The Polar Travel Company

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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.

©AUE

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 a maximum of 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of staterooms yet, including a range of single staterooms.

The Douglas Mawson’s inaugural season will mark Aurora 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.

Ship Features
Highly qualified and experienced expedition team and international crew.
• The Douglas Mawson is at the cutting edge of nautical technology: robust and powerful - the ultimate base camp for off-ship adventures.
• The latest Ulstein X-BOW® hull allows the ship to pierce through waves to maintain speed of travel thus offering faster, more comfortable travel, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
• All staterooms feature twin or king bedding, with single staterooms featuring single bed configuration and private bathrooms. 79% of staterooms include a private balcony. Over 58 interconnecting Balcony Staterooms. Two staterooms can accommodate a third person (triple and single share on request).
• Observation lounge and viewing platforms offer spectacular panoramic views of scenery and wildlife.
• Purpose-built activity preparation areas including two Zodiac embarkation areas for fast and safe transition off the ship as you embark on multiple daily excursions.
• State-of-the-art lecture theater, Citizen Science Center and library. In between landings, enjoy our jacuzzis and pool or experience our gym & sauna.
• With huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship, the library or the atrium lounge is the perfect place to sit with a drink and watch for wildlife or admire impressive scenery.
• Starlink Wi-Fi - Free

Ulstein X-Bow® hull, safe return to port technology, dynamic positioning, and Zero Speed™ Stabilizers.

Capacity: Maximum of 154 passengers
Expedition team: 13 to 23^
Hotel team: 47 to 56^
Deck & Engine Crew: 24
Staterooms: 86
Decks: 8
Year built: 2025
Chart Class: A1 Ice Class
Length: 104.4m
Breadth: 18.4m
Draught: 5.1m
Average Speed: 10-12 Knots
Full Speed: 15.5 Knots – maximum speed only
used in case of emergencies
Tonnage: GT 8500
Registry: Madeira, Portugal
Voltage: 220V, 60HZ AC. Universal plug