Aurora Expeditions’ Two Ships, the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, Meet for the First Time

Photo by Bailey Robertson

Greg, let me introduce you to Sylvia

Sydney, Australia - Feb. 1, 2023 - Aurora Expeditions’ two ships met for the first time this week while in Antarctica, looking majestic in the icy landscape. Greg Mortimer, which launched in 2019, has visited the region for several Antarctic seasons. Sylvia Earle’s maiden voyage was in December 2022, and she recently departed on her fifth voyage in Antarctic waters. 

The world-renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, the ship’s namesake, will be christening her ship on Feb. 15, 2023 before she departs on the inaugural Antarctic Climate Expedition, a world-first nine-day voyage with Ocean Geographic, Aurora Expeditions and a collection of renowned thought leaders.

Each of Aurora Expedition’s purpose-built, small ships takes an average of 132 passengers with an average of over 20 Expedition Team members. Aurora was the first to use the ULSTEIN X-BOW® in a passenger ship. Its inverted bow design cuts through the swell minimizing vibrations, enabling faster transits through sea passages and helping reduce fuel consumption. This, in combination with Rolls Royce dynamic stabilizers, offers unrivaled stability and comfort on ocean crossings. 

With over 32 years of experience, Aurora Expeditions is founded on the guiding principles of endless exploration while traveling with the utmost consideration of the environment. Aurora is deeply committed to responsible, respectful and safe travel, and it offers one of the highest Expedition Team-to-passenger ratios in expedition cruising. Their expertise brings to life the beauty and fragility of this spectacular polar region.  

Aurora’s guide experience is imperative for ensuring passengers have a safe, fascinating, immersive and enjoyable expedition. Education and enrichment are at the center of the brand’s experience, and the seasoned Expedition Team has always shared their knowledge and insights so that travelers leave richer than they did when they came onboard, ultimately creating lifelong ambassadors for the planet.

About Aurora Expeditions

Aurora Expeditions is an award-winning, Australian-owned expedition company pioneering experiential travel for over 30 years. A pioneer in Polar Expeditions, Aurora is deeply committed to environmentally respectful travel to preserve the beauty and majesty that mother nature possesses, and we take real actions for the care of the planet.

Founded on the guiding principles of adventure and endless exploration, the small ship experience is intimate and friendly. Aurora Expeditions takes travelers on perspective-altering experiences to some of the most remote and incredible places on the planet.

Aurora’s two purpose-built ships, Greg Mortimer and our brand-new small expedition ship Sylvia Earle are designed for global discovery. Our new ship is named after acclaimed marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer and conservationist Dr Sylvia Earle.


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