Aurora Expeditions Welcomes the Douglas Mawson: A New Era in Adventure Travel
The expedition vessel Douglas Mawson, owned by Australia’s Aurora Expeditions, made its inaugural arrival at Sydney Harbour, docking at the White Bay Cruise Terminal. The ship is named after the famous Australian polar explorer and scientist Sir Douglas Mawson, who lived from 1882 to 1958. Designed for journeys from polar regions to European and Central American coastlines, the ship reflects the ethos of exploration and respect for nature championed by the company’s founder, Greg Mortimer.
The arrival of the Douglas Mawson marks a significant milestone for Aurora, which has expanded its annual itineraries by 78% since 2021 and anticipates a tenfold increase in passenger numbers by 2027. This ship is the third addition to Aurora’s fleet, which includes the Sylvia Earle and Greg Mortimer, all featuring the advanced ULSTEIN X-BOW design for enhanced stability in rough seas. The new ship is equipped with a fuel-efficient diesel-electric propulsion system and waste-heat recovery technology, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable travel.
With a capacity for 130 guests and numerous single-occupancy cabins, the Douglas Mawson boasts modern amenities, including two restaurants and bars, an outdoor heated pool with Jacuzzis, a wellness area, and communal spaces like a lecture theatre and a Citizen Science Centre. It also features dedicated zones for Zodiac embarkation to facilitate shore excursions and wildlife observation.
Following its Sydney debut, the Douglas Mawson is set to embark on its inaugural voyage from Hobart, Tasmania, on November 27, 2025, featuring an 11-night circumnavigation of Tasmania. Future itineraries will include expeditions to Antarctica, retracing Sir Ernest Shackleton’s path, and voyages to the sub-Antarctic islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. The vessel will also launch a Special Guests Program, featuring experts and descendants of renowned explorers.
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Editorial Team
At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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