Sylvia Earle
Ship overview:
Launched in Autumn 2022, this state-of-the-art ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist and oceanographer, Sylvia Earle. Sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, this ship similarly boasts stylish lines and cutting edge nautical technology. Unusual features include the double height atrium with its dedicated science laboratory.
From $12,147
Prices based on two people sharing130 passengers
Constructed in 2021
1:8
Camping, citizen science, kayaking, paddling, scuba diving & snorkelling
Why we like this ship
- The sleek X-bow is designed with passengers' comfort in mind, reducing pitching and allowing the ship to cut through the waves
- One of the smaller polar expedition ships, with a maximum of 130 passengers, this allows for speedy disembarkation and to maximise your time exploring off-ship
- Most cabins have balconies and all are generously proportioned with large windows, so you never miss a spectacular vista
- An impressive range of optional add-on activities are available, from kayaking and camping to polar snorkelling!
- An unusual double height glass atrium in the bow floods the expedition lounge with polar light
- Two jacuzzis and a sauna help you to warm up after a chilly day out exploring
We think it's worth noting...
- The impressive double height atrium bow windows are great for letting light in. However, the view to outside is obscured while seated
Your Antarctic vessel
View from the deck of the vessel
Atrium onboard
Observation Deck
Polar library
Plenty of seating
The bar
The Rockhopper Restaurant
Dining room
Science centre
Sauna
Mudroom
Onboard gym
Captain's Suite accommodation onboard your vessel
Jacuzzi on deck
Zodiac excursion from the vessel
Swoop Video Review: Sylvia Earle
Onboard Communications & Facilities
Facilities include:
- Plugs: European 220V two-round-pinned sockets, but they can also accommodate plugs from most countries
- USB sockets
- Towels, toiletries and hair dryers
- Laundry service (additional cost)
- WiFi Complimentary Starlink internet access is included (subject to connectivity)
What our customers think of Sylvia Earle
Sylvia Earle trips scored 4.5/5 from 465 reviews
The boat was amazing; super comfortable, and it was breathtaking watching the waves and land passing by.
Travelled: November 2025
Aurelio Cuervo - Germany
Everyone was so helpful and the ship was superb - more luxurious than we were expecting as was the food which was very good.
Travelled: October 2025
Sarah Houston - UK
I would rate the ship and the expedition leader and expedition choices 10/10. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2025
Jenny Ealey - Australia
Cabin was very comfortable, staff were very friendly, accommodating and courteous. Food was glorious and there were plenty of healthy choices. Yes, I would choose Sylvia Earle again. The ship felt very steady and was very comfortable. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2025
Wendy Ealey - Australia
Outstanding vessel. The rooms were perfectly appointed and the amenities superb. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2025
Mark Scorgie - UK
A beautiful ship - well appointed cabins and brilliant, accommodating staff. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2025
Joanne Bown - UK
Excellent food and service. Cabin was very good. Ship is the right size and I welcomed the sauna and jacuzzis. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2025
Andy Baukol - USA
We knew when we first saw the Sylvia Earle in port in Ushuaia that we had made the right choice for us. She was dwarfed by some of the larger cruise ships.
Travelled: January 2025
Virginia Kilpatrick - UK
What a ship! Beautiful and new! Perfect blend of free space and private space. They were the absolute best! Can’t say enough how well they gelled and worked so hard to deliver only the best experience for all aboard. Bravo! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2025
Laura Leard Laciar - USA
We had never been on a cruise, expedition, or even a boat overnight. We loved the Sylvia Earle. It exceeded our expectations in terms of comfort and luxury. We thought our cabin was great - roomy, attractive, good facilities, comfortable. The food was plentiful and delicious. We were most impressed with the service staff, as mentioned earlier, who were so attentive to our dietary needs. We would definitely choose the Sylvia Earle again. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2025
Alisa Schreier - USA
Great ship and the cabin was very nice. Food was good with many choices. I would sail on the Sylvia Earle again. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2025
Kirk Taylor - USA
I was impressed by the agility of the navigators, the comprehensive training and passion of the expedition team and the friendliness of the staff at large, from housekeeping, to food service, to reception ~ the works! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2025
Ibby Carothers - USA
Cabin was great, food was good. Yes we would choose this ship again, definitely. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2024
Serena Lissy - USA
Medium/small ship with all the amenities onboard and excellent expedition team: client ratio. The enthusiasm and knowledge of the team members seemed boundless. Really enjoyed conversations at lunch and dinner tables with several team members. The collective expertise and experience of the team was reassuring and inspiring. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2024
Leonie Hyde - UK
Great ship! It was a perfect experience! We used the gym three times, the coffee machine every morning, the bar for an evening pre-meal cocktail. All was very communal and nice. Guests were fun to talk to. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2024
Martin Balinsky - USA
Beautiful ship, well run in every aspect. A very skilled and proficient captain, very personable, enjoyed the engagement. The hotel team - cannot say enough - every day through whatever the seas were like, this team always came through and provided us amazing accommodation to meals. The rooms were top-notch. Very quiet, beautiful accommodations, very roomy. Cannot think more about how this could have been better.
Travelled: December 2024
Larry Canipe - USA
Beautiful boat. Well maintained. Having Starlink internet was an added bonus. Always something to do on the ship. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2024
Liz Oakley - USA
The ship facilities were amazing and food was great and they especially made many dishes throughout our voyage just to accommodate my dietary restrictions. So I didn't miss on any of the good food they made. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2024
Mohammed Alkaabi - Qatar
This ship, staff and food was exceptional. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2024
Gary Zak - USA
The Sylvia Earle is far more than a ship—it’s a symbol of inspiration and discovery. Perfectly sized—not too big, not too small—the ship offers an ideal balance. Its intimate capacity allows for incredible outdoor adventures while fostering meaningful connections with fellow passengers, should you choose. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2024
Irma Vazquez Cabezas - Netherlands
Could there be a better option than the Sylvia Earle and her Expedition Team, crew and captain? I don’t think so. Quality accommodations, convenient amenities, pristine cleanliness, superb food, excellent service. My cabin was well appointed and had more than enough storage and space to be extremely comfortable. The water was hot, the shower was welcoming. The food had a wealth of variety, was excellent to the taste and displayed with precision. Only matched by the service. I would most definitely seek the Sylvia Earle again. I felt it was a first class experience. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2024
Lana Mellen - USA
10/10 - The small number of passengers allowed all of us to get to know one another. I will miss them all and never forget any of them. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2024
Tim Donovan - USA
The expedition team were outstanding - their lectures were very interesting and made so a person without any knowledge could understand. They were very involved with the clients - interesting stories and great personalities. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2024
Melanie Parker - USA
Did the Sylvia Earle live up to my expectations? More than I could have ever imagined. The chef was wonderful, greeting you and offering recommendations and suggestions on ordering 1/2 if you weren't very hungry but still wanted a meal and variety. His staff was so sweet and kind. My cabin—totally blown away!! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Debra Sharkey - USA
The Sylvia Earle was a great ship. Very comfortable with all the latest amenities. Food was great!! Cabin fantastic. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Craig Divoky - USA
Wonderful ship. Actually the nicest I have ever cruised on. Food was excellent in every way. The crew was wonderful as well and extremely helpful and attentive. Cabin was excellent and well kept. I really enjoyed and used the balcony. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Charles Williams - USA
Cabin much more spacious than expected. My daughter is gluten free and the head waiter and chef were extremely helpful. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Robert Tanner - USA
Gorgeous, clean, new, all the spaces you would need/want on a ship. The food was really good and also catered to various dietary restrictions very nicely. I would absolutely go back on the Sylvia Earle! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Sylvia Caira - USA
Beautiful, comfortable, well laid out ship. Exceeded expectations - junior suite was very comfortable. Staff excellent. Food was fine - was not amazed, but never hungry. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Richard Swindell - UK
The ship was great - common areas and our suite were without fault. The food was good - quality was always good. Variety could have been slightly more extensive. Appreciated the quality of wine available/that was included with our package. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Louise Johnston - UK
We did a lot of research on the various companies and especially the ships before selecting the Sylvia Earle. The ship is beautiful, well laid out for expeditions, and the cabins were just the right level of comfort, size, and amenities for this type of adventure. Large heated bathroom and shower floors -this turned out to remove almost all of the stress of having dry clothes for the twice-daily outings! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Michael Iezzi - USA
I loved the Sylvia Earle's X-bow which handled the wind and waves beautifully - even in the Drake Passage with 5-6m seas and 40-knot winds gusting to 60. I did take medication for sea days but felt great the whole time. Our cabin was very comfortable and perfectly situated to access the mudroom and the restaurant and lounge. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Janet Deisley - USA
I can't think of one improvement on board. Every aspect was superb - from food to housekeeping. I appreciated that the captain and some of his team spoke to us a couple of times. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Janet Deisley - USA
The cabin was adequate for our needs and very clean. Food was great and the staff were very accommodating. Yes, I would choose this ship again. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Jeanette Burrell - USA
The ship was nice, new and clean. The food was always very good with lots of different options available. We would absolutely cruise on the Sylvia Earle again. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Micah Myerscough - USA
Fantastic new ship. I’d been following her since pre launch so knew we would have the best ship with the best crew. The “hotel” staff were brilliant and so was the captain who steered us away from rough waters over the whole trip. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Donna Hicks - UK
All of the crew were always friendly and smiling, and they took great care of us. There was a ton of space on the ship and it never felt crowded. Having the mud room was great to help keep our cabin clean. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Patti Shelton - USA
Can’t get better!! It was like home away from home. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Nisha Ramdas Chandnani - United Arab Emirates
The crew on the ship were just amazing! They were extremely good at their jobs and made us all feel welcome from the second we stepped on the ship. They were always going above and beyond to make our trip enjoyable. The cabins had lots of storage and were comfortable. The heated bathroom floor definitely came in handy for drying gear after excursions. The food was good and they always had a great assortment. I'd definitely choose this ship again. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Michelle Leen - USA
10 - Amazing staff—from the cheery dining team, cool expedition crew, and ninja housekeeping. Rooms were surprisingly big with more than enough storage space. The heated floors in the bathroom were great for drying wet gear from the day's activities. Definitely get a room with a balcony. The views were unreal. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Vera Hui - USA
Beautiful, well kept and eco friendly. Most memorable moment? Sitting in a Jacuzzi watching whales swim past in Antarctica. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Annie Ferguson - UK
The ship was beyond any expectations that I had. The cabin was very homey, the food was amazing. The staff was absolutely fantastic! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Jeni Ness - USA
Cabin was great! Lots of room, comfortable bed and lots of hot water in the shower. Food was great, was never hungry. Between the coffee room with snacks and meals, there was always something to munch on. I would definitely choose this ship again. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Craig Murata - USA
The ship is new & the design makes it extremely stable. We had fantastic weather for the majority of the trip. However, I was extremely glad of the ship's capability when we had to out-run a storm! The staff on the ship were extremely friendly & helpful. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Cecilia Griffin - UK
The new ship Sylvia Earle was outstanding, very comfortable in rough seas, service and food outstanding and we will consider another trip on that ship. The Expedition Staff were very friendly, professional and extremely experienced. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
John Youngblood - USA
The ship was beautiful. The cabin was large and amazing. The food was great. They catered to all tastes. Would love to go on another vacation on this ship. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Melissa Walker - USA
Sylvia Earle can be very proud of her namesake. I felt safe on the vessel and appreciated that different women were honoured on the different ship levels. I took the time to read about each of them and to look at all the photos throughout the vessel. My cabin was excellent. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Adelle Kopp-McKay - Canada
Everything about the ship, the cabin, the onboard library, the sitting areas, the eating areas, was outstanding. The captain and leadership crew spoke at a couple of meetings and inspire great confidence that we were in excellent hands throughout the trip. We would definitely choose the Sylvia Earle for another trip in the future. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Dan Stewart - USA
Exceeded all expectations. Cabin is well designed, new and spacious. Food was amazing and plentiful. We would be happy to choose this ship again. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Lily Luong - Australia
Modern, doesn't describe the ship. The cabin was played out well and heated floors in the bathroom was a Godsend at the end of the day. The food and waiting staff was more than fantastic. Everything catered to the passengers wants and needs! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Lawrence Hudson - USA
10/10 - The expedition team was exceptional! As was the crew of the Sylvia Earle. Everyone was helpful, thoughtful and very knowledgeable in their different areas of expertise. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Stanley Rumbough - USA
10/10 - The Sylvia Earle is beautiful, very comfortable and plenty roomy that you never feel crowded. The large picture windows are wonderful to keep an eye out, wherever you are on the ship. The Staff & Crew were friendly, upbeat and fabulous. We felt well taken care of. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Leah Rumbough - USA
Our cabins were very comfortable. I loved the big picture windows. The heated bathroom floors were awesome! (Perfect for drying wet gloves or pants, too;) The food was quite good, and the kitchen staff delightful and very accomodating. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Leah Rumbough - USA
Fantastic ship in all regards. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Robert Winstead - USA
It truly did live up to our expectations!! The cabin was nicer than many hotel rooms, spacious, very comfortable, good storage for our belongings, loved the robes and slippers. We used the gym, sauna and hot tub. The food was top notch with many choices for everyone's appetites[...] We would absolutely recommend the Sylvia Earle. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Leslie Viens - USA
Ship was excellent and we are researching sailing on her again in the Northern hemisphere. Our cabin was excellent, plenty of room and storage space, full length opening windows out to the balcony, fantastically comfortable beds (slept like a log every night). The ship runs so smoothly and quietly over the water there are times you are not even aware the ship is moving. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Rick Greer - UK
Food and drink was excellent and then service was exceptional, friendly, relaxed, just eager to please - delightful. Someone has done an excellent job recruiting all these people that seem to have the same mission, the same consistency of approach. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Rick Greer - UK
Exceeded expectations. Would cruise on it again in another location. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Susan Boehlke - USA
Nice new modern ship with a really good captain. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Pavel Kosyak - USA
The Sylvia Earle was a lovely ship, it lived up to my expectations, the trip surpassed my expectations. The cabin was great, the food was amazing, the special nights were very memorable, meeting the Captain, his crew, all the expedition team was wonderful. I loved the Cocktail Hour! I would choose this ship again. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Mary Hockaday - Australia
The ship is very well designed and comfortable. The food was wonderful and fresh and the gym was nicer than a lot of hotels I have been to. I would highly recommend it and would have no hesitations about booking another adventure on this ship in the future. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
John Buschman - USA
Cabin was great, food was awesome, this smaller boat was great at getting into many areas a larger boat would have failed at. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Timothy Sieck - USA
The cabin was very nice. Especially the heated floor in the head [bathroom]. Very good for drying our gear! The space was ample. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Marjorie Robfogel - USA
Can't imagine choosing another ship! Our cabin was better than expected. The size of the ship was big enough to tackle the crossing but small enough that we could all get ashore every day. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Suzanne Lang - South Africa
The ship is beautiful. The cabin was excellent. Wonderfully designed with excellent storage and plenty of places to plug in ones devices. The bed was very comfortable and the bathrooms were well designed as well. The food was excellent. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Rebecca Klein - USA
Cabin was awesome, my cabin steward was perfect it was just amazing. Everyone worked constantly so hard with a smile on their face competently. The ship is absolutely wonderful - beautiful and functional. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Elizabeth Braman - USA
The ship was gorgeous and our room was spacious and had lots of storage for our clothes. It was kept very clean. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Gail Perdoch - UK
The ship was perfect and the expedition team were very friendly and dedicated. Worked hard to give a good experience. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Frank Cervi - Switzerland
Cabin was great. We loved the big windows for viewing the whales and birds. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Rebecca Ready - Canada
The expedition team were extremely knowledgeable. I really enjoyed their talks and the information they provided. Each had a unique background which added to the trip in different ways. They really made the experience exceptional. I can't imagine it without them. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Rebecca Ready - Canada
Voyages aboard the Sylvia Earle
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