Expeditioners consistently tell us that the smoother ride, reduced slamming, and lower noise levels make a huge difference, especially on longer ocean crossings.
Katie Malone, Aurora Expeditions
Aurora Expeditions: Redefining small-ship exploration with X-BOW® designs
Aurora Expeditions welcomed its third X-BOW cruise vessel, Douglas Mawson, in September 2025. “Many of our guests have travelled on other expedition ships before and immediately notice the difference. Whether it’s sleeping better at night, feeling less vibration during lectures, or spending more time in observation areas, the design truly enhances the experience,” says Katie Malone, Chief Marketing Officer at Aurora Expeditions, when commenting on the X-BOW design feature.
The Douglas Mawson delivery marks a new chapter for the Australia-based operator in the journey that began in 2019 with the delivery of the Greg Mortimer, the first cruise ship to feature Ulstein’s revolutionary X-BOW, a bold move at the time. The follow-up, Sylvia Earle, continued the legacy—both ships have become benchmarks for comfort, performance, and immersive travel.
“We’re entering a new chapter”
“With three purpose-built small ships now sailing, we’re able to offer more diverse itineraries and reach new destinations while staying true to our core values of responsible travel and deep immersion in nature, says Malone."
The addition of Douglas Mawson reflects Aurora’s broader vision to expand beyond polar regions into tropical and temperate waters. Destinations now include Indonesia, Central America, and Europe’s coasts, offering guests new opportunities for exploration.
“These regions offer incredible biodiversity and cultural heritage,” Malone explains. “And the ship’s design allows us to provide the same style of immersive, small-ship exploration in these environments as we do in Antarctica and the Arctic.”
Comfort through innovation
“Both the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle have exceeded expectations,” Malone reflects.
“Expeditioners consistently tell us that the smoother ride, reduced slamming, and lower noise levels make a huge difference, especially on longer ocean crossings.”
The X-BOW isn’t just a design feature—it’s a philosophy. Inspired by dolphins and orcas, Ulstein’s biomimetic approach reduces resistance, fuel consumption, and environmental impact. But for Aurora, the standout benefit is passenger comfort.
“Many of our guests have travelled on other expedition ships before and immediately notice the difference. Whether it’s sleeping better at night, feeling less vibration during lectures, or spending more time in observation areas, the design truly enhances the experience.”
Designed for discovery
Designed with explorers in mind, the Douglas Mawson features a two-storey atrium, a panoramic forward lounge, and a dedicated Citizen Science Centre—a testament to Aurora’s commitment to hands-on research and education.
“We’ve added more single cabins to better welcome solo travellers,” Malone notes. “And the public spaces have been designed to foster a sense of openness and engagement with the environment.”
Whether scanning the horizon for whales or contributing to oceanic research, the ship invites curiosity and connection to nature.
Sustainability at the core
The three ships reflect Aurora’s commitment to sustainability. They feature fuel-efficient diesel-electric propulsion, waste-heat recovery, and the signature X-BOW—all contributing to lower emissions and energy use. But sustainability for Aurora also means operating with intention.
“We operate with a small footprint,” Malone says. “A maximum of 130 expeditioners in the polar regions and 154 for Small Ship Cruises. And we place education, science, and conservation at the centre of the travel experience.
“It’s not just about where you go—it’s about how you go there.”
Seven vessels for SunStone Ships
Aurora’s three vessels are part of a series of seven vessels for the U.S.-based SunStone Ships. Alle vessels are on long-term charters for cruise operators.
Greg Mortimer
The 104-metre expedition cruise ship has been built to Polar Class 6 standards, with 77 passenger cabins with private bathrooms and balconies. The facilities include a restaurant and bar, a lecture room, a lounge, a 180-degree indoor observation deck, outdoor viewing areas, a gymnasium, sauna and spa.
Sylvia Earle
An expedition cruise vessel of the ULSTEIN CX103 design. Designed with the X-BOW® hull, the vessel provides the best possible comfort for passengers in rough head seas and is fuel-efficient.
Ocean Victory
The 104.4m long X-BOW vessel sports the capacity for 185 guests in 93 suites, 68 with balconies, nine with French balconies and 16 with panoramic windows. The vessel has been chartered out to Albatros Expeditions for Antarctica journeys and Alma Cruceros for Mediterranean cruises.
Ocean Explorer
The INFINITY CLASS vessels are 104,4 m long and 18,4 m wide, small enough to give an exclusive atmosphere, large enough to yield all expected services and facilities. They can be individually adapted, according to operator's specifications.
Ocean Odyssey
The expedition passenger ships in the INFINITY CLASS fleet are 104,4 m long and 18,4 m wide, small enough to give an exclusive atmosphere, large enough to yield all expected services and facilities. They can be individually adapted, according to the charterer's specifications.
Ocean Albatros
The Ocean Albatros operates in Antarctica and the Arctic and offers cruises in the regions between these core expedition areas. The SunStone Ships' INFINITY series vessels were the first to introduce the proven X-BOW hull in cruise ships. Due to a combination of the power system and ship design, the vessels have low emissions.
Douglas Mawson
The Infinity-class expedition cruise vessel boasts a unique feature shared by three sister vessels: windows enveloping the bow lounge, flooding the interior with natural light and creating an immersive connection to the surrounding nature. Imagine sipping your morning coffee while gazing out at the breathtaking vistas through these expansive windows!
