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 Stateroom Twin

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

Cabins 311 & 309 have a sofa.

Aurora Stateroom Superior Single

There are four Aurora Stateroom Superior Single cabins, each featuring a porthole and a private en-suite for a comfortable solo retreat. Located on Decks 3 and 7, these well-appointed staterooms offer a perfect balance of privacy and convenience for solo adventurers.

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

Aurora Stateroom Single

There are two Aurora Stateroom Single cabins on Deck 3, each featuring a porthole and private en-suite. Conveniently located near the mudroom and loading platforms, these cabins offer easy access for your daily adventures while providing a comfortable space to unwind.

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

Balcony Stateroom Superior

With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superiors 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.

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.