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Douglas Mawson

Adventure has a new name.

About Douglas Mawson

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.

Aurora Expeditions

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Ship Facts

Launch yearLanguageGross tonnageLengthWidthCurrencySpeedCapacityCrew countDeck countCabin countWheelchair cabin countElectrical plugs
2025en8500104 meters18 metersUSD12 knots154248862 types:
adapters provided:
false

Accommodation

After a long day exploring the wonders of your destination, you need somewhere where you can simply relax and take a break from real life.

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.

  • Deck 4
  • King or Twin beds
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Private balcony
  • Separate lounge area
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
  • Free stocked mini bar
  • 1 x free bottle of champagne per suite

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits
  • Free Mini Bar
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Air Conditioning

Junior 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.

  • Deck 7
  • King or twin beds
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Private balcony
  • Separate lounge area
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
  • Free stocked mini bar (stocked once only, not replenished)
  • 1 x free bottle of champagne per suite

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Lounge Area
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Suite Benefits
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Desk
  • Air Conditioning

Balcony Stateroom Superior

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.

  • Deck 4 & 6 
  • King or twin beds
  • Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible available)
  • Full size window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Private balcony
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
  • *Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Balcony Stateroom Category A

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.

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Private balcony
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Lounge Area
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Balcony Stateroom Category B

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.

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Private balcony
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Lounge Area
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Balcony Stateroom Category C

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.

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Private balcony
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Aurora Stateroom Superior

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.

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • French balcony
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Lounge Area
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Aurora Stateroom Twin

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.

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Porthole window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Facilities

  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Dining Area
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Aurora Stateroom Triple

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.

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Porthole window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Facilities

  • One Single Bed
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Aurora Stateroom Superior Single

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.

  • Single bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Porthole window
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain's Suite

Facilities

  • One Single Bed
  • Vanity Area
  • Shower
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Aurora Stateroom Single

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.

  • Single bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Porthole window
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain's Suite

Facilities

  • One Single Bed
  • Vanity Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Desk
  • Mini Bar (Additional Cost)
  • Hair Dryer
  • Telephone
  • Air Conditioning

Entertainment

When you’re relaxing during a sea day or you have a little downtime on the ship between excursions, what is there to do onboard the Douglas Mawson? Plenty!

Bars & Lounges

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.

Citizen Science Centre and Lounge

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.

Library

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.

The Glass Atrium Lounge

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!

Atrium

More information coming soon.

Sun Deck & Pool

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.

Dining

Dining room

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.

Top Deck Restaurant

The Top Deck Restaurant is located on deck 8.

Enrichment

One of the great benefits of travelling with AE Expeditions is the number of optional activities that you can participate in. From kayaking and skiing to diving and climbing, these are one-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you need to take advantage of.

Activities Platform

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

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.

Activities

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.

Lecture Theatre

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.

Health & Fitness

Jacuzzis

There are two Jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside.

Gym & Sauna

During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge!

Deckplans

Deck 8

  • Seating area
  • Observation lounge
  • Top-deck restaurant
  • Bar
  • Observation decks
  • Elevator

Deck 7

  • Gym
  • Sauna
  • Seating area
  • Observation decks
  • Swimming pool and sun deck
  • Jacuzzis
  • Bridge
  • Elevator
  • Junior Suite
  • Aurora Stateroom Superior
  • Aurora Stateroom Superior Single

Deck 6

  • Library
  • Upper glass atrium lounge
  • Elevator
  • Balcony Stateroom Superior
  • Balcony Stateroom (A, B, C)
  • Junior Suite

Deck 5

  • Lecture room & lounge
  • Assembly station
  • Reception
  • Ship shop
  • Dining room
  • Bar
  • Lower glass atrium lounge
  • Elevator
  • Citizen Science centre

Deck 4

  • Elevator
  • Main entrance
  • Expedition desk
  • Captain's Suite
  • Balcony Stateroom Superior
  • Balcony Stateroom (A, B, C)

Deck 3

  • Change room/mudroom
  • Zodiac access points
  • Activity launching platform
  • Medical clinic
  • Elevator
  • Aurora Stateroom Triple
  • Aurora Stateroom Twin
  • Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
  • Aurora Stateroom Single

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