Aurora Expeditions to launch new ship in December

Aurora Expedition has launched its second purpose-built small ship Sylvia Earle, which will embark on its inaugural voyage next month.

The 132-passenger ship will sail from Ushuaia, Argentina to Antarctica on December 10.

Sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, which was launched in 2019, the line’s newest vessel is named after marine biologist, oceanographer and conservationist Sylvia Earle.

More: Aurora Expeditions founder to join ex-Scotland departure

Each of the ship’s seven decks is named after female conservationists, including Jo Ruxton, Carden Wallace, Sharon Kwok, Bernadette Demientieff, Asha de Vos and Hanli Prinsloo, with a deck names after Sylvia Earle herself.

Features include a two-level glass atrium lounge in the bow, a lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, Zodiac launching platforms, two restaurants, a gym and wellness centre, swimming pool, whirlpool baths and a mudroom.

Hayley Peacock-Gower, chief marketing officer, said: “Our goal is to immerse our expeditioners in some of the world’s most remote and fascinating places and, in doing so, create lifelong ambassadors for the planet.

“More than 30 years in the making, Aurora Expeditions has a track record for pioneering adventure and discovery, and respectful travel is at the core of our ethos.

“Female scientists are leading the way in global conservation initiatives and we want to honour these seven extraordinary women who work tirelessly to make the world a better place.”