Aurora Expeditions Launches Douglas Mawson: A New Era in Adventure Travel

The expedition vessel Douglas Mawson, owned by Australia’s Aurora Expeditions, has officially entered service after its inaugural arrival in Sydney Harbour, docking at the White Bay Cruise Terminal. This new ship is named after Sir Douglas Mawson, a renowned Australian polar explorer and scientist. It has been specifically designed for diverse itineraries that include polar regions and coastal destinations across Europe and Central America.

Greg Mortimer, the founder of Aurora Expeditions, expressed that the arrival of the ship marks a significant homecoming and reflects the company’s dedication to exploration, nature preservation, and discovery. The introduction of the Douglas Mawson aligns with a period of substantial growth for the Sydney-based company, which has seen a 78% increase in annual itineraries since 2021. They anticipate a tenfold rise in passenger numbers by 2027.

Douglas Mawson joins the fleet alongside two other purpose-built vessels: Sylvia Earle and Greg Mortimer. All three ships are equipped with the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW design, which enhances stability during rough seas. Notably, the new vessel employs a fuel-efficient diesel-electric propulsion system along with waste-heat recovery technology, underscoring the company’s commitment to low-impact travel.

With a maximum capacity of 130 guests, the ship features numerous single-occupancy cabins. Amenities on board include 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. There are also specialized zones for Zodiac embarkation, facilitating shore landings and wildlife viewing.

After its debut, the Douglas Mawson is set to depart Hobart, Tasmania, on November 27, 2025, for its inaugural voyage: an 11-night circumnavigation of Tasmania. Future itineraries will feature an Antarctic expedition following the route taken by Sir Ernest Shackleton, along with voyages to the sub-Antarctic islands, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia.

Additionally, the vessel will host a Special Guests Program that includes experts and descendants of notable explorers.

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