The Douglas Mawson – First X-Bow in Australian Waters

In November, the Douglas Mawson will arrive in Australian waters, marking a proud moment for Aurora Expeditions. Following a naming ceremony in Sydney Harbour, our newest small ship will set sail for Tasmania on her inaugural voyage—making history as the very first X-Bow® vessel to operate in Australian waters and ushering in a new era of sustainable, comfortable, and pioneering expedition cruising right here at home.

For Aurora, this is more than a milestone. It’s the continuation of our long tradition of breaking boundaries in exploration, from the icy frontiers of Antarctica to the most remote corners of the globe.

Australia’s story has always been shaped by the sea. From the legendary voyages of Captain Cook and Matthew Flinders to the heroic expeditions of Sir Douglas Mawson, maritime exploration runs deep in our national identity.

With the arrival of the Douglas Mawson, Aurora proudly carries this legacy forward—blending cutting-edge ship design with a deep respect for nature. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-Bow®, the ship is perfectly suited to the challenging conditions of the remote regions we explore, allowing guests to experience them with greater stability, safety, and comfort.

Unlike a traditional bow that “punches” through waves, the X-Bow® features a curved, streamlined hull inspired by the way dolphins and orcas slice smoothly through the sea. This revolutionary design brings three major benefits:

• A smoother ride in rough seas – reducing slamming and motion.
• Greater fuel efficiency – lowering environmental impact.
• Quieter, more comfortable cruising – for guests and marine life alike.

For our expeditioners, that means safer ocean crossings, less vibration and noise, and more time enjoying the journey itself. For the planet, it means smarter, more sustainable travel.

While the X-Bow® is one of its most striking features, the Douglas Mawson is built from bow to stern for discovery, this unique bow design also allows for more space inside, meaning more spaces to relax, learn and prepare for discovery. Purpose-built for small-ship expeditions, the vessel carries just 154 guests across 8 decks, with 86 comfortable cabins and suites.

Onboard highlights include:

• A Citizen Science Centre with space for lectures, research, and citizen science programs.
• A Dedicated mudroom and Zodiac access for seamless shore landings.
• A state-of-the-art lecture theatre to learn from our world-class Expedition Team.
• Sustainability features, including advanced wastewater treatment and reduced fuel consumption.

Named in honour of Australia’s most famous polar explorer, the ship continues Sir Douglas Mawson’s spirit of curiosity, courage, and respect for the natural world.

The Douglas Mawson opens up extraordinary opportunities for unique expedition cruising. Adventurers can encounter a world of wonder and ice departing from Australia and New Zealand, coming face-to-face with towering icebergs, vast ice shelves, and pristine wilderness that embodies the spirit of true exploration.

Destinations include:

• Coastal Tasmania – pristine wilderness, dramatic coastlines, and abundant wildlife.
• Mawson’s Antarctica – retrace Sir Douglas Mawson’s historic Australasian Antarctic Expedition and experience the grandeur of remote East Antarctica.
• Subantarctic Discovery – explore remote islands teeming with rare species and untold stories.
• Ross Sea Odyssey – venture into one of the most remote and historic regions of the deep South.

Thanks to its small size and pioneering Ulstein X-Bow® technology, the Douglas Mawson can access places larger cruise ships cannot, bringing travellers closer to the heart of each destination for a truly immersive experience.

The Douglas Mawson represents more than the first X-Bow® in Australian waters. It signals the rise of a new, more sustainable era of small-ship travel, where innovation and conservation go hand in hand.

At Aurora Expeditions, we are proud to lead this change, continuing to push boundaries while staying true to our core values: discovery, respect for nature, and a passion for exploration.

Be among the first to experience the Douglas Mawson on her historic inaugural season. Join us in celebrating a proud Australian moment and a bold step forward for expedition cruising.