The Isles of the British Isles, 19 April 2028

Arrive at London Heathrow Airport and transfer to our Embarkation Suite (conditions apply below). Explore London at your leisure before returning to our Embarkation Suite at the designated times for the group transfer to Sylvia Earle.  

Important information:   

Complimentary airport arrival transfers are provided as group transfers for expeditioners arriving at London Heathrow Airport prior to 10:00am on Day 1 only.  Passengers who arrive after the airport transfer cut-off will need to make their own way to the Embarkation Suite before 12:00 pm to complete mandatory check-in. For passengers already in London, we ask you to visit our centrally located Embarkation Suite with all luggage, which will be open for mandatory check-in between 8:00 am and 11:30 am.  Passengers have access to our centrally located Embarkation Suite, including luggage storage, Aurora Expeditions staff for voyage and city information and cabin check-in, WIFI, tea, coffee and light refreshments. Embarkation Suite location: to be advised closer to date of departure. As your luggage will be transported to the ship at 12.00pm and ahead of you, please ensure you place any items you require during the day in your day bag, including passports, cash/cards and medicines.  We depart London at 12:30pm. Our two-hour drive brings us to Portsmouth, where you are welcome to board the Sylvia Earle for lunch and a relaxing afternoon or accept our invitation to explore Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard for which this great maritime city is renowned. 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, open-air museum features a series of engaging exhibits that trace Britain’s rich naval story, alongside two of the most iconic ships in its history: the Mary Rose and HMS Victory. The Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s flagship, famously heeled over and sank within minutes while engaging the French in 1545, before being raised from the seabed in 1982 under the patronage of the then, Prince of Wales, King Charles. The nearby HMS Victory, built in the 18th century and celebrated for her role at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, served as Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship. Stepping aboard HMS Victory, the carefully preserved decks and vivid recreations of life at sea bring the drama of naval battle to life, while the wider dockyard and harbour offer a fascinating journey through Britain’s maritime past. Note: as Portsmouth Historic Dockyard remains a working naval base, security messages may be imposed, and sections of the museum may be closed at short notice. 

This evening, join your fellow travellers for an onboard Welcome Dinner, where your expedition team will introduce you to the expedition ahead and raise a toast to the adventures to come. 

Meals: Dinner onboard