Aurora Expeditions Launches New 132-Passenger Antarctica Expedition Ship

Have you always wanted to go on an expedition to Antarctica? Now’s your chance! 

Award-winning, Australian-owned expedition travel company Aurora Expeditions announced the launch of its second ship, Sylvia Earle, on 10 November. 

Sylvia Earle will embark on her inaugural voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Antarctica on 10 December 2022. 

The ship is named after the renowned explorer, oceanographer, marine biologist and conservationist Dr Sylvia Earle. 

Dr Earle has been a National Geographic explorer-in-residence since 1998. She was also named by Time Magazine as its first ‘Hero of the Planet’.

This expedition ship will be a floating ambassador for the planet’s conservation. 

With a strong focus on conservation and education, the Sylvia Earle can accommodate 132 passengers per voyage. 

“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,” says Aurora’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Heath. 

The Sylvia Earle

Since the expedition ship is designed to accommodate 132 passengers, it has fantastic facilities to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. 

The ship features the Ulstein X-BOW, an inverted bow designed for smoother and faster ocean crossings. As a result, the bow will reduce fuel consumption. 

Guests can enjoy comfortable staterooms and suites, with most having private balconies. 

The ship also features multiple restaurants and bars for passengers to choose from. There are also relaxation and wellness areas, a spa and a sauna. Passengers can also exercise in the gym, swim in the outdoor heated pool or relax in a jacuzzi.

The ship also boasts a library lounge, lecture theatre and expansive decks providing panoramic views of wildlife and wilderness. 

Each of the six decks is named after six other pioneering female conservationists – Jo Ruxton (MBE), Dr Carden Wallace (AM), Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Dr Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo. Another deck is dedicated to Dr Sylvia Earle herself.

Expedition Activities

During the voyage, an experienced Expedition Team will guide passengers in small groups on many different excursions. Some excursions include hikes, scuba diving, skiing, birdwatching, sea kayaking and many more. 

“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,” says Chief Marketing Officer Hayley Peacock-Gower. 

“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,” adds Peacock-Gower. 

In February 2023, Dr Earle, in partnership with Ocean Geographic, will lead a world-first ‘Antarctic Climate Expedition’ on the new ship to raise public and government awareness of the environmental importance of the Antarctic. 

“We invite you to ignite your curiosity, passion and care for the natural world, and join us on board the new Sylvia Earle for a true Aurora experience of a lifetime – and travel for good,” says Peacock-Gower.