Sylvia Earle Ship

An intimate state-of-the-art small expedition cruise ship named after acclaimed biologist and oceanographer Sylvia Earle

Introducing Sylvia Earle

The Sylvia Earle is a new purpose built small expedition ship offering adventures to the world’s most remote places in an intimate and comfortable style. The ship represents a huge advancement in sustainability and is certified 100% climate-neutral and has an onboard citizen science center.

The Sylvia Earle, along with the sistership Greg Mortimer, is an ideal choice for guests looking to explore the furthest reaches of the polar regions in a small active group. The ship is a good option for wildlife lovers, photographers and guests looking to spend the maximum time off the ship exploring. The Sylvia Earle is a great option for additional activities such as kayaking, diving and trekking.   

A centerpiece of the ship is the X Bow design which incorporates a twin level observation lounge with windows in the bow of the ship. For a small ship, the Sylvia Earle has great stability, is surprisingly uncrowded and spacious. The interior is stylish but laid back, many cabins feature private balconies and there are great creature comforts such as on deck jacuzzis and a sauna. 

With just 132 guests per voyage, the Sylvia Earle offers an intimate experience that can be lost on larger ships. The expert guide team goes the extra mile and the small group size allows the majority of time to be spent off the ship exploring.

Sylvia Earle Highlights

1

Small Ship Offering a Huge Expedition Experience

Taking just 132 guests per voyage, The Sylvia Earle delivers a first class expedition experience. The flexible small group size is suited to guests who want to spend the maximum time off the ship exploring by Zodiac and undertaking shore landings.
2

A Great Choice For Adventure Activities

With its own dedicated activity platform, The Sylvia Earle offers one of the best option for additional adventurous activities. The onboard team of polar experts deliver outstanding additional activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and diving.
3

Great Zodiac to Guest Ratio

All guests on the Sylvia Earle can join Zodiac excursions at the same time. The ship's four Zodiac platforms ensure the boarding process is safe and efficient so more time can be spent exploring.
4

Modern X Bow Design

A striking feature of the Sylvia Earle is the modern X bow design, which features a stunning viewing lounge in the bow of the ship. The modern design allows the ship to cut through heavy seas with the best stability and fuel efficiency, providing fast and comfortable sailing for guests on sea passages.
5

Best In Class Sustainability and Safety

The Sylvia Earle is certified 100% climate neutral thanks to its modern fuel efficient design and adoption of the latest technology. GPS anchoring allows the ship to hover instead of dropping a traditional anchor in sensitive areas. The ship has a citizen science lab allowing guests to learn from onboard scientists and contribute to research.
6

High Levels of Onboard Comfort

From well-appointed cabins with balconies, a choice of two restaurants, comfortable lounges, on-deck jacuzzis and a sauna and gym, guests experience a high level of comfort throughout their voyage with the bonus of traveling in a small group.
7

Industry Leading Guides

The Sylvia Ealre is known for its outstanding team of guides and polar specialists that offer it an excellent reputation for being one of the best small ships for activities, wildlife watching, and exploring.

Key Features Of Sylvia Earle

Exterior

Jacuzzi Sylvia Earle

On Deck Jacuzzis

The two jacuzzis located on the top deck of the ship offer the best place to unwind and e njoy epic views in the height of comfort.
Sylvia Earle Observation Lounge

Multiple Viewing Decks

The ship features spacious viewing decks, making it ideal for photographers and wildlife watchers.
Kayaks and Activity Platform Greg Mortimer

Zodiac launching platforms

Four extendable sea-level platforms offer guests an efficient and safe boarding of the ship's 15 Zodiacs.

Activities platform

Situated at the stern of the ship is a significant activity platform with spacious activity preparation areas where expert guides prepare you for your adventure.

Interior

The Sylvia Earle Science Centre Bartosz Stróżyński

Science Centre & Lounge

A large lounge situated in the bow of the ship with large forward facing windows and a science center. The perfect place to savour epic views from the warm.

Bar and Lounge

It is a great place to share tales with fellow travelers, enjoy your favorite drink, relax comfortably, and enjoy the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Lecture Facilities

Enjoy engaging talks by guides, naturalists and special guests in this large and bright state-of-the-art lecture lounge.
The Library, Sylvia Earle, Richard I Anson

Library

A cosy library with large windows, a selection of books and comfortable sofas to enjoy the view from.
Mudroom Sylvia Earle

Activity Preparation Area

A large activity preparation area is used as a launchpad for Zodiac cruising with changing areas and lockers. Space for storing outer gear when not in use for ease.

Gym

Enjoy a workout with a view in the state-of-the-art gym with floor-to-ceiling windows and a range of the latest gym equipment.
The Sauna Sylvia Earle

Sauna

Warm up after a polar plunge or a day out exploring in the stylish sauna with large windows to take in the exhilarating views.

Dining Options On Sylvia Earle

Gentoo Restaurant Sylvia earle

The Gentoo Restaurant

In the evening, enjoy hearty international favourites after a day out exploring with the à la carte dinner. Enjoy buffet-style dining with a wide range of options during breakfast and lunch.
The Rockhopper Restaurant Sylvia Earle

Rockhopper Restaurant

Reservations-required option offering sumptuous steakhouse style dining.

Cabins On Sylvia Earle

Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
  • Deck: 3
  • Cabin size: 22.67m² (244ft²)
  • Beds: King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Porthole window
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable.

Aurora Stateroom Superior
  • Deck: 7
  • Cabin size: 19.9m² - 20.8m² (214.2ft² - 223.9ft²)
  • Beds: King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • French balcony
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable.

Balcony Stateroom Category C
  • Deck: 4 & 6
  • Cabin size: 19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)
  • Beds: King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Private balcony
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable.

Balcony Stateroom Category B
  • Deck: 4 & 6
  • Cabin size: 19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)
  • Beds: King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Private balcony
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable.

Balcony Stateroom Category A
  • Deck: 4 & 6
  • Cabin size: 19.5m² - 28.7m² (209.9ft² - 308.9ft²)
  • Beds: King bed or Twin beds
  • Icon
  • Private ensuite
  • Private balcony
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable.

Balcony Stateroom Superior
  • Deck: 4 & 6
  • Cabin size: 29.2m² - 35.2m² (314.3ft² - 378.9ft²)
  • Beds: King bed or Twin beds
  • Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible)
  • Private balcony
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar*
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable.

Junior Suite
  • Deck: 7
  • Cabin size: 41.6m² (447.8ft²)
  • Beds: King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Private balcony
  • Full size window
  • Separate lounge area
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar ^
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x pair of binoculars per suite
  • 1 x bottle of champagne per suite

^Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished.

Captain’s Suite
  • Deck: 4
  • Cabin size: 43.8m² (471.5 ft²)
  • Beds: King bed or Twin beds
  • Private ensuite
  • Private balcony
  • Full size window
  • Separate lounge area
  • Desk area
  • Closet space
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • Room safe
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Mini bar ^
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x pair of binoculars per suite
  • 1 x bottle of champagne per suite

^Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.

Sylvia Earle Deck Plan

Syvia Earle deck 3

Sylvia Earle Destinations

Antarctica

Explore the furthest reaches of Antarctica on Sylvia Earle’s epic voyages deep into the Weddell Sea or Crossing the Polar Circle in a small group adventure.

Northwest Passage

Sylvia Earle offers the most in-depth traverse of the Northwest Passage between Greenland and Alaska with a full 30-days of small group exploration.

Iceland, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Explore the wild Arctic on this unique voyage from Iceland that plans to land on the rarely visited island of Jan Mayen before continuing to Svalbard

West Greenland

Sylvia Earle offers an In depth 15-day small ship expedition cruise to explore the West Coast of Greenland and visit Nuuk, the capital of Greenland with charter flights from Toronto.

What Makes Unique

Sylvia Earle is considered one of the most sustainable ships in the polar regions and is certified climate-neutral.

The ship features a unique two-story science centre and lounge located with large windows in the bow of the ship.

How To Plan Your Cruise On Sylvia Earle

Choose from Sylvia Earle’s adventurous small ship voyages to explore the Arctic and Antarctica.

Contact our friendly travel experience team to get the best advice on cabins and itineraries and ask any questions you may have.

Please make your reservation with our friendly Travel Experience Team. All bookings made through North Pole Cruises receive 100% financial protection, and we include supplier failure insurance at no charge to you for extra peace of mind.

Before your expedition, we will send you lots of helpful advice about planning your voyage, including the best travel insurance, places to stay before and after your journey, travel requirements and a packing list.

Enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

Sylvia Earle Ship Specifications

Length
104 M
Cruising speed
12 knots
Ice class
Polar Class PC6
Classification
PC6
Flag
Bahamas
Guest decks
6
Guest capacity
132
Zodiacs
15
Gross tonnage
8,076 GT
Motors
2 X Ingeteam
Construction
China

Sylvia Earle Cruises

Glacier near Dundas Harbour on Devon Island Northwest Passage
Toronto - Anchorage
Aug 27 2025 - Sep 24 2025
28 Nights

Price from per person

£27,676
two colourful houses in Ny ALesund Svalbard with snowy mountains in the background - best places to visit in the Arctic
Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen
Jul 04 2025 - Jul 18 2025
14 Nights

Price from per person

£14,716
when to go to the Arctic man watching Icebergs in Greenland
Longyearbyen - Reykjavik
Jul 17 2025 - Jul 29 2025
14 Nights

Price from per person

£12,320

Frequently Asked Questions

The ship Sylvia Earle is named after the American marine biologist, oceanographer, and explorer Dr Sylvia Earle – a prominent female conservationist dedicated to creating a deeper understanding and protecting the oceans.

The ship honours her with an onboard citizen science lab where guests can partake in science and deepen their understanding of the places they explore.

The Sylvia Earle ship takes up to 132 guests per voyage. This is considered one of the smallest ship sizes in the polar regions, where the average ship takes over 200 guests per voyage.

Do you need help planning your expedition cruise?

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