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.
From the start, AE Expeditions was destined to be different. Our passion for adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends burns just as brightly as it did 30 years ago, as does our preference for small-group, personal expeditions.
| Daily shore excursions, guided walks, Zodiac cruises and some activities^ | |
| An experienced team of destination specialists, activity leaders, and local guides* | |
| House wines, beer and soft drinks included with dinner | |
| Complimentary 3-in-1 polar jacket on polar voyages | |
| Complimentary Starlink wifi onboard | |
| Complimentary use of fitness centre | |
| Comprehensive pre-departure information and Antarctic or Arctic Primer booklet |
| Entry fees to historic or tourist sites | |
| Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and snacks | |
| Captain’s Farewell drinks including four-course dinner, house cocktail, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages | |
| Complimentary use of Muck boots during the voyage | |
| An informative and entertaining lecture program by our team of experts | |
| Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult) |
-large_thumb.jpg)
-large_thumb.jpg)
