn every day.

We had always wanted to visit the inside passage of Alaska, see the beauty of the vast coastline, the glaciers and meet the people and see the towns of this part of coastal Alaska.  The staff aboard the Sea Bird does the best job in educating as well as stimulating you to explore more on your own when you have the opportunity. 

The cabins were larger and nicer than expected and extremely clean. The food was exceptional (far exceeding expectations) and the dining room staff was pleasant and attentive. One of the younger naturalist guides was especially congenial in talking and spending time with my teenage son. Although the incidents were minor (e.g. daughter with minor 12-hour lower intestinal bug, son with toes scraped on coral, etc), it was comforting to me as a parent to have a medical doctor on board.

There were many memorable parts to the expedition—certainly seeing the unique species of animals. I will never forget snorkeling with sea turtles, sea lions and penguins. 

The Galapagos destination was selected by my son as his high school graduation gift. He was attracted by the exotic location, a sense of adventure, and a love for snorkeling. I agreed to the destination, in part, because if its educational value—a way for my kids to better understand and appreciate nature and natural science.

I would definitely recommend ExpeditionTrips to others.

The trip met my expectations in every way, and in many ways it exceeded my expectations. The vessel, La Pinta, was great. It was relatively new, spacious, and clean. The crew was fantastic: professional, helpful, and pleasant. Most of all, I appreciated the size of my room; it was larger than many hotel rooms. And the room was cleaned almost within minutes of my leaving for breakfast. The hotel manager was a particular standout. She was knowledgeable, professional, accommodating, and always pleasant. She seemed to really care about our comfort and wellbeing. The food was very good too. My compliments to the chef. In fact, everything about La Pinta was 5 out of 5. (Note: part of this is attributable to the fact there were only 22 guests on board this trip. However, I suspect the service would have been just as good had ship been full.)  I only wish there had been more of an opportunity for outdoor dining.

Hands down, swimming with sea lions was by far the most memorable part of the trip. It was a religious experience. I thought I had made a unique, very deep, and very personal connection with these beautiful creatures (until I looked through the fog of my mask only to see that they were playing with everyone else in my group as well.  My deeply religious experience turned deeply humbling).

We had always wanted to take a trip to Alaska and looking into options, we wanted to do something that would be more active and up close to nature than just cruising by. The most memorable part was the up close whale and brown bear viewings and beautiful kayak trips. The meals were all gourmet prepared, healthy, and delicious. The naturalists were very knowledgeable and were happy to answer all of our questions. We learned so much. I'm not sure how to improve the experience. It was awesome.

The trip exceeded expectations. Nothing needs to be improved. The staff and guides were amazing. For example, at Elephant camp in Zimbabwe, we were the only guests the first night and the team there treated us like royalty. We had amazing meals, conversation and treatment. Riding the elephants and meeting Sylvester, the rescued Cheetah, was such a highlight. At Savute, we just loved our guide. He was so knowledgeable and such a good tracker. We were sad when we had to say goodbye to everyone at Savute. At Okute, our game driver gave us extra special treatment since it was just the two of us one morning. He even spotted us a Cheetah! 

The most memorable part of the trip was June 15th– the entire day was just about perfect. We had an early morning game drive where we saw a pride of 9 lions and lots of other wildlife that morning. That evening, two breeding herds came to the watering hole at Savute camp (close to 40 elephants) and then we watched the lunar eclipse. It was amazing to experience and star gaze in the southern hemisphere.

Without disparaging the outstanding contributions of any of the others, I'd mention particularly Brad and Guy, who were exceptionally patient with those who perhaps didn't move as quickly on hikes as some others. Food was excellent. The ship itself and its physical condition was first-class.

We had always been interested in doing an "expedition-type" trip, but had found them too expensive for our budgets. We had already booked a similar trip with a major "big-ship" cruise line, but when it happened that the price for your voyage was something we could manage, we changed our plans and went with you.

Our only real negative was that for some unexplained reason, our iPad would not stay connected to the ship's wi-fi system. Several pax also had iPads, and all found the identical problem. I don't know why iPads wouldn't connect properly - they do in every other wi-fi environment I've ever been in - and curiously, Apple laptops had no trouble with connections. Go figure! If this is to be a continuing problem, I'd suggest that ExpeditionTrips (and G Adventures) warn their pax in advance not to bring iPads.

The trip exceeded my expectations. I can’t really think of any suggestions for improvement. The staff, guides and crew exceeded my expectations. They were excited, informative, fun and extremely passionate about their work, making sure we had the best expedition trip.

I had always wanted to see the Galapagos from when I was a child watching National Geographic programs. The hiking trips on the different islands was my favorite part—the naturalists were extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Our experience on the Sea Lion exceeded our greatest expectations: great naturalists, great small ship with all of the amenities, great food, great staff, great choice of stops and adventures and of course great Alaska!

Always wanted to go to Alaska, but did not want to go on a large cruise. When I saw the small adventure cruise on the internet that was what inspired me to look into it and take the trip. The staff and crew on the Wilderness Discoverer were wonderful. They were very friendly, had time to chat with you, answered all questions and knew us on a first name basis. The most memorable part of the trip was the pristine beauty of Alaska and the quiet in this vast state with only 60 people on board the ship. The pod of 30 plus orcas was also awesome.

The staff, guides, and crew on the Sea Bird were outstanding. They were very friendly and helpful at all times. I am somewhat physically challenged and was not able to do all of the hikes. They scheduled zodiac cruises for me and some other somewhat challenged people when the hikes were not feasible. I got help any time I needed it from everyone.

The most special person we encountered was the Naturalist for our group who took a special interest in our grandson. The naturalist is a very knowledgeable young man and interacted well with the tourists. He took our grandson snorkeling in depths where I was not confortable, got him to lead the group down the next path, and generally paid special attention to him. He was interacting with everyone in the group so this was not an exclusive thing. I doubt he fully understands the positive impact this has had on our grandson, who will remember the "cool guide" his entire life.

The room service that decorated our towels was a huge laugh at the end of the day. And the professional photographer is a keeper. She was very accommodating, had a sweet and friendly personality and helped us take superb photos.

The staff, guides and crew did everything possible to make sure that this was a positive experience - all the way from meeting us at the Los Angeles airport during our departure to staying with us until we departed La Paz. They were all completely customer focused during the entire trip.

We had two very memorable parts of the expedition, one was being able to follow and observe a mother and her baby humpback whale breech and flop their flukes out of the water for over an hour, and the second one was being able to observe and touch mother and baby gray whales.

The flight problems in Miami got us off to a challenging start to our trip, but the representative from the shipping company who was with us at the Miami airport was exceptional every moment. I cannot say enough words of praise about her.

The staff on the ship, as well as the naturalists were excellent relating to my grandson. Each of them made sure the scope was low enough for Hayden to see whatever we were looking at. They made sure he had food he liked. They were quick to answer his questions and listened to the information he had to share. He was so proud when he was able to point out a bird, lizard or monkey he located and they praised his knowledge of the names he knew. He is so excited about the trip. This is the fourth trip I have taken with this company and each of them have been very special in their own way, as was this trip.

The huge ice fields were incredible.

ExpeditionTrips excelled at the speed and level of detail of responses and pleasantness and friendless (all by email!). I felt that even if I had a small, silly question it was totally okay to ask it, and that I'd get a good response. When my flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia was delayed, the response from ExpeditionTrips was both calming, prompt and exactly what I needed. I couldn't be more positive about my experience of dealing with ExpeditionTrips, which will be my first stop for any future trips I take - and this is from someone half-way across the world from ExpeditionTrips!

The trip exceeded my expectations.  I'm not sure how it could be improved. The Expedition staff was excellent - knowledgeable, experienced, interested and interesting.  Our naturalist seemed to know everything about every bird we saw. Everyone was happy to answer questions, at any stage. Both ExpeditionTrips and the staff on the ship at all times seemed to have a genuine interest in ensuring that I had a great experience.

The most memorable parts of the trip were standing on the Antarctic Peninsula itself after wanting to do so for so long, and visiting South Georgia, which was a very impressive, inspiring, beautiful and wildlife-packed place to visit.

I would have found the experience more stressful had we not used ExpeditionTrips. I will definitely recommend you to anyone who is traveling to Antarctica.

The trip exceeded my expectations. Bill wanted to see his last continent. I wanted to see the glaciers and the penguins. I was born in the Arctic. I wanted to see Antarctica. The most memorable part of the trip was the kayaking. It was fantastic being on the water in the sunshine paddling around glaciers.

The wildlife, mountains and scenery were spectacular and it wasn't that cold. The ship was nicer than I expected. The ship’s crew was great and the staff was excellent. Our kayak guide was a lot of fun. The ship’s doctor was great. He provided me with extra medication for the drake passing (I was heavily medicated). The food was better than I thought it was going to be and the dining crew and kitchen staff could not have been more accommodating. My husband has a wheat allergy and was given special meals for dinner. For lunch, the staff always made a point of showing Bill which foods he could and could not eat.

The trip exceeded my expectations. The services offered were amazing. I had no idea that we would eat so well. There were many services I didn't really expect that were nice like a bar. I enjoyed the freedom to roam around during the landings. I learned so much during this voyage and was confident that any needs that I might have had would have been met. I honestly can’t think of anything that I would change.

The trip exceeded my expectations. The hotel manager, his staff and the crew on board were exemplary and completely accommodating. I also cannot speak highly enough about the expedition teams/staff. They made every landing fascinating, provided endless hours of entertainment both onboard and on the continent and were among the nicest, most outgoing people you are likely to meet as well!

Our expedition leader is one of the outstanding polar adventurers in the world with many accomplishments and honors. He chose our landings well. The rest of the guides were just the best we could hope for in their level of expertise as well as their personalities which made the trip great fun. The chef planned food that was well-prepared and creative. The hotel manager made sure the ship was well supplied and knew how to care for the food. We were astounded that salads were as fresh and crisp on the 18th day as they were on the first. The waiters and waitresses, crew and housekeepers seemed always to smile and enjoy their work. The staff that cleaned the rooms did a great job. And we were secure in our belief that all were completely trustworthy and we never had to think about the security of our cameras, laptops, etc.

The bridge was open and the guys up there were gracious and polite, even when we got loud.

I loved South Georgia with the king penguins, the most fabulous animal in the world. They are elegant and drop dead gorgeous as an adult, comical as a baby and foolishly inquisitive as a juvenile. I also liked leaning against the stern wall of the bridge deck, holding on for dear life as the ship bucked and tilted and the wave water shot from left to right across the deck in front of me as I watched the albatrosses and petrels dip and soar in the raging gale - all serene as they would just touch the wave with the tip of their enormous wings. And then the expedition leader would get on the intercom and tell us all to come in and they were locking the outer doors because of the gale. Darn!

And then the one time I was alone astern at my favorite place and out of the wake came a pod of orcas! They first showed just their fins and I could hardly believe my eyes as they burst from the wave, huge, powerful and black and white and they did it again and again and I was the one to call the alert and the intercom came on "Orcas astern, orcas astern" and everyone piled out with their cameras and from then on they were "Spence's orcas" because I had seen them and reported them. Exciting! And a great way to win friends and influence people... 

And one of the best parts was all the Aussies on the boat. We all were kindred spirits, loving to travel, physically fit, no complaining… Just great new friends and travel companions.

I was inspired to take this trip because when I was 14, I saw a little ad in the back of the NYTimes magazine with an iceberg and tiny ship. I asked my folks to let me drop out of high school and go. They said no. So I had to wait 58 years, saving my pennies and reducing my carbon footprint.

I wanted to pay for the best wildlife experience and not for fine dining or other such refinements, and that is exactly what I experienced. But the accommodations were very comfortable, clean and well set up for gear. The food was fab - fresh, yummy, lots and well cooked - and the chefs were definite characters. The boat, trip and landings were fabulously worked out and passengers had free run of most of the boat. Everyone - the staff, crew, captain, stewardesses and kayak leader - was helpful, friendly, kind and accepting of all the (often odd) passengers. The crew has left a strong impression on me for their delight in the history, scenery, flora and fauna - it isn't just a boring old job to many of them. And the older passengers kayaking were given a helping arm where necessary (e.g. climbing back up on to the boat—not easy at times).

I think the most memorable moment of the trip is slowly cruising around after a pod of whales in the Polar Pioneer and watching some passengers go completely nuts because they didn't know which way to look - we were surrounded! AND watching another boat just cruise straight past, totally missing this wonderful moment.

We had several questions and concerns and were always able to contact you and get an answer quickly. Thank you, April and Emily, for a job well done!

The service on the ship was better than expected. It was truly phenomenal. We were not sure how we would like being on a ship with 100 other people, but that uncertainty went away quickly. It was a very pleasant experience with a great captain (I visited the bridge almost every day of the 18) and crew. The expedition leader was exceptional, making sure we landed as often as possible, and when we couldn't he set up Zodiac tours. All lecturers/guides were terrific. I know this is their living, but even in social situations - in the hall, in the lounge, or at meals - they would answer any and all questions. They were almost on call 24/7. The most memorable moments of the trip for me were the stark but beautiful landscape of the continent - the glaciers, the seawater itself, the icebergs, and the land, the delight in seeing and strolling among different wildlife species in their natural habitats, and walking in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton on South Georgia Island.

We have been on a few cruises and by far, this is our best one ever! One area worth highlighting is the team spirit of all the crew members that we encountered. They work very well together and seem to truly care for the Galapagos as well as the comfort of the guests. We also have the impression that they are proud to be part of the Explorer II family. 

We had wanted to do this trip for years, but the costs have been quite prohibitive. This year, we realized we are not getting any younger. Tomorrow may never come. We do not want to regret not visiting the Galapagos while we can. The most memorable part of the trip is seeing the animals in their natural habitat with no fear of us humans.  

Our experience working with ExpeditionTrips has been a uniformly positive one. Lori and Emily are prompt with information. We have come to rely on their suggestions and observations. Packets are complete and anticipate questions and concerns. I have no suggestions for how to improve. You are doing everything right.

The fellow travelers were also exceptional, always ready on time and excited for the adventure ahead. Nice mix of ages too. I thought the morale on the boat was unusually high at all levels - staff, guides, kitchen staff, and other crew. The Expedition Leader ran a tight ship with everything running smoothly, and with humor and clear rules. He was a wonderful communicator and seemed very accessible to all. In the kitchen, our regular waiter gave us great personal service, remembering our names and what coffee or other item we liked. The food was uniformly great and our cabin was well maintained. When we visited the bridge, the crew was informative and welcoming. I think the snorkeling the last day with over forty sea turtles, a shark, manta rays and schools of colorful fish in a pristine, spectacular setting may have been one of the most memorable parts of the expedition. Having said that, I miss the head butting of the marine iguanas, the knowing looks of the tortoise, the boobies, penguins and other birds.  

The ship was amazing and accommodations were very comfortable. The dining room staff was exceptional and the food was gourmet. On top of all that, the pristine beauty of Antarctica was breathtaking. The naturalists, photographers, and staff were just icing on the cake.

My goal is to visit all 7 continents.  Antarctica was my 6th. The entire experience was surreal, like being on the moon. It was Alaska X 100.  I loved it all.       

The expedition was absolutely amazing in total so I would almost say every part was memorable – the camping was a once in a lifetime experience though. The efficiency of the landings was absolutely amazing. The expedition staff and the ship crew can be commended!

We had an incredibly marvelous experience in Antarctica. The trip exceeded all expectations. Only nature could improve the voyage with calm conditions in the Drake Passage. The level of service was very enjoyable. The expedition crew was wonderful in sharing their knowledge and experience. Our personal butler checked on us doing the rough seas to make sure we were well and if we needed anything. The guest lecturer on astronomy added to the experience.

Both of these folks have been available when needed, responsive, and seemingly un-fazed by my endless questions. My wife and I have been so satisfied with Shelley and Emily that we will be using them to help us plan a similar trip for our son, Ryan, who will be graduating from college next December. Shelley and Emily have done everything for us that we could have asked for. From my perspective as a client, I believe that they are great assets to your organization [ExpeditionTrips].

We decided on Antarctica, including the Falklands and South Georgia, in mid-2009. We were looking for something truly special, and we found it. For Kathy, kayaking was the most memorable, and specifically paddling among the ice near the continent. I think for me, it was the people. And, by that I mean the staff, the crew, and the customers. It just all came together, and it was a great group--and an unselfish group. The trip exceeded both of our expectations. We had perfect weather, and near perfect sea conditions. I really don't know how it could have been better.

We also did a stop in the South Orkney's and one of the Expedition guides had actually been the British Antarctica Station commander there in the 80s, so he knew all about the place and his excitement about returning was palpable.

A Peninsula trip vs. a South Georgia plus Peninsula trip? Hands down always do the longer trip. For sheer beauty and spectacle, South Georgia is unsurpassed. Sublime. One of the guides quipped that God created South Georgia, so he would have someplace to go on vacation. Perfect description. One rarely uses the words awesome or awestruck in the proper context. Awe means an overwhelming feeling of amazement. South Georgia provides the awe. There were so many times that all 105 of us (Guides and Passengers) stood in perfect, utter silence almost with our mouths agape as we observed the environment. I don't recall tears running down my face, but I'm thinking they probably were. They are now as I write this. Awe inspiring, awesome and awestruck. Finally an appropriate use of the words.

The captain even hiked up to the top of the volcano on Deception Island to marry us. In addition, he wrote very personal vows for us after meeting with us only a couple of times. The chef made us a 3 tiered wedding cake at no charge which made a great surprise. They provided a video and a private geologist on our hike...amazing. And they made sure we didn't miss the polar plunge later that day! They honored and surpassed our dreams for our wedding.

They both did an outstanding job and were very patient with all my questions.

The 'Le Boreal' ship is beautiful, comfortable, clean and everything you can possibly wish for. The cabin was much more spacious than I expected and the ship's staff was extremely friendly. The cruise director was A+. I loved his sense of humor and the fact that he was always available for the guests. The hotel manager was especially wonderful. She often stopped by each table during meals to see how all the guests were doing and she was always available for a chat and always had a big smile for you. She made you feel welcome and comfortable. The naturalists also exceeded my expectations by far and I learned so much from them. I was also very pleasantly surprised that we had a photo expert on board, who gave us very valuable hints on taking photos. Another thing that exceeded my expectations was the food. It was incredible the variety of dishes that were presented at each meal and how the kitchen was able to give us fresh fruit until the very last day. The boot rental was also very convenient and I loved that service.

The trip definitely met our expectations. I could not recommend the ship and the staff more highly. The ship was comfortable, the crew was very hospitable and the guides were excellent. The naturalists were bright, informative and engaging on many topics. They did more than just inform us about the plants, terrain and animals. The crew was exceptional. Our favorite waiter remembered what our kids would not eat and made sure to provide us with options. Everyone on board was thoughtful, helpful, considerate and warm. Even the weather cooperated!  It was well organized and interesting every day.  We saw no lapses or faults to improve upon.

We had wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands for several years now.  We love natural environments and adventure tourism and after visiting Africa and Cost Rica this was next on the list of must-see locations. The varied wildlife definitely made the trip memorable for us. Incredibly, the animals are not shy and they have no fear of humans so you get unbelievable opportunities to observe them in their natural habitats.

Shelley and Emily are tops and responsive to all my calls with questions and comments. They always return a call or email, which is rare now a days. Shelley suggested all the right clothing that I needed; I was warm and cozy.

The ship’s staff, guides and crew were above and beyond expectations and always very caring, concerned, polite and friendly. The naturalists had a wealth of knowledge and willingly shared with us. It is a pleasure to see so many young people that are goal oriented. The older and more experienced staff, guides, naturalists and crew were spectacular. I enjoyed the way the staff would periodically sit with the guests. Also, the "invitation" for a special dinner with staff members was a real highlight.  I dined with the NG photographers. This was a very nice touch and everyone eventually got invited so each had a turn to chat in a small, intimate group.  The lecturers were all wonderful - although a couple got extremely technical.  I enjoyed the lectures and several times dining with Peter Hillary was a real treat.

Care for the environment and our safety was phenomenal.  A pre-landing group always made a path that we were to follow. This packed down the snow and made it safer for us and also kept us a respectful distance from the wildlife, although the wildlife did come to US. I must say the food was excellent and the hotel staff very pleasant. The housekeeping staff was great and almost invisible, coming while we were out to make beds and tidy up the room.  

I loved the scenery, penguins, whales and seals, plus the kayaking and hikes. Taking a dip (up to my armpits) in the 31 degree cold water of Deception Island was a momentous experience.  Being 70 doesn't mean you can't do wild and crazy things - and have pictures to prove it.

The trip exceeded ALL my expectations and I would do it again in a wink!

The expedition leader and excursion staff were the most outstanding I have ever experienced in my life!!! They were like a well-oiled machine and never failed to impress. They were outstanding, customer-focused, well organized, friendly and efficient. I was impressed with all the naturalists and explorer’s presentations and I recommend you continue having the variety of presenters. The captain and his crew went above and beyond the call of duty to make our trip memorable. The fact that we could go to the bridge and have conversation with them was fantastic. Everyone, including the lady that cleaned my cabin, was excellent!  I have traveled the world and this trip beats the best I’ve ever had. I will never forget this experience.

It had been a lifelong dream to go to Antarctica and a friend who had gone 5 times recommended it, so I needed no more convincing to go!  Most memorable part was the breathtaking beauty of the Peninsula and the well-organized excursions to the islands, penguins and icebergs. The excursion staff were the most outstanding I have ever experienced in my life!!!

The trip both met and exceeded my expectations. We enjoyed the staff, guides and crew! The dining room crew made a point of taking excellent care of the younger passengers with two special dinners in the Observation Lounge and a special large table in the hallway for them to eat together. The dining room staff in general was wonderful and took great care to learn our preferences and provide them to us before we even had to ask. The captain was a funny and charming person and made every question feel valuable and worthy of an answer. We enjoyed the naturalist staff -- they all enhanced our experience. We spent a lot of time with the National Geographic photographer and thought he was an interesting person. 

I have always aspired to travel to Antarctica and decided to take this trip for my 50th birthday.  The most memorable part of the trip was experiencing the multitude of penguins and birds on Paulet Island and the Lemaire Channel passage.

The logistics of the entire trip were slick and the staff was always two steps ahead to maximize the experience. This was evident on so many occasions. One simple example was the planning that enabled us to reach an overnight at the scenic Lindblad Cove on Christmas Eve. With such expectation of the trip I have wanted to do for so many years, there was every opportunity to disappoint given the tremendous anticipation. The trip met and exceeded my expectations – quite the most memorable trip I have ever done and I have been fortunate to have traveled to most parts of the world.

The Akademik Ioffe is a great ship in terms of stability and also skill of captain/crew in maneuvering to look at whales. The expedition staff was outstanding. The product speaks for itself and the staff did an amazing job of managing weather versus activities to make sure we leveraged our time to the max.

I don’t think I could have imagined how amazing the trip would be. The trip was significantly above my expectations (which were incredibly high!!). I’m not really sure it could be improved – I could have had a completely fulfilling and unimaginable trip with just being in Antarctica stranded alone on one of the islands – but the comfort of the ship, the loveliness of my two cabin mates (who were randomly assigned to me and each other), the outgoing and interesting nature of the other passengers, the professionalism and warmth of the entire staff, and the ridiculously good (and never-ending) food were all completely unexpected but made the experience that much richer.

All of the staff, expedition leaders, and Russian crew were fantastic. The whole trip felt very organized and coordinated, with no detail spared. The staff was incredibly helpful with any questions/concerns that we had. The chefs and hotel manager/bartender kept us incredibly well fed and hydrated. The naturalist on board was really wonderful – he gave informative lectures during the days, especially to pass the time in the Drake Passage, and was always on hand and willing to answer questions about the wildlife. The staff was professional, but fun and gave us a sense of adventure instead of feeling just carted from one place to another. They managed our expectations quite well and I think everyone onboard seemed very happy. They also kept us very occupied; there is a lot of time on the ship and times when it wasn’t great to be outside, but there were many scheduled activities.

The most memorable part of the trip is so hard to say, but probably kayaking around icebergs and having the snow starting to fall, or sitting atop a small hill with a 360 degree view of the amazing white splendor on our first clear day. 

The most memorable part was the 5:30am zodiac trip on the first morning and seeing penguins for the first time.

You excelled in being there for me all the time providing me with the very best personal service anyone can wish for. You certainly cannot improve on that!

This trip went far beyond my expectations. It was the discovery of beauty in its most noble sense. It made me aware of the sheer scale of Antarctica; difficult to grasp and so wonderful to imagine now. The level of service on the ship was exemplary. I hadn’t expected that much. The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, crew and the guides, the interesting lectures we were given, the excellent food, the many landings we made: it was obvious that everyone did their utmost best. An example would be the landings: if one beach was not accessible, the captain did his best to find another one for us to be able to set foot on land. This trip cannot be improved. The only regret I had was leaving the region.

The stunning Drygalski Fjord with its turquoise waters reflecting the white of the glacier under a deep blue sky would be amongst the fondest memories of my trip. The other most cherished experience was sailing through the Antarctic Sound where huge icebergs passed by on both sides of the ship for miles on end while the evening sun and the clouds played a game of light and shadow on these icy monuments. Setting foot on the Peninsula at Brown Bluff was another very emotional moment for me as was cruising in a Zodiac amongst the icebergs on which Adelies congregated. The landings on Snowhill Island (not often possible, it seems) and Paulet Island - and the many different species of penguins we would watch there (the Adelies and Gentoos) as well as the Chinstraps on Halfmoon Island (South Sandwich Islands on the other side of the Peninsula) - all of it contributed to an extraordinary journey, where the superlatives never seemed to end. Indeed, this was a trip of a lifetime.

They offered us a fabulous experience! The whole staff was fantastic!

All of the guides on the trip were great, especially the Bush Guides in Botswana. One of the best parts of the trip were interacting with the people of Africa and learning about social and political issues there. 

We enjoyed the trip, the staff, and the new friends! We like small group trips. We wanted to see polar bears in the wild. We'd been to Antarctica so going to Arctic seemed a logical thing to do! We like adventure-type trips where we learn about the environment, animals, the geography, the history, etc. The staff was very enjoyable and accommodating. The guides were excellent and much fun.

But diving is not enough, and living on board Galapagos Sky as well as visiting the islands was the best way to experience such dives. Being helped, assisted, and served in every single need by a real professional crew, always smiling and making you feel like you were in a second home has left a special flavour to the memories of the days spent on board.

We loved seeing the wild animals both on the islands and in the water.

The staff and crew were wonderful. The doctor was especially helpful. I have an injury to my foot and had to be extra careful on uneven surfaces. He was always attentive.  He was also very helpful with a nasty cough I developed on the cruise.

We also loved the hotel in Quito, Relicario del Carmen.

The trip met all my expectations. Everyone on the ship was great! The hotel manager did an amazing job along with our waiter. The photographers worked very hard to make sure we got out of fog and got to see an amazing world and do all we expected. The Explorer is a beautiful ship. I really had enjoyed the Endeavor but they out did themselves with the Explorer. There are lots of windows in the library and lounges for those who stayed in. I was always in the bridge or bow. I also really liked the addition of a mud room for your boots for each cabin.

The most memorable moment of the trip was a polar bear coming within 100 feet of the ship on the pack ice just sniffing us and trying to decide whether he should come closer (we had perfect weather conditions with this and everyone got photos of the bear reflected in the water). Also, that midnight sun is just amazing!

If David is not NatHab's best guide I can't imagine there is anyone better.

It is one of the last great wilderness areas. The trip was memorable not for any one item but rather the total experience. Every single day was an opportunity to experience new things; there are literally 2-3 great memories from each day.

The staff, guides and crew were excellent as ever and the Naturalists were always at hand to point out animal activity and explain ice, geological and botanical features. The new ship was surprisingly luxurious and very comfortable with improved facilities for access to the Zodiacs.

Access to the bridge was easier than on Endeavour and the Captain and his officers managed to get the ship remarkably close to the ice and the wildlife. I was also impressed by enthusiasm and ingenuity of the two teachers who helped to keep the younger passengers on board happily busy and constructively entertained!

I decided to take the trip after hearing about it from a number of passengers on my trip to South Georgia and reading about it in the promotional material. I think the most memorable parts of the trip were the sightings of polar bears and whales... and the ice cliffs of the Austfonna Icecap.

The only slight disappointment was that the number of shore excursions were rather fewer than I expected, but I understand that the opportunities were perhaps more limited than in the southern polar regions and we saw plenty from the ship and zodiac cruises.

We felt like close friends or associates by the end of the trip with everyone from the Captain to the servers at dinner. The open bridge policy was wonderful and we spent every early morning with the First Officer and a few of the naturalists. The naturalists were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and really appeared to love sharing their information about wildlife, flora, etc. with others. One of the guides spotted a polar bear five miles away with the naked eye! The National Geographic photographers were awesome and shared their insights and experience freely. They readily helped my husband with some technical lens issues and were absolutely wonderful on the tundra suggesting different shots and lighting. The staff made the trip perfect!

The trip went way beyond my expectations. The guides and staff of the Eric, Flamingo and Letty were amazing! I don't think there was any way of fitting any more activities in, so I really felt like I made the most of my trip. Beyond that, they organized a salsa party for us and we danced under the stars while anchored in Bartholome. Afterwards, the captain turned off all the lights so we could star gaze. I was lucky enough that the other passengers on my boat were in my age group and we all got along really well and experienced memorable things together. The guides were excellent and planned a lot of excursions.  We were able to have some rare sightings of animals, so that was really special. The only downside is that this trip will be hard to top!

I have already told many of my friends to consider your company not only for the Galapagos but any other place too. The trip met all of my expectations. I really cannot think of anything I would change. Everyone was superb! The guides were very knowledgeable and attentive to our needs and care. I can say the same for all the staff of the ship. The doctor was always available and the captain came out and talked to us, greeted us, and just made us feel welcome and at ease. The celebration for crossing the equator was absolutely wonderful!! Our head guide was so friendly and caring. While deep sea snorkeling we actually came upon a manta ray swimming near our panga while we were going to the deep water. He excitedly pointed it out to us and urged us into the water to see this wonder. Of course, it was swimming away and some of us were hurrying to get into the water. But we got in as fast as we could and I heard the guide asking each person "Did you see it? It is over here! Come over here!" He so wanted everyone to see it. I thought that was because he really cared. Not just as an employee, but he was genuinely excited and wanted us all to share the experience.

I love Charles Darwin and have been a big fan of his for years.  I have read many of his works and love to read about the continuing evidence for and literature surrounding the theory of evolution. For this reason I so wanted to go to the Galapagos.  The most memorable part of my trip, and there were many, was the deep sea snorkeling.  But by far the best part of the trip for me was walking the path Darwin must have walked on around Lake Darwin and the research center and seeing Lonesome George.

I was very pleased with the excellent, efficient and courteous customer service and I felt very comfortable speaking with any one of your representatives. The trip exceeded my expectations: I expected it should be wonderful, but it was most wonderful! I could not possibly think of any way to improve something that was so perfect.

The Galapagos Islands have been on my "dream list" for a very long time. However, I only began planning on going there sometime last winter, when during dinner at my house, my friend and I were having a conversation about traveling, and I decided that I wanted to go to the Galapagos Islands with her in 2010. I decided that it's about time to start living my life.

I did a lot of research, read everything I could get my hands on, and picked out the islands that we should visit, and the time of the year when to go there.  It took a lot of phone calls to find a ship which had the exact itinerary that I wanted: Isabela II.

If she didn't know the answer immediately, she always sent us a note to say that and told us when she thought she would have the requested information.

We were met at the airport in Quito and taken to our hotel and back to the airport etc by very nice guides in a very efficient manner. The staff, guides and crew on La Pinta were wonderful and went out of their way to be helpful.  One woman on the trip had a bad experience walking on the uneven lava and was nervous of going out again; so the next time out the guides took her on a panga ride by herself so she wasn't just left on the ship. One panga boat ride we took through the mangroves was spectacular and we saw many different species, including a flightless cormorant we saw catch and eat an eel as big as itself!  We also thoroughly enjoyed watching the sea lions and their young pups! One day we had lunch up on the sundeck (under a big canopy) which featured Ecuadorian food.  It was delicious and gave us the chance to try different foods.  In my view it was the best meal of the entire trip.

As for the ship’s staff and guides, what more can I say?  Everyone tried 120% to please us, to make us happy, and to care for our health and safety. It was a perfect blend. The superb service on the National Geographic Endeavour was surprising beyond words and just added to the wonders of the trip. It was way beyond my expectations. I could not even dream of how to improve it.

The trip exceeded every expectation I had. And believe me, I've been dreaming about this trip my whole life so I had very high expectations! The guides on the ship were excellent. It was very evident how proud of the islands they were, not to mention how passionate one of the naturalists was about evolution and the role the islands played in formulating Darwin's theories on evolution and the origin of the species. Every day was remarkable and wonderful.

All of the ship’s staff was professional and pleasant. We both loved the experience of having a floating hotel. I was especially pleased with the cabins of La Pinta. They were roomy and the window large enough to sit in one’s own cabin and enjoy watching the wildlife. It was all wonderful. I always wanted to see the animals of the Galapagos and they were the best part.

The captain laid the bow basically on the beach to give us a sheltered landing. Another time, he replaced a Zodiac ride on Willis Island by setting the bow of the ship in the narrow cove to give us a great photo platform.

I can't say enough about the first-class way the return flight to Miami was handled - keeping the ship in Ushuaia to house and feed us, the excursions arranged to entertain us, the open bar, and most of all the people behind the scenes arranging the charter flight and working the Argentine problem. You learn so much more about a company, when they have to deal with problems. I really appreciated your stepping up and working the return flight issue from Miami to Seattle. We were one of the few couples who actually knew our flight home before we left Ushuaia, which relieved us of the added worry on the flight to Miami.

If the guides didn't know the answer to a question, they would do research and inform us later. The guides were experienced and very knowledgeable. One of the guides is an established photographer and shared his skills throughout the journey. What an unexpected bonus! The most memorable part of the expedition was the close proximity to a large variety of penguins plus the incredible landscape.

The level of service was very good, from the expedition team to our butler - just as good as on the other Silversea ship that I was on. If anything, this being a smaller ship, it's even better. In fact, I particularly enjoyed the history lectures given on board.

I wanted to visit Antarctica for the penguins and my fascination with them. But, the most part of the expedition was probably seeing humpback whales doing tail flips from a kayak. The trip exceeded all our expectations. There is very little that can be improved upon, however having to wash our kayaking kit on the last day was a bit of a surprise.

The staff onboard the ship was the most professional and knowledgeable group of people we have had lead an excursion. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and brought with them special insights because they had lived adventures throughout their personal lives that they could share with us. The hotel staff on the ship was also exceptional—remarkable at times since the seas were a little rough.  Everyone presented themselves as professional and expert at all times. The trip was everything we'd hope to experience: beautiful, surreal scenery, lots of wildlife and great people. 

This trip far exceeded my expectations and I don't believe it could have been any better. The staff, guides and crew were excellent. The Captain was willing to take our ship close to Cape Horn and into tight places for us to get a closer look. The most memorable part of the trip was the Zodiac trips around the floating icebergs and the compatibility of everyone.

Keep up the good email response time and continual support. The trip was better than I what I had expected. The guides were very knowledgeable and gave great seminars/lectures. The wait staff in the restaurant was excellent and the food selection was good. I liked having the choice for lunch in the lounge or the restaurant. The staff was good, the organization was good, and our roommate problem was dealt with effectively.

All guides [on the ship] were specialists in one field or another that was relevant to the trip, and down time during moves was filled with very informative mini seminars. The kayak guides were very patient and professional with the novices. Also, when they announced that we were leaving at time X, we most likely did, so we were able to make the most of our precious time there. A motivated group of passengers helps here and the enthusiasm of the staff kept us all on an "Antarctic high".

There were many memorable experiences, but probably the most memorable was camping on shore among penguins and sea lions and listening to the glaciers across the bay calve all night and then laying there waiting for the wake to hit our shore.

You were so patient in answering my questions, responding in a timely manner to my emails, checking in on my travel plans (which I was slow in making) and sending very detailed packing guidance and other trip prep materials. I especially appreciated the info of needing cash for entrance and exit taxes, etc.  I loved getting the package with the postcards and the hat and animal card… nice touch.

I highly recommend using a travel agency (such as yours) who focuses on the planning and preparation of the trip. I met one traveler who had booked direct with the operator and did not get the same level of trip planning and guidance as you offered.

I wanted to visit all 7 continents. Plus, I heard that the pristine beauty couldn’t be missed. Most memorable…there were so many things. Seeing three humpback whales playing within 50 yards of the Zodiac—one swam underneath it!  Camping overnight on the continent, my FAST polar plunge, making new friends—the vast variety of nationalities represented on board was energizing—and sliding down the hills!

The nature guide was so informative when I went on his boat. I liked the photographer, but felt like I wanted a bit more guidance and direction with my photography from him. Would have liked a session with photographer going back where we discussed the photos we took and ways we could crop/improve/display them.

Going to Antarctica was a lifetime experience which I would recommend to anyone. If I was to give anyone any advice on this, I would encourage them to go on an expedition ship and to seek an “off the beaten path” destination like the Weddell Sea. I could not think of a better choice of such a ship than the Polar Pioneer, as its size makes it ideal for reaching difficult to get to spots, yet is comfortable enough inside. Further, its very experienced and very passionate expedition staff are always looking for ways to get more out of the expedition. The expedition staff was probably the one factor that made our trip such a good one. They are truly passionate about what they are doing; they enjoy Antarctica as much, if not more, than the passengers who are seeing it for the first time. Thus, they are always in an attitude of discovery, of wanting to see more, of trying to get the best out of every single moment of the day, whether this might be through an additional landing, a hike up a hill, a cruise on a zodiac or even a “polar plunge”, a dip into zero degree waters!

The trip went beyond my expectations.  Having spent more money on this trip than any other by far, it was well worth it. The crew and everyone who worked on the ship were fantastic. If I go again, I would want the same crew. They were very experienced and seemed excited to go to different places even though they have been there before. It showed that they were passionate in their work.

The staff and crew were all extremely friendly and really attempted to learn all the passengers’ names. This was especially nice since we felt they were doing it on their own and not with the expectation of a larger tip (since gratuities are all included).  We enjoyed having a butler we could call on any time, day or night. The food was exceptional, and quite varied. We appreciated that they had healthy options, too. We also thought the sommelier did an excellent job of choosing some special, interesting wines from all over the world for the ship. We never felt the need to purchase something else off their wine list. This may seem like a small thing, but again it made us feel that we received really good value for our money.

Pictures don't do Antarctica justice! The "other-worldly" scenery is simply spectacular! We especially enjoyed the other travelers aboard this ship -- interesting people from all over the world. And the casual atmosphere promoted onboard made for a relaxed, more-enjoyable experience for us as we've never enjoyed the "formal" nights on other cruise ships.

The onboard staff was professional and knowledgeable and made us feel part of the expedition team rather than just people on a cruise. Brandon the team leader was SO enthusiastic and had a really great manner with guests and staff... and a great Good Morning voice over the tannoy too! Dan was an amazing kayak and camping leader, he seemed to work non-stop to make sure we took full advantage of every possibility.

I had seen an Antarctica exhibition in New Zealand and decided I HAD to go. My 35th birthday provided the perfect excuse. Most memorable part is SO difficult as it was all so amazing but I think silently kayaking through the glassy waters amongst the towering icebergs has to be close to the best...

The guides were knowledgeable and friendly; the cruise director was outstanding.

In Peru, the hotels were great--I could never have imagined how beautiful the Inca Terra or Sol y Luna grounds would be. The people who picked us up at the airport and at the hotels were totally punctual EVERY TIME! The hacienda we had lunch at the first day in the Sacred Valley was amazing and Mrs. Nilda's weaving place was fascinating. When I bought a modest table runner, they brought the lady who had woven it to meet me. She was so proud; it nearly brought tears to my eyes!

It made planning the trip very easy and trouble free. I don't think I've planned a trip so quickly. The Grace was stunning with beautifully appointed cabin rooms and common areas...

I loved the hot tub, especially after snorkeling. Rafa, the naturalist was very knowledgeable about all things Galapagos and he imparted his knowledge in a way that everyone could understand. He was a joy to be around. The crew was extremely helpful and friendly. The captain would blow the whistle to alert us to sea life sightings (e.g. dolphins). The food was plentiful and good, the equipment (e.g. wet suits, snorkel gear) looked new and worked great.

I wanted a warm place to go in December, to a place I've never been before. I didnt have a lot of time to plan. This was the perfect vacation. The clincher was the two for one price. The most memorable part was traveling around a beautiful pristine place with a fabulous naturalist and sharing with 15 other curious, interesting people.

Side Note: I thought the Hotel Patio Andaluz in Quito was just okay. The location was good, as was the breakfast but I wasn't thrilled with the rooms.

I believe that we were fortunate in that we had two excellent guides (with very different styles) and a total group size of 20. The ships crew demonstrated pride in what they did the ship was impeccably maintained and the food was superb.

The guides were knowledgeable, informative, and committed to preservation of the Galapagos and there wasnt an elitist among the crew. They all seemed to pitch in wherever needed. The itinerary was packed full but I think that those folks who didnt snorkel might have felt they had some extra down time. I was totally unaware of the amount of snorkel time. I loved it, but my husband doesnt snorkel. He was fine with that but there werent too many alternative activities for those who didnt snorkel.

The Galapagos was on our short list of places to visit but we were motivated to immediate action by the special rate that was being offered. The most memorable part is that the Galapagos are so ruggedly primitive and so unchanged; took us back to our human roots.

In fact, I share my 'ABCs of Antarctica' with everyone who asks; amazing, beautiful, cool, dazzling, enchanting, fantastic, groovy, heavenly, intriguing, jaw-dropping, keen, lovely, memorable, neat, out-of-this-world, powerful, quiet, reflective, spectacular, terrific, unforgettable, vibrant, wow, xciting and yipee-zipeee!

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!

We were inspired to go to Antarctica by seeing a show on South Georgia by Art Wolfe the photographer, but nothing can prepare you for the awesome scope, sounds and smells of the wildlife on the beaches. The trip exceeded our expectations for wildlife and scenery. We had very good weather and I would have liked to kayak in some of the protected bays, but it wasn't offered on this departure. We enjoyed getting to know the ship's guides and crew and swapped stories of our previous adventures. Martin, the expedition leader, went out of his way to maximize the number of landings and our time on-shore. He did a superb job. The dining room staff was as good as you would find in any nice restaurant.

We really enjoyed working with ExpeditionTrips and would book with you again in the future. In fact, I wish I were back in South Georgia right now! I also appreciated having you schedule the additional hotel time in Ushuaia and booking our flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia for us. Thank you again!

The staff was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and truly made the experience great. The crew is also exceptional. They went out of their way to help people who were not feeling well and wanted to make sure we were as comfortable as possible. The only improvement I can think of would be more excursion options (i.e. kayaking, etc).

Our Polish marine biologist helped me down a steep tussock grass hill when I decided it was too severe for me. The waiters all knew my dietary restrictions and the kitchen provided substitutes willingly and quickly. Everyone catered to all age levels, interests, languages and abilities. I was tremendously impressed.

A real unexpected plus was the opportunity to land on Elephant Island. Making this possible was the superb weather we had every day of the trip.

I have always been attracted to the idea of going to Antarctica. Two things encouraged me to take this trip now: several of my storytelling friends have excited me with the Shackleton story and this trip went to South Georgia; I'm getting older and frailer, so the now or never factor was part of my response. I would still like to get below the Antarctic Circle. My interest in birds also contributed, as well as the encouragement of one of my birding friends.

The crew was wonderful and attentive and gave as much personal service as one could possibly expect. Everyone seemed to know your name before you boarded....amazing. Only one small complaint: very small forward deck area which could be very crowded and no access to the bow.

The trip surpassed our expectations.The ship’s staff, guides and crew were all very professional and took very good care of us. We take this opportunity to thank them and congratulate the entire team.

Every contact with the staff, guides and crew was fantastic, especially the sailors who met the Zodiac with big smiles & helping hands, one of the wait staff who brought me hot water & lemon at breakfast without my asking, and the guides who kept us so busy we didn't have to do anything. The guides were dynamite. They shared their passion for Antarctica and inspired us to make the most of every minute.

I think the guides, for the majority, provided all services as expected, and in some cases exceeded expectations.  I can say for certain that one particular guide was consistently making an effort to ensure that our exposure to the landscape and wildlife was maximized. Additionally, I was extremely impressed by the service of the Ocean Nova staff — I’m currently hard at work trying to burn off the pounds from the fantastic meals served on board.

There were SO many memorable moments, but I think the most memorable was being greeted by a humpback and her baby on Christmas Day that truly sums up this experience — totally unexpected, and impossible to explain in words!

I chose the Polar Pioneer because of the adventure options and the most memorable part of the trip for me was when we, the kayakers, landed on an iceberg and had a little party. The staff and crew onboard the Polar Pioneer was quite friendly.

I enjoyed chatting with the captain and officers onboard. I am really grateful to Al Bakker, the kayaking instructor, for taking care of us and to the captain who was eager to turn the ship to follow orcas and other whales. Also, the Russian crew was very kind to share their Russian cuisine with me!

To visit Antarctica was one of my dreams because it is a fairly remote continent difficult to reach and very few people have done it. I take with me many amazing memories like observing the wildlife - especially the elephant seals, plunging into freezing Antarctic water and spending a whole night on the continent camping and enjoying the nature and wildlife. I will never forget waking up and finding a group of penguins and a seal about 10-15 feet from me!

We were inspired to take this trip because this was our chance, with the kids out and before we were too advanced in years, to take a long trip that included physical exertion and adventure. All was memorable!

The Galapagos was amazing, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu were awe-inspiring, and the Amazon was for me (Howard) perhaps the most fascinating part, probably because I read several books on the subject before we left.

The scheduling was just right. We took too much luggage and would stress the need to travel light. It didn't matter for the Islander, as they handled everything. It mattered after that. Also, the difficulty getting anything to dry in the Amazon cannot be overemphasized. Another tip would be, at the Lima airport, to be sure to stay inside the terminal building to meet your transfer driver.

It was pleasure to work with Shelley and Emily and we will certainly consider booking other expedition-type trips with you. Everyone went out of their way to make our expedition a wonderful experience.

The Amazon was even better; so many animals and the bugs weren't so bad. The Napo Wildlife Center, in the Amazon, exceeded all of my expectations; superb service on the things that mattered, phenomenal national and local naturalists (one of the guides, Mauro, was outstanding); extremely comfortable room and what a great mosquito net! I always dreamed of visiting the Amazon and Galapagos; it was well worth it!!

I am trying to 'see the world,' and as part of that, I wanted to visit each continent at least once. Also, I have always heard wonderful things about being on safari in Africa. And I wasn't disappointed. The best part was the animals - all of them, but especially the big ones.

One of the highlights of the trip for us was watching the blue-footed boobies fishing. We really enjoyed this trip, as well as the Antarctic Peninsula cruise that you helped us with, and we are giving thought to heading way, way South once again (this time we will include South Georgia)!

Everyone onboard the Safari Explorer was GREAT! As I told Captain Scotty, we could tell that the entire crew was much more like a family and not so much like co-workers. They truly enjoy what they do and enjoy passing it on to the guests. On this size ship, if the crew was unhappy, the guests would also be unhappy. Again, they were wonderful and I want to thank every one of them!

We have already talked to her about a future trip to Antarctica, on the same ship. On board the ship, everything was pretty much letter-perfect. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the service was terrific. Overall, the trip exceeded our very high expectations!

We don't have much to compare to, since we have not done cruises before; but the service onboard the ship compares favorably to that of a top-notch hotel, and it's hard to ask for more than that.

For some years, we had talked about getting to Greenland. We had seen pictures of the icebergs at Disko Bay and thought it would be an amazing place to go. We thought we would eventually do it by flying in, but last spring we were struck by your email offering 50% off on the cruise. The entire trip was memorable, but the time in Disko Bay -- particularly at Ilulisat -- was tops. Apparently we got very lucky, as we were in a zodiac that got to see a major chunk of a very large iceberg fall off, at the mouth of the ice fjord!

Shelley was wonderful to work with and send oodles of questions to. Everything from questions about luggage to money, to clothing to side trips—she was knowledgeable and helpful.  Her service was key to my trip's success. Emily was helpful with details about our tours.

Choosing a larger boat worked out well. We met lots of people who were very interesting and my 16 year old had a good number of other teens to "hang with.” There were always options for each activity and that worked well. If you didn't want to hike you could snorkel or hang on the beach. The crew did a good job of monitoring people, moving them from activity to activity or location to location so that people could "do it all" if they wanted to.

The Expedition Leader ran a great program. Her staff worked well together. I was impressed with the knowledge the naturalists shared. They were friendly and helpful, too. I have to sing the praises of the Zodiac drivers. They did a fab job handling the boats, even taking us to see dolphins on our way back to the ship. They are masters at what they do! The ship's crew did a great job maintaining the ship, doing what needed to be done and always with a smile on!

Our ExpeditionTrips experience was fabulous again-definitely a 10.

We booked the trip for 2 primary reasons: 1) We had such a great trip to Antarctica we decided to try for another 'exotic' trip; and 2) The price was right. I think the most memorable part of the expedition was seeing a Polar Bear slide half way down a patch of snow on a mountainside on his back and then turnover and continue on his stomach.

The only request would be for more lectures on the large animals--there was only one. They had other lectures on the vegetation, geology, and history which were all good. However, I would have preferred more on the bears, foxes, etc.

We were a little disappointed in the quantity of wild life (4 bears, 2 foxes, 2 small groups of walrus, glimpses of 3 seals and 2 whales). We understand that our expectations may have been unrealistic-we were hoping for about twice as much. Also we were kept at a VERY SAFE distance, which may be necessary but made viewing without binoculars almost impossible.

We had perfect weather throughout which enabled us to really appreciate the magnificent Arctic scenery. And, the National Geographic Explorer exceeded our expectations. The naturalist staff members were on the whole knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.

We had a long term desire to go to Svalbard; Carl being a Norwegian, combined with the opportunities the expedition trip with the Silver Explorer gave us. Although from the beginning, we would have liked a smaller ship, however, we very much liked the Silver Explorer and the size and possibilities that it gave us.

We were very impressed by the nature at Lifdefjorden and the wonderful sight of the Monaco glacier and peaks when the sun made the remainder of the fog disappear. Some more memorable aspects were the sighting of a polar bear mother with her second year cub and the ice cruising in the zodiacs.

The staff, guides and crew did their utmost at any time. We had hoped to be able to circumnavigate Spitzbergen, but unfortunately it was not possible. There was too much ice after we had days with strong northerly winds. Apart from that, everything met our expectations by far.

The National Geographic Explorer is a beautiful ship. It would have been nice to have some younger families, though.

The trip far exceeded my high expectations. Micato thought of every detail and treated us like royalty. The Safari Directors, especially John Kago, were truly outstanding. Our drivers were first rate: knowledgeable, friendly and caring.

The guides, staff overall, were excellent, especially Larry! But, I would have liked more didactic lectures, rather than just 'wrap up' of the day. I thought the ship was great.

We joked that there must be a crew member hiding under the bed, as we never saw anyone in our room, yet it was always kept in tip top shape! Another example of the exceptional service was the day trip to Otavalo; the guide was both pleasant and knowledgeable.

The staff, guides and crew were all very knowledgeable in their field, and made us feel welcome. The bridge was open to visitors most of the time. If we had any issues with our cabin, they tried to address them promptly.

We enjoy trips that enable us to see animals in their natural habitat, and also trips that include incredible scenery. Because this trip had both in abundance, it's difficult to say that any one aspect was more memorable than the other. One piece of advice for people traveling out of Longyearbyen, especially if you book your own flights: Make sure you at least book the transfer package between the Longyearbyen airport and the ship (both ways). There didn't seem to be many taxis there, and you wouldn't want to get that far and miss it.

This was also my first upscale cruise and it was far more luxurious and comfortable than I had ever expected (or experienced). The guides, staff, and crew were fantastic without exception. I have always ventured to the far north for vacation and Svalbard has been on my go to list since I lived in Norway back in the late 1960s. Zodiac riding through the drift ice at 80.07 N under bright skies and calm seas is a memory that will last a lifetime. Awesome!

We especially liked how they divided the passengers up among the three boats (Flamingo, Letty and Eric).  It seems like this flexibility allowed for us to be paired with travelers with similar needs/expectations. I don’t think other companies can do this. We loved the other passengers on the Flamingo and have been corresponding with them all since the trip. We love trips that combine adventure and education and the animals in the Galapagos were probably the most memorable.  It is amazing how both land and sea animals will interact with humans.

Special mention to Shelley, Emily and Amanda for their always rapid responses and communications. I have absolutely no reservations in recommending ExpeditionTrips as a first class agency, and it became apparent from talking to others on board that they feel the same way. I think one way you excel is that you manage to make the customer your first priority- a query to another service company (ie: software) usually results in a lengthy wait for a response. With ExpeditionTrips you never feel you are just a client number. I cannot think of any ways to improve.

The ship was very well maintained and run, with a crew that handled all aspects of their jobs very well. We observed the landing of zodiacs from other ships and everyone noted that ours were much safer and professional. Special mention to the hotel manager and his management of the 'hotel' part of the ship. Food was plentiful and very good, with an imaginative variety and well presented. Cabin maintenance was rapid and totally unobtrusive. Our naturalist guides were exceptional. Each had their own individual style, and was eager to accept questions and tell stories. Our expectations were met on every level. We saw no areas that could or should be improved.

My most memorable part of the trip was the complete disregard of the wildlife to the humans moving around them. The mating/re-connection dance of the boobies was especially memorable. For my wife, the best moment was the opportunity to swim with sea lions and Galapagos penguins.

The guides were wonderful at fostering a team atmosphere. Introducing themselves and the crew the first day was a good idea. The small number of people helped a lot to foster a group feeling but I especially liked the fact that the guides switched between the canoes but the people stayed the same eight each day. It’s always awkward the first time a group meets so their ideas were very effective and didn't seem forced. I think actually seeing the three-toed sloth in the wild was one of the memorable experiences for me but there were many so it’s difficult to single out just one.

I don't have any specific examples, but I had the feeling from day one that I was among friends! Unfortunately, global warming was the main reason for taking this trip. I wanted to see the beautiful wildlife and landscape while it's still roughly intact. Also, I loved the ice and isolation so much when I went to Antarctica that I wanted to experience more! My expectations for this trip were completely met. Nothing to be improved upon. The only things I wished were different were more animal sightings, but that's nothing that can be planned... just luck!

We were particularly impressed with the expertise and ease of communication with the naturalists. We always wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska and the whole experience of traveling to a different part of the world to see its landscapes and animals was memorable.

I've always wanted to go to Alaska and we especially loved being up close and personal with the whales, the glaciers and the icebergs! The hikes in the magical forests were great, too!

We really enjoyed the staff onboard. Our cook, Christine, made homemade bread for every meal! Our guide, Shannon, was so great at not just teaching us but also taking care of us. (She knew I was nervous about kayaking but I did it with no problems!) Our Captain, Bill, was so patient with the kids; they really enjoyed spending time with him. His good nature was infectious! And our Engineer, Eric, was so knowledgeable and interesting! (He's had so many adventures and knows so much about so many things!)

The only thing that was a little uncomfortable was the emphasis on dressing up on a few nights.

There was actually less wildlife than I had expected, and it could have been improved by spending more time in the ice way up North. The staff were superb, and Stefan's sense of humor was a highlight.

The Santa Cruz was great. Our guide Vanessa was very knowledgeable and Lupe and Pillar were great. I have no complaints at all. The buses were all new and clean and everyone was so organized and helpful, which was a huge help as we were traveling with a 9 year old and a 79 year old. The ship was not full, only 58 passengers, so we had a lot of room. The service was outstanding, the food was great - it really could not have been better.

It would have been awesome if we could have snorkeled at noon when the marine iguanas were entering the water for their lunch. However, many of the areas where we were with the largest groups of marine iguanas were not areas where we were permitted to snorkel.

The shining stars onboard the ship for us were: Octavio, our head maître d, John our bartender and dancer extraordinaire, Hernan, Adrien, Jessica, Cesar and Billy were our favorite and most fun guides. These 7 absolutely made it the fun-filled trip of a lifetime! It was hard to come home!

Everything was taken care of, and all the background and travel information was extremely helpful. The trip far surpassed my expectations. I honestly can't think of any ways to improve the trip. The ship was beautiful, the food was great, and everyone was super friendly...

The staff, guide, and crew of Sagitta were awesome. Every day the crewmember who cleaned our cabins would leave us fresh towels in a different towel-origami assortment: volcanoes, swans, you name it! Also, for our farewell dinner, the chef made all sorts of decorations out of food...a melon tortoise, pine-apple puffer fish, and a watermelon and yuca palm tree to name a few. It was quite a sight!

The wildlife was active we even saw the blue-footed booby mating dance! At times it seemed as if the animals were putting on a show for the tourists, and we couldnt get over how completely oblivious of our presence they appeared to be. We were also very impressed with how well-run the Galapagos park system is, to ensure minimal damage to the environment.

Onboard, we had excellent guides 4 for 41 passengers, so were never in a large group. The guides were very well-trained and all spoke excellent English. The crew was equally pleasant and efficient. Our cabin was first class, the food was excellent and abundant and there were all the amenities we could need. Snorkeling equipment was provided and there was a helpful briefing each evening about the following days activities. There was a variety of fellow passengers, from young children to seniors (I guess were in the latter category!) and we got on well with all of them.
She is a lovely ship, a perfect size we would say, and extremely well-maintained (far more so than some of the other cruise ships we saw). As for the Galapagos themselves, I probably dont need to tell you what a mind-altering experience it is to witness evolution still in progress.

We cannot say enough positive things about your land agent who provided our drivers & guides in Quito. When we exited the Quito Airport at the beginning of our trip, someone was there with a sign and all our anxieties after a rough day vanished. We were told exactly when we would be picked up prior to our flight to Galapagos, and when it was discovered that the Galapagos plane was delayed they arranged for us to wait in the VIP lounge. For our excursion to the Mindo cloud forest, we had a guide, a driver & an SUV to ourselves and had a fabulous day. The guide was Richard (Ricardo) and the driver was Carlos. I would request them again if we ever go back. In hindsight, an extra day in Quito to take a tour of the city itself would have been nice. Several of our fellow travelers had done this and greatly enjoyed it.

It was fascinating to see the different state of each island, from lava deserts to mangrove forests to cultivated farmland and the way the flora and fauna have adapted to local conditions is astounding. We saw all the wildlife we expected to see, even orcas which we followed in our panga (zodiac), which was considered very fortunate. The Charles Darwin Research Station was extremely informative and fascinating, and the town of Puerto Ayora satisfied our tourist shopping needs!

We decided to take a special trip in 2009 as this is the year we both turn 60 and also our 20th wedding anniversary and this trip met, even exceeded, our expectations!

All documentation was in order and you assured us we would have no issues with local contacts and accommodations. Everything did in fact go like clockwork.

We did a lot of reading of reviews and books before we left and we had very high expectations. The entire trip far exceeded our expectations. We had hoped to see some of the things we read about. We did and we did and we did. It seems we saw it all. We believe selecting a small ship and being on the ship for seven nights helped in this regard. The smaller ships could go places where the larger ships could not and the seven nights/eight days allowed us to visit the western most islands to the eastern most islands. Our ship had 20 passengers and 2 naturalists. We can’t think of any specific item that could be improved.

The service by the local guides and ship’s staff was excellent. What impressed us most was the fantastic treatment by the local tour company. They were there on time every time and the service provided by them at the airports was way beyond expectations. They took our check-in bags and processed them for us at the airport, arranged and got our tickets and all other required documents. Essentially we just needed to get to the airport by their private coach and they did everything else. The ship crew was also excellent. Our two naturalists actually lived in the Islands and they were fantastic. They explained every detail and answered every question. Their personalities were great and they took pride in what they did and in their Islands which they call Paradise in a humorous manner but also really meaning it.

The most memorable part of the trip was the first island we visited. We landed on a beach and did a short hike on the island. We were blown away by the beauty of the wildlife and how close you could come to the animals. The birds were spectacular and the water crystal clear with manta rays swimming in the shallows. The entire trip was memorable but our first taste will always be remembered because of the initial awe.

On our safari, we saw the Big 5 (including a Leopard with his kill!), actually we saw the Big 6 (my daughters favorite - the Cheetah!) and for my husband, the massive herds of thousands and thousands of Wilderbeest and Zebra in the Serengeti was the big highlight. Our local safari guides/rangers were outstanding and very knowledgeable, and really great with my parents and Great Aunt as well as with my 6 and 8 year old daughters. Our family of 9 were in 2 private (Land Rover) safari vehicles, which were very comfortable and great for photography with the pop up tops.

We appreciated the flexibility of having our own private safari vehicles and experienced guides who were great animal spotters too. Our accommodations at the Sopa and Serena properties were terrific and the meals were very good too. We loved our mostly driving safari (it was a great idea of yours to fly out of the Serengeti at the end back to Arusha!) and what a treat to be able to share it with 3 generations of family members! We also saw a pride of lions just after they made a kill, and we had good sightings of the 'elusive' leopard up a tree. The sights, smells and sounds of Africa will forever stay in our minds. If anybody is looking to plan a safari to East Africa - we will make sure they contact you first. You planned the perfect Family Safari and we can't thank you enough for all the detail and pre planning you did for us.This is our first Safari - but certainly not our last. Great job! Thanks from all of us.

Great itinerary... you really did a brilliant job planning our Safari!!

Everyone was wonderful and most helpful. Thank you again for your suggestions and setting up our itinerary - we were most pleased.

Our server met us as we reboarded from every excursion with fresh juice or sodas and usually a small snack; it was wonderful. Also, I have to mention that our fellow boat passengers helped make the trip. People who go to the Galapagos have a sense of adventure and interest in history and the natural world, so you almost certainly will feel like you're in a group of people with similar interests! Seeing the wildlife up so close (both land and marine) and learning so much about natural history, geology and evolution/Darwin all in one trip were some of the most memorable parts of the expedition. Not to mention the weather and beaches are fantastic!

I always wanted the opportunity to travel and explore the Galapagos. I think the choice of a smaller group and motor yacht, the Flamingo I, was the right move. I had very high expectations and it exceeded my expectations. The tours, the meals and the itinerary were well thought out. The crew of the Flamingo was very professional, entertaining, and knowledgeable. I felt as if I made very good friends with the captain and the crew. The naturalist and tour guides were the best that I have experienced. I learned a tremendous amount. I have a presentation to make of this trip to my company. With the amazing photos I took and the vast information provided by the guides, I will be able to make a well versed slideshow. I could not think of any needed improvement.

We have been on every continent and this was our last big hurrah! The most memorable part of the expedition for me ... well was basically everything! If I had to pick something it would be hiking up a mountain to a 360 degree view of Antarctica and a penguin colony at the top of the mountain. It was just so unreal.

The entire staff on Clipper Adventurer had superior service. I'm not sure how they were trained so well. Everyone was laid back and friendly and never talked down to anyone. The trip leader (Lauri) had so much experience and picked great landings. Even our waiter (Francis) was so over the top and the first time he found out we liked anything specific (ie tabasco sauce for my husband) he would bring it for every meal. The hotel manager (Carlene) was very experienced and always on top of making sure everyone was happy as well. I was very impressed. It's hard to 'expect' anything from a trip to Antarctica but it far exceeded my expectations. Every time I thought we'd seen all we could have, the next landing would be even more amazing. I can't think of anything that would improve it except for making the Drake Passage smoother ;).

The trip was well organized in every detail (yet flexible as Antarctic travel must be) whilst being so friendly and informal - the perfect combination. We were incredibly lucky with the weather that we had on our trip too. Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of the expedition was to cruise the serene, ice-covered waters of the Herrera Channel in the company of whales, seals, penguins and newly made ship-board friends on the most perfectly sunny day imaginable. This is a part of the world that is unique and so stunningly beautiful but is only for those that are prepared to make the effort to get there.

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!

I had no hesitation calling her back when I was ready to book the trip. I was not disappointed in any way. I would definitely book future trips with ExpeditionTrips.

The trip met or exceeded expectations in every way. I cannot think of one thing that could have been better. Connections, tour guides, expedition leaders, hotel, ship, itinerary were all terrific. Even the weather and the Drake Passage were more than cooperative. The staff, guides and crew were above and beyond. Everyone was as nice and helpful as they could be. It is impossible to pick a most memorable part since it was all wonderful - scenery, wildlife, remoteness, ship, crew, passengers, etc.

Neil, in particular, had an interest in the history of Shackleton and had always wanted to go to the Antarctic.

The expedition exceeded all our expectations. The lectures were all very well presented, though some of them lasted 1 1/2 hours, which seemed a bit too long, in my opinion. Jill Baxter really made the trip for us, she was so accommodating and enthusiastic and made the most of every moment she could for us. She obviously had the respect of everyone from the guides to the staff and crew and had an excellent rapport with the Captain, hence a very happy atmosphere. We just could not fault anyone!

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.

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.

Although what he (Laurie) considered a walk was pretty much more a major hike! I thought the food was excellent - in variety and taste. The homemade rolls were to die for!!

I had been to the Patagonian ice fields previously, and wanted to go further south - also I have been interested in the Polar explorers for a long time and I love looking at the wildlife. The most memorable part of this trip was watching the albatross and petrels glide behind the ship and the penguins of course, especially the gentoo babies who were SO friendly.

Also, the transfers were always early and never failed to show up. Overall, the trip exceeded my expectations, I cannot think of any way to improve it. All of the guides were excellent and the expedition leader was very good about always keeping us advised as to what was happening well in advance. They did a great job of getting us where we needed to be in the most efficient way possible. We had always wanted to visit Antarctica and the timing just seemed to work. I think the most memorable part of this trip was the natural beauty of the continent!

We have wanted to take this trip for a long time and finally decided to go ahead. No one we know has ever been to Antarctica and we had never been on any type of cruise before so we did not know what to expect. However, it certainly lived up to and exceeded what we thought it would be like. There are so many things that were memorable the vastness of Antarctica, how unspoiled it is, the lovable penguins and their chicks and the noisy elephant seals. We really liked watching the penguins in the ocean, they are so sleek, fast and graceful - so unlike their cute little selves on land. Our number one memory is when two humpback whales came right up to our zodiac to 'check us out' - what a thrill!

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.

Everyone onboard the Clipper Adventurer was great. I was particularly proud of the fact the majority of the expedition team was Canadian (given that I'm a Canuck) and as it turns out, I had every right to be proud. I cannot sing enough praises about Laurie Dexter and all the others.

I have always been interested in the polar regions, Antarctica in particular and the trip exceeded my expectations. I loved each and every minute of it (well, maybe not the getting seasick part - but hey, it was all part of the experience). One of the many highlights was to encounter penguins up close and personal; I never got tired of spending time with them. The only bad part was having to leave them behind!

I'd also like to mention that I received excellent service from the outdoor expedition supplier you recommended as well. The people there were very helpful. I did not expect the amazing service I experienced from Silversea, and it truly isn't possible that it could have been improved upon. I don't have words to describe my appreciation for their work.

I wanted to go to Antarctica because it was the only continent I hadn't visited. The most memorable part of the cruise was the zodiac visit to Paradise Harbor. I've traveled far and wide and I've never witnessed such peaceful beauty.

The staff, guides and crew went above and beyond all of my expectations. I had a small accident while ashore, and the expedition crew rushed me back to the ship and helped (with much difficulty) me aboard as I was unable to stand on my twisted ankle. The sea was also getting rough at the time. Several able seamen were required to lift me from the zodiac. After a thorough check up and treatment by the ship's doctor, I was further amazed at the level of service from the housekeeping staff. Our cabin housekeeper brought fresh ice packs every hour without being asked. This went on well into the night and certainly beyond what could possibly have been her regular work hours. The hotel manager even sent chocolates to the room! Of course I felt like a complete idiot that the accident happened at all; The crew gives more than one lesson on how to properly and safely exit the zodiac, relying on the four people standing on either side of you when you stand. I was so excited by what I saw that I ignored them completely and simply hopped off the side of the zodiac, stumbling over my own two feet when I fell. The entire incident could have been avoided if I'd just followed the simple instructions. And yet, none of the staff made any mention of my failure to pay attention and fussed over me for days! In the dining room, they assigned a member of the wait staff to follow me through the buffet line at breakfast and lunch to take my plate to the table while I walked on crutches. There were many other instances where the staff went above and beyond what could be considered even premium service. I doubt if I would have been as well cared for in my own home! I can't say enough good things about the people who crew the Silver Explorer.

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!

This was a life-time dream to travel to the 'South Pole'--I love the sense of adventure and doing what others would feel impossible. The most memorable was seeing the mass of 500,000 king penguins and fluffy big babies. Plus, the fact that we felt we had the southern ocean to ourselves and that we were the first people to make the landings. I had feared lots of cruise ships docking off shore awaiting their turn. But it was wonderful to have the Robinson Crusoe feeling.

The crew was also excellent; I speak Russian and so they were very kind in letting me practice with them. They had long days and often stormy conditions to work in, and yet they always had time to talk and smile; putting up with us wandering around the bridge and no request or question was ever too much for them. I have a very happy feeling about the whole trip--when I forget the terrible seas that we had; I discovered that I will never make a sailor. The whole set up from travel arrangements, information packets, accommodations, to those cozy, huge warm jackets was great and much appreciated!

We were so incredibly fortunate to have had two guides and only 11 passengers! The crew of the Sagitta was marvelous. The boat was kept impeccably clean.

One of the guides was an intern on her last week of training, the other was the President of the Galapagos Guides Association! They knew so much about this special place. They could answer questions and tell stories about the wildlife, history, geology, sea currents. They were both absolutely fantastic--so smart, patient and kind, too.

The crew of the Sagitta was marvelous. The boat was kept impeccably clean. Our cabins were cleaned and made up first thing. They even left "towel sculptures" in our cabins depicting various birds, animals and fish of the Galapagos. The crew was always so friendly, watchful and helpful. They immediately took our snorkel gear and wet suits and rinsed them when we came on board, they cleaned off our shoes and stacked them away. They were great.

The food was excellent--tons of fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and meat. I mean TONS! Fresh squeezed juices at breakfast and lunch. Breakfast always included eggs, pancakes or French toast, ham, cheese, bread, cereal, fruit, milk, juice... Lunch usually was soup, three to four different fresh salads, grilled or sauced fish or chicken, fresh French fries or other potatoes and another huge platter of fruit. Dinners included wonderful chicken, beef or fish main courses, three different kinds of vegetables and salads, rice or pasta and dessert. There were even two nights when they made fresh birthday cakes, one for my father-in-law! And finally, when we returned from our various excursions, we were frequently met by a crew member or the chef who would offer us ice cold fresh juice, or in the afternoons, fresh hot snacks like empanadas or chicken wings.

The snorkeling was the most incredible we have ever done. There was more wildlife than we could possibly have imagined. We saw Orcas, dolphins, manta rays, golden rays, eagle rays, sting rays, sharks, millions of fish, sea turtles, sea horses, and sea lions galore! We saw Galapagos hawks, tortoises, blue footed boobies, albatross, frigate birds, pelicans, penguins, tropic birds, lava herons, and I can't even remember the rest.

The staff on the ship was AMAZING. I’ve never had a hotel manager be so concerned about my well-being and making sure i was satisfied with my vegetarian options. The dining staff was also great. I had a blast with them. They even reserved tables for us so we'd always have a table to ourselves. Really cool!

I took this trip to set foot on my seventh continent. So that goal in life is now fulfilled. One of the most memorable parts was the FIRST time we went off the ship in the zodiac and went searching for leopard seals. Absolutely amazing.

The difference was the amount of relevant and useful information that was given, so we never had to search more than a few minutes to get any information about the trip.

The trip was definitely beyond expectations. Service was excellent from all the staff, guides and crew. The hotel manager deserves particular mention for ensuring the availability of a variety of vegetarian food throughout the journey. We felt very special. There are so many memorable moments that rate equally. Particular mention goes to the Polar Plunge - diving into freezing water is a unique, daring and foolish act of bravery.

I am sure that our individual needs and concerns were often demanding but you always responded helpfully and dealt with us with great patience as we tried to make up our minds and get ourselves organized.

I give high praise for the quality and level of service onboard the ship. The crew was friendly, helpful and efficient. Cabins were small but exceptionally well designed and outfitted. The food was good - nothing spectacular but extremely well prepared with plenty of fresh fruit and fish. We particularly appreciated being greeted every time we returned from snorkeling or a land excursion with attractive snacks and iced drinks. This was one of the smaller boats (20 passengers) but it did not feel crowded. One of the benefits of the smaller boat was that we were able to get into the smaller landings and were often the only boat there. The guides were good, particularly on the topics of local flora and fauna, and were very approachable. The trip exceeded expectations that were very high. There was an excellent balance between encountering wildlife ashore through landings and opportunities for snorkeling (deep water and from the beach). The usual routine was an early morning activity and back onboard for a leisurely lunch then a mid-afternoon excursion or snorkeling. There was plenty of time to relax and no pressure to go on excursions or swim if you preferred to stay onboard and read or sunbathe. I am hard pressed to think how the experience could be improved. I would highly recommend this itinerary which took us to Genovesa and then tracked the geological history of the islands from the youngest and still volcanically active (Fernandina) to the oldest and allowed us to see and explore a wide range of habitats and islands. Each island provides a different experience and I would not have wanted to eliminate any one from the itinerary.

I have been imagining, planning and thinking about this trip for many years and simply decided that it was now or never. It would be hard to select one single event or memory as being the most memorable. Each day and island seemed to bring a new experience or sighting from Red-Footed Boobies on Genovesa to flightless Cormorants on Fernandina. We also saw Fur Seals, Albatross, Penguins, Giant Tortoises, Turtles and Manta Rays. The final evening, when sailing back to San Cristobal from Espanola, we encountered a large pod of Bryde's Whales which surfaced all around the Flamingo. It's one thing to read about the wildlife and even see the spectacular nature films, but the actual experience is vivid, intense and far exceeds expectations. 

The trip was more than my expectations and the weather was certainly one thing that I didn't expect: brilliant sunshine for three solid days. The staff on the Ocean Nova were really excellent. I had no great expectations but they certainly excelled. The quality of leadership and combined experience of the staff was very good. If anything, they filled our time so well we had little 'down' time. Taking the Polar Plunge at Whalers Bay, Deception Island and camping was a great experience not to be missed. We have friends in the UK sailing on Discovery from Cape to Cape and they couldn't believe that we did such crazy things!!!

She booked our flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and back and she booked hotel rooms for us. She really fitted us to the ship that was perfect for us. She was absolutely awesome. Also, none of the other travel groups had hats or those laminated sheets with the animals on them that we received from you.

The trip was much better than what I expected. I was a little worried about the size of the cabin and the food, but the food was great and the cabin was larger than I expected. I’m not sure if Lori had anything to do with choosing which cabin we got, but it was a good bit larger than some of the other double rooms I saw. I wasn’t expecting this but we had several choices of food to choose from during lunch and dinner. The hotel staff was terrific. Several times I didn’t want exactly what was on the menu during lunch and dinner, and the staff would do whatever they could to accommodate everyone. They would alter the food selection to give me what I asked for. Also, the staff cleaned our cabin each morning and then had turn down service in the evening. They even left chocolates on the pillows. The expedition staff was also great. They were very knowledgeable. We were really lucky to have the expedition staff that worked our ship.

I think the most memorable part of the trip was cross country skiing.  It was awesome.  My husband had cross country skied before, but I hadn’t.  It was very easy, and the terrain was absolutely beautiful.  We were able to ski on three occasions.

The staff cleaned our cabin each morning and then had turn down service in the evening. They even left chocolates on the pillows. The expedition staff was also great. They were very knowledgeable. We were really lucky to have the expedition staff that worked our ship.

The trip exceeded my expectations; all of the expedition staff and ship's crew aboard the Shokalskiy were outstanding! I loved that the ship, due to its size, was able to go to more places. Also, before this trip, I did not know very much about South Georgia and sitting with the baby King Penguins was an incredible experience! The only recommendation I would make would be to clarify how the side excursions work as I didn't realize that, once there, we would have to choose between a shore excursion or kayaking.

I wanted to set foot on all 7 continents...Antarctica was the last one. The most memorable part of this trip, for me, would have to be camping on Antarctica. To go to sleep while hearing the silence, with minimal sounds of water, wind and snow hitting the tent, was truly something I will never forget!

Antarctica was always on our dream list, so when Richard's 70th and the Silver Explorer coincided we decided this was it! The staff, guides and crew were all excellent. The expedition staff (like all other staff) were professional, friendly, enthusiastic and very good at what they did (several came from South Africa - and from our own hometown of Knysna!). We always felt informed, safe and special. The food was also excellent.

The ship staff was great and we had a wonderful level of service from them. One of the guides is just wonderful. His level of enthusiasm and teaching is the best! We would go anywhere on a trip with him.

The energy and excitement that the expedition team generated was infectious. The hospitality staff was stellar. I can say they were better than some of the finest hotels I have stay in. I was amazed at how many staff and team members learned our names and things about the passengers so quickly. It was refreshing to be greeted by name on the evening of the first day.

We had a wonderful opportunity to have whales approaching our ship during dinner. The announcement was made and everyone scrambled to the deck to watch. When the whales were bored and moved on, we all went back to our dinners and much to our surprise the staff had removed all previously delivered food which was cold by now and came out of the kitchen with all new and hot food!!! The guides were always with us even during their down time and continuously shared stories and information about the Antarctic, which just enhanced the trip even more.

What I brought home with me is that there are people in this world with the same adventurous spirit that I have. To travel in such an extreme place takes a unique kind of person and I met so many folks with that spirit from around the globe! The scenery, the animals and the vastness of the Antarctic are amazing, but the people I met and memories I have can never be duplicated again.

They were all very well qualified and suitable. I was disappointed to have missed the ornithologist’s presentation on the first morning due to seasickness, but appreciated him helping us identify birds whenever he was nearby.

It has been my husband's dream for a long time to go to Antarctica, an unspoiled area. The most memorable part of our expedition was seeing the wildlife near us and unafraid of us, as well as the pristine scenery.

After a very short period (second communication), I realized that I was dealing with an individual and a company that cared about what they do, and therefore, about finding me the perfect trip for my interests. Email communication (generally easier for me since I live in Bogota, Colombia) was never anonymous, it was personable and friendly. Again, this level of personal involvement and concern is not common in our world today, and was much appreciated. Although I never met the people that I was dealing with, or even talked to them personally on the telephone, I would describe the relationship as warm. That is a very nice thing to be able to say about an arm's-length business transaction.

One of the very nice things about this trip was that it did not just meet my expectations (which is desirable in a trip this expensive) but greatly exceeded them. The dedication of the staff to show us as much as was possible and a crew that allowed that to happen is to be commended. It is easy to say “unfortunately we cannot go here because.....” What we heard was “we don't know if we can but we're sure going to try” and try and succeed they did. Honestly, at this time, there is nothing that stands out as an area of improvement.

I had wanted to travel to the Antarctic for some time, due to the remoteness of the location and especially after reading accounts such as Shackleton's. Our interaction with Emperor penguins on a spectacular day with sun and glistening fast ice in a location that we did not imagine we would get to see (we did not expect the Emperors either) had to be my most memorable part of this trip.

The staff of the ship provided a level of service that is not all that common in the world today. They were cheerful and attentive, with attention to details that made the ship a wonderful place to relax after a couple of outings a day. The fresh coffee and well maintained refreshment center in the well-stocked library was a real treat. I have stayed in 5-star hotels that did not have such a consistency of service. Kudos to the galley staff for the inventive and tasty food that kept us well energized for the next adventure. Meals, both in preparation and serving were a treat and added to the pleasure of the vacation.

The ship's crew were dedicated to keeping a vessel that was in pristine condition in conditions that were not necessarily easy, and the ability of the ship to get us into areas (at the hands of an obviously very experienced captain and crew) was very much appreciated.

The personnel involved in the actual guiding, lecturing and advising were a delight, each with their own area(s) of expertise and experience, adding to the whole of a very knowledgeable staff. The daily lectures (well prepared and well delivered, without exception) were interesting and informative, and responses and questions were welcomed. The daily recap gave us all a bonding experience as well as the chance to relive the day's adventures. Combined with the daily schedules for (possible) upcoming events and landings, updates on weather and ice conditions (and the dulcet voice of our expedition leader), the general feel was much more of a 'real expedition'. The National Geographic connection only added (immensely for me) to my overall experience.

The comfort and service aboard the Silver Explorer went beyond my expectations, as did the staff and crew; and the guides and speakers were very knowledgeable.

Never having been to the galapagos inspired our trip, the most memorable part were the type of animals/reptiles/birds found nowhere else in the world along with the passengers and workers on the ship. The staff and crew exceeded my expectations, I've been on bigger more luxurious trips and this crew was amazing, almost like family.

EVERYONE WAS FRIENDLY, HELPFUL, COURTEOUS AND EXTREMELY WELL INFORMED. The guides were very knowledgeable and very proud of 'their Galapagos'.

The naturalists offered a perspective of sea life, geography, Native Culture and wildlife that was very valuable, and entertaining. The naturalists made this a very special trip! I could have done without the couple days at the end of the journey sailing back to Seattle, although the stop at Friday Harbor added alittle. Now that we are back I can reflect on the majesty of the wilderness that is SE Alaska. Nothing can adequately describe it ...I had to experience it!

Everybody on the yacht, staff, guides and the crew were very helpful and offered great service!

I wanted to take this trip because I've always had a desire to travel to Alaska. Since I had previously traveled with Lindblad, and I was too busy to plan my own trip, I chose this expedition!

It was a comfort to know that all arrangements would be handled here and abroad, that we would be met at our hotels and airports by courteous individuals who knew our itineraries and needs. I have wanted to visit the Galapagos since I was young and seeing all the wildlife was so thrilling--it was the trip of a lifetime.

We did see the big five plus others too numerous to mention. They facilitated a visit to a Nairobi synagogue, not part of the itinerary, because we asked if it were possible--one example of beyond the usual.

We gave your email to everyone we could because we had SUCH a great time. Thank you both for taking superb care of us.

Special thanks to Shelley for her patience towards my many-many questions and for all the good hints she gave to us.

We need to express special thanks to your partner, Metropolitan. They helped us even when we faced airline baggage delivery problems (Actually my husband got back his pack after Galapagos. He had a ten-minute shopping time in Baltra -- so no wonder he has most of our Galapagos T-shirts and shorts in his 'portfolio' now...) Thanks again for your help. Hope to travel with you again in the future.

The most exciting part for me was being so 'up close and personal' with those wonderful animals, especially when our vehicle pulled up right under a tree branch on which a beautiful leopard was stretched out relaxing!!!

The trip was more than I had ever anticipated...and I did expect a lot. The only improvement I can think of is --- if it were possible to have shorter layovers at the major airports. The staff, guides, drivers and everyone we came in contact with was warm and friendly and so helpful. Our first day in Nairobi, I discovered the new battery for my digital camera was defective. Our guide, Lewela, made sure the rest of our party was well occupied and took me to a camera store to purchase a new battery. A week or so later, in Tanzania, I wanted to call my kids back home. Our guide there, Raphael, made all the arrangements and let me use his cell phone (which kept the cost down too) while he discreetly walked away to allow me private time. Our drivers, especially the one in Tanzania, Rogers, were outstanding!

Hot chocolate waited on the ship and the chocolates in our cabin nightly was a nice treat.

The most memorable part was snorkeling with penguins and sea lions, learning so much from the naturalists, seeing our son so engaged in the hiking and the wildlife and feeling so at home on the National Geographic Islander.

Every person on the Nat'l Geo. Islander provided much more than what we anticipated. Their energy, their kindliness, their excitement at sharing their wisdom was outstanding. Every crew member wanted us to feel at home. Their encouragement and friendliness led to our son making friends with the crew as well as the other children on board. They can combine a relaxed atmosphere with unsurpassed service. Their organizational abilities were incredible. We were cared for from the moment we reached the gate in Miami to our last stop in Quito. Transportation was a breeze because of their assistance.

We also really appreciated the different activity options each day and how the guides would let us know if the landing was to be a dry or wet one. The ship doctor helped me out when my leg was painful (from an injury from before the trip) and fresh ice was always available when I needed to ice my leg. One day we were lucky enough to have a pod of bottle nosed dolphins riding beneath us and alongside us. To have the crew and staff join us in our excitement and joy made that experience even better! And when some people were snorkeling and a manta ray was spotted, to have one guide yell, 'Manta Ray!' loud enough so those on the ship could hear it, it's a testament to their commitment to the archipelago. This one truly is a trip of a lifetime!

I dont know if a bigger ship would help that, or what the tradeoffs would be. All the ship and land based operations were terrific. The guides on the ship were great, especially Pablo. The most memorable part is very hard the island hikes were the best for us. We and other passengers found the breakfast and lunch buffets to be excellent. We all wished there were more dinner choices.

I was inspired to take this trip because as a science teacher, my students study the Arctic and are concerned with global warming. I also love polar bears!

When we were out on Resurrection Sound (orcas, humpbacks, otters, puffins, bald eagles, endless birds,etc) and at Katmai (I have 243 pictures of bears - truly mind blowing) I also flew around Mt McKinley. In Denali, saw bears, caribou, wolves, moose, beavers, ptarmigan etc. Etc!

She was able to arrange all of our transfers and air arrangements. We counted 10 airplane landings!!!! The Polaris cabins and wait staff were so attentive. The cabins and dining room were spotless. The Zodiac drivers are amazing. All of the Naturalists were fabulous. Knowledgable and so nice and friendly. No question was silly. They knew all the answers.

Shelley also suggested Patio Andaluz in Quito and it was darling and the food was great. The wait staff were so friendly and helpful. We even got complimentary drinks and appetizers with our dinner. Also, my daughters were so happy with the free internet access. The ground agent in Quito was also great. They were always on time and the guide for the city tour was great. Also, thanks to you for the hats and the complimentary expedition DVD's.

It was an all around great experience, but the animals were the greatest. The destination was as expected from all of the DVD's and books we researched. I can't think of anything that needed to be improved on.

They were also helpful with physical assistance. I had a ligament problem in my ankle and they were always there to help me transfer and to suggest using the great walking sticks available on the ship. We used the glass bottom boat on each offering and it was a great alternative to snorkeling for us who do not 'do water'. The girls kayaked and snorkeled, though. We found that the cabins that we had, 102 and 104 were great. They are the lowest and therefore, seemed to sway the least. There was some rocking of the boat! They were also just as large, if not larger than the other level cabins. We also enjoyed the Polaris size as there is a great mix of people and everyone changed eating arrangements so that we were able to mingle with just about everyone.

We loved Napo. It is a little slice of heaven. The people are wonderful. All of the staff was so knowledgeable and personable. The cabanas were homey and comfortable. The showers were always warm and powerful. I cannot say enough good things. We were told that the fame is spreading quickly and they are booked through January, so you may have trouble getting people in there now. I would highly recommend the entire experience!! It is so great that they are doing so well and that it is all community run now.

For us, the 4 days was good. We didn't know what to expect and it turned out ok. One has to be able-bodied to go here. The canoe trips are great, but after 2 and a half hours our knees and backs were grumbling. The walk to the tower was long and a little hard as I had recently torn a ligament in my ankle. The stairs were many also. The girls were fine with it. My husband and I were ok, but were on the slower side with the guides splitting up for us to accommodate our slower pace. The clay lick was great. We did not go to the farther one. The tower attached to the dining room was also great. We saw much wildlife from up there.

The only downside, which was under no one's control, was the very wet motorized canoe ride. It was pouring rain the whole morning. Our flight was delayed as the airport was closed from the storm. We got there and then it started to pour again. They give everyone ponchos for the ride and plastic bags for the luggage and bags. Even gave us a Napo napsack with our lunch inside.

Also, we were glad that we left some of our luggage in Quito as Napo is very damp. All and all, I would certainly recommend this trip to anyone who is in the least bit interested. I have to admit that I was a little nervous about it, but it turned out wonderful. We want to thank you for all of your help with our trip!

It is a very special place on Earth and we wanted to visit it as a family. Snorkeling right next to the amazing sea life was the most amazing. We felt welcomed, pampered and respected. Everyone was very professional. We travelled with children, and were so pleased to find that they had the entire safety and snorkeling gear in their sizes on board.

All around, the staff, guides and crew were top notch - they were consistently excellent! We have several other trips in the works with ExpeditionTrips; as Ashton knows, our appetite for adventure travel is pretty much without limit!

We had previously sailed on a trip aboard the Kapitan Klebnikov to the high arctic of Canada and Greenland and had been disappointed by the lack of ice and polar bears. This trip was our second attempt to spend time with polar bears, whose days on planet earth may very well be numbered.

It was our first group expedition and in particular our first trip on a ship, so we really did not know what to expect. However, the ship, service and food were excellent. The staff, guides and crew on the National Geographic Endeavour provided a very high level of service. The crew was very efficient and helpful and the guides were very knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife. We felt we got a response to all the questions we may have had. The activities were fun and interesting. The arctic is an unusual destination for a honeymoon but we choose to take this trip to live an unforgettable adventure together - a once in a lifetime exciting and unique trip in such a rich environment. Witnessing the hunt and catch of a ring seal by a polar bear was the most memorable part of our expedition.   

The Quito city and Otavalo Market guides were very knowledgeable, fun and very courteous. The ship was much nicer than I expected. We loved our room with a balcony. The first time we've ever had a balcony on a cruise.

The first day they took us to a barren island and we saw three iguanas. My husband and I both thought, hmmm, surely this trip offers more than this. The second day we climbed the 360 steps and saw a couple of birds. Again we thought, beautiful scenery but where are the animals. That afternoon the cruise tours redeemed themselves!!! Wow, sea lions, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, etc.

Again, thank you for all your help. I will highly recommend Expeditiontrips.com to those awaiting this same experience.

Our experience working with ExpeditionTrips was fine, and we appreciated the voucher for the Trip Video. There was a mix-up about the day we needed to fly out, so we got an extra day in Oslo. Not a great heartburn, but we had already set up our hard-to-get flights and didn't dare change them. I was inspired to take this trip because I have always wanted to see the Norwegian Fiords; and the Arctic portion was a bonus. It was so much more beautiful than I imagined. The highlight was photographing a huge walrus up close and personal!

They only had one naturalist but that was all they needed since most of the people were apparently there to shop. Yuck!! It was great to be with like-minded folk.

I assumed the food would be good but it was even better than I imagined. I loved how there were always options so even my elderly father-in-law could enjoy the scenery and animals. Every day was an adventure and always a lot of fun AND educational.

I was very impressed with all the guides. They really knew their stuff and if there was something they weren't sure about they would look it up and tell you the correct answer. Always patient. More than once I had a guide tell me - when I would apologize for asking yet again what something was - 'Don't worry about asking me to repeat. That just shows that you really want to learn and understand. The only question I don't like is 'when's lunch?''

We've always dreamed of seeing the Galapagos - but never thought we would get the opportunity - and then my father-in-law offered to pay half!

Our room on the Flamingo - Iguana deck room #10 was one of the two largest on the yacht. The other rooms are quite small. One note, I do not know if there is anything one can do to mitigate the altitude issue in Quito. If you know of anything, you might pass it along. Of course, coming from Florida and sea level, it was quite an adjustment. We would certainly love to travel with you again and would be happy to recommend you.

An extremely professional crew all round. The level of interaction with the guests was greatly appreciated, as was the knowledge regarding the nature, etc. on the trip, not only from the Expedition Leader (who was excellent), but also the other crew members

We are definitely going to concentrate on our own continent, Africa. However, we are a little "traveled out" at the moment, having been on the go for the last 12 years, so we will be doing all our traveling in South Africa, our home country

The one criticism I have is that you need to think on a global scale rather than a national one. In other words, people booking with you from other parts of the world need to know that you are taking that into account when dealing with various aspects of the travel experience. Things are different in other parts of the world from that in the United States and that needs to be taken into account.

There was not a question they couldn’t answer. One guide in particular was really superior. He has been doing this for years and his enthusiasm and knowledge was outstanding. They also did an excellent job of placing groups of people on the three ships. Everyone got along great and we made lifelong friends. Swimming with sea lions, sea turtles, and penguins; walking with giant land tortoises; personally witnessing the Albatross’ mating dance and Blue Footed Boobies’ sky pointing up close were some of the most memorable parts of my expedition.

I liked that they let us be on our own and didn't treat us like children. They gave you free reign while keeping safety intact. I really felt like they were there for us, that is was 'our' trip. The staff, crew and everyone in between far exceeded my expectations of service. I could go on and on about every single staff member right down to the singing pastry chef to the bartender.

Tyrone, the hotel manager in particular was above and beyond. We met him on the flight over to the islands and he spent the whole time talking to us and answering all of our questions. He gave us restaurants and ideas for when we returned to Guayaquil afterwards. He was there on a moment's notice on board and even helped me try to recover my lost photos. He is a gem that should be noticed. Ernesto was a fantastic guide, friendly, funny, knowledgeable, and very safety orientated. Celso was also one of a kind, he made the trip very professional, yet light and fun.

There were so many memorable moments like snorkeling with the sea turtles, sitting on the black lava cliffs on Punta Suarez with the surf pounding below and 100's of waved albatross flying overhead. Climbing Cotopaxi volcano in a thunder snowstorm and sitting in a dugout canoe with troops of squirrel and capuchin monkeys crossing right overhead. I could list many more!

The staff, guides, and crew were ALL excellent (at Napo where we were treated like honored guests), in Quito and especially on the Islander. Also, the food was wonderful on the Islander, far superior to all other expedition cruises we've taken (the food was great in Quito and Napo as well).

Tourists are treated so well in Ecuador. I have never been to a country where I felt so welcome.

All flights were on time or early and no luggage was lost!

The trip was very nice and very well organized.

On one particular afternoon, during lunch, I spotted a school of dolphins following the boat; I shouted 'DOLPHINS' and everyone jumped to their feet and left the table. We shuffled up to the top of the boat and the staff encouraged us to lean over the railing where the dolphins were swimming alongside the boat. This was amazing and very exciting - I'm sure I'd seen this on National Geographic TV but never thought I would ever experience this up close - I think I even cried at the site.

One more moment that must be mentioned; a whale was found beached on another island. The guide explained the details and asked if we wanted to see it and also cautioned us as to what we might see. It was a very somber site to see this massive animal - silence for a few seconds, almost as a collective respect, as we moved closer to see the size of this beautiful creature. Hard to find the right words to describe that experience.

This trip surpassed my expectations; I didn't expect the Islander to be as beautiful as it is. This being my first 'adventure cruise', I was expecting the boat to be minimal in its accommodations. And one side note about our name tags which were extremely helpful. On the AeroGal flight to Beltran, we could easily see who was part of our group. I overheard another tour group commenting on our name tags and that their tour group was too cheap to provide them.

The kids will probably most fondly remember the friends they made on the ship while my wife and I will remember the natural beauty of the islands.

The ship's service was outstanding throughout the whole cruise; the naturalists were knowledgeable; there were activities available for everyone depending on their capabilities; the food was served elegantly, but every fish dish we had at dinner tasted the same....the food could have had more seasoning and flavor. We liked the small ship concept. It gave us a chance to meet almost everyone and make some nice shipboard friends. And yet there were enough people aboard to pick and choose among to find people who were interesting to us and shared common interests. I wouldn't hesitate to take another Lindblad expedition.

My group all commented on the excellent service. We had contact with the waiters in the dining room three times a day, and they went out of their way to be available for whatever our wants were. The 'Panga' drivers were also very helpful, courteous, and always close by while we were snorkeling which was very reassuring. Cindy Manning, the Expedition Leader, was outstanding! I don't know when she slept, she was always available and on the job.

This was a dream trip I've had for years when my 8 grandchildren were at the middle and high school age.. Many things interfered with doing this trip with them and their parents over the years, but some of my family never forgot the idea. Two daughters, and one college aged grand-daughter accompanied me on this trip....which turn out to be a perfect combination of interested companions. Sharing the wonders of Galapagos with people I love!

The most memorable part of the trip was meeting such interesting people aboard and the trips that my partner and I took in a private car. The staff were all wonderful; very hardworking and never without a smile. The maître d' and our maid were both favorites.

When we got to the airport, the arrangements had already been made for us by you, ExpeditionTrips. Thank you for salvaging what could have been a mess - several people from Posadas Amazonas were not able to get onto the Lima flight that day- and we would have missed our connection if you hadn't been on the 'qui vive'. We were particularly impressed with the 'Islander' staff and crew. Everyone was very polite and considerate and really knew their stuff.

I am an animal lover and have wanted to see the Galapagos for years. (I was unable to travel for many years because of my aged and infirm parents.)We really had a fabulous time and were very happy with all of the arrangements. The guides were terrific. All the transfers were simple and everyone took great care of us - It took all the angst out of traveling. Highlight of the trip was playing 'chicken' with sealions.

It might have been helpful to have all the paperwork a bit earlier - at each step of the way we were handed some additional written instructions and in some cases verbal instructions about what time or train station etc. which should have been written down.

I am a vegetarian and the accommodations were made for my special diet with little fuss and fanfare - but I was always well taken care of on the 'Islander'. (Box lunch day in the Sacred Valley was chicken - so I just ate the fruit. The return trip with Lan did not have vegetarian meals.) Actually the food everywhere was wonderful.

Lynn Fowler was always upbeat and helpful and managed to corral everyone and move people with a minimum of hassle and we really felt like we were maximizing every minute of the trip.

The hotel in Lima (Hotel del Bosque) had a nice lobby and the breakfast was good - the staff very helpful - but the rooms need updating - grungy carpet and the kitchen was a nice touch, but there were no plates, glasses, cutlery, etc - so it wasn't terribly useful.

Casa Andina -private collection in Cusco = common areas were lovely and the restaurant was excellent - but the rooms are a bit small and don't give an impression of cleaness.

Sol y Luna was gorgeous all around as was Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes = 5 star

Casa Andina in Lima was really grungy down to the grey bath towels that had once been white - but we were grateful to be there and not trapped in Cusco by the strike.

I just told a fella this morning waiting in line for coffee! As far as improvement, that would be hard to imagine. We received outstanding service from the staff, guides and crew on the ship.  Every day, it was "How may we help you Madame, Tessa?"  "Good morning Madame Tessa!" from the hotel staff.  Expedition staff was more "Okay, let's get out there and have some real fun!"  They were always making sure people got off the ship and saw what there is to see (minus that one day we missed the bird eating seal episode).

The Expedition Leader was the best leader I have ever met. He is full of life, always ready with a smile and his knowledge of the Polar Regions is incredible. The best part was crossing the Antarctic Circle. And the close encounter with the humpback whales!!

The wait staff, bartender and cabin crew were all extremely friendly and polite and always in clean uniforms. They were hard working with a great sense of humor. This attitude and approach to customer service is hard to maintain over time and the general policy of 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off (or at least breaks from long times on board) shows up in "excellent service".

The ship was very well prepared. The first briefing was short but that was appreciated after some long travel hours. The welcome cocktail party was great. The night passage through the Gatun Locks is magic--this is a solid marketing point.

Zodiac instructions were good. There was a strong focus on safety in all operations. The stern platform works very well in these ocean conditions; The drivers were well trained and were as excited as the pax to spot wildlife. The open bridge policy worked well, as usual. The Captain and all the officers were most friendly and helpful and interested in speaking with the pax. It would have been nice to have had more information on the ship (i.e. water system, solid waste disposal, wastewater disposal, propulsion, history, etc.). Perhaps some tips on what to do in rough weather could be added--but this is certainly not UK weather or the Bay of Biscay.

Our 10 year-old daughter had a wonderful time and was treated like a princess. The Expedition Leader checked every morning for a special menu for lunch and dinner, and the bartender made her special frozen fruit drinks. The expedition staff went out of their way to do little things for her and tell her about their families back home. By day 2 the entire crew and the pax knew Claire. At disembarkation she came on the PA system and wished everyone a safe trip home and told them she would miss them "very much". This was quite an education and now we will see what imprints.

The Erics staff, guides and crew were excellent. The captain, Pablo, and his crew of 9, must see these sights day after day - but they still got excited for us, and with us, when we saw wildlife or something memorable happened. Christine spent her 65th birthday on the Eric and, as we carved a path through the warm waters, a group of Dolphins chose to ride the bow wave. All 20 of us were up on the bow and we thought it was a great present for my wife so we sang 'Happy Birthday' to her as we hung over the sides watching the show.

1. We saw a BBC video about the Galapagos early last year and that piqued our interest. I received a brochure in the mail from National Geographic about their various tours and saw they had one to the Galapagos. That got me going. I did some further searching on the net and found you - and decided I could use some help picking a vessel as I have sleep apnea and wanted to get the right tour vessel. You recommended Eric/Letty/Flamingo and I was never sure which boat we were going to be on. I assumed one would take us and the other two would be someplace else or unused. We found out, when we got there that all three travel together and I believe they assigned us at the last minute and did so according to language and age. We were all middle aged and up on the Eric - and all of us had English as a primary language - 4 US, 2 Canadian and 14 from the UK. I had booked Dolphin Two on the ship - the one with the double bed - but we ended up in Dolphin Three with twin beds. Don''t know how that happened but it was OK - the cabins are smaller than they appear on the website and we each enjoyed having our own bed. Most memorable was the great opportunity to view the wildlife up close - and I got some great photos. Christine and I are bird watchers and conservationists - I hunt and fish a great deal and was formerly on the national board of Ducks Unlimited.

2. Trip was just as I imagined it. The food was just terrific. I have been on a couple of other cruises with acres of desserts etc. and this food was perfect for our constant swimming, exercising and walking in hot weather. Mostly buffet style meals with a plethora of delicious salads. I didn't know they could make that many different salads. Plenty of chicken, fish, fresh vegetables and fruits. I never left the table groaning like after a holiday feast. Light desserts or fruit after a meal.

3. The guides, Adriano and Lolly, spoke passable English and were passionate about their topics and very knowledgeable. They helped to reinforce the stringent rules the Ecuadorean government has put in place to preserve the islands and did so in a friendly manner. (No food to go ashore, no touching any wildlife, no bathroom breaks on any island etc.) We were usually in two groups of 10 with a guide for each group - and sometimes in a loose group of 20 in an open area. On one day I spent some time relaxing in a panga as Christine and other guests did some deep water snorkeling around us. A young sea lion began swimming all around the snorkelers and then came up to the panga and kept playing at the sides and looking up and trying to see over into the panga. Eventually he stuck his head through the swim ladder and rolled over on his back and lay there in the clear water. I brushed his belly with the tips of my fingers and got a friendly rejoinder from our guide about not touching the wildlife - it was so tempting I just forgot. On another occasion a Galapagos Flycatcher on the ground saw his reflection in my lens, as I focused on him, and he flew right up to my camera twice. The second time I crooked my finger out in front of my lens and he landed and admired himself in my lens for a minute. The guides held a nightly briefing session before dinner each night to outline the next days activities. I have hunted, fished and been wildllife watching in the western US, western Canada, the Maritimes, South America, Central America and Africa and this trip helped me add many species of wildlife to my 'life list'.

4. For people going to these vessels: (1) I took a couple of colorful, cowboy style bandanas in addition to a Bahamas style bonefishing hat with a neck cape (excellent). The bandanas were very useful on island treks as we were there in a hot and muggy time and I could mop my face and head and also wipe any sun screen away from my eyes. When not used for that purpose they tied around my neck. Also I could wipe off my camera and lens if they got smudged with insect repellent or sun screen or perspiration. (2) Pack light!! I know they tell you to do so - but do it. We could rinse out T shirts and shorts in the shower and dry them on the sun deck. There was laundry service one day as well. There is not much room to store suitcases in the cabin so take a soft sided bag if you can - it can be folded up and tucked in a corner or an overhead shelf. (3) I''m an old destroyer sailor so I had no trouble with the gentle swells - but some people did and having appropriate meds can help until you get acclimated. The swells were really gentle and rocked me to sleep. (4) Quito is at 9,200 feet and can give you shortness of breath and headaches until you acclimate - the key is to drink plenty of water. (5) The Quito Marriott was one of the best I have ever stayed in. Very friendly staff.

I especially liked the fact that the ExpeditionTrips’ staff had all been on an Antarctic expedition and could speak from personal experience about what to expect.

The trip was awesome! The staff, guides and crew went out of their way to please the passengers. The hotel manager went out of his way to make sure that passengers’ questions and needs were addressed even when the request was outside of his area of expertise, making sure that the passenger was connected to the proper staff. The expedition leader and captain used their vast experience to provide exciting landing sites in spite of wind and pack ice. We did not expect the option to take 3-6 km hikes in the Falklands and South Georgia, but they were an unexpected extra that we enjoyed. The refurbishing of the Ocean Nova was excellent. Our cabin had more room and storage than I ever expected. The panorama lounge and aft saloon were spacious and generous with the viewing windows. The food was great and the staff was experienced and aimed to please.

There were numerous highlights of the trip, but the most memorable part of the expedition was the hour and a half that I sat on the rocks at Godthul South Georgia and was surrounded by multiple curious Gentoo penguins that checked me out by pecking at my day-pack, boots, arm, and fingers. It was an awesome encounter!!! The rockhopper penguins, the King penguins, walking on water (i.e. the pack ice) and visiting Shackleton's gravesite were also highlights.

The service onboard was beyond exceptional. The expedition guides had such a depth of knowledge. Just one example of many great experiences is that the geologist, who did some seminal work on Antarctic geology in the past, seemed excited to share his knowledge with us, loved to answer questions and showed how they figured out that there had been a volcanic explosion under an icecap with rocks found in Antarctica. In fact, that is the characteristic that impressed me the most: how enthusiastic all expedition members were about sharing their love of the Polar Regions. As our expedition leader said, "you're only old when you've lost your marvels."

All aspects of the trip were handled with a monk's attention to detail and the timeliness of German trains. The food never disappointed and the boat staff was of the highest caliber. The naturalists were phenomenal and always there for you.

My wife enjoyed the deep water snorkeling the best - I loved all aspects the trip.

You excelled at tracking down answers to every question and making us feel that nothing within reasonable control would go wrong. We had long entertained the idea of going to Antarctica, but when Mike started adding continents to his passport, he realized he had just two to go: South America and Antarctica. This trip completed his quest. Based on our internet research, we were confident in our selection of a Quark expedition and we weren't disappointed. The trip was great all around -- the scenery, the accommodations, the staff, the arrangements and our fellow travelers. I can't say that we would change a thing about the trip as provided.

Every single person on the crew, catering, and expedition staff was wonderful. That having been said, some were even more wonderful than that. Victoria, our assistant expedition leader, kept us all in line (in a good way); inspired our confidence that not only would we have a great time but do so safely; and performed her job tirelessly and with a smile for everyone all of the time. Tim, Andrew, Fiona, and Phil all were friendly and made the trip extra fun. Alex the bartender was a good sport and excellent host. The crew was also much friendlier than I had anticipated. Although there were some natural communication barriers, we were always greeted with a smile and hello or something similar when we passed in the hallways, boarded the zodiacs or peeked onto the bridge.

Nigel was patient and encouraging in his quest to educate us. He made a comment to us all just as we started our journey back across the Drake Passage that really made sense to me and which changed my return journey plan for the better. He said something like this: 'As we begin our two-day crossing back to Ushuaia, most of you are thinking that your Antarctica trip is over. But if you really think about it, you still have about one-quarter of your journey left. Are you going to make the most of it by getting out on deck and observing the amazing sea life flying overhead and diving beside the ship, or are you going to leave a fair share of your vacation expense sitting on the table -- so to speak -- by sitting in your cabin?' His words really meant a lot at a time when all of our minds were focused on whether the crossing back would be as rough as the crossing over.

There were so many memorable parts that it is difficult to select one. The Drake Passage crossing certainly is something I would like to forget! Another was having a ball sliding down a couple of hills on our butts. A few more were the swim at Deception Island, the thrill of the first landing and the perfect weather on our last day that allowed us to take some of the best photos of our lives.

From my perspective, the interaction between staff, guides and crew were seamless with a result that we participants were the full beneficiaries. Woody and his team contributed so much to the totality it's impossible to discriminate one aspect from another.

I wish I could offer a suggestion for improvement but not this time. While I am a professional critic with over 50 years of international living/working, I'm at a loss this time and that's very good. The voyage was the objective of a lifetime from the earliest exposure to polar expeditions and this was an opportunity to share quality time with one of my daughters. It's impossible to single out the most memorable part - all of it was fantastic! To isolate one dimension would be a disservice to all others.

The fact that you took care of the details and provided all of the information in the trip documents is where you really excel. Everyone, and I mean everyone, went above and beyond their expected duties. I was so impressed! Our expedition staff offered us the opportunity to expand our knowledge about Antarctica through their expertise. I feel very fortunate to have been part of this group.

Visiting Antarctica had always been a goal of mine. The entire expedition was truly memorable...the sheer beauty, the majestic wildlife, the pristine wildness of the continent. Words cannot describe setting foot on the continent and seeing 1,000's of penguins, several species of birds, elephant and weddell seals and icebergs off in the distance. I have no expectations when I travel, therefore, I will never be disappointed! This has always been my philosophy.

The most memorable part of the trip was when the National Geographic Endeavour "parked" itself on the fast ice well south of the Antarctic Circle and we were able to walk off of the boat and on to the ice on a most incredible day!  Everybody I encountered that day was in awe of the spectacular scenery and had smiles of delight that whole day, and most every day. This trip went well beyond my wildest expectations.  It was beyond description!  The earth's last true, vast, pristine wilderness is incredible.

The trip exceeded my expectations in every way: the itinerary, the commitment of the crew to do everything possible to ensure every possible listed activity/site would be achieved, outstanding communication regarding happenings/activities, accommodations and food. My fellow passengers were congenial, flexible and interesting. Spending 20 days with congenial and interesting people from around the world was a great experience in itself.

The expedition staff, galley crew and all others gave 120% every day. There were so many times I saw them go far beyond what should have been expected to meet a passenger request, give extra assistance in loading the zodiacs, research a source to provide an answer to a passenger question, etc. During the entire expedition, I did not see one crew member do anything except act in a very positive manner, and always with a smile. The shipping company definitely gets an A+ for the crew they put together for this expedition. One example of this is on Christmas Eve (and for most of Christmas Day) we were told to stay in our cabins and not to be up and moving about due to strong winds and very rough waters. No doubt, like many of the passengers, crew members must have also been suffering from seasickness. I don't know how they did it, but they still managed to make sandwiches for breakfast and again at lunch, and deliver them along with a drink to all passengers. Despite the rough waters continuing until around 4 PM, a great holiday dinner (along with birthday cakes for 2 of us celebrating birthdays) and an evening of holiday celebration was put together for the passengers. This level of commitment was reflective of what I observed throughout the entire trip.

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was sharing the experience of visiting Point Wild on Elephant Island with a son of one of Shackleton's 22 men left on this island, who were eventually rescued. It was so emotional and moving when this fellow passenger shared his relationship with Shackleton, and made a presentation with photos.  As we made our landing on Elephant Island, I tried to imagine what emotions this gentleman must be feeling: a moment I will never forget. Later, as he spoke to the group and tried to put into words what the landing meant to him, along with other moving comments, he stated "I have been waiting for this all my life". There were not many dry eyes in the group.  

They were informed, professional, and went out of their way to find out the answer, were courteous, intelligent and human all at the same time. They never expressed an opinion, just gave facts.  It was an absolutely wonderful experience.

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.

The weather was terrific and we went out in the zodiacs seven times in South Georgia landing at Salisbury Plain, Stromness, Grytviken, St. Andrew's Bay, Gold Harbor (a 3:30 AM wake-up call) and zodiac cruising through Esenhul and Cumberland Bay. The sun shone daily in South Georgia.

I was inspired to take this trip by my partner's exuberance with Shackleton's voyage in an open boat from Elephant Island to South Georgia. From the time we started dating, nearly four years ago, he said going to Antarctica and South Georgia was a dream for him. I started looking into what this would be about and discovered a whole continent and area I had paid little attention to in the past. This led us to research trips with the help of Joy who was very helpful and patient.

The NH Florida Hotel in Buenos Aires was ok, except for people going through garbage in the street outside of the hotel every night. Later, at the Claridge, they had a Tango Show (free) in their bar.

The most memorable part was the wildlife on South Georgia, although so many things were absolutely marvelous. It really isn't fair to put it down to one moment. For Neil it was Stromness and Grytviken culminating with Shackleton's grave.

The fellow passengers came from all over the world and most were very well traveled. The crew seemed to know how to get us to do what they wanted to remain safe without bossing us around. We came to know some very fine people.

When the helicopters were grounded due to weather at Snow Hill, they arranged for some ice walks. The guides were always thinking of what to do and how to please us.

They were especially good to me when I took a really bad fall on the ship on our last day at sea. They were right there, and the doctor was great. After they got me back to my cabin, he checked on me every half hour and even brought me soup and bread for lunch.

I'd been to Antarctica before, but I really wanted to see the Emperor penguins and we saw lots of them! This was my most memorable part of this expedition. Seeing the chicks playing, nestling and feeding with their parents. They were so friendly and came right up to us. They even posed for photos! Snow Hill was the most beautiful place - like being on another planet.

The trip exceeded my expectations and I'm not sure it can be improved upon.

Nigel was the best because I am not a bird enthusiast but he was just so excited to talk about birds! The vast untouched wilderness inspired me to take this trip and the most memorable place was Neko Harbour.

One of our guides is like this Antarctica superhero that was always happy to share his knowledge and experience and I learned so much from him. All of the presentations were so well prepared and we thoroughly enjoyed them. Oh, the doctor was pretty fantastic to. What a hard job - you're always on call!  I absolutely loved hearing the captain’s voice on the intercom every morning, what a riot!  The captain was so kind; I'll miss his morning wake up calls. And our expedition leader is yet another superhero and we were so lucky to have him on the trip. As you can tell, I could go on and on. Everyone on the ship was just fantastic.

This trip was all we imagined, with fantastic accommodations, GUIDES, sites and just so much more!

We were free to make our own travel arrangements, etc., and Shelley was always available with suggestions or help if we needed it. I gave her some time frames and an approximate budget and she came up with a trip that fit both.

The crew/guides/service on Galapagos Explorer II were all exceptional. They really took care of you, explained what would happen the next day and how to be prepared for each day's activities. After the activities it was nice to come back to our clean, spacious cabin, take a hot shower and enjoy a delicious meal. On the first night I was really sick, and the Dr. gave me a shot, some medicine and also came to my cabin later to check on me. The head of dining service even brought chicken broth to my cabin that night. The next day I was ready for adventure! I would say they all did a good job.

Another plus was that we met some really interesting fellow passengers and our 16 year old daughter made friends with other teens. I think that a location like the Galapagos attracts people from all over the world who have seen many places and have lots of travel experience.

We have traveled extensively but the Galapagos was one part of the world we have not yet seen and it has been on our must-do list for a long time. Swimming with sea lions was the most memorable part. The actual landscape was less attractive than we had anticipated since there are so many animals there. However, we understand that this is exactly what has attracted these unique life forms. The trip was everything we expected.

The hotels were incredible; I have never been in hotels with this much character! I thought the guides went above and beyond, especially the guide in Lima. It was Independence Day in Lima and all of the tourist sites were closed. However, by talking to the policeman, she was able to get us in to get a view of the main square which was only filled with soldiers in dress uniform and members of their Congress. The guide in Cusco was very friendly and very knowledgeable. I couldn't have been more pleased!

Our Program Manager at ExpeditionTrips did a great job. I gave her our window of opportunity for Peru and she continued to work on it until she was able to get me into the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. We met people who had waited two years to get into that hotel, so we felt lucky.

The only improvement, which is not your fault, was the white water rafting could have been more intense. Since you stated that it would be level II and III rapids, it did meet that. I just thought there would be more of them. There were only two III rapids. Since I have significant experience on rapids, this could have been better.

Our trip exceeded our expectations. We didn't expect it to equal our trip to Antarctica, but it did.

His enthusiasm never wavered. The group we were with got along great, which also helped make the trip more enjoyable.

We always enjoy visiting Alaska, so we were already anticipating having a good time. In addition to seeing several new places, we got to experience things we had done before (the train from Denali, Anchorage, Alyeska Resort) in a new light. There was no aspect of the trip that disappointed. It was tiring, in a way, to have to pack up and leave so soon after arriving in Talkeetna and Fox Island, but that was just part of the trip and we knew that would be the situation.

This trip offered both a stay at Kantishna Roadhouse in Denali and a stay at Brooks Falls, both places we had wanted to visit but had not previously. The close-encounters with bears at Brooks were also a highlight.

Our naturalist guides in the Galapagos were exceptional. Most memorable was so much immersion in wildlife every day, all day! Swimming with sea lions was awesome.

I wouldn't change a thing. The crew and naturalists did a great job of keeping things organized and giving us some nice options to choose from. It seemed like we were seldom idle, but we didn't really feel rushed either. Nice balance!

We had been talking about going to Alaska for several years now. We knew we didn't want to be on large ship where we would just watch the scenery pass by. We wanted to be able to experience it up close; take in the smells and sense of it. So, after finding out more about the small boat cruises, we knew we were on the right track.

It's hard to say what our most memorable part of the expedition was as there were many memorable parts...watching Humpback whales before breakfast, watching mountain goats hike up almost impossibly steep slopes, kayaking around beautiful icebergs, watching my husband slide his kayak along the shore very close to a bald eagle sitting near the water, hiking in the forest on trails made by brown bears, having a curious mink come over and check us out when we were kayaking, watching some incredible sunsets....

We booked this trip over 6 months in advance and prepared for it with high expectations. We were wondering if we possibly were expecting too much. We weren't; if anything, the trip exceeded our expectations. In the end, we knew we had booked the right trip for us.

My friend and I were going on a 12 day birding tour of Ecuador and thought that since we were so close to the Galapagos we should add it on to our trip.

Once again, the service was much more than expected and they could not have given us more service. They all went way beyond any requirements to take care of us and make our visit the best. Any problems that passengers had they all were happy to take care of for us. Even when there was a problem with electricity one afternoon, they were able to get the food cooked and out on the tables before it went out again. It was off another couple of hours and the crew immediately got us lights for the table to finish eating, got out guitars and played and sang for us it was great. Most of us went up on top after dinner and enjoyed the night air until they were able to fix the problem.

We had a passenger that had had double knee surgery and it was very difficult for her to get in and out of the pangas and walking and they made sure she was on every hike and beach she wanted to go on.

The staff, guides and crew seemed to be as excited about the trip as we were. The guides were so good we learned so much each day about the geology, flora and fauna, and of course the animals of each island and the waters around. Also about the people who live in the Galapagos.

 The group of people on the tour was wonderful. We quickly became one large family and everyone was ready to have a good time. Our guide could not have been better. He was so well prepared in every way....about all aspects of the Arctic and photography.

One does not go to Churchill to stay at a four star hotel. Ours was clean, roomy and warm enough. One couldn't ask for more. All of the people involved on our trip were knowledgeable and most helpful. Having been there before, I was still impressed with the quality of this trip.

There were no surprises. I do somewhat question the value of the train ride to Churchill, but it did give us a chance to get acquainted in a relaxed setting, and our guide's talks about the area were informative.

You might want to emphasize that this is a good trip for someone who can no longer run marathons. My sister and I were able to shove our poor mother up the rickety ladder into the observation dome and help her get down. Of course it helps that she is a trooper, but still... Eric and the others on the tour were very kind and helpful to her and another older woman who had some mobility impairments.

Everyone we encountered was wonderful. I enjoyed the small group and the way we bonded quickly into a team. Eric was a great guide, and the folks in Churchill couldn't have been nicer. Service on the train was excellent as well.

I had seen the lights in Idaho many years ago and thought they were fascinating. I was in Alaska last summer and decided to head back north in the winter and see them.

The trip was just fabulous. I still can't decide about the train trip however. It was fun hanging out with the gang, but I think I might have preferred to fly to Churchill and spend more time there. The scenery from the train was nice but wasn't all that exciting, but then I've been to Russia in the winter, I was born in Iowa, and I've spent a lot of time in Minnesota, so maybe there was nothing new for me to see.

One guide in particular had a pleasant and friendly approach and he was always helpful to me when asked to identify different bird species. When our ship's electrical motor broke down for an evening, the crew turned the mishap into a romantic event.  They brought out little lights for each of our dinner tables and they brought out guitars and serenaded us.  It was a true adventure.  It couldn't have been more fun if it had been planned.

Everyone exceeded our expectations in all cases. One of our fellow passengers was lactose intolerant, and she was given special meals when needed.  The crew was very willing to please. The guides were well informed, knowledgeable and very personable.  They freely shared information and their experiences.  The captain and the crew were very friendly and helpful.  We liked having the two guides; they provided different perspectives on the islands and the animals.  The smaller groups onshore, 10 of us in each group, were more personalized. The most memorable part?  We just can't pin it down to one thing, the animals, the guides, our fellow passengers, the whole experience.  Some of our group was from England, Scotland, Australia and Canada as well as the US.  We had a great time just talking to them.

The guides we had (Jared and Scott) were the best one can imagine. They were courteous, knowledgeable, very well organized and caring. There was almost no question they didn't have a good answer to. They even successfully squeezed in a 'Bear Lift' and an 'Aurora Borealis' sighting into our timetable that was quite full already.

As for organization, everything went according to the timetable. No one got lost, all luggage arrived everywhere safely, there was plenty of food and drink all of the time; I really can't remember any occasion to complain about.

The trip to Churchill was awesome and using the services of Natural Habitat is a fantastic decision. Natural Habitat really knows their job. Everything from the choice of hotels through the excellent guides we had and the organization were nothing less than perfect. I definitely feel that I got much more than I paid for (and I paid quite a nice sum...). The trip was better than what I had expected. It would have been nice to have had some more time in the Tundra. We spent two whole days out and the animals did not come when asked to, so some sights could have been missed....

But really, the trip is awesome and Natural Habitat is a GREAT company with excellent guides and outstanding organization capabilities.

Shaun was the tour leader and he was outstanding and very helpful. Akos and Jamie were also outstanding, wonderful photographers.

I was inspired to take this trip from pictures in a travel magazine. The most memorable part of the expedition was the roughness of the Drake Passage, followed by the incredibly beautiful sunset we saw while cruising around in the zodiacs one evening.

I have always been fascinated by Antarctica and the most memorable part for me was the scenery and the wildlife. The trip exceeded all of my expectations.

The expedition staff onboard the Orlova deserve congratulations in every respect and without exception, from the leader of the expedition team to the room staff. They worked hard all of the time and they were there for your service any time.

Everything was so well organized, ran smoothly and seemed easy - like a ballet performance when you never see how much endeavor is really needed. Everything deserves to be mentioned. We were really lucky to have had several beautiful sunsets: at Cierva Cove at Pleneau Bay, at Lameire Channel and at Melchior Island. At sunset, Antarctica transforms from "The Great White Continent" into "The Great Red-Rose-Orange-Gold Continent".

You do not need to improve anything. Keep the level you have reached - this is often more difficult than making improvements. Of course, I wish the voyage along the Peninsula was a few days longer.

Many people on the trip were jealous of our cute, ExpeditionTrip hats!!

The staff, guides and crew went WAY above and beyond our expectations. They were fabulous and nice people to begin with but, as I mentioned, we got married and they did so many special things that were amazing. I can't speak highly enough of them! They made the trip!

My partner, Jason, and I were taking a journey around the world. Antarctica was our last of the seven continents to visit. We also thought it would be a wacky adventure to get married on our final continent ('End of one journey...Beginning of another'). We got married on the continent!

If something blocked a planned landing, they found another. They took a zodiac transfer from land to the ship and made it into an adventure in photographing a leopard seal that was playing around the pontoons. And, they were able to get ALL of the zodiacs in the water on two occasions so that the entire group could do the channels at water level.

The team was, to me, a group of people who kept time, weather and safety in mind and THEN did everything they could to make this the best experience it could be. I have always wanted to go to Antarctica and the most memorable part was the Zodiac cruise down the LeMaire Channel. Antarctica completely met my expectations - the only improvement I could see was using time to go a little further south or getting to see the Emperors.

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!

The expedition staff and crew were excellent - very professional, but also very friendly. Their knowledge of the area and its history and wildlife was amazing, and they made every effort to maximize our time there.

I like traveling to different places and doing different things, and had wanted to go to Antarctica for a long time. It's hard to say what was most memorable because every day was different and excellent - penguins, seals, whales, icebergs, exploring on land and by zodiac..... it was all fantastic. Even experiencing seven meter swells and a force eight gale crossing the Drake Passage was an experience I will treasure!!

Antarctica was, for us, the 'last continent.' We've traveled extensively and the Antarctic was literally the 'ends of the earth' for us. We enjoyed every moment of the five days we were actually there, and it was everything we thought it would be; 'awesome' in every sense of the word.

The staff was wonderful, and when I was seasick Thelma, our room attendant, continued to check on me during the day to bring me ginger-ale and crackers. I thought that was above the call of duty.

The trip to Antarctica was something I have always wanted to do. I love adventures and had a friend who wanted to do the trip also. The trip was better than fabulous, other than my seasickness which I had no control over, and Dr. Linda was great. I really can't think of anything to improve, other than having a list of everyone's emails so we could correspond.

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.

For example, every time we left our cabin the bed was made and the towels were arranged into unusual animal shapes. I had deliberately booked a top-of-the-range cruise for our honeymoon, but was still pleasantly surprised with the level of professional service we received. Various television and printed documentaries first got me interested in visiting the Galapagos. The most memorable part of the trip was the inquisitive wildlife. We were snorkeling one day with sea-lions, penguins, turtles and flightless cormorants all simultaneously.

The crew took very good care of some of the passengers when they were ill, and also did everything in their power to make landings possible every day. I was impressed with the ship, the food, the staff, and the fun people that I met. A wonderful adventure!

I had always wanted to go to Antarctica and visit all seven continents. The most memorable part was the exquisite beauty of the continent, and the trip met and exceeded my expectations. Calmer waters on the Drake Passage (ho, ho!) would be the only thing that could have been better. The trip was one of the best of my life. Many times I had 'thank God' moments with the majesty of the colors and sights. I feel that if Antarctica had an indigenous people, they would have over 40 words for the hues of blue that we saw, like the Inuit people have so many different words for snow.

I think the most exciting thing was watching my 13 year old son do the polar plunge. The trip met all my expectations and beyond! We had a wonderful expedition team and ship. My son is very allergic to all soy and the ship's hotel coordinator was wonderful. She checked with the kitchen and showed me the can of oil they use. I would have liked more information on cameras. Although we took lots of batteries, I had to keep warming them up and did not know the cold would zap them so much.

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.

The Expedition Staff was phenomenal. The caliber of all of the lecturers/guides was extraordinarily high - both 'on paper' and in their personalities and willing to share with the passengers. It would be hard to pick specific examples.

The Russian crew and catering staff were also wonderful. Despite any language barriers they were invariably friendly and helpful. The seamen, in particular, were very patient - some of the passengers were only marginally able to meet the physical demands of the Zodiacs and the crew virtually lifted them in and out of the boats. And never an exasperated word or look.

Gador Viajes in Buenos Aires provided exemplary service - every transfer was on time, courteous, clean cars. The private tour was wonderful - both the driver and guide went out of their way to provide us with the tour we wanted. Please pass on to them how pleased we were with all their arrangements. Both the NH Hotel Florida and Hotel Reconquista Gardens were great - again the staff were very helpful.

We have wanted to go to the Antarctic ever since we took a trip through the Canadian Arctic and on to Greenland many years ago on a similar Expedition Style ship (Marine Expeditions which is now defunct!)

The fact that the trip was affiliated with National Geographic appealed to me as I knew they knew what they were doing and talking about.  Since I was young, I have always wanted to go to Antarctica, and after surviving breast cancer in 1999, I have started doing things and going places I always wanted to go. The most memorable part was setting foot on the continent for the first time at Brown's Bluff.

Next travel... I will definitely contact you before next. I love expedition travel!

The Galapagos trip exceeded expectations. The ship was actually a little more 'luxurious' than I had envisioned and, of course, the main reason for choosing this tripthe naturalistswere wonderful. They made the trip complete. I felt the pace of the trip was easy, the various choices and opportunities in activities were great, and the number of voyagers was good.

This was my dream trip. I have attended every seminar, etc. at the Smithsonian & National Geographic here in DC and so when I turned 40 this year, I decided now or never. Most memorable...kayaking. Espanola Island was my favorite with all the sea lion pups and the courtship of the blue footed boobies, albatross, etc. We also watched a young hawk standing guard over the nests of two blue footed boobies. It was an interesting test of wills with a 'happy' outcome for the boobies. Because the schedule was so open ended, we were able to observe this for about a half hour or more until the hawk moved on.

I especially appreciated how open ended the itinerary was. If the naturalist/guide noticed something that he/she thought would be of interest, we would break away from the planned itinerary and move on to investigate. I was able to see some pretty interesting things that way. I am very sorry that I was not on the Zodiac that saw the Orca although we were notified on ship where to look and saw it all from afar. I also got to see a sea lion trying to eat his tuna with a huge flock of boobies, etc. fighting him for it. It was very interesting.

This shipping company is more casual and more focused on nature, conservation, and education, and the staff is wonderful.

When doing my trip research, I contacted ExpeditionTrips.com and spoke to a Program Manager. I said I was interested in going to the Galapagos, but needed some help deciding which cruise line I should use, since I saw several cruise lines listed. I described what I like in a cruise (knowing perfectly well that I was stacking the deck in the shipping company's favorsince I had traveled with them previouslybut wanting to see what she said). As I expected, she suggested the Polaris.

There were so many highlights: The level of activity, the incredible wildlife that you could get up close and personal with, the incredible scenery, the great naturalists, all the new friends I made... I could go on and on.

It was more physically active than my previous Vancouver trip. I found I really enjoyed that. But it wasn't too strenuous for the most partI just skipped a few things I didn't want to tackle. I felt a little rushed on a couple of the walks, where I would have liked to slow down a little and take some more pictures, but not everyone is into that, so you have to strike a balance. I still managed to take an extraordinary number!

When there were cocktail hours, there is a reason for them: the daily recap. Now that makes sense. I could be there and not drink and not chat unless I felt like it (although with all we did, there was plenty to chat about!) and still feel comfortable. There were things to listen to, so I didn't feel obligated to talk unless I wanted to. And I didn't have to dress up for ANYTHING!

I had heard good things about the shipping company and the Orlova, but this was better than I imagined possible.

The ship was great, the staff was amazing, the food was delicious, the fellow passengers were wonderful, and the excursions were memorable. When I got off of the boat I couldn't think of a single complaint! As a young person it was not easy to afford this trip. But I never once thought about the price during the cruise... I got even more than my money's worth out of this trip! It was worth every penny.

The guides were truly experts in their field. They brought so much enthusiasm to every lecture and every landing. Our expedition leader was energetic and well organized. She was flexible and always kept our interests in mind. The staff was very personable and they would hang out with us in the bar late into the evenings. They were so much fun to be around and I have a tremendous amount of respect for them.

I was inspired to take this trip due to a burning desire to see the continent. I'd already seen every other corner of the globe and Antarctica has always been an intriguing place for me. The most memorable part of the expedition was admiring the continent at sunrise alone on the top deck one morning. It was so peaceful. I couldn't imagine how anything in the world could be more beautiful.

The service was outstanding: From the cabin cleaning people, to the dinner service, to the staff who taught us all kinds of things about Antarctica and helped us get to land as many times as possible--it was awesome!!

I had heard great things about Antarctica and I have a goal of getting to all seven continents! The most memorable part of the trip was the BBQ we had on the deck of the ship Christmas Eve. It was sunny and we were surrounded by the most amazing scenery (mountains, icebergs, water) I have ever seen!! It was beautiful!

An example is that when the geologist was too sea sick to present, our expedition leader stepped in and presented on his expedition to the North Pole, which was one of the best presentations of the trip for me. This trip far exceeded my highest possible expectations. The expedition staff were incredible, the boat was superb and very comfortable, the food was delicious, the weather was perfect, the number and quality of the landings was beyond what I could have imagined and the whole thing was very efficiently organized!

I had three free weeks in December in South America and where else could be more amazing than Antarctica? The whole thing was incredible, but I think my landing at Brown Bluff where I not only got to set foot on the continent of Antarctica, but also got to walk on my very first glacier was the most memorable.

The only thing I would change was the very first day when we went on a tour of the national park. I would have rather spent the day on my own.

The ship's course was altered from time to time to provide the best viewing of ice, landfalls, whales, seals and more. The service crew was courteous, pleasant, efficient and unobtrusive. A nice extra was that one of the naturalists was also a professional photographer who shared some helpful tips on photographing natural scenes. We were inspired by readings on Shackelton's and Scott's explorations, and the trip surpassed our expectations.

My husband and I were having some trouble on a few of the hikes--steepness and unevenness of terrain. The staff immediately picked up on this and tactfully offered other options like taking a panga cruise along the coast and shorter, less challenging walks. I cannot praise their attention to and concern for the passengers too highly. The cabins were comfortable, meals were abundant and on-board activities appropriately low-key.

My interest in Darwin, evolution, and seeing at least a shadow of primeval nature inspired me to take this trip. Most memorable: the opportunity to see the animals, plants and terrain so close and at some leisure. The creatures are remarkable in their ability to live with each other and with the tourists.

This trip met our expectations and beyond. We felt like we were seeing things that other people had never seen because of the intimacy of the groups and the opportunity to get so close to the animals. One drawback: guides were knowledgeable, but not always fluent in English so they were not always able to communicate their knowledge. The on-board lectures also suffered because of this.

Traveling to Antarctica helped us towards completion of our goal of visiting all the continents and appealed to our sense of adventure. We consider it the best value for the money of any trip we have taken. And, our experience with ExpeditionTrips was positive!

The staff, crew, and guides provided a very high level of service, from the cheerful wake-up call every morning, to the informative lectures, and above all, the general level of enthusiasm and expertise of the guides.

We were unusually lucky with the weather we had; weather in Antarctica is highly variable and our experience was probably not typical. So, take warning about weather variability. The crew and guides will do everything in their power to provide the best quality experience of Antarctica possible, but they can't control the weather.

I appreciated their care when I was seasick and the cleanliness of the facilities.

Their attention to detail in ensuring that the guests had a memorable experience was highly commendable.

The guides on my land portion extensions on the Chiva Express and the Otavalo tour were extremely knowledgeable, cordial and helped to enhance my experience. I have always had an interest in visiting the Galapagos Islandsone of many on my extensive travel wish list. There were too many memorable events to cite only one!

Being a chilly, crusty Englishman, I am not given to effusive hyperbole, but I have not got the words to express how fantastic it was. Irritating though this may be, I have nothing to offer in the way of constructive criticism. Absolutely seamless.

The crew was exceptional. They perfectly trod the line between informality and effortless professionalism. Laurie needs no praise - he is a walking legend. I thought Rob Knight deserves singling out for particular praise - unassumingly diligent, friendly, and exceptionally good at his job, and top bloke to boot. I could not think of a better bunch of people with whom to work and I fully intend to worm my way in over the next couple of years!

It had been a childhood dream to go to Antarctica. In England you are brought to believe in the Scott Mythology and this fueled my desire from an early age. I took the plunge, got a loan from the bank and went for it.

The staff onboard was great! They did everything possible to get the best out of everything. Our days were action packed; the lecturers were very informative and they were always in the mood for chat. Their experience and enthusiasm was truly amazing.

I have always wanted to see and experience Antarctica as well as the other remote places of the earth. I found you on the internet and your very informative website and the fact that I could go on an expedition not a cruise was exactly want I wanted. That was the best part of it being on an expedition.

The captain and crew are astonishingly brilliant, naturalists are extremely knowledgeable and Antarctica brings it all together for an unforgettable experience. If I decide to go into the freezer again, I will strongly consider a repeat visit on the National Geographic Endeavor. I'd love a trip to the pole, maybe even an extension to the Ross Sea, but I have not one complaint and only praises for the entire trip.

I wanted to visit Antarctica before it becomes too touristy with a line of cruise-ships. I chose this trip for the National Geographic name...the fact that they would be extremely knowledgeable, that it was an expedition cruise and no set itinerary, that there was an underwater camera, free kayaks, and a National Geographic photographer on board... I also chose this as opposed to others because of the amount of time actually exploring Antarctica... I was not disappointed.

Ian Bullock is amazing. He has such a broad scope of knowledge that is quite detailed. He can take you on a historical journey, point out every species of bird, explain biology...geology, sing. Excellent trip...I wish though that the lectures that we had could be provided in PowerPoint slides to us after the expedition.

The only thing kind of lame about the entire trip was the Santiago tour. It was more a tour of sitting in traffic. It leaves at a poor hour for the city and really is not that interesting or provides much information or insight for the city.

Usually there was plenty of time to explore and the weather kept passengers like me from wanting too much more time out in the cold. Since there always was a great view from the ship, being on it was not a negative thing. The ship was more luxurious and comfortable than the Endeavor, making the social life good even if I felt very poor among the passengers.

Everyday we were treated to lectures, movies, photos, dinner with the staff, access to all the Naturalists, the food was delicious (especially the bread, and they made so much vanilla ice cream for us everyday--how they kept the food and fruits so fresh is amazing. It was as if we were on a private yacht!

We were inspired to visit Antarctica by our friends who had gone to Antarctica. I wanted to travel with the best, so we chose Expeditiontrips and the National Geographic Endeavor. It was the trip of our lifetime. As Wayne said, "on a scale of 10, this trip was a 15!!!"

Paul Nikken was on board, an added surprise. He had just had his article and photos published in the November National Geographic. What a treat! We saw a leopard seal kill a penguin and some of us got really great shots of such a rare occasion. Sorry for the penguin, he gave his life to the pictures, but Paul was jealous and proud of our photos. The icebergs, the incredible blues of the water and ice, the contrast of the black and white of the penguins, and mountains were all amazing! Then there were our red jackets to brighten up. Our captain, Leif, parked the boat up on the ice so we could get off and walk to an iceberg. What a treat that was! And, then they served hot chocolate with brandy to warm us up before we got back on the boat. The library on the Endeavor was a haven for many of us, lots of reading and snoozing as well as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate were available. And everyone loved the tins of Swedish cookies (don't know how many tins they went through; the favorite cookie seemed to be the little ones shaped like a pretzel)!

Everyone onboard was outstanding--staff, guides, and crew. It was hard to believe we were cruising on a Russian icebreaker with such great service and food. They always seemed to add a little something extra to try to make the experience even better.

I had been to the Antarctic Peninsula 20 years ago and enjoyed that experience so much I wanted to go back and see more of the continent. The highlights for me were the penguins. One day while 'docked' in the ice while visiting the Dry Valleys, dozens of Emperor and Adelie penguins entertained us for hours just by diving into the clear, icy water and then popping back up onto the ice floe--like little kids on a playground of ice. And, at Camp Adare, I was taking pictures at the rookery and noticed that a little Adelie had snuck up on me and was staring up at me from between my feet as if to ask, 'Where is YOUR tuxedo?'

It was a little more difficult than I expected, but that's because of the Antarctic conditions you have to deal with. I don't think much could be done to improve such a journey. You go and do what Antarctica lets you do.

Staff/Guides/Crew: All the safety checks appeared to be thoroughly realized. For example, checking that we had signed in/out for the zodiac landings and making sure that we had not forgotten our life jackets and that they were properly secured (i.e. not back to front, twisted or loose).

We wanted to visit Antarctica to do something different, something new to discover and experience. The wilderness aspect was particularly enticing. The zodiac landings were good fun, allowing you to get up close and personal to the icebergs and the wildlife. In our case, some of our group enjoyed the philandering of a particularly territorial leopard seal!

Prior to our departure, we did stay at the Los Nires Hotel in Ushuaia, which I thought was rather remote from the atmosphere of the area and did not provide particularly nice views to make it worthwhile. And, I thought it rather petty that they charge for Internet access, in this day and age.

I had wanted to do this for several years--this also makes me a seven continent member!

Staff, guides, crew were all truly wonderful...The knowledge of our guide Natalie in Cusco was extraordinary, she made everything come alive. Edison, our guide on the cruise ship was also very knowledgeable and great fun. We were well looked after and felt safe.

This trip was a special celebration 30-year anniversary, shared with friends and this was the trip we all wanted to do.

The strong ecological bent of the company is very important to me. I cant think of a thing that could have been improved.

The whole staff gave the impression of wanting to share their magical islands with us. They accommodated every level of abilitywe had a couple of 86 and 87 years old who were so included. They decided they could do one activity per day; when there was something else they should see, well out came the zodiac to get them there. The staff was friendly and kind and even funny at all times, and no exasperation ever showed. The naturalists had a lot of knowledge at hand, and were always willing to share.

Swimming with sea turtles, watching blue-footed boobies doing courtship rituals, seeing giant Galapagos tortoisesit was magical.

We can't even think of one improvement to recommend. The level of service was fantastic, both in organization and in services provided. We will definitely contact you again to help us plan our next adventure/cultural trip, probably in another location in South America.

For years, we have wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador. The most memorable part of our expedition was the people we met. The Ecuadorians were so hospitable and open. We also loved all our guides.

After years of working with various travel agents, we have never found such eager and well informed travel professionals. We're thrilled to have found you!

The staff was wonderful--it was amazing how patient they all were with one particularly difficult passenger. The naturalists were all very knowledgeable, even if a subject wasn't in the area of their expertise. The dining room staff was very attentive and anticipated all our wants.

This trip has been on our list of places to see for a long time. We had many memorable parts to this trip. Having to step over the sea lions on the gangway to get to the zodiac was a great way to start the trip. We saw a whale breaching the very first afternoon. Snorkeling amongst sea lions and giant turtles will be unforgettable, and the sunsets were unbelievable. The trip surpassed our expectations. Would love to have more time to swim and snorkel!

We were especially impressed with the 4 field guides...their passion for the Galapagos and the in-depth knowledge of the environment. The trip was memorable for our whole family.

Although we did not specifically book a family Galapagos trip, there was a nice mix of families and non families on our trip. Each day we learned more and more about the Galapagos from our extremely knowledgeable and personable guides.

The natural setting of the Galapagos and its multitude of marine, land, geological lifewow!! Its tough to say what the most memorable part of our trip was, but it was probably being able to observe nature so up close. It was also great to have a contrast between the Inca culture of Peru and the natural wonders in Ecuador.

We felt more prepared and better taken care of than others we met on the trip who had a few problems with some of their arrangements. We would not hesitate to book future trips with you! Each detail of our trip was well planned and executed. You guys are awesome. Many thanks for making this the trip of a lifetime for our family!

Our trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos couldn't have been better. Everything about our experience with ExpeditionTrips was positive and exceeded our expectations. All transfers and tours went without a hitch. The hotels you recommended were excellent and the tour guides were exceptional.

The most memorable part was probably swimming with sea lions and penguins. It was also amazing to be so close to the birds and animals without having them being afraid of us.

The staff, guides and crew were all exceptional and provided us with a level of service that exceeded our expectations. We were impressed with the knowledge of every guide we encountered and the efficiency of how our travel arrangements were handled. Every transfer was perfectly timed and executed. We truly experienced a trip free of any inconvenience or aggravation. The ground operator should be commended for their staff's punctuality and professionalism. They were impressive. We also loved our naturalist and the people in our group which made the expedition even more fun.

My wife was disabled and everyone from the captain to the panga diver to the guides to the waiters all put out 100% and 100% of the time to ensure she got the most out of the trip as she could not walk.

Someone would stay on the beach to talk to her, or arrange a solo panga to see some of the things I was walking on the island to see. They were always there to help. The room cleaning staff were never intrusive, but kept everything shipshape. The towel figurines were the object of anticipation each evening.

I best liked the panga ride when there were pelicans, penguins, and blue footed boobies all diving quite close into a large school of fish, but there were many great and unforgettable encounters. My second was following a mother and newborn humpback whale for about an hour. Mary loved the herd of sea lions and watching the beach boss and his harem and the babies suckling, not 15 feet away.

The daily visits to the islands were unbelievable. I snorkeled next to sea lions and amongst thousands of magnificent fish and sharks. Incredible!

Elga, our guide in Peru for three days was extraordinary. She was warm, caring, knowledgeable and even managed to arrange for us to have the front two seats on the train to Machu Picchu. All the hotels were first class and the connections worked out like clockwork.

She always took the time necessary to completely address my concerns. The Odyssey staff/crew was outstanding in their desire to provide a great experience on the ship. The guides were very knowledgeable as well as personable and fun to be with.

I've always wanted to explore this part of the world and expedition cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel. The most memorable part of the cruise was probably the day we saw both pods of orcas and a sperm whale--spectacular! The trip exceeded my expectations in many ways -- it compared favorably with previous expedition cruises to Greenland and Antarctica and the Odyssey was a more comfortable ship.

We were planning a trip to Alaska, but after seeing all of the photos of the Galapagos, we couldnt resist. I also wanted an opportunity to travel in South America and learn Spanish.

The crew on the boat was exceptional in every way. They went above and beyond to make all of the guests feel comfortable. Some of my best memories involve talking with them. Each naturalist had his/her unique style. Though some of the guests had difficulties with certain guides, it was more a matter of personal style than competence.

We were inspired to take this trip by a lifelong interest in the Galapagos. Our most memorable experience was our close encounters with many species of shore birds and other animals.

All staff and guides and crew were great and very helpful and knowledgeable. My wife has some difficulty walking and they helped her when necessary without making a fuss.

My mother and I had often thought of going to the Galapagos together, and she was really the guiding force behind the trip. It far exceeded our expectations, which were pretty high to begin with. I can't imagine any way it could have been improved.

The staff, naturalists and crew were all incredible -- wonderful with the children and with us, and great with all the little touches that make a voyage special -- hot chocolate after snorkeling, fruit juice after hiking, special activities for the kids, and constant kindness and attention.

Overall, we felt the 'Galapagos Experience' was very good but not as spectacular as we had anticipated. Granted we had very high expectations. More specifically, during the first 2 days we weren't sure that we were going to enjoy the trip. The excursions seemed uninteresting and the animals not that plentiful. However as the trip progressed we became increasingly engaged, saw an abundance of animals and found the itinerary improved as we went along.
We actually wish we had had more opportunities to snorkel, as they were our favorite experiences by far.

The ship actually exceeded our expectations. The four of us are very seasoned travelers, having been numerous places around the world. We were pleasantly surprised at the level of comfort and care of the ship and were particularly surprised at the quality of the food. Our cruise director, Christian, did an outstanding job of managing expectations and solving problems.

We were very pleased with the Eclipse and glad we chose it. 48 people is just the right size in terms of getting people on and off the pangas and finding enough interesting fellow travelers to share the experience with. We were able to get to know just about everyone on board and yet not feel crowded.

The staff was excellent...everyone from the cruise director to the waiters to the chef. They all went out of their way to make sure we were happy, safe and had fun. All four guides were excellent in terms of knowledge, but we liked the guides who were less programmed and more flexible to the desires of the travelers. I think the accommodations and the food truly made our trip special and again we were very happy with our guides in terms of their knowledge and likeability.

I think it would be wise to give people a better description of what to pack. You really need numerous changes of clothing, as you get dirty and/or wet on every excursion, twice a day. You really need both sturdy walking shoes for the more aggressive land hikes and good water shoes for the wet landings.

I can think of nothing that could have been improved upon!

The guide was extraordinary. He was a Level II, but he knew absolutely everything we inquired about and he spoke flawless English. The chef was amazing. We had more food than we could eat at every meal and everything was very fresh and healthy and delicious.

The rest of the crew was incredible as well. It was obvious that every one of them was determined to help each of us on the trip have the best trip we possibly could. One example was when the captain pointed out the Milky Way, the llama in the sky and the Southern Cross to my friends and I on just one of the many star-filled evenings.

The most memorable part of my Galapagos trip was definitely seeing the waved albatrosses on Espaola Island doing their mating ritual dance just a few feet in front of us.

Yes, I would book future trips with you. I can't think of anything to improve the service you provided.

The Galapagos Islands have been on my list of things to do before I die for a long time, maybe since I was a child. We finally had the money and the vacation time to go.

How can I pick just one memorable thing? One of the things is the tameness of all the creatures. I saw several sea lion mothers nursing their babies. I could actually hear the sucking sound. The mothers didn't mind that I was taking pictures of the precious moment.

The expedition surpassed our expectations. Everyone was friendly and willing to do anything to make us happy and content. I enjoyed my massage and stretching sessions with Hilda. I really didn't expect such a competent therapist. I was pleased to meet Juan, who was raised on the Islands. It was a treat to actually talk to a native. The guides are real professionals. You can tell they love their jobs and enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.

The trip surpassed our expectations; everything was wonderful. I wish somehow I could give my body extra energy to do everything there was to do. I missed a few excursions, darn it!

The Galapagos is certainly an amazing place and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it really did seem to be quite remote in that we rarely encountered other parties except in the more populated areas.

I really wanted to see the landscape and particularly the wildlife on the Galapagos, which I had read so much about over the years. I think the most memorable aspects were almost total indifference of the animals and birds in particular, to our presence. The most stunning single experience was probably walking close by the Wave Albatross nesting colony.

The trip lived up to expectations pretty well; the ship was comfortable and the organization of the shore excursions was excellent. The food was good and interesting and the accommodation and service was exceptionally good. The deck officers and crew were very friendly and happy to answer questions and the Zodiac drivers in particular were both expert and patient! The locally based guides were excellent in the field and had encyclopedic knowledge of the various creatures and where to find them.

Safety drill was given by Juan on the bow of the ship. Food was good home-style cooking and plentiful. For anyone who wants one, lower level cabin #2 (our cabin) has a large bathroom with toilet, 2 sinks, huge soaker tub (as well as the shower of course). Please continue reading to see my very detailed accounts about PERU, ECUADOR, MACHU PICCHU and hotels.

The only short coming, if it can be called that, was the fact that when we were planning our Galapagos / Machu Picchu trip, Lori had not yet been to Machu Picchu, so would not be able to give us first hand answers to any questions we might have about specific accommodation, or other aspects of that trip. Now we realize that it is not possible for everyone in your firm to have been to all the places you advertise, but it is too bad that there is not some way that a client can pick the brain of someone in your firm, who has actually stayed in the specific hotel to which you are sending us, or can answer specific questions about the trip. Maybe, whomever we are contacting in your firm can suggest that if we have specific questions about this trip, I can put you in touch with so and so in the firm. In this manner one could receive advice concerning specific hotel noise issues, etc. I am not suggesting that we be handed off to someone else in your firm, as given workloads, this is not always possible. Just a thought for future consideration.

ECUADOR:
Hotel Patio Andulaz in Quito (April 17 to 20): At $95- per night was best value of any hotel of the trip. Location very near old town was perfect. Staff friendly and helpful. Setting in Old Colonial style building with 2 interior courtyards was very pretty. Rooms were of generous size, and well appointed. Breakfast had many choices and was more than adequate. Thoughts: All rooms face into one of two interior courtyards. We are fairly sensitive to noise, and suggest that anyone staying here ask for an upper rear courtyard room. Front courtyard contains hotel restaurant and noise from same (some persons are eating at 5 am for early flights) would bother many trying to sleep. Rear courtyard is passive in nature and much quieter. Lower rooms in rear courtyard (our first room was here) are subject to very noticeable noise from a hotel water pump cycling on and off. Hotel should correct this problem, as it sounds as if the pump bearings are worn.

We had arranged our own transfers to/from Quito airport, so first contact we had with your contractors was trying to meet the Enchanted Expedition staff at the very chaotic domestic departure area, on our morning flight from Quito to Baltra (April 20).

Quito airport flight to Baltra: There were huge line ups and people milling about everywhere at this very crowded airport, and Enchanted staff were nowhere to be found. Were it not for our Grey- Line English speaking airport transfer person, we would have had great difficulty finding the 2 Enchanted Expedition people, who as it turns out, were standing at the front of a very long line, speaking to airport personnel. Only when our transfer agent located them at the beginning of this line, did the younger male Enchanted person hold up a sign which said Enchanted Expeditions. He had been holding the sign down by his side all the time we were trying to locate this firm. Suggestion: Enchanted staff need to hold their sign high in the air at all times.
However, from this point on, airline trip to/from Baltra and Enchanted trip aboard the Beluga went seamlessly. Naturalist guide (Juan) had 20 years experience, was friendly, helpful, huge knowledge of the islands, and a commanding knowledge of the English language. However, as we discovered, the guides for the most part, work under contract to ships, and Juan was only to be on the Beluga for 2 or 3 trips, so you really cannot know ahead of time who your guide will be.

Engine Noise: We were prepared for it from past experience on smaller ships, but you might tell prospective clients that smaller ships tend to have a fair amount of propeller shaft and engine noise evident when traveling at night (especially the lower level cabins).

Camera ruined: Also please tell clients to always pack their cameras in water tight plastic bags when transferring from / to ship on the pangas, as rogue waves at the beach during wet landings or departures can come over the gunnel of the panga, and if your camera is soaked (as was mine) its ruined. Luckily memory card was ok and we had a second camera for rest of trip.

Baltra to Quito (April 28): Seemless transfer from Beluga to airport to Quito to Veija Cuba Hotel.

Veija Cuba Hotel (April 28): We could not get reservation at Patio Andulaz upon our return, so you suggested this hotel instead for our one evening stay. Pleasant clean hotel, very small room, adequate breakfast. Area not as interesting as Patio Andulaz Hotel location, but made a nice change when we walked to huge local park and saw how the locals spent their Sunday. Also visited huge American style shopping centre, adjacent to park. No complaints considering we paid only $75- per night. However, had we only stayed at this hotel in Quito, we would have had a much different impression of the city.

SUMMARY: The Galapagos trip with your Enchanted Expeditions contractor and your Quito Hotels choices were great and met or exceeded our expectations.

PERU:
Arrived Lima April 29 from Quito about 8:30 pm and found Rainforest Travel personnel awaiting our arrival.
Could have missed our flight: When we first arrived in Lima, Rainforest Travel person mentioned that they would pick us up for our 9 am flight next morning to Cusco. I mentioned that we were booked on a 7 am flight to Cusco and pick up would need to be much earlier. Plans were changed on the spot to accommodate our earlier flight (thank goodness for cell phones). She apologized for the misunderstanding but said that they were using flight information supplied by Expedition Travel?

Hotel El Sonesta Bolivar April 29 (8 hr stay): Fanciest Hotel of our stay in South America. American style hotel with huge rooms with every amenity imaginable, including A/C of course. Situated in Embassy area of Lima. On our return to Lima May 06, we occupied a day room here and we walked from this hotel to the ocean in about hour, passing through lovely city neighbourhood areas.

Lima to Cusco: In Lima, Rainforest person picked us up from hotel at appointed time and then accompanied us through all airport procedures, right up to passengers only area of airport. Lima has large modern airport.
Cusco to Sacred Valley: Rainforest person was waiting for us at Cusco Airport. She accompanied us on day trip of Sacred Valley and was friendly and very knowledgeable. Fancy lunch buffet at what once was an old mansion, was most enjoyable.

Wilka Tikka Lodge: Wonderful accommodation, located on huge extensively landscaped grounds. Vegetarian meals (thats all they serve) were a nice change.

River rafting on the Urubamba river: River guide telephoned Wilka Tikka lodge evening before to confirm our reservations for the next day, and then followed through with pick up at appointed time. We were the only 2 persons in his raft, but we did go down river with 2 other rafts at the same time, for safety. All equipment needed was provided, including wet suits and jackets, life vests, and safety helmets. Both safety and how to instructions were given, prior to setting out on the river. Nice hot lunch at tiny Peruvian Village was provided at end of trip. For us it was a first time experience and most exhilarating. Only concern after the fact, was the realization that this river seems to be very polluted, as many toilet facilities seem to empty directly into it.
Train trip to Machu Picchu. The evening before, the Wilka Tikka Lodge staff did not confirm at what time they would take us to the train station the next day for our trip to Machu Picchu. We did finally obtain this information when we asked about 8 pm, prior to retiring f

I recently received your Antarctic brochure for the 2006-2007 voyages. I had taken this trip this past February and had planned to write to you upon my return, however, time seemed to have gotten away, but it so surpassed my expectations that I am belatedly sending my comments about this wonderful experience.

This was a very special trip for me for several reasons. First, I had wanted to travel to Antarctica for almost twenty years (I have an article in my travel file dating back to 1988!), but as a teacher, my vacation in the summer was not the time to go to Antarctica, so I put it on hold until I retired. During that time, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, for which I now use a walker. I thought Antarctica would remain a dream and a series of articles in my file. Fortunately, I saw an advertisement for Antarctica in AARP, which caused me to take another look at the possibility of such a trip. That ad was for a huge ship, which, I felt would not be able to get too close to shore, and since I did not think I would be able to go ashore with my limited mobility, I probably would not be able to see very much. Then I discovered Corinthian II. I fully expected to experience Antarctica from the deck, but I felt that was better than not at all, and on this small ship, we would be much closer. So, along with my 82 year old mother who insisted we take this trip for my 60th birthday present, I set out on this journey. What I didn't expect was an expedition leader like John Frick. John went above and beyond, so that I not only was able to cruise around the icebergs in the Zodiac, but was also able to set foot on shore on two occasions! It really was a dream come true.

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 wildlife.

The ships' crew were great, the food great [and very fattening], the lecturers extremely good and the Captain, Oliver Kruess, deserves the highest praise--a real professional, very approachable, a sense of humor, a wildlife enthusiast who gave time to everyone and his crew. He took the ship up to pods of killer whales to fin whales and many others. In all, we saw some 9 different types of whales, including several blue and a Southern bottle nosed whale; the best trip the crew could remember! He also took us to the face of a glacier up Drygalski Fjord.

We also want to say another great big thank you to you, Joy, for the surprise present brought to our cabin on the second night, the bottle of Chablis. It was completely out of the blue and greatly appreciated; especially the thought behind it, even more than the contents which were highly enjoyable. We saved it until we hit the Antarctic Peninsula itself and savored it as the sun set after a glorious day. On the last day, we finished our trip with a barbecue at Neko Harbor.

The trip was for a 50th Birthday and therefore needed to be something special. The Galapagos was somewhere we have always talked about going and it proved to be a good time of the year for this part of the globe.

The trip exceeded our expectations in all respects except perhaps the verandah/enclosed deck space which was narrower than we had anticipated from the plan and subject to a continuous noisy a/c. We would have sat out there on more occasions, but still had lots of private deck time elsewhere on the boat. We had difficulty understanding the hotel manager; we believe she thinks her English is better than it actually is, but she was very charming.

It is almost impossible to pull out one single memory as the whole trip was amazing, but standing at the top of Bartolome and watching the sun rise over the different bays and the light on the surrounding landscape was wonderful, especially as it was our first land excursion. On the same day we had our first underwater (snorkel) trip which was equally as wonderful.

If all the [cruise companys] expeditions are of this standard we would not hesitate to be drawn to their program again, in particular Alaska and Antarctica. We are open to suggestions on other organizations that operate at this level.

They answered all the questions no matter how small. They seemed to go out of their way to make our trip the perfect expedition.

Several factors inspired me to take this trip: A fascination for the polar regions, the animals living in these harsh conditions, seeing 'the last frontier,' visiting my seventh Continent. Most memorable for me were the icebergs, penguins, the colors and light.

We had wanted to take this trip for some time, but it was a matter of taking the time away. The most memorable part for me was being so close to the animals in their natural state.

The service on the boat was wonderful. Some of the guides were better than others. I liked that we had the same people each day, such as our waiter and the person cleaning our cabin. We liked the size of the ship -- big enough to have the extras, but small enough to not be overwhelmed.

We had wonderful accommodations. We had many different flights, but each one went off without a problem. Everyone we met was very helpful and efficient.

Lori recommended the Machu Picchu extension and placed us in the very capable hands of their partner company in Peru. She booked us into fine establishments before, after and during our two week vacation....all giving us a flavor of the region and the people.

We wanted to visit one of the wonders of the world at Machu Picchu and to explore the land and sea wonders of the Galapagos. Our guide Melbin and our driver Hector in Peru treated us as family as did the establishments we stayed in. Who'd have thought we'd have five star hotels and gourmet food everywhere we went? THEN, once we arrived in the Galapagos Islands and saw our ship the Explorer II we were again very pleased. Once on board we were not disappointed. The staff and guides were highly professional and accommodating. Everything from the pleasant wake-up call each morning to the last sip of good wine before retiring was enjoyable. All the activities to and from and around the islands were organized perfectly to make the best use of time and opportunity to get a close up and personal look at the enchanted islands.

They even offered to have a group of interested people go to swim with the dolphins. This wasn't a planned activity but an example of how the crew/guides tried to enhance the experience.

My daughter chose this destination and I supported her because it has always been a dream of mine to go to the Galapagos. This trip exceeded all my expectations! The only things that could have been improved were the air conditioning on the boat (the lowest floor cabins had poor air quality in my view) and sometimes the freshwater source on the boat seemed 'salty'. The food, guides, crew, and the family atmosphere were truly excellent.
The expedition exceeded all my expectations. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly and the staff were also wonderful. The waiter who served our meals had a wonderful sense of humor and made us all laugh. The food includes lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and lots of fish.

The most memorable part of the trip was the Zodiac excursions which took us up close to amazing wildlife and beautiful landscape; particularly the cruise in Paradise Bay. The Zodiac rides really brought the expedition experience down to the human level and helped me connect with the magic of Antarctica!

The expedition staff was extremely knowledgeable in their areas and generally friendly and helpful. While the lectures were informative it would have been more convenient if some of them were repeated. Again, this made the schedule too rigorous and if you weren't willing to go the entire day without private time, you lost out. Also, the lectures were held in the forward lounge which was too small for the size of the group and very uncomfortable. More frequent, smaller lectures would have ameliorated this problem. The staff was not receptive to any suggestions such as these and were very rigid in their plans.

I would suggest a less rigorous dining room schedule. Some people do not want to eat during the narrow windows of time provided. But as there is no other opportunity to eat otherwise, we were forced to line up and eat when food was available. This ended up being very disruptive to my digestive system and dogged me the entire trip.

People onboard the Endeavour were impressed that we had bought our trip over the Internet from an agent in Seattle. But gosh, it was like Joy was our neighbor. We got to be friends!!!

Onboard the ship, the staff, guides and crew were all so professional at what they did. Everything worked so smoothly. Terrific logistics! Terrific knowledge! We saw everything we expected and they went out of their way to show us. Our expectations were HUGE and so was the experience!!!

We are very much impressed by the quality and of course the whole experience is difficult to put into words. The ship was "a real ship," steady and comfortable. The captain, Karl Lampe, is very experienced and a very nice person, who spread his leadership to everyone onboard. He led the ship to all the exciting things for us.

They would alter the itinerary or stop in the middle of a Zodiac excursion for picture taking, etc. and in general allow everyone to have an opportunity to do what they wanted whether it be simple observing, photography, etc. I always like to travel to places that are still pristine and not so affected yet by human contact. The Antarctic is one of these. The timing of this trip coupled with the opportunity to go SCUBA diving were big pluses for choosing this time and this expedition.

The crew was very knowledgeable and helpful and most things were well explained so I had some idea what I might expect. For example, we were informed that the seas might be rough in crossing the Drake Passage so we could be prepared for it if necessary. Fortunately for us we had beautiful weather and only a moderately rough sea on the way back. Knowing in advance that the sea might be rough is important so as not to discover this while you are being tossed about.

I was provided very accurate information by ExpeditionTrips.com, but other passengers stated that I had more information than they did prior to the trip. This is not my complaint but that of others, i.e. the non-uniformity of the information provided to people from the different sources who promote and market the expedition. In my case, I was fully informed and have no personal complaint but I can understand the mild dissatisfaction of others who felt they were not accorded the same information as I was.

Our two guides on the Lammer Law were as good as it gets. They helped make the trip the great success that it turned out to be.

This trip met every expectation that we had, and in some respects exceeded our expectations. Hotel Patio Andaluz was marvelous, with great ambience, beautifully decorated rooms, and terrific Ecuadorian cuisine.

Our two guides on the Lammer Law were as good as it gets. Robert Grimstone, from the UK, and now a permanent resident of Santa Cruz, Galapagos, and William, the dive guide, were extremely knowledgeable, informative and helpful. They helped make the trip the great success that it turned out to be.

I had always dreamed about visiting the Galapagos, as photography, videography, and the study of nature have always been at the top of my interests. The most memorable part of the trip was the opportunity to snorkel with and videotape underwater the Galapagos Marine Iguana, Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Sea Lions, including huge bulls, and numerous Blacktip Reef Sharks.