ULTIMATE DESTINATION GUIDE

Sylvia Earle

Due to sail soon, our new ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Dr. Sylvia Earle.

About Sylvia Earle

Due to sail soon, our new ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Dr. Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 – this vessel pays tribute to Dr. Earle’s long-standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Dr. Sylvia Earle will be involved in the development of her namesake.

We drew on centuries of collective experience to map out the Sylvia Earle: purpose-built for expeditions to the most remote places on earth. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, this allows the ship to cross oceans more comfortably and efficiently, and with expansive observation decks to bring you closer to the environment, inviting communal areas and unsurpassed environmental credentials, the Sylvia Earle offers the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration.

Accommodating an average of 130-140 expeditioners per voyage, every cabin on the Sylvia Earle has an ocean view and nearly all have balconies. The ship also features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, Zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.

Ship Facts

Launch year	Language	Gross tonnage	Length	Width	Currency	Speed	Capacity	Crew count	Deck count	Cabin count	Large cabin count	Wheelchair cabin count	Electrical plugs
2021	en	7400	104.4 meters	18.2 meters	USD	12 knots	132	74	8	70	false	2	types: EU 2 Pin 220v adapters provided: false

Accommodation

After a long day exploring the wonders of your destination, you need somewhere where you can simply relax and take a break from real life.

The Sylvia Earle is the perfect place to take five and recuperate after exploring – with creature comforts and wellbeing considered as part of the overall design. All staterooms∘ have private bathrooms, personal storage options, twin and double-bed configuration options, ample storage, international power outlets and a daily cabin service, as well as all the basic amenities that you'll need onboard.

Of course, the prospect of unexpected wildlife encounters is always on the table so your accommodation needs to have a view as well! Across four of the five stateroom categories you'll find large floor to ceiling windows∘ that offer prime observation opportunities around the clock. Additionally, there are private balconies in roughly 80% of the staterooms, allowing you to watch the world float past and take in the salty air of the open ocean.

Another great feature of the accommodation on the Sylvia Earle are the interconnecting staterooms. If you're part of a family or group who want some privacy, but still want to be close to each other, these staterooms are the perfect option.

Regardless of your chosen stateroom, you can enjoy fully-serviced accommodation on the Sylvia Earle!

Captain's Suite

The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.

Inclusion

1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica voyages only)
1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
1-hour spa treatment (per person)*
Free stocked mini bar^
1x Free bottle of champagne per suite

*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.

Amenities

Twin or king bed
Private en-suite
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Private balcony
Room-controlled thermostat
Safe for storing valuables
Seperate lounge area
42" flat-screen TV

Facilities

King or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
Shower
Toiletries Provided
Room Service Available
Free Mini Bar
TV
Safe
Hair Dryer
Desk

Junior Suite

The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.

Cabin Inclusion

1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica voyages only)
1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
1-hour spa treatment (per person)*
Free stocked mini bar^
1 x free bottle of champagne per suite

*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.

^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.

Amenities

Twin or king bed
Private en-suite
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Private balcony
Room-controlled thermostat
Safe for storing valuables
42" flat-screen TV
Seperate lounge area

Facilities

King or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
Free Mini Bar
TV
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk

Balcony Stateroom Superior

With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.

Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.

Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Cabin Inclusion

1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica voyages only)

Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Amenities

Twin or double bed
Private en-suite
Full size window
Desk area
Closet space
Private balcony
Room-controlled thermostat
Safe for storing valuables
42" flat-screen TV

Facilities

King or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
TV
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk

Balcony Stateroom Category A

We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.

Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.

Cabin Inclusion

1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

Amenities

Twin or king bed
Private En-suite
Balcony
Desk area
Closet space
Sofa bed (can sleep 3rd passenger in select cabins)
Room-controlled thermostat
Safe for storing valuables
42" flat-screen TV

Facilities

King or Twin Configuration
Shower
TV
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Sofa Bed

Balcony Stateroom Category B

We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.

Cabin Inclusion

1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

Amenities

Twin or king bed
Private En-suite
Balcony
Desk area
Closet space
Sofa bed (can sleep 3rd passenger in select cabins)
Room-controlled thermostat
Safe for storing valuables
42" flat-screen TV

Facilities

King or Twin Configuration
TV
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Shower
Sofa Bed

Balcony Stateroom Category C

We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.

Cabin Inclusion

1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

Amenities

Twin or king bed
Private En-suite
Balcony
Desk area
Closet space
Sofa bed (can sleep 3rd passenger in select cabins)
Room-controlled thermostat
Safe for storing valuables
42" flat-screen TV

Facilities

King or Twin Configuration
Shower
TV
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Sofa Bed

Aurora Stateroom Superior

With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.

Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.

Cabin Inclusion

1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica voyages only)

Amenities

Twin or king bed
Private En-suite
Porthole window
Desk area
Closet space
Sofa bed (can sleep 3rd passenger in select cabins)
Room-controlled thermostat
Safe for storing valuables
42" flat-screen TV

Facilities

King or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
TV
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk
Sofa Bed

Aurora Stateroom Triple Share

Cabin Inclusion

1 x mug per person
1 x drink bottle per person
1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Amenities

Twin single beds
Private En-suite
Porthole window
Desk area
Closet space
Room-controlled thermostat
Safe for storing valuables
42" flat-screen TV

Facilities

Double or Twin Configuration
Lounge Area
TV
Safe
Hair Dryer
Telephone
Desk

Entertainment

When you’re relaxing during a sea day or you have a little downtime on the ship between excursions, what is there to do onboard the Sylvia Earle? Plenty!

The Sylvia Earle is also decked out with other facilities for your enjoyment. There is a library on Deck 5 with books and maps and a Wellness Centre complete with gym equipment, sauna and spa. Feeling a little sore after walking around all day? Treat yourself to a massage at the Wellness Centre and feels the aches disappear!

Observation Points

Let's face it – you don't want windowless rooms when travelling around some of the most beautiful locations around the world. This is why the Sylvia Earle is designed with plenty of dedicated observation spaces – ideal for keen bird spotters, wildlife watchers and those wanting to watch the scenery go past.

From the indoor 180-degree lounge and outdoor 360-degree open deck, both on deck 8, to the 270-degree open sundeck on level 7, there are plenty of observation points to share around the ship!

Bars & Lounges

Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.

The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.

Library & Multimedia Centre

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, plug in and organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.

Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.

Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on Deck 7.

Glass Atrium Lounge

Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship.

Observation Lounge

The Observation Lounge can be located on deck 8.

Dining

One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning/afternoon teas cooked by our onboard chefs.

Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask our expedition team questions that may have come up during the day.

Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and our chefs offer different menu options and courses for each meal. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild.

We also invite you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain’s Welcome and Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.

The Rockhopper Restaurant

More information coming soon.

Gentoo

More information coming soon.

Enrichment

One of the great benefits of travelling with AE Expeditions is the number of optional activities that you can participate in. From kayaking and skiing to diving and climbing, these are one-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you need to take advantage of.

Aboard the Sylvia Earle there is a specially designed launching platform for all activities, a concept overseen by our activity experts. This area also includes individual lockers in the expansive mudroom and rapid drying areas for wetsuits so you can quickly get warm after exploring in the elements!

Science Centre & Lounge

Learn more about the world we explore with our onboard naturalist and expedition team in our science centre, or enjoy superb views to the front of the ship.

Lecture Theatre

On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you’re visiting.

Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change, but they have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain.

Mudroom

No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your cabin to dry. Keep your cabin warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom.

The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.

Zodiac Launching Platform

Zodiacs are a vital part of getting up close and personal on your adventure – sneaking into areas that the Sylvia Earle can't reach. On this new ship, there are specially designed launching platforms that enables us to load Zodiacs easily and quickly, allowing you to spend more time exploring on the two to three daily landings.

There are 15 Zodiacs that are boarded from either side of Deck 3 (sea level), perfect for when there is a group of fluffy cute penguin chicks that we need a photo of!

Custom-Built Activity Platform

Regardless of your destination, we offer a number of additional activities to allow you to see more of the environment. From kayaking and diving to climbing and ski touring, it's these optional activities that often leave the biggest impression on your trip as a whole. On board the Sylvia Earle, there is a spacious prep and loading platform for these activities and more – designed in consultation with our expert activity guides.

Excursions

Although the ship is fun, the real enjoyment comes from the many shore excursions that are available. Depending on weather conditions, it may be possible for multiple landings, taking a look at everything from rock formations and ancient ruins to cute groups of penguins. We know time is of the essence in these wild locations, so the Sylvia Earle has been designed to carry 15 Zodiacs, which means you can maximise your time on shore.

From four dedicated sea level launching platforms, transfers are quicker, safer and enable you to get closer to the action for a longer period of time. Just remember to charge your camera before you step onto the Zodiac!

Health & Fitness

Sauna & Spa

You are welcome to visit the wellness centre during your voyage where you can use our sauna (which we highly recommend after the polar plunge!) or book a massage (additional cost applies).