Although the Sylvia Earle is built to carry up to 185 guests, Aurora Expeditions' polar voyages are capped at no more than 130 passengers. This limitation allows up to 100 guests to go ashore at the same time while others participate in their booked adventure activities, including kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving. There is always a professional photographer onboard who joins a dedicated photography Zodiac for guests wanting to learn more. I also enjoyed a dedicated 'zen' Zodiac trip—a quiet, mindful experience that heightened the senses as we listened to the sounds of popping ice and the eerie stillness of the polar regions.

Every cabin onboard is ocean-facing. Most have private balconies, while others feature large French windows or classic portholes. I stayed in a Balcony Stateroom on deck 4, and being able to step outside instantly during a wildlife sighting was a huge bonus. There are also several suites and a Captain's suite available for those with a bigger budget. The cabins are modern and well-equipped, with flexible bed configurations (double or twin), generous storage, TVs, fridges, universal power outlets, and Starlink Wi-Fi. The bathrooms are compact but cleverly designed, and the heated floors are an absolute treat, especially when you need to dry wet gloves after a Zodiac excursion.

One feature that truly sets the Sylvia Earle apart from her sister ship, the Greg Mortimer, is the striking two-deck, glass-fronted atrium lounge at the bow. It's a peaceful and inspiring space, ideal for reading, maybe playing a board game with a fellow guest, watching icebergs drift by, or editing photos. The ship also provides PC and Mac workstations for guests to view and share their images.

The Sylvia Earle has a dedicated Citizen Science Centre, with microscopes allowing guests to learn more about phytoplankton samples and Secchi disk readings collected during daily Zodiac outings. The onboard expedition team is outstanding—highly knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate. Daily lectures in the comfortable, modern lecture theatre at the end of each day are a fantastic way to learn, often accompanied by an aperitif before dinner.

There are two dining options onboard: the main restaurant, which offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch, and a full à la carte dinner service complete with complimentary beer and wine. There is always a vegetarian option, and dietary requirements are well accommodated. A second, more intimate restaurant on Deck 8 is available for evening reservations, offering a quieter dining experience. Across both venues, the food is excellent, and the staff are warm and attentive. For relaxation, the ship provides a sauna, two hot tubs, a small gym, and a swimming pool (note that the pool is not operational in open waters). Soaking in a hot tub while surrounded by drifting ice and distant whale spouts remains one of my most surreal and unforgettable moments.

The ship also features multiple viewing areas and observation decks for watching wildlife and icebergs, a library, and two bar areas.

The spacious mudroom on Deck 3 is well-designed, with individual lockers for boots and drysuits. From here, guests board Zodiacs directly from the ship's side doors, ensuring a quick, efficient, and well-coordinated experience. The ship carries 15 Zodiacs and a full suite of activity gear, including single and double kayaks.

Life onboard is informal and relaxed—there's no need to dress up for anything. The Sylvia Earle strikes a perfect balance between authentic expedition travel and quiet luxury. With thoughtful design, expert staff, and a strong environmental ethos, she is a superb choice for anyone seeking a meaningful polar adventure.