Aurora Expeditions

Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle

On the small 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. Featuring the Ulstein X-BOW® design, it cuts through the swell for a smoother transit through waves while minimising its environmental impact.

A floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet, the Sylvia Earle pays tribute to marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle and six pioneering women in conservation – Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Joanna Ruxton, Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Dr. Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo – with public decks honouring their contributions. With a fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, expert lecturers and a participative Citizen Science Program, our aim is to enrich your knowledge and connection to the places we explore.

Carrying a maximum of 130 expeditioners, the Sylvia Earle serves as a comfortable base camp for adventure, designed so you can experience the natural environment as much as possible in smaller, more intimate groups.

Sylvia Earle small cruise ship, Aurora Expeditions

On board facilities

State-of-the-art Lecture Facilities

On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you’re visiting. Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change, but they have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain.

Science Centre and Lounge

Learn more about the world we explore with our onboard naturalist and expedition team in our science centre, or enjoy superb views to the front of the ship.

Library, Observation Lounge & Shop

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, plug in and organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends. Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.

Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on deck 8, the perfect place to relax and watch the incredible landscapes pass by, or spot unique polar wildlife.

Sylvia Earle small cruise ship, Aurora Expeditions

Dining

Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning and afternoon teas cooked by our onboard chefs.

Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask our expedition team questions that may have come up during the day.

Tea, coffee, and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and our 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.

We also invite you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain’s Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3-course meal.

Bars and Lounges

Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. 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.

Sylvia Earle

Deck Plan – Please see bottom of page.

Aurora Stateroom Triple Share

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.

Aurora Stateroom, Triple Share – 20m² (215.3ft²)

There are 2x Aurora Stateroom Triples featuring portholes, all with private ensuites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms. Cabin features: private ensuite, porthole window, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, desk area, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only). *Mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.

Aurora Stateroom, Superior

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.

Aurora Stateroom, Superior – 17.2m² – 18.1m² (185.1ft² – 194.8ft²)

Located on Deck 7, these comfortable staterooms feature French balconies, floor to ceiling windows, ensuite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Cabin features: private ensuite, French balcony, full size window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only). *Mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.

Balcony Stateroom, Category C Solo

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category C - Solo cabin
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category C - Solo cabin
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category C - Solo cabin
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica.
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category C - Solo cabin
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category C - Solo cabin

Balcony Stateroom, Category C Solo – 17sqm

These 2x Balcony Stateroom, Category C Solo cabins are the most economical option, offering all of the essentials for a comfortable stay. Conveniently located throughout Deck 6, they provide a cosy retreat for solo travellers. Cabin features: private ensuite, private balcony, full size window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only). *Mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.

Balcony Stateroom Category B – Solo

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category B - Solo
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category B - Solo
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category B - Solo
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category B - Solo
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category B - Solo

Balcony Stateroom Category B – Solo – 18.8m² – 21.8m² (202.4ft² – 234.7ft²)

Perfect for solo travellers, the two dedicated Balcony Stateroom Category B – Solo cabins are located at the fore of Deck 6, offering a complete retreat after a day of adventure. Cabin features: King bed, private ensuite, private balcony, full size window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only). *Mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.

Balcony Stateroom Category A – Solo

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category A - Solo
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category A - Solo
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category A - Solo
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category A - Solo
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category A - Solo

Balcony Stateroom Category A – Solo – 21m² – 28m² (226ft² – 301.4ft²)

The 6 Balcony Stateroom Category A – Solo cabins are premium rooms. These staterooms are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between decks via the internal stairs or elevator. Cabin features: private ensuite, private balcony, full size window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only). *Mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.

Balcony Stateroom Category C

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category C
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category C
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category C
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category C
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category C

Balcony Stateroom Category C – 16.8m² – 21.6m² (180.8ft² – 232.5ft²)

The 11 Balcony Stateroom Category C cabins are the most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for two people. These staterooms are scattered throughout Decks 4 and 6. Cabin features: private ensuite, private balcony, full size window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only). *Mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.

Balcony Stateroom Category B

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category B
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category B
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category B
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category B
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category B

Balcony Stateroom Category B – 18.8m² – 21.8m² (202.4ft² – 234.7ft²)

The 7 Balcony Stateroom Category B cabins are a standard room, many fitted with interconnected features making them great for families or groups. These staterooms are located at the fore and aft of Decks 4 and 6. Cabin features: private ensuite, private balcony, full size window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only). *Mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.

Balcony Stateroom Category A

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category A
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category A
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category A
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Category A

Balcony Stateroom Category A – 21m² – 28m² (226ft² – 301.4ft²)

The 23 Balcony Stateroom Category A cabins are premium rooms. These staterooms are located in preferred positions on Decks 4 and 6 which provides easy access between decks via the internal stairs or elevator. Cabin features: private ensuite, private balcony, full size window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only). *Mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.

Balcony Stateroom Superior

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Superior
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Superior
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Superior
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Balcony Stateroom Superior

Balcony Stateroom Superior – 26.4m² – 31.2m² (284.2ft² – 335.8ft²)

With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superiors are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Located on Decks 4 and 6 the staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, ensuite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area. Cabin features: wheelchair accessible, private ensuite, private balcony, full size window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only). *Mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Junior Suite

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Junior Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Junior Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Junior Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Junior Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Junior Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Junior Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Junior Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Junior Suite

Junior Suite – 38.8m² – 39.09m² (417.6ft² – 420.8ft²)

The 4 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. Plus, enjoy one free pair of binoculars per suite – yours to take home. Cabin features: King bed, separate lounge area, private ensuite, private balcony, full size window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only), 1 x free pair of binoculars per suite, Free stocked mini Bar*,  A free bottle of champagne per suite. A gratuity of $15 USD per person per day for the crew is included with each suite. *Mini bar is stocked only once.

Captain’s Suite

Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Captain's Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Captain's Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Captain's Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Captain's Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Captain's Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Captain's Suite
Stateroom cabin aboard Sylvia Earle. Aurora Expeditions cruises of Antarctica. Captain's Suite

Captain’s Suite – 40.6m² (437ft²)

The largest of all cabins, 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 ensuite, you’ll need to get in early to secure this suite. Plus, enjoy one free pair of binoculars per suite – yours to take home. Cabin features: King bed, twin beds, private ensuite, private balcony, full size window, desk area, closet space, room-controlled thermostat, room safe, 42″ flat-screen TV, mini bar*. Includes A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only), 1 x free pair of binoculars per suite, Free stocked mini Bar*,  A free bottle of champagne per suite. A gratuity of $15 USD per person per day for the crew is included with each suite. *Captain’s Suite mini bar is replenished as needed.

Sylvia Earle Deck Plan – Click image to enlarge

Aurora Expeditions Sylvia Earle deck plan

Ship features

  1. Change Room / Mudroom
  2. Zodiac Access Points
  3. Activity Launching Platform
  4. Lecture Room & Lounge
  5. Assembly Station
  6. Reception
  7. Ship Shop
  8. Dining Room
  9. Library
  10. Gym
  11. Wellness Centre / Sauna
  12. Seating Area
  13. Observation Lounge
  14. Top-deck Restaurant
  15. Bar
  16. Upper Glass Atrium Lounge
  17. Lower Glass Atrium Lounge
  18. Observation Decks
  19. Swimming Pool* and Sun Deck
  20. Jacuzzis
  21. Medical Clinic
  22. Bridge
  23. Elevator
  24. Main Entrance
  25. Expedition Desk
  26. Citizen Science Centre