"We are thrilled to welcome the Douglas Mawson to our fleet. This ship represents the next step in Aurora’s mission to take travellers deeper into the heart of nature with the smallest possible footprint," says Katie Malone, CMO at Aurora Expeditions.
Comfort meets capability
Measuring 104.4 metres in length and 18.4 metres in beam, Douglas Mawson reaches a top speed of 15.5 knots. She offers an intimate polar experience for up to 130 expeditioners and accommodates 154 guests on Small Ship Cruise itineraries, supported by a crew of 102.
The vessel is built to meet some of the highest international safety and operational standards—including Polar Class 6, Polar Code Category B, Safe Return to Port (SRtP), and SOLAS 2020—ensuring safe and comfortable navigation through icy waters and remote regions.Onboard, guests are welcomed into light-filled, contemporary interiors designed by Tomas Tillberg Design. Highlights include a striking two-storey atrium, a panoramic forward-facing lounge, here from the sister vessel Sylvia Earle, and generous observation areas that offer immersive views of the surrounding landscapes.
These immersive observation spaces are a standout feature of Ulstein's innovative X-BOW design. Purpose-built Zodiac embarkation zones ensure smooth access to wildlife encounters and shore excursions.
Amenities for the modern explorer
Guests can enjoy a wide range of onboard facilities, including:
- Two restaurants and two bars
- A heated outdoor pool with Jacuzzis and pool bar
- Wellness areas with gym and sauna
- A library lounge, lecture theatre, and a dedicated citizen science centre
Sustainability at the heart
As the third Ulstein-designed vessel in Aurora’s fleet—following Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle—Douglas Mawson continues the tradition of combining robust expedition capabilities with modern comfort. She features a fuel-efficient diesel-electric propulsion system, waste-heat recovery, and Ulstein’s pioneering X-BOW® design, which reduces fuel consumption, noise, and motion in rough seas. These innovations help Aurora Expeditions minimise environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience.
Photo: Douglas Mawson quayside at the construction yard.
Tailored for Aurora Expeditions
While all Infinity-class vessels share the same core platform, each is customised to reflect the identity and needs of its operator. Douglas Mawson includes more single cabins than her predecessors and features public spaces tailored to Aurora Expeditions’ brand and mission.
Her inaugural voyage to Tasmania in December 2025 marks the beginning of many journeys to come—from the icy wilderness of Antarctica to the culturally rich coastlines of Europe and Central America.
New experiences await Douglas Mawson - here represented by her sister vessel Greg Mortimer.
