Why we like the Sylvia Earle

  • 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

Sylvia Earle video guide

Customer review background image

What our customers think of Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle trips scored 4.4/5 from 300 reviews

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

Review:

Voyages aboard the Sylvia Earle

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Antarctic Peninsula Explorer

Explore the White Continent aboard one of the polar fleet's newest additions, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 130 passengers, there’s a wide range of optional activities on this classic Antarctic…

  • 12-15 Days
  • $13,395
Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination

A rare and popular voyage which flies to Antarctica in just two hours, then sails back across the Drake Passage, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, purpose-built expedition ship, with kayaking…

  • 9-13 Days
  • $17,895
Discover South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands

This voyage stands out by visiting the Antarctic Peninsula first and keeping the wonders of South Georgia for the second half. You’ll travel on board one of the most exciting new polar ships with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and optional…

  • 19-25 Days
  • $22,595
Immense Discovery: Falklands, South Georgia & the Peninsula

This fantastic trip covers all the must-see highlights of an extended Antarctic expedition. With 21 nights aboard, venture far south past vast icebergs to cross the Antarctic Circle before taking in the wildlife paradise of South Georgia's jaw-dropping king penguin…

  • 23 Days
  • $31,495
Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula

For maximum time in Antarctica with flights both ways, this trip really stands out. An extended fly & cruise voyage spending eight full days actually in Antarctica onboard a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship. Optional kayaking & polar…

  • 12 Days
  • $23,795
Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Spend 6 full days exploring Antarctica with the Polar Circle at 66 degrees south as your most southerly objective, on board one of the most exciting new vessels. A maximum of just 130 passengers, with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and…

  • 13-14 Days
  • $16,195
Antarctic Sail & Fly Combination

Get the best of both worlds on this time-efficient Antarctic adventure. Sail south on a thrilling journey across the Drake Passage, then take a swift two hour flight back to civilisation at the end of your voyage. In between, spend…

  • 12 Days
  • $17,195
Quest for Shackleton: South Georgia and Antarctica

In homage to Shackleton, this trip retraces the explorer's legendary journey from the Weddell Sea to Elephant Island and across to South Georgia. A rare, shorter voyage, it skips the Falkland Islands and spends an extra day in Antarctica, maximising…

  • 20 Days
  • $22,595
Untamed Weddell Sea Adventure

An expansive adventure exploring the Antarctic Peninsula’s dramatic eastern side and the Weddell Sea’s vast tabular icebergs and infamous icescapes. Your compact 130 guest expedition ship is purpose-built to navigate these challenging waters. Optional adventure activities, such as kayaking, scuba…

  • 12-13 Days
  • $13,395
Swoop Says background image

Ian says

I travelled below the Antarctic Circle on Sylvia Earle in January 2023 and loved the relaxed yet highly comfortable feel of the ship along with the “ask any question” attitude of the expedition staff, who were extremely passionate and knowledgeable.

Ian Young Antarctic Sales Manager

Cabin Categories

Cabin categories for Sylvia Earle, Antarctic vessel

*Note that the above measurements are approximate averages and exact cabin size can vary

Captain's Suite

  • Located on Deck 4
  • Cabin and balcony combined size of 473ft² / 44m²
  • Private balcony, ensuite and lounge 
  • 1 free pair of binoculars per suite
  • Free stocked mini bar (replenished as needed)
  • 1 free bottle of champagne per suite

Junior Suite

  • Located on Deck 7
  • Cabin and balcony combined size of 441ft² / 41m²
  • Private balcony, ensuite and lounge 
  • 1 free pair of binoculars per suite
  • Free stocked mini bar (stocked once only)
  • 1 free bottle of champagne per suite

Superior Balcony

  • Located on Decks 4 & 6
  • Cabin and balcony combined size of 280 - 387ft² / 26 - 36m²
  • Private balcony, ensuite and lounge 
  • Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms

Balcony Stateroom

  • Located on Deck 4 and on Deck 6
  • Cabin and balcony combined sized of 215 - 301ft² / 20 - 28m²
  • Private balcony, ensuite 

Superior Stateroom

  • Located on Deck 7
  • Cabin size of 215ft² / 20m² 
  • King or twin beds, en suite 

Triple

  • Located on Deck 3
  • Cabin size of 236ft² / 22m² 
  • Porthole, en suite 

The Sylvia Earle's Deck Plan

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)

Find Your Antarctic Ship

Choosing the right ship is crucial, given the amount of time you'll spend on board. Swoop is experienced at helping match our customers to exactly the right ship.

Find your Antarctic ship

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
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We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.

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