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Sylvia Earle, 11 Nights Spirit of Antarctica Cruise ex Ushuaia Return

11 Night Cruise Only


Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
22 Nov 2024 Ushuaia, Argentina Hotel
23 Nov 2024 Ushuaia, Argentina Embark
24 Nov 2024 Drake Passage
25 Nov 2024 Drake Passage
26 Nov 2024 South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
27 Nov 2024 South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
28 Nov 2024 Antarctic Peninsula
29 Nov 2024 Antarctic Peninsula
30 Nov 2024 Antarctic Peninsula
1 Dec 2024 Drake Passage
2 Dec 2024 Drake Passage
3 Dec 2024 Ushuaia, Argentina Disembark
10 Night Cruise sailing from Ushuaia roundtrip aboard Sylvia Earle. Hotel stay pre-cruise in Ushuaia.

Day 1 Arrive Ushuaia/Hotel

Day 2 Embarkation
This morning, enjoy breakfast and check-out. Please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Take your cabin luggage to hotel reception, prior to, or at check-out. Your luggage will be stored and transferred directly to the port for clearance, to be placed in your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.

Your morning is at leisure to explore Ushuaia.

Those wishing to join our afternoon catamaran cruise, meet back at the hotel lobby at 12.45 pm ready to transfer to the port at 1.00 pm. Here we board our catamaran and sail the Beagle Channel, towards the city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges Archipelago we’ll slow down to watch colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses and cauquenes are often sighted. Our cruise offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain range, in addition to hearing tales of the people and communities of the region.

Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and meet at your hotel lobby at 3.45 pm to be transferred to the pier for embarkation.

Once onboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before our important mandatory briefings. As the ship pulls away from port, we’ll gather on the deck to commence our adventure with spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego.

This evening get to know your fellow expeditioners and friendly expedition team and crew at a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a thrilling adventure to Antarctica.

Day 3-4 Drake Passage Crossing
As we commence the Drake Passage crossing, we make the most of our time getting comfortable with the motions of the sea. Our expedition team prepare you for our first landing with important wildlife guidelines and biosecurity procedures and start our lecture program to help you learn more about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.

Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels following our vessel. On sea days, you may can enjoy the facilities on board the vessel including the gym, wellness centre or the relaxing in one of the observation lounges.

Nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula on the afternoon of day four, the excitement is palpable with everyone converging on one of the observation decks watching for our first iceberg. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are below the Antarctic Convergence and are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of your first big iceberg sighting is likely to remain with you for a lifetime. Time and weather permitting, we may attempt our first landing in Antarctica by late afternoon.

Day 5-9 Antarctic Peninsula
It is almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Once we arrive, the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. Because we are so far south, we will experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight and the days can be as busy as you wish.

Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.

While ashore we aim to stretch our legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. If you have chosen an optional activity, you will have the option to do participate in the activity whenever conditions allow, and of course keen polar plungers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting! The polar plunge can take place at any time during the voyage, so listen out for the announcement from the expedition team and get ready for the most exhilarating dip of your life!

In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or make your way to the bridge (open at the captain’s discretion) for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendour. Listen out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve into sea. Take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of the pristine paradise of the splendid white continent.

Day 10-11 Drake Passage Crossing
Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before we re-enter the Drake Passage for our return journey to South America.

With lectures and film presentations to complete our Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and experienced. We hope you become ambassadors for Antarctica telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.

As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

Day 12 Disembark Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.


Sylvia Earle honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine 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. Sylvia Earle will be actively involved in the development of her namesake.

Crossing the notorious Drake Passage or the Denmark Strait, our expeditions face some of the most intense conditions nature can throw at us. The Greg Mortimer is at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust, powerful and up to the task.


Ship Profile & Stats
  • Maiden voyage: 2021
  • Speed: 15.5 Knots
  • Passenger capacity (dbl): 126
Ship Amenities
  • 1 x mug per person
  • Room Controlled Thermostat
  • In Room Safe
  • Flat Screen Television
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x drink bottle per person
  • 1 x drybag backpack per person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
Ship Facilities
  • Swimming Pool
  • Mudroom
  • Library
  • State of the art lecture facilities
  • Lift(s)
  • Medical centre
  • Lower glass atrium lounge
  • Upper glass atrium lounge
  • Bars
  • Observation lounge
  • Top deck restaurant
  • Activity launching platform
  • Ship shop
  • Main Dining Room
  • Gym
  • Jacuzzi's
  • Spa
At Aurora Expeditions wilderness is a passion they share with others by taking small groups of like-minded people to some of the most isolated places on our planet. From the polar regions of Antarctica and High Arctic to the wilds of Costa Rica, Scotland, Patagonia and more, Aurora Expeditions aims to create special expedition-style cruises that foster an understanding and appreciation of our natural world.

The Australian-owned adventure company was initially established in the early 1990¹s by adventures Greg Mortimer and Margaret Werner when they began sharing their love of remote places by organising ship-based trips for keen friends and fellow travellers. Their style to push the boundaries¹ has remained unchanged and they are proud of the fact that their spirit of adventure and exploration is as strong as ever. Their adventure activities are proof of this; with many of their voyages offering polar scuba diving, sea kayaking, camping and mountain climbing.

Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions were the founding member of both the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). All their voyages have expert expedition staff who will help to unlock the wonders of these special places.

Deck 3

Deck 4

Deck 5

Deck 6

Deck 7

Deck 8

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.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist's impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
French Balcony
Private en suite
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42" Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Aurora Stateroom Twin Share
There are three 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.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist's impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Private en suite
Porthole Window
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42" Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Aurora Stateroom Triple Share
There are four Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.

*Please note the Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins are only available on certain departures

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist's impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed
2 Twin Beds
Private en suite
Porthole Window
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42" Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Balcony Stateroom Superior
Cabin & balcony combined size: 28m2 - 37.7m2

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.

Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.

Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist's impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42" Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Captain's Suite
Cabin & balcony combined size: 44.5m2

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.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist's impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42" Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
1 Free pair of binoculars per suite
1 hour spa treatment per person*
Free stocked mini bar^
Gratuities/tips for crew included - to the value of AU$ 15 per person per day
1 Free bottle of champagne per suite.

*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.

Junior Suite
Cabin & balcony combined size: 42m2 - 43.5m2

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.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist's impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42" Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
1 Free pair of binoculars per suite
1 hour spa treatment per person*
Free stocked mini bar^
Gratuities/tips for crew included - to the value of AU$ 15 per person per day
1 Free bottle of champagne per suite.

*Valid on 1-hour massage or facial treatment only. Further details provided on board.
^Balcony Suites and Junior Suites stocked once only, not replenished. Captain’s Suite replenished as needed.

Balcony Stateroom Category A
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m² - 24.8m²

We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.

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.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist's impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42" Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Balcony Stateroom Category B
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 - 24.8 m2

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.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist's impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42" Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)

Balcony Stateroom Category C
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21m2 - 24.8m2

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.

All cabin images of the Sylvia Earle are artist's impressions only and final results may vary.

Cabin Features:
1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds
Balcony
Private en suite
Desk Area
Room Controlled Thermostat
In Room Safe
42" Flat Screen Television
1 Mug Per Person
1 Drink Bottle Per Person
1 3 in 1 Polar Jacket Per Person (Polar Voyages only)
1 Drybag Backpack Per Person (Costa Rica & Panama Canal only)
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*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
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