Sylvia Earle

Hailed as a “Floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet,” the Sylvia Earle is a 341-ft polar expedition ship, launched in 2021, with an 1A Ice Class rating and accommodation for 132 passengers. The vessel claims to have the lowest polluting marine engines in the world, due to a combination of low energy consumption, high fuel efficiency and a streamlined design. She was named after marine biologist and oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle. 

There are 71 cabins in eight different categories, ranging in size from 479 square feet to 226 square feet, and each with its own ensuite bathroom. Some 60% of cabins can accommodate a third person upon request. Top of the range is the Captain’s suite, of which there is only one, so be sure to book well in advance if you’d like to take advantage of this luxury. Some of the cabins have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, and many are interconnecting for families and groups. 

Life On Board

On all of the Sylvia Earle cruise ship expeditions, you will meet naturalists and local specialists, marine researchers, scientists and conservationists who give talks in the state-of-the-art lecture theatre on their field of expertise, aimed at deepening your understanding of the region you’re visiting.

There’s an outdoor saltwater swimming pool, flanked by two hot tubs with incredible views of the world outside. Visit the gym for a workout, warm up in the sauna after a polar plunge, or enjoy a massage in the spa. The library on Deck 6 is a peaceful sanctuary, with floor to ceiling windows, where you can find non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals and novels to read, as well as a selection of children’s books and board games to enjoy with your family or newfound friends. Wildlife guidebooks and binoculars can be found in the observation lounge on Deck 7.

There’s a choice of bars and lounges where you can meet up with fellow guests, catch up on the day and discuss the next-day plans. A highlight of the ship is the two-level glass atrium lounge in the bow below the bridge, and you’ll also find a fully equipped Citizen Science Center, offering participative programs to enrich your knowledge and connection to the region you’re traveling through. The boat’s spacious mudroom means that you’ll never have to take wet expedition gear back to your cabin. 

On Deck 5 you’ll find the main dining room, decorated in pastels with good ocean views through its panoramic windows. Here, the open seating plan ensures plenty of camaraderie among fellow guests. The chef focuses on creating hearty dishes suitable for active expeditions, with different options at every meal. House wines, beers and soft drinks are included at dinner; tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day. Additionally, a Top Deck Restaurant is located on Deck 8.

Excursions & Sustainability

Zodiacs are used for all of the excursions and there are several optional activities that will appeal to the adventurer in you, ranging from sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, ski touring, snowboarding, camping and stand-up paddle boarding. On Sylvia Earle cruises, the company’s aim is to get you off the ship to experience the natural environment as much as possible. The smaller passenger capacity on the Silvia Earle means you will be treading lightly to limit the environmental impact.

The Sylvia Earle vessel is certified 100% Climate Neutral with a state-of-the-art Tier 3 engine that delivers an 80 per cent reduction in emissions, and an inverted bow design that reduces fuel consumption. The Captain can utilise virtual anchoring to hold the ship’s position instead of dropping an anchor on the delicate sea floor. On-board desalination plants convert seawater to fresh water that is safe to drink, which enables the ship to carry less fresh water on sea crossings, further reducing fuel consumption. 

The company’s family-friendly expeditions attract independent travelers, couples and groups with a common strong interest in exploring remote regions on voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.