The Sylvia Earle is the sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, which launched in 2019. With a strong focus on education and conservation, the Sylvia Earle is designed to accommodate an average of 132 passengers per voyage. It features the Ulstein X-BOWa, an inverted bow designed for smoother and faster ocean crossings, which Aurora says also helps reduce fuel consumption.
Aurora’s chief executive Michael Heath said: “We are beyond thrilled to announce our newest ship, Sylvia Earle, is in the water and on her way to Antarctica. We cannot wait to introduce her to our loyal trade and consumer partners worldwide and, of course, a new generation of global expeditioners in search of adventure, discovery and extraordinary life-changing experiences.”
Public spaces include multiple restaurants and bars, relaxation and wellness areas, an outdoor heated swimming pool and Jacuzzis, a gym, spa and sauna, a library lounge and lecture theatre. Zodiac docks, a changing room and mudroom prepare passengers for off-ship and on-shore activities, and Citizen Science programmes will be run in the Science Centre.
The expedition team will guide passengers in small groups on excursions, including Zodiac cruises, walks, hikes, sea kayaking, scuba-diving, snorkelling, paddling, skiing, photography and birdwatching.
Chief marketing officer Hayley Peacock-Gower explained: “Our goal is to immerse our expeditioners in some of the world’s most remote and fascinating places and, in doing so, create lifelong ambassadors for the planet. More than 30 years in the making, Aurora Expeditions has a track record for pioneering adventure and discovery – and respectful travel is at the core of our ethos.”
Each of the ship’s decks is named after a female conservationist, including Dr Earle, Jo Ruxton, Dr Carden Wallace, Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Dr Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo.
Peacock-Gower added: “Female scientists are leading the way in global conservation initiatives, and we want to honour these seven extraordinary women who work tirelessly to make the world a better place.”
In February 2023 Dr Earle will lead the Antarctic Climate Expedition in partnership with Ocean Geographic on the new ship, with the aim of raising public and government awareness of the environmental importance of the Antarctic.
