Sylvia Earle

• Certified 100% climate neutral, the Sylvia Earle is one of the next generation of sustainable ships with the cutting-edge X bow design for improved stability and reduced fuel consumption.
• With 132 guests per voyage, the ship provides an intimate expedition experience with many optional activities, such as sea kayaking and polar diving.
• Standout features included an observation lounge with excellent views, an atrium in the bow, and outdoor jacuzzis on the top deck.

Why Choose Silvia Earle

An excellent choice for environmentally conscious travellers, The Sylvia Earle is a 104-metre (341-ft) polar expedition ship that can accommodate 132 passengers. Built to minimise its environmental footprint, the ship features an inverted bow design that reduces fuel consumption and provides smoother sailing in rough seas. The ship’s design has reduced fuel consumption by up to 80% compared to older vessels, making it one of the lowest-polluting marine engines in the world.

The Sylvia Earle ship pays homage to Dr. Sylvia Earle, a highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer who was the first female chief scientist of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

The ship features a well-thought-out design, with a two-level glass atrium lounge with windows looking out through the bow. Multiple observation decks offer many different perspectives for ocean wildlife watching.

This small expedition ship, which can accommodate just 132 guests, is also an excellent choice for travellers who would prefer a small expedition ship. The ship feels uncrowded and spacious for its size. Thanks to the four loading bays, Zodiac and activity operations are efficient. We highly recommend this ship to guests who want to spend maximum time exploring off the ship in the polar regions.

Dining on Sylvia Earle

The Sylvia Earle has two outstanding dining options—the main restaurant on deck 5 and a top-deck restaurant on deck 8, both with excellent views. The seating is open-plan, and it’s a perfect time to share the spirit of the adventure with fellow guests and the expedition team.

Each day, onboard chefs prepare a different menu. Expect hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with multiple courses. A range of wine, beers, and soft drinks is included with dinner.

Snacks, tea, and coffee are available on the ship 24 hours per day.

Cabins On Sylvia Earle

The ship has 71 cabins, 80% of which have private balconies. Staterooms feature French balconies, each with its own en suite bathroom and storage space.

The ship offers a range of cabin categories, including triple staterooms, superior staterooms, category C balcony staterooms, category B balcony staterooms, category A balcony staterooms, superior balcony staterooms, junior suites, and captain’s suites.

The junior suite offers spacious accommodation measuring up to 448 square feet. It features a full-size window, a king or two twin beds, a separate lounge area, and notable amenities.

The suites separate lounge areas are perfect for relaxing and taking in the breathtaking views of the polar regions.

There are several solo occupancy cabins available for solo travellers.

Onboard Experience

Onboard guests can enjoy the facilities and amenities of larger ships with the added benefit of a small group size.

Sylvia Earle features a state-of-the-art lecture theatre that can accommodate all guests. Enjoy engaging talks by onboard guides and naturalists on a range of subjects, from wildlife to the history of the polar regions. The onboard science centre and lounge are the perfect places to learn from the ship’s onboard naturalists.

Sylvia Earle features a library with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and a wide range of books for reading while at sea.

Two jacuzzis on the sun deck offer some of the best views on the ship—a perfect place to relax after a polar plunge! The ship also features a wellness centre and gym with the latest training equipment and a sauna with a panoramic view.

The bars and lounges on the ship are the perfect place to enjoy a drink and meet other travellers after a day of exploring. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer inviting views and a place to relax and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

The ship’s extensive mud room offers a place to change out of your outdoor gear and store wet clothes. Each guest has a locker to hang up gear and store boots before the next exciting Zodiac ride or shore adventure.

Activities & Excursions

Expedition cruises on the Sylvia Earle include Zodiac rides, shore landings, and hiking as part of the experience. The ship features four water-level Zodiac embarkation points to ensure there is no waiting time when joining an activity.

The ship also offers an extensive programme of optional adventures, such as expert led kayak expeditions, suba diving, polar snorkelling, camping, and mountaineering. Guests must have previous experience to join these activities.

Onboard lectures and educational talks by the ship’s expedition team and marine researchers are included. During sea crossings and evenings, they are the perfect way to learn about the Arctic and Antarctica.

Sylvia Earle Destinations

The Sylvia Earle offers exciting voyages to explore Antarctica and the Arctic.

Choose from expeditions that cross the Drake passage and explore the Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island, the South Shetland Islands, Elephant Island and cross the Antarctic Circle. Or choose a longer voyage to South Georgia and the Falkland islands.

In the Arctic explore Svalbard, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage.

Sustainability

The Sylvia Earle is the first certified climate-neutral expedition ship and a huge advancement in responsible travel. The Ulstein X bow design reduces fuel consumption and offers guests a more pleasant experience as the ship sails rough seas. Higher fuel efficiency and low energy consumption make this a great choice for environmentally conscious travellers.

The ship features advanced technology with onboard desalination plants and wastewater treatment. It has a virtual anchoring system that allows it to maintain position without dropping an anchor in marine protected areas to protect the sea floor.