Aurora Expeditions launched its 2nd purpose-built small ship, Sylvia Earle, which is scheduled to embark on her inaugural cruise from Ushuaia (Argentina) to Antarctica on December 10.
Named after the renowned oceanographer, explorer, conservationist, and marine biologist, Dr. Sylvia Earle, the state-of-the-art expedition cruise ship is expected to become a floating ambassador for the planet's conservation.
With a strong focus on education & conservation, the new vessel is designed to accommodate an average of 132 guests per voyage in a relaxed and informal onboard setting.
Sylvia Earle is the 7th in a series of ten "Ulstein CX103" design (Infinity-class) expedition vessels, with sisterships Greg Mortimer (2019-Sept, fleetmate), Ocean Victory (2021-March), Ocean Explorer (2021-Jan), Ocean Odyssey (2022-Oct), Ocean Discoverer (2023-March), Ocean Albatros (2022-Oct) plus 4 more (TBN) units. The patented ULSTEIN X-BOW design is one of the unusual for expedition ship features. The vessel also utilizes the latest technologies in naval engineering. The ship is technically managed by Cruise Management International (Miami-based passenger vessel/fleet management company).
The boat is owned by SunStone Ships (USA) and operated under charter by Aurora Expeditions Australia (a company specializing in Arctic and Antarctic cruisetours).
Sylvia Earle is named after one of the leading ocean conservationists in the world, the first female Chief Scientist of the United States' National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.