Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle Antarctic and Arctic Cruises

A floating ambassador for the planet

A polar cruise on board the Sylvia Earle

14 Reviews

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What we love about the Sylvia Earle

A floating tribute to women in science, featuring a Citizen Science Lab onboard

Her wide variety of activities including snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving and more.

Panoramic views everywhere—from observation decks to balcony cabins and even the sauna.

Sylvia Earle Final Exterior
Sylvia Earle deck plan
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Sylvia Earle Final Exterior

Welcome aboard the Sylvia Earle, a purpose-built expedition vessel named in honor of pioneering marine biologist and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle. Launched in late 2022, this state-of-the-art ship combines advanced nautical design with a deep respect for the natural world. Carrying a maximum of 130 guests, the Sylvia Earle fosters a more intimate, community-focused experience, where like-minded travelers can connect meaningfully while exploring the planet’s most remote and awe-inspiring polar regions.

The ship features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® design, which cuts through swell for smoother sailings and increased fuel efficiency. With a wide range of cabin options, comfortable public spaces, a Mudroom for gear storage, wellness amenities including a heated saltwater pool, sauna, and gym, and multiple zodiac boarding platforms, the Sylvia Earle is both an elegant base camp and an adventure launchpad. Unique to the ship are its tribute decks, honoring not only Dr. Earle but also six other pioneering women in conservation, making the vessel itself a floating ambassador for environmental change.

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Amenities on board the Sylvia Earle

lounge

Observation Lounge

spa

Spa

sauna

Sauna

laboratory

Citizen Science Laboratory

bar

Bar

rubber boots

Mudroom

theater

Lecture Theater

swimming pool

Pool

gym

Fitness Center

wifi

Internet/Wifi

library

Library

zodiac fleet

Zodiac Fleet

Food & Drinks on board the Sylvia Earle

Arguably the most important part of any trip- The food! A Sylvia Earle polar cruise offers hearty delicious cuisine with a variety of options and courses for each meal. Mealtimes are a great way to get to know your fellow travelers in the open seating dining room. Tea, coffee, and various snacks are available 24 hours a day. Enjoy a wide range of house wine, beers, and soft drinks included with dinner, perfect after a long day of exploration.

Every passenger is also invited to join the cruise ship captain and expedition team for Welcome and Farewell drinks, which include complimentary cocktails and appetizers. The bars and lounges aboard the Sylvia Earle are a tasteful, yet inviting place to gather with new friends. Enjoy the sunset through the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views. The friendly bartenders aboard the ship will quench your thirst and entertain you with tales of previous adventures.

Sylvia Earle's take on sustainable traveling

The Sylvia Earle is built with sustainability at its core. One of the lowest-emission ships in its class, it boasts an 80% reduction in emissions thanks to its streamlined design and low-impact operational systems. The use of virtual anchoring via GPS and thrusters protects delicate seafloor ecosystems, and all onboard operations are designed to minimize waste.

The ship eliminates single-use plastics entirely: guests receive reusable water bottles to refill at onboard stations, and plastic water bottles are not sold. Bathrooms are stocked with biodegradable toiletries in recycled packaging, and the ship observes “Fish-less Fridays” to promote sustainable dining. Aboard the Sylvia Earle, sustainability also means education—through a fully equipped Citizen Science Center, an engaging Citizen Science Program, and expert-led lectures, guests are invited to deepen their connection to the polar regions and become ambassadors for conservation themselves. Every aspect of the voyage is designed to reduce impact while inspiring long-lasting awareness and action.

Cabin Categories on board the Sylvia Earle

Captain's Suite Sylvia Earle
Captain’s Suite

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

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Junior Suite Sylvia Earle
Junior Suite

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

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Balcony Stateroom Superior SE
Balcony Stateroom Superior

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

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Balcony Stateroom Category B
Balcony Stateroom B

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

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Aurora Stateroom Superior
Aurora Stateroom Superior

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

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Triple Cabin Sylvia Earle
Aurora Stateroom Triple

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

3

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Balcony Stateroom Cat A Sylvia Earle
Balcony Stateroom A

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

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Balcony Stateroom Category C Sylvia Earle
Balcony Stateroom C

Type:

Double/Matrimionial (convertible)

Max. occupancy:

2

More about this cabin

More info about the Sylvia Earle

Category
Premium
Type
Mid-Sized Ship
Year built
2022
Class
Ice Class 1A
Length
104.4 m
Capacity
One hundred thirty-two
Cruising speed
10-12 knots

Reviews of Sylvia Earle

Katia B

Sylvia Earle Antarctic and Arctic Cruises

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The Antarctica cruise was an unforgettable experience. The landscapes, the silence, and being so close to , seals and whales truly moved me. The expedition team was amazing. A once-in-a-lifetime journey to the end of the world.

Melanie S

Sylvia Earle Antarctic and Arctic Cruises

Premium

Die Antarktis-Reise war ein einzigartiges Erlebnis – beeindruckende Eislandschaften, faszinierende Tierbeobachtungen und unvergessliche Zodiac-Ausflüge. Besonders genossen habe ich die Stille und Weite dieser unberührten Natur. Alles war hervorragend organisiert, was die Reise rundum perfekt gemacht hat. Absolut empfehlenswert!

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