24 May 2022, London, United Kingdom: Australia's award-winning adventure travel company, Aurora Expeditions, has today announced its new, purpose-built expedition ship, the Sylvia Earle, will be making her debut voyage on the Subantarctic Safari from November 4-20 2022. The ship will be christened by its namesake, the renowned marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, prior to making its way to the wildlife havens of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

The 17-day maiden voyage to the Subantarctic Islands will appeal to wildlife lovers and history buffs alike. Beginning in Santiago, Chile and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, passengers will explore the history-steeped Falkands~Malvinas, a bird lovers' paradise home to an incredible diversity of charismatic penguin species and the largest colony of black-browed albatross in the world, followed by South Georgia – known for its enormous King penguin colonies and beaches lined with Elephant and Antarctic fur seals. Plus, passengers will have the opportunity to trace the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton's infamous journeys here.

“We are thrilled to confirm the inaugural season of the Sylvia Earle, and to be debuting her on such a magnificent voyage whose destinations are so representative of Aurora's spirit of exploration, discovery and education,” commented Hayley Peacock-Gower, CMO at Aurora Expeditions.

“This highly anticipated vessel is intended to be a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet, with a large focus on marine education and conservation in line with Dr Earle's own longstanding efforts. We are so looking forward to having our adventurous expeditioners join us in exploring some of the world's wildest, most awe-inspiring and important regions whilst paying tribute to such an incredible hero of our planet.”

Certified 100% Carbon Neutral, outfitted with a dedicated, fully equipped Citizen Science Centre, the ship also pays tribute to six pioneering female conservationists from around the world alongside Dr Earle, who are honoured on each of the ship's public decks: Jo Ruxton, Dr. Asha de Vos, Hanli Prinsloo, Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Bernadette Demientieff and Sharon Kwok.

“Travelling with Aurora Expeditions on the Sylvia Earle will be an incredible opportunity for people to learn about the planet's extraordinary marine habitats and the importance of protecting them,” Dr. Earle commented.

“I see great synergy in working closely with a company that shares my vision for the future and which is, from the top down, passionate about the marine environment. I am very much looking forward to christening the ship, connecting with Aurora Expeditions' passengers, and following its journey in providing countless life changing and eye-opening experiences to many of the planet's most biodiverse regions.”

Dr. Earle will herself be joining a special Antarctic Climate Expedition during the ship's maiden season, taking place in February 2023. This voyage will see a collection of thought leaders in the fields of conservation, science, art, education and economics come together to bring about public and government awareness of the importance and the splendour of the Antarctic, and to address the warming climate and loss of sea ice in the southern polar region as a direct threat to the future of human life on this planet.

Expedition members will be expected to help formulate 23 resolutions to inspire transformative changes for global net-zero emissions by 2050.

Like sister ship the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®. Accommodating an average of 130-140 expeditioners per voyage, every cabin on board has an ocean view and nearly all have balconies. The ship features a unique two-level glass atrium lounge in the bow, a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, Zodiac launching platforms, two restaurants serving excellent meals, a gym and wellness centre, a swimming pool, Jacuzzis, a mudroom and many other amenities.

Following her maiden voyage, the Sylvia Earle will continue her inaugural season on several voyages to Antarctica, followed by Costa Rica, the Canadian Arctic, Norway, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland and Scotland. Aurora's unique activity program and focus on active adventure will continue to play a major part in the expedition experience on the new ship, offering the likes of sea kayaking, scuba diving, polar snorkelling, alpine trekking and much more.

To celebrate the inaugural season, Aurora Expeditions is offering up to 20% off* Sylvia Earle voyages, for bookings up to June 30 2022.

For more information:

https://www.auroraexpeditions.co.uk/

https://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/antarctic-climate-expedition-2023/

Image links

https://library.aurora-expeditions.com/share/55DD42B1-071B-4DDF-B230ADBAB651F4F7/  

https://library.aurora-expeditions.com/share/66F45352-75E5-454D-871AD1608FB81B41/   

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For further press information please contact Cedar Tree Public Relations:
Frangelica Flook: Frangelica.flook@cedartreepr.com
T: +44 (0)20 7978 4534, M: +44 (0) 7747 606 898

Notes to Editors

Image credits: Render of Sylvia Earle in South Georgia, Aurora Expeditions; Portrait of Dr Sylvia Earle, Todd Brown

*Terms and conditions apply.

About Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions is an award-winning, Australian owned expedition company celebrating its 30th anniversary year. A pioneer in Polar Expeditions, Aurora is truly committed to environmentally responsible travel, we are committed to preserving the beauty and majesty that mother nature possesses, and we take real actions for the care of the planet.

Founded on the guiding principles of adventure and endless exploration, the small ship experience is intimate and friendly, and Aurora Expeditions takes guests on perspective-altering experiences to some of the most remote and incredible places on earth.

Aurora's two purpose-built ships, the Greg Mortimer and our brand-new small expedition ship the Sylvia Earle, are both designed for global discovery. The new ship is named after acclaimed marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle.

About Dr Sylvia Earle

Dr Sylvia Earle, a Rolex Testimonee fondly referred to as Her Deepness, is the recipient of more than 100 national and international honours and awards. These include being named Time Magazine's first Hero of the Planet, a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in 2014, UNEP Champion of the Earth, Glamour Magazine's 2014 Woman of the Year, member of the Netherlands Order of the Golden Ark, and winner of 2009 TED Prize, the Walter Cronkite Award, the 1996 Explorers Club Medal, the Royal Geographic Society 2011 Patron's Medal and the National Geographic 2013 Hubbard Medal.

Sylvia was the first woman to become chief scientist of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is currently President and Chairperson of Mission Blue and the Sylvia Earle Alliance.

Known as the mother of our world's oceans, she is an oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer with an insatiable passion for underwater exploration and marine conservation. Sylvia still currently holds the record for a solo dive to an astonishing depth of 1,005 metres into the deep sea.