Cruise & Cruise Line

Aurora Expeditions Launches New Ship, Sylvia Earle

Image: Exterior of the purpose-built Sylvia Earle expedition ship. (photo via Aurora Expeditions) ((photo via Aurora Expeditions))
Image: Exterior of the purpose-built Sylvia Earle expedition ship. (photo via Aurora Expeditions) ((photo via Aurora Expeditions))
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 1:50 PM ET, Thu November 10, 2022

Aurora Expeditions has officially launched its second purpose-built small ship, the Sylvia Earle, ahead of its first inaugural voyage sailing to Antarctica from Ushuaia, Argentina on December 10, 2022.

The Sylvia Earle is named after renowned marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer and conservationist (and the first woman to become Chief Scientist at NOAA) Dr. Sylvia Earle and is designed to encourage natural education and conservation. It's a sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, which launched in 2019.

It's designed to accommodate 132 passengers with staterooms and suites, many with private balconies, and features innovations like the Ulstein X-BOW, an inverted bow that allows for smoother and faster ocean crossings, thus reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The ship also features multiple restaurants and bar areas, wellness areas, an outdoor heated swimming pool, a gym, spa and sauna, library, lecture theater, expedition mudroom, Zodiac docks, Science Center and plenty of outside deck space for wildlife viewing. Each deck is named after a pioneering female conservationist.

The Expedition Team onboard the Sylvia Earle guides passengers on plenty of excursions and provides educational opportunities with the line's Citizen Science Program. Excursion opportunities range from wildlife photography to snorkeling, skiing, sea kayaking, hiking and 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," said 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...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."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Associate Editor

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Upcoming Webinar
Why Cruise, When You Can CunardWednesday, June 24 2026
2:00pm Eastern
When cruise is the option, Cunard is the difference. This session explores what sets the Cunard...