On the new purpose-built ship, the Sylvia Earle, connect with like-minded travellers in a meaningful way on perspective-altering voyages to some of the most remote, unique and spectacular places on the planet. The Sylvia Earle is a comfortable base camp for adventure. With a maximum of 132 expeditioners, the aim is to get you off ship experiencing the natural environment as much as possible and the smaller groups also mean Aurora can tread lightly, making a positive impact to the environment.
The Sylvia Earle is a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet. Paying tribute to Dr. Sylvia Earle and six pioneering conservationists with public decks honouring their contributions and shining a light on their important conservation causes. Certified 100% Climate Neutral, with a fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, expert lectures and participative Citizen science programs, to enrich your knowledge and connection to the places you travel to.
Each of the vessel's public decks bear the names of six pioneering female conservationists - Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Joanna Ruxton, Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Dr. Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo - along with a deck dedicated to Dr. Earle herself. The scientists are inspiring leaders in their fields, and as part of the deck theming, will educate expeditioners on the impressive and important conservation work they continue to do.
Sylvia Earle Dining
One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning/afternoon teas cooked by the onboard chefs.
- The Dining Room: Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in the open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask the expedition team questions that may have come up during the day.
- Captain's Welcome and Farewell drinks: Aurora invites you to join your captain and expedition team for drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.
- Top Deck Restaurant: Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and the chefs offer different menu options and courses for each meal. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild.
Sylvia Earle Ashore Activities
Aurora offers a range of add-on adventure activities and the Sylvia Earle is designed to support these activities, making the transition from ship to sea or shore as smooth as possible. Aurora built the spacious activity preparation areas and loading platforms in consultation with the expert activity guides.
- Photography
- Camping
- Sea Kayaking
- Snowshoeing
- Ski/Snownoard Touring
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkelling
- Shackleton's Crossing
- Trekking & Climbing
- Rock Climbing
- Paddleboarding
- Paddling
Sylvia Earle Onboard Activities
Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board the ship. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down. The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.
- Hydraulic Viewing Platforms: In addition to on board observation areas, Aurora features two unique hydraulic viewing platforms, which fold out for unobstructed views of passing marine life and seabirds. These platforms are used during gentle ship cruising when weather conditions allow and when the ship.
- Glass Atrium Lounge: With huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship, this lounge over two levels on the Sylvia Earle is the perfect place to sit with a warm drink and watch for wildlife or admire the impressive scenery.
- Observation Lounge: The panoramic observation lounges mean that you can enjoy sweeping views whilst sitting inside with a cup of coffee or tea in hand. Enjoy a selection of wildlife guidebooks available to read or borrow the binoculars and keep an eye out for whales!
- Lecture Theatre & Lounge: The knowledge of the experts is second to none, with specialists in the fields of glaciology, biology, geology, birding, local culture, history, photography, science and more joining the expeditions. With an expedition team to passenger ratio of 1:8, you will always find someone on hand to guide you and enrich your experience - whatever your area of interest!
- Ulstein X-BOW & Lounge: The bow of any ship is the same, right? Wrong! Instead of the traditional bow shape and design that punches through the water, the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull is curved in a novel shape which increases the foreship volume. As a result, the bow penetrates the waves in a way where the water gently flows over the bow - reducing impact and slamming loads.
- Science Centre & Lounge: Expeditioners have the opportunity to join the Citizen Science Program - a space for like-minded travellers to share new discoveries and expand their connection to the natural world in a relaxed and fun environment, while giving back to the planet.
Sylvia Earle Wellness & Spa
In between landings, enjoy complimentary access to the gym. Or relax in the sauna or one of two jacuzzis, which offer stunning views of the world outside.
- Jacuzzis & Sun Deck: There are two jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside.
- Gym & Sauna: During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit the sauna, which Aurora highly recommends after the Polar Plunge!
Sylvia Earle Staterooms
From cabins featuring portholes, with private en-suites close to the mudroom and loading platforms and staterooms featuring french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area, to cabins that are more economical, but fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people, Aurora offers a range of staterooms designed for all types of travellers.
- Aurora Stateroom Triple Share: There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
- Aurora Stateroom Superior: With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
- Balcony Stateroom Category C: The 11 Balcony Stateroom - C cabins are the most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
- Balcony Stateroom Category B: The 17 Balcony Stateroom - B Cabins are the standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
- Balcony Stateroom Category A: Balcony Stateroom - A cabins are the premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
- Balcony Stateroom Superior: Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
- Junior Suite: The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
- Captain's Suite: The largest of all the rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
View all Aurora Expeditions Ships
