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 a maximum of 130 adventurers on board our Expeditions, and just 154 on our Small Ship Cruises. All in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of staterooms yet, including a range of single staterooms.
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. Plus, onboard our Small Ship Cruises in the Mediterranean, British Isles and beyond, you’ll enjoy our handcrafted ‘Your Choice’ excursions to immerse you in your destination.
On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to enhance your appreciation of the destination you are exploring.
Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering a broad range of topics to suit every interest, from history and culture to biology and climate change. Regardless of the topic, they all have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate, entertain and turn you into an ambassador for the planet.
Learn more about the world and the unique destinations Aurora visits by visiting the onboard naturalist and Expedition Team in the world-class Citizen Science Center. You will be rewarded for your thirst for knowledge with one of the best views on the ship.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, use a public laptop to organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends. Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.
Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on deck 8, the perfect place to relax and watch the incredible landscapes pass by, or spot unique polar wildlife.
If you're in the market for something new- peruse our ship shop, where you'll find expedition essentials, a range of books and maps, souvenirs, stylish expedition apparel and of course Aurora Expeditions merchandise.
Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.
The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.
Why travel on small ships?
At Aurora Expeditions, we believe that true exploration happens in small groups. Our purpose-built expedition ships carry a maximum of 130 adventurers on board our Expeditions, and just 154 on our Small Ship Cruises.
With fewer people and more flexibility, a small ship means more time to experience the beauty of the regions we visit—just as they were meant to be.
Do you provide polar expedition jackets?
Yes. Each passenger travelling on all our polar voyages will receive a complimentary polar expedition jacket to wear during your expedition and take home after your trip.
How often do we get off the ship?
We aim to get off the ship as much as possible to experience the destinations up close. Twice per day is common but more if weather, daylight hours and itinerary allow. Duration of the landings vary from site to site but at the height of the peak season, cruise operators must stick to timings allocated by authorities.
Should I bring along my own walking poles?
Yes, it’s a good idea, especially if you have trouble walking over uneven ground. Some of our landings can be on slippery rocks or deep snow, and we may go for extended walks to see different parts of our landing point. We recommend the telescopic poles, with the optional snow-basket tips. You can purchase these poles in most outdoor stores.
Can you accommodate single travellers? If so, what is the single supplement?
From our 2026 Arctic and Beyond & 2026-27 Antarctica seasons will offer 10 dedicated solo cabins on every sailing, with no single supplement.
We do not have a mandatory single supplement rate if a guest is willing to share a stateroom. Most staterooms are available on a twin share basis in twin rooms, at no additional charge. This means that as a solo traveller, your client may pay the twin-share rate and will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender. If we don’t locate a suitable stateroom mate, your client will not be charged a supplement.
For single expeditioners wanting their own stateroom outside our 10 cabin allocation they can pay a 50% surcharge occupancy stateroom (on top of the twin occupancy rate).
During select ‘Go Solo and Save’ promotions, we waive the single supplement for solo travellers on select voyages.
What currency do you accept on board?
The onboard currency is US dollars. All your onboard purchases including bar, laundry, ship shop, internet, and massages are charged to your shipboard account and settled by credit card or cash (US dollars only) at the end of the voyage.
What is the electrical voltage onboard?
The voltage onboard is 220V; there is a universal outlet that can accommodate various plug configurations.
Can you accommodate food allergies or restrictions?
Gluten free, vegetarian and vegan food are all available. Aurora will use reasonable endeavours to accommodate special dietary requests from clients, but they cannot be guaranteed. You should advise us as soon as possible after booking of any such requirements.