Welcome aboard!
Bunnik Tours is proud to be partnering with Aurora Expeditions to offer an amazing polar cruising experience. Aurora Expeditions specialises in destinations off the beaten track. So far off in fact, that often there is no track! Embark on a small ship expedition cruise with a friendly group of like-minded travellers. Expedition cruising is about true adventure and camaraderie, and these are some of the smallest Antarctic and Arctic cruises you'll find.
Aurora Expedition Ships
Sylvia Earle
This ground-breaking new state-of-the-art vessel is one of the most advanced expedition ships in the world.
Proudly named after Aurora Expeditions' highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, this 104-metre ship is our second, purpose-built expedition vessel. Capable of negotiating the strongest winds and waves, the Sylvia Earle is built to world-class polar standards – designed in close consultation with our expedition specialists, taking advantage of our more than 28 years of experience.
Accommodating an average of 132 passengers per voyage including kayakers and divers (see itinerary pages for individual voyage passenger numbers), the Sylvia Earle is redefining expedition cruising for the future. Not only is the ship bigger to contend with adverse weather conditions, its added creature comforts make for a more enjoyable journey out on the open ocean. The Sylvia Earle remains true to our ethos and focus on multiple landings, flexible itineraries and family atmosphere!
Ship Features & Facilities
As a modern and custom-designed ship, the Sylvia Earle is at the cutting edge of nautical technology. Robust, powerful and built with our guests in mind, the Sylvia Earle will make your journey a breeze!
X-BOW®
The streamlined Ulstein X-BOW® cuts through the swell so you feel fewer vibrations and disturbances*, and makes quicker transits through waves. It also helps reduce our fuel consumption by up to 60%^. Experience the Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow, featuring huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship.
*Aurora Expeditions do not claim that this will prevent or cure seasickness. ^Compared to Tier 1 engines.
State of the art lecture facilities
On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to deepen your understanding of the region you’re visiting.
Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering topics as broad as history and culture, biology and climate change, but they have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate and entertain.
Swimming Pool & Wellness Centre
In between landings, enjoy our heated saltwater open air swimming pool or our jacuzzis on board the Sylvia Earle and watch the world go by, and experience our gym, sauna or enjoy a massage (additional cost) in the Wellness Centre.
Science Centre & Lounge
Learn more about the world we explore with our onboard naturalist and expedition team in our science centre, or enjoy superb views to the front of the ship.
Library
With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, plug in and organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.
Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.
Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on Deck 7.
Responsible Travel Features
We believe that preserving and protecting the environment is of the utmost importance and this is reflected in several features of the Sylvia Earle.
The Sylvia Earle will boast one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world due to low energy consumption, high fuel-efficiency and a streamlined design to deliver an 80% reduction in emissions.*
The ship can also utilise virtual anchoring to hold its position using a combination of GPS, steering technology, propellers and thrusters. This protects the sea floor and minimises the damage caused by conventional anchors.
*Compared to Tier 1 engines.
Safety features
The Sylvia Earle will feature industry-leading safety technology that exceeds the requirements for a ship of this size with a world class return-to-port equipment, which duplicates the propulsion system, enabling the ship to maintain operating systems and comfort in the event of engine failure.
The ship will also feature a fully-stocked medical clinic designed for use in remote areas.
Aurora Expeditions Sylvia Earle | Cabins
Overview
After a long day exploring the wonders of your destination, you need somewhere where you can simply relax and take a break from real life.
Our second purpose-built expedition vessel honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first woman to become chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named byTimeMagazine as its first 'Hero for the Planet' in 1998 – this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia’s long-standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife.
Combining comfort with style, all staterooms have twin or king bed configuration options, private bathrooms, daily cabin service, as well as all the basic amenities that you'll need onboard. Additionally, there are private balconies in roughly 80% of the staterooms, allowing you to watch the world float past and take in the salty air of the open ocean. We have introduced four cabin categories to our Balcony Stateroom category. These have been classified into category Superior, A, B or C depending on the cabin size and deck location.
Of course, the prospect of unexpected wildlife encounters is always on the table so your accommodation needs to have a view as well! Across three of the four stateroom categories, you'll find large floor to ceiling windows that offer prime observation opportunities around the clock.
Another great feature of the accommodation on the Sylvia Earle are the interconnecting staterooms. If you're part of a family or group who want some privacy, but still want to be close to each other, these staterooms are the perfect option.
Regardless of your chosen stateroom, you can enjoy full service accommodation on the Sylvia Earle!
Captain's Suite
The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Cabin & balcony combined size 40.6m².
Junior Suite
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Cabin & balcony combined size 39.09m².
Balcony Stateroom Superior
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 26.4m²- 31.2m² .
Balcony Stateroom Category A
Our 23 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 16.8m²- 28m².
Balcony Stateroom Category B
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 16.8m²- 28m².
Balcony Stateroom Category C
Our 11 Balcony Stateroom – C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 6.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 16.8m²- 28m².
Aurora Stateroom Superior
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Cabin size: Up to 18.1m².
Aurora Stateroom Twin Share
There are two Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action. May be converted into a Triple Share cabin with additional bed on request.
Cabin size: 20m².
Please note: All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist's impressions only and final results may vary.
Travel with Confidence
For full details on Booking with Confidence, Health & Safety and Voyage Status updates, click here.
Terms and Conditions
For full Terms and Conditions including Fitness and Age requirements, click here.
