AE Expeditions

All three ships offer a range of accommodation, from Aurora Staterooms through to balcony cabins, Junior Suites and Owner’s Suites. On Sylvia Earle, over two-thirds of cabins feature private balconies, while higher categories across the fleet provide additional space and more elevated views. Each cabin includes a private bathroom, practical storage for expedition gear, international power outlets and daily servicing. Heated bathroom floors are a small detail, but one that’s particularly welcome after a wet Antarctic landing.

AE’s cabins are designed with expedition travel in mind, where practicality matters as much as comfort. Storage is generous and thoughtfully arranged, with hooks and drying space for wet gear after landings. Cabins are designed as a comfortable retreat rather than the focus of the experience, with most guests spending most of their time on deck or ashore. A dedicated mudroom manages the transition between ship and shore, keeping wetsuits and expedition equipment separate from living areas. Solo cabins are also available on selected sailings, removing the need for a single supplement altogether.

All meals are included throughout your AE Expeditions voyage, from buffet breakfasts and hearty lunches to multi-course dinners in the evening. Soft drinks, beers and house wines are served during lunch and dinner, while the main dining room operates on an open-seating basis. This allows you to dine when it suits you, and with whoever you feel comfortable, depending on the day’s landings and activities. Dietary requirements are handled seamlessly, with the onboard team able to adapt menus as needed without disruption.

Included in your fare with no cover charge, The Rockhopper is a small à la carte restaurant exclusive to Sylvia Earle. It serves breakfast and lunch before converting into a grill-style dining venue in the evening. With its more intimate setting, it’s an excellent option for a quieter meal, particularly if you’re looking for something slightly different from the main restaurant. Reservations are recommended early in your voyage, as tables tend to book quickly.

AE Expeditions ships are built with observation at their core. Expansive open decks, panoramic forward lounges and multiple viewing areas ensure you’re never far from the action when wildlife appears or ice begins to close in. On Sylvia Earle, the two-level glass atrium at the bow is a highlight and offers uninterrupted, floor-to-ceiling views directly ahead of the ship. High-powered binoculars are available throughout, and the expedition team will alert guests over the PA whenever something worth seeing is approaching.

Sylvia Earle features a dedicated Citizen Science Centre, where you can take part in ongoing research alongside the expedition team. Equipped with microscopes and specialist tools, it offers the opportunity to contribute to conservation work in the regions you’re visiting. Daily lectures in the onboard theatre complement the programme, covering topics such as penguin biology, sea ice classification and the human history of Antarctica.

Each ship carries a fleet of Zodiacs for shore landings and coastal cruising, along with equipment for a range of optional activities. Depending on the itinerary, this can include sea kayaks, snorkelling gear, snowshoes, and even skiing or snowboarding equipment. The mudroom is purpose-built to manage this efficiently, with individual lockers, rapid-drying areas for wetsuits and a layout designed to get guests on and off the Zodiacs quickly. High-speed Starlink WiFi is available throughout the fleet, providing reliable connectivity even in remote regions.

All three ships feature a fitness centre with cardio equipment and free weights. Sylvia Earle also includes two outdoor Jacuzzis, a sauna and a small spa offering massage treatments throughout the voyage. Greg Mortimer and Douglas Mawson offer similar facilities in a more compact format. After a full day of Zodiac cruising and shore landings, the sauna in particular becomes one of the most popular spots on board.

Expedition cruising is physically active by design, and most guests quickly find a natural balance between time ashore and time on board. Quiet lounges, the library and open decks offer genuine downtime between landings. The lecture programme, rather than feeling like an obligation, is something guests tend to look forward to. Evenings on board are often just as memorable as the days ashore, particularly when the ship is moored in a silent Antarctic bay, with no light pollution and no sound beyond the water.

Each day aboard AE Expeditions begins and ends with briefings led by the expedition team. Morning sessions outline what to expect ashore, including conditions, wildlife, and safety. Evening recaps bring the day together, with scientists, naturalists, and guides adding context that deepens your experience. Photography workshops, guest lectures and informal Q&A sessions run throughout the voyage. For many guests, the lecture theatre becomes one of the most engaging spaces on board.

AE attracts a particular kind of traveller – curious, experienced and easy to get along with. Open seating dining, shared Zodiac groups, and communal evening recaps create a social dynamic that forms quickly and tends to last. It’s common for guests to stay in touch long after the voyage ends, which speaks to the nature of the experience. There are no shows, no casinos and no traditional entertainment programme, and most guests stop noticing within the first day.