🚢 Douglas Mawson – Purpose-Built for True Adventure
The Douglas Mawson is an ultra-modern expedition cruise vessel launched by SunStone Ships and operated under charter by Aurora Expeditions, a renowned name in polar travel. Set to begin operations in 2025, this next-generation ship honors the legacy of Sir Douglas Mawson, a pioneering Antarctic explorer, while delivering cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and luxury.
Designed with X-BOW® hull technology for smoother sailing in the roughest polar waters, the Douglas Mawson offers unmatched comfort, stability, and environmental performance. Built in collaboration with Ulstein Group, the ship marks a significant evolution in small-ship expedition cruising.
📊 Douglas Mawson – Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cruise Line | Aurora Expeditions (chartered from SunStone Ships) 🧭 |
| Ship Name | Douglas Mawson ❄️ |
| Launch Year | 2025 📅 |
| Ship Class | Infinity-class expedition vessel |
| Gross Tonnage | ~8,500 GT ⚖️ |
| Length | 104.4 meters |
| Passenger Capacity | 154 passengers |
| Crew | 80 crew members |
| Ice Class | PC6 (Polar Class 6) 🧊 |
| Propulsion | Diesel-electric with advanced maneuvering systems ⚙️ |
| Builder | China Merchants Heavy Industry, Haimen 🏗️ |
| Design Partner | Ulstein Group, Norway 🇳🇴 |
🧊 Expedition-Grade Capabilities
The Douglas Mawson is custom-designed for extreme polar and remote region cruising, featuring:
- 🧭 X-BOW® hull – minimizes vibration and wave impact in rough seas
- 🧊 PC6 ice-class hull – for navigating deep into Antarctica and the Arctic
- 🛶 Dedicated Zodiac hangars for fast expedition launches
- 🛥️ 15+ Zodiacs and kayaks for shore landings and water-based exploration
- 🛰️ Integrated dynamic positioning system for anchorless coastal visits
- 🔬 Science lab and citizen science programs onboard
These capabilities allow the Douglas Mawson to explore beyond traditional cruise limits — offering voyages through ice-choked channels, volcanic sub-Antarctic islands, and remote fjords of Greenland.
🛌 Premium Accommodations – Comfort in the Extreme
All 80 cabins on Douglas Mawson are ocean-facing, with the majority featuring private balconies.
Suite Features:
- 🌊 Floor-to-ceiling windows and full-length verandas
- 🛏️ Queen-size or twin beds with organic linens
- 🛁 Ensuite bathrooms with rain showers and eco-toiletries
- 📺 Smart TVs and charging docks
- 🧴 In-room expedition jackets, binoculars, and hydration systems
- 🌡️ Adjustable temperature zones
Accommodations cater to both solo adventurers and couples, with connecting cabin options for groups or families.
🍽️ Sustainable Gastronomy at Sea
The onboard dining experience emphasizes sustainably sourced, locally inspired cuisine. The main restaurant, buffet, and lounges are curated to reflect Aurora Expeditions’ focus on wellness, environment, and regionally relevant flavors.
Dining Options:
- 🍽️ Main dining room with panoramic views
- 🥗 Health-focused buffet with vegetarian and vegan options
- 🐟 Fresh seafood and plant-based local dishes
- 🍷 Wine and spirit pairings inspired by destinations
- 🧁 Bakery with daily artisan desserts and afternoon tea
All meals include dietary flexibility. Filtered water stations and zero single-use plastics align with the vessel’s eco-ethos.
🧘 Wellness & Relaxation
After a long day exploring glaciers and tundra, Douglas Mawson provides a welcoming place to restore body and mind.
Wellness Facilities:
- 💆 Full-service spa with hot stone therapy and facials
- ♨️ Sauna with panoramic ocean views
- 💪 Modern fitness center with cardio and weights
- 🧘 Stretch classes, guided meditation, and yoga on deck
- 🛁 Outdoor jacuzzis and relaxation lounges
Everything is designed to reflect a calm, organic atmosphere using natural materials and soothing Arctic/Antarctic themes.
🧠 Enrichment & Education
Aurora Expeditions is globally recognized for its experiential and scientific programming. Onboard the Douglas Mawson, education is not an afterthought — it is a central pillar of the journey.
Enrichment Features:
- 🧬 Daily lectures by polar scientists, historians, and photographers
- 🔬 Citizen science programs: plankton sampling, seabird surveys, cloud tracking
- 📸 Photography workshops with experts
- 🌎 Expedition briefings and interactive navigation updates
- 📚 Expedition library with curated reading lists
🗺️ Destinations and Itineraries
The Douglas Mawson is designed for expedition voyages to the world’s most remote, pristine regions.
Sample Expeditions:
- ❄️ Antarctica Peninsula, South Georgia & Falklands
- 🌋 Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand
- 🇬🇱 Greenland and the Northwest Passage
- 🇳🇴 Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Svalbard
- 🗻 Patagonia and Chilean Fjords
- 🇨🇦 Canadian Arctic and Hudson Bay
These small-ship itineraries include frequent Zodiac landings, polar hikes, wildlife observation, and interaction with Indigenous communities.
🌱 Sustainability and Environmental Innovation
Sustainability is core to the Douglas Mawson’s mission:
- ⚡ Energy-efficient engines reduce CO₂ emissions
- 🧴 Elimination of all single-use plastics onboard
- ♻️ Waste treatment systems and food composting
- 🚫 No anchor policy – uses dynamic positioning to protect coral and seabeds
- 🐋 Wildlife-safe lighting and noise-mitigation systems
- 🌍 Environmental education for every guest
The ship adheres to the IAATO and AECO regulations for polar tourism and supports conservation research.
🎯 Ideal For:
- 🌍 Adventurers and nature lovers seeking deep immersion
- ❄️ First-time polar travelers wanting comfort + safety
- 🎓 Scientists and citizen scientists
- 📸 Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts
- 🧭 Experienced cruisers looking for new frontiers
- 🚫 Travelers who prefer small groups and no mass tourism
📅 Booking & Availability
Douglas Mawson is available for booking via:
- 🌐 www.auroraexpeditions.com.au
- 🧳 Polar cruise specialists and eco-tourism travel agencies
- 📞 Direct reservations and personalized itineraries through Aurora’s concierge team
Early booking is strongly recommended for 2025–2026 polar seasons.
