Aurora’s second X-BOW expedition ship — 130 guests, PC6, the Drake-taming Ulstein hull, and citizen science programming. Named for marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle.
- Guests
- 130
- Max capacity
- Cabins
- 71
- Multiple categories
- Ice class
- PC6
- Ice-strengthened hull
- Hull
- Ulstein X-BOW
- Smoother Drake crossings
- Starting price
- $14,000
- per person
Style Pure expedition · Premium
- Wildlife Encounters
- Experiential Learning Adventure
- High staff-to-guest ratio
Sylvia Earle is Aurora Expeditions’ second Ulstein X-BOW expedition ship, launched in 2022 and named for Dr. Sylvia Earle — the marine biologist, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, and ocean advocate whose career spans more than six decades of underwater research. The naming reflects Aurora’s citizen science ethos and commitment to ocean stewardship, with marine biology and oceanographic programming woven into every voyage.
Like her sister ship Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle features the Ulstein X-BOW hull that reduces Drake Passage pitch and roll, carries 130 guests in 71 cabins across multiple categories, and is PC6 polar class certified. As the newer of the two ships, she adds a heated outdoor pool and a glass atrium at the bow, and is typically the preferred option when available on the same itinerary as Greg Mortimer.
Aurora’s expedition model emphasizes small-group citizen science participation — guests contribute to ongoing research programs throughout the voyage. Combined with a strong naturalist team, sustainability-focused operations, and the X-BOW hull advantage, Sylvia Earle is one of the most compelling options for travelers who want to bring something back from their Antarctic experience beyond photographs.
On board + on site
What makes Sylvia Earle the ship
Borealis Restaurant
All-inclusive dining with globally inspired menus
Three meals a day in an open, light-filled space with menus that punch well above expedition ship norms. Globally inspired, ingredient-forward cooking designed for people who’ve spent the day on the ice and have earned a proper dinner.
Observation Lounge
Panoramic lounge for briefings, lectures, and bar
The social and intellectual center of the ship — floor-to-ceiling windows, expedition briefings, naturalist lectures, and a bar that stays open after landings. The best spot on the ship when Antarctica is doing something worth watching from inside.
Outdoor Jacuzzi
Open-deck hot tub with polar panoramas
Soaking in a hot tub while icebergs drift past is one of those Antarctic experiences that sounds made up until you’re in it. Sylvia Earle’s open-deck jacuzzi delivers exactly that — and the X-BOW hull keeps the ship steady enough to actually enjoy it.
Expedition Mudroom
Dedicated gear staging and boot wash area
The mudroom is where expeditions actually happen — the unglamorous, essential space where you gear up, rinse down, and transition between ship and shore. Sylvia Earle’s is purpose-built and well-organized, which matters when 132 people need to move efficiently to Zodiacs in cold weather.
Science Library
Onboard reference collection for citizen science programming
A curated onboard library anchoring Aurora’s citizen science programming — reference materials, research tools, and the working space where guests contribute to real polar science between landings. This is not a decorative bookshelf; it’s a working research resource.
Zodiac Landings
Daily shore access in Antarctica's most remote sites
Twice-daily Zodiac landings in most conditions — wildlife sites, research stations, historic huts, and ice formations that larger ships simply can’t access. Aurora’s expedition team runs tight, safe operations that maximize time ashore without rushing the experience.
Cabins + suites
Where you'll sleep.
Captain’s Suite
50 m² (538 sq ft) / Sleeps 2
The most generous footprint and finest appointments on the ship. The Captain’s Suite is how you do an Aurora expedition when the trip is the whole occasion — anniversary, milestone, bucket-list finalized.
Junior Suite
30 m² (323 sq ft) / Sleeps 2
First suite-class cabin on Sylvia Earle, with a defined lounge area, upgraded finishes, and meaningfully more room to spread out. For guests who’ll spend sea days reading, writing, or just watching the Drake do its thing through a proper window.
Balcony Stateroom – Superior
24 m² (258 sq ft) / Sleeps 2
More generous footprint, larger balcony, and a few extra creature comforts that pay dividends on longer voyages. The Superior category is the sweet spot for travelers who want meaningful space without stepping into full suite territory.
Balcony Stateroom – Category A
20 m² (215 sq ft) / Sleeps 2
Private balcony, prime ship positioning, and a cabin layout that works well for two. Category A staterooms offer some of the best location on Sylvia Earle — when Antarctica comes into frame, you’ll have it to yourself.
Balcony Stateroom – Category B
20 m² (215 sq ft) / Sleeps 2
Mid-ship balcony stateroom with the same floorplan as Category A at a slightly better price point. Good location, private outdoor space, and the same Antarctic views — just with more room left in the budget for shore excursion add-ons.
Balcony Stateroom – Category C
20 m² (215 sq ft) / Sleeps 2
Entry-level balcony category — still private outdoor access, still the same Antarctic views, just at the most accessible price point in the balcony tier. On a 132-guest ship, there are genuinely no bad rooms.
Aurora Stateroom Superior
16 m² (172 sq ft) / Sleeps 2
The upgraded interior cabin on Sylvia Earle — a step up in space and amenities from the triple-share category, designed for two guests who prefer a private interior cabin without the balcony price point. Efficient, comfortable, and every inch purpose-built for expedition travel.
Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
13 m² (140 sq ft) / Sleeps 3
The interior triple-share option for solo travelers who want to join an expedition without the single supplement. Three berths, compact and functional — the real square footage is everything unfolding outside the hull.
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