Aurora Expeditions has released an additional 10 staterooms for its Antarctic Climate Expedition.

The 12-day cruise, which will be led by oceanographer, marine biologist, explorer and conservationist Dr Sylvia Earle, will start on 13 February 2023 with two nights and a full-day conference in Ushuaia, Argentina.

This will be followed by a nine-day voyage on Aurora Expeditions’ new ship, Sylvia Earle, ending with a post-cruise stay in Punta Arenas, Chile.

In a statement, Aurora said the itinerary will focus on “environmental change, the warming climate, and the loss of sea ice in the southern polar region”.

Applications for the voyage are open to all that are interested, with Aurora “particularly welcoming registrations of interest from thought-leaders in the fields of science, art, education and economics”.

The application process will close on 30 June 2022.

Aurora Expeditions aiming to leave a ‘legacy’

Dr Earle said: “February 2023 will be a moment in time of a gathering of great minds, a brains trust, for commitments to resolve what it takes to move from where we are now to a better future.

“The importance of this expedition is to get people together who have different gifts, talents, capabilities, and powers, and come back with a commitment to take a new direction. It’s meant to provoke thought that will lead to action.”

Aurora Expeditions CMO Hayley Peacock-Gower added: “This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pivotal and far-reaching expedition.

“We invite you to discover the beauty and majesty of Antarctica, while being part of the legacy that can have a real impact on creating a sustainable and habitable planet.”

Sylvia Earle will include an area on board called the Citizen Science Centre and has been built to act as a “floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet”, according to Aurora.