Adventure has a new name. Setting sail in 2025, our new state-of-the-art ship, the Douglas Mawson, is the last in a line of purpose-built vessels that have redefined small ship expedition cruising.
Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, our new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes on average 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of cabins yet, including a range of single cabins.
The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard our floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes unfold before you.
While enjoying the luxurious amenities onboard, you can rest assured that our aim to get you off the ship to explore the natural environment as much as possible through our unique activities program remains unchanged.
The Douglas Mawson’s inaugural season will mark AE Expeditions’ return to East Antarctica for the first time in 15 years, with new itineraries to include a Mawson’s Antarctica voyage to East Antarctica in honour of the ship’s namesake, departing from Hobart, a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica, and immersive explorations of the Subantarctic Islands.
Douglas Mawson was launched in 2025
The gross tonnage is 8500
The width of Douglas Mawson is 18 meters
The maximum speed of the ship is 12 knots per hour
The length of Douglas Mawson is 104 meters
The currency taken on Douglas Mawson is USD
Douglas Mawson has 24 cabin crew members
The ship has 8 decks
Douglas Mawson has 86 cabins on board
It also has 2 wheelchair cabins on board
One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning/afternoon teas cooked by our onboard chefs.
Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask our expedition team questions that may have come up during the day.
Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and our chefs offer different menu options and courses for each meal. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild.
We also invite you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain’s Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.
The Top Deck Restaurant is located on deck 8.
Whether it’s adventure at sea or on land that makes you tick, we have a huge range of optional activities to help you make the most of your time in some of the most beautiful places on earth.
We encourage you to make the most of every opportunity to nurture your inner adventurer. You can choose from a range of add-on adventures to make the most of your time in these beautiful places. We have pioneered more adventure activities than any polar expedition cruising company to help you explore in your own way.
We’ll get you out for your optional activities as often as possible, and this will be your main mode of exploration through your trip. Your guides* will assess the conditions at each landing, and you’ll have the option to join whenever conditions allow.
Optional activities are popular and group sizes are limited, so if you’re interested, get in touch with our team as soon as possible. Optional activities are listed on each itinerary page and additional fees apply.
The Douglas Mawson features Zodiac access points and an activities platform, making boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer.
Mudroom
No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your cabin to dry. Keep your cabin warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom.
The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.
On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to enhance your appreciation of the destination you are exploring.
Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering a broad range of topics to suit every interest, from history and culture to biology and climate change. Regardless of the topic, they all have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate, entertain and turn you into an ambassador for the planet.
Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.
The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.
Learn more about the world and the unique destinations Aurora visits by visiting the onboard naturalist and Expedition Team in the world-class Citizen Science Center. You will be rewarded for your thirst for knowledge with one of the best views on the ship.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, use a public laptop to organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends.
Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.
Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on Deck 7.
As you explore the ship you will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. The Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow is a fantastic place to sit and watch for wildlife – with a drink in hand. There is no shortage of spaces to take in the majesty of the incredible world outside!
More information coming soon.
In between landings, enjoy access to the onboard gym or unwind in the sauna. Or head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a drink at the pool bar, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis, watching the world go by.
There are two Jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside.
During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge!
Cabin size: 15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²)
The Douglas Mawson features two Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring windows, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite
Cabin size: 22.57m2 (242.9ft2)
There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, both with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite
Deck 3 Cabin size: 15.18m2 (163.4ft2)
Deck 7 Cabin size: 10.97m2 (118.1ft2 )
There are four Aurora Stateroom Superior Single cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Decks 3 & 7.
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain's Suite
Cabin size: 9.85m2 (106ft2)
There are two Aurora Stateroom Single cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain's Suite
Cabin & balcony combined size: 27.77m2 - 36.27m2 (298.9ft2 - 390.4ft2)
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2)
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 25 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2)
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6.
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2)
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 15 Balcony Stateroom Category C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins are scattered throughout Deck 4 & 6.
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite
Cabin size: 13.97m2 - 16.17m2 (150.4ft2 - 174.1ft2)
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear.
Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite
The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Cabin & balcony combined size: Up to 41.47m2 - 41.87m2 (446.4ft2 - 450.7ft2)
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Have you found your dream cruise, or do you want to talk to us to help you choose the right cruise for you at the best price? Request a call back from our expert cruise concierge and we’ll get in touch at a time to suit you.
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