The Douglas Mawson, launched in 2026, is Aurora Expeditions' state-of-the-art adventure vessel. This purpose-built ship is the newest addition to the fleet that has redefined small-ship expedition cruising. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, the vessel embodies Sir Douglas Mawson's pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery.
Expedition Features and Design:
Ulstein X-BOW®: Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW®, the ship is engineered to cross oceans in smooth, quiet comfort. This inverted bow design enhances stability, reduces pitching in rough seas, and improves fuel efficiency, ensuring a more pleasant and environmentally conscious voyage.
Capacity and Comfort: The Douglas Mawson takes an average of 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places. It boasts Aurora Expeditions’ most extensive range of cabins yet, including an array of single cabins, offering greater choice and comfort for solo travelers.
Enhanced Sustainability: The vessel is purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, underscoring Aurora's commitment to responsible travel and minimizing its environmental footprint as it travels to sensitive ecosystems.
Onboard Guest Experience: The Douglas Mawson serves as a luxurious, floating base camp for adventure, with a host of amenities designed to connect like-minded travelers and elevate time onboard:
Relaxation and Wellness: After a long day of exploring, guests can unwind with the heated outdoor swimming pool on the back deck, find a quiet space on a sunbed, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. For fitness, there is a modern gym and a sauna for post-workout relaxation.
Learning and Discovery: The ship features a dedicated Citizen Science Centre, encouraging guests to resolve to learn something new and participate in meaningful research projects that deepen their connection to the environment.
Dining and Socializing: Guests can enjoy delicious meals with new and old friends in one of the two restaurants, offering a variety of culinary experiences. Multiple observation areas are positioned throughout the ship, allowing guests to relax in comfort while keeping watch for wildlife or spectacular landscapes unfolding before them.
While enjoying the luxurious amenities onboard, guests can rest assured that the expedition team’s primary aim remains unchanged: to get you off the ship to explore the natural environment as much as possible through a unique and immersive activities program.
Inaugural Season Highlights:The Douglas Mawson's inaugural season will mark Aurora Expeditions’ return to East Antarctica for the first time in 15 years, with new itineraries including:
Mawson’s Antarctica Voyage: A special voyage to East Antarctica, departing from Hobart, in honor of the ship’s namesake.
Semi-Circumnavigation of Antarctica.
Immersive Explorations of the Subantarctic Islands.
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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!
Deck 8
Deck 7
Deck 6
Deck 5
Deck 4
Deck 3
DISCLAIMER: Rates are per person, subject to availability and can change at any time
Subscribe to our free newsletter
Receive exclusive offers and updates directly to your inbox
Head Office
CRUISE NORWAY
373 Broadway, Suite C1
New York, NY 10013, USA
Cruise Norway International
Tallinn, Estonia
Contact us
U.S. & Canada Toll Free: 1-888-538-8652
Europe & Global: +372 5299 832 / WhatsApp
Germany: +49 156 7820 3775 / WhatsApp
Australia: +61 7 537 95922 / WhatsApp
India: +91 98300 53005 / WhatsApp
