Aurora Expeditions Reveals Design Of Second Expedition Ship

An outdoor swimming pool warmed by heat from the engines and a two-level glass viewing lounge are some of the design innovations on Aurora Expeditions (www.auroraexpeditions.com.au) second vessel Sylvia Earle.

The 132-passenger expedition ship, which is due for delivery in October 2021, is being constructed at the CMHI shipyard in China and is sister vessel to the line’s current ship Greg Mortimer.  Both feature the distinctive wide Ulstein X-BOW hull design that allows for smoother sailing in rough conditions.

Aurora Expeditions Sylvia Earl Expedition Ship
Aurora Expeditions’ Sylvia Earl Expedition Ship

Aurora has now released details of the exterior and interior design of the vessel which has been named after oceanographer and marine conservationist, Dr. Sylvia Earle. She has been actively involved in the development of her namesake, including an on board science centre which also bears her name.

The ship will also feature a two-deck lounge overlooking the bow to offer panoramic viewing opportunities and an outdoor swimming pool heated by repurposed engine heat. Sylvia Earle will be powered by a low energy consumption engine designed to reduce emissions by up to 80%. On board desalination plants convert seawater to fresh water that is safe to drink, meaning the ship will carry less fresh water on sea crossings, further reducing fuel consumption.

Sylvia Earle Observation Lounge
The Observation Lounge on Sylvia Earle

Aurora Expeditions CEO Monique Ponfoort said:

“It is really exciting to see a second X-BOW ship coming into market for Aurora Expeditions. Its innovative, eco-sensitive design captures the essence of small-ship expedition travel pioneered by Aurora Expeditions.

“Exploring the natural world is at the heart of what we do and elements of nature have been brought into the interior design of the Sylvia Earle. Education and conservation are integral to our DNA, and ensuring passengers immerse themselves in a destination is of paramount importance to us. Our goal has always been to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of the wilderness areas we travel to and we know that the Sylvia Earle is in a strong position to help us achieve those goals.”

Sylvia Earle Sun Deck
The Sun Deck on Sylvia Earle

Tomas Tillberg, Managing Partner of Tomas Tillberg Design and his team have led the interior design of the Sylvia Earle, as they did with the first ship Greg Mortimer.

He said:

“Our close collaboration with Aurora Expeditions has resulted in a design that is not only visually appealing, but also eco-friendly as we have chosen, where possible, materials that are environmentally sustainable. The design also emphasises the importance of casual, elegant comfort, that will really make guests feel relaxed and at home.”

Author Bio:

Known as the ‘River Cruise Queen’, Jeannine Williamson is an award-winning travel writer, cruise expert and our cruise correspondent, who has clocked up thousands of nautical miles.

Photographs courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

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