SYDNEY — Aurora Expeditions will soon welcome its third purpose-built small expedition ship to its fleet.
Set to sail in December 2025, Douglas Mawson’s inaugural season will also mark Aurora Expeditions’ return to East Antarctica for the first time in 15 years, with new itineraries to include a Mawson’s Antarctica voyage to East Antarctica in honour of the ship’s namesake, departing from Hobart.
The inaugural voyage and full program will be announced soon. Those who pre-register their interest in the inaugural Antarctica 2025/2026 season before April 18, 2024 are eligible to receive an additional US$2,000 per couple off their trip with Aurora Expeditions.
To pre-register go to www.aurora-expeditions.com/pre-register-douglas-mawson.
“We’re thrilled to be launching the newest and final Infinity Class vessel, which we have named in honour of pioneering Australian geologist and explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson,” said Michael Heath, chief executive officer, Aurora Expeditions. “We are equally delighted to be offering passengers new itineraries departing from Australia as part of the ship’s inaugural season, including an exploration of Mawson’s Antarctica, which will visit Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands.
“Aurora has pioneered expedition travel to the world’s most remote places for more than three decades, and we know that exploration is not just about what you see, but how you see it,” Heath added. “ That is why we are committed to delivering life-changing experiences with the newest, most advanced technology available, and with the most experienced and passionate team in the industry.”
THE SHIP
Douglas Mawson will carry an average of 154 passengers and will be the newest Infinity Class vessel to enter the market, joining Aurora’s sister ships Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, also named after pioneers in their field.
The small ship will feature the latest revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW, designed for smoother and faster ocean crossings and world-leading fuel efficiency, and will offer Nordic interior design features with stylish staterooms and suites across 11 different categories, most featuring private balconies. For the first time, Aurora will also offer several single-berth cabins to cater to the growing solo traveller segment.
Public spaces include two restaurants, two bars, an outdoor heated swimming pool, pool bar and Jacuzzies, a gym and sauna, relaxation and wellness areas, a library lounge, a citizen science centre and lecture theatre, and expansive decks offering panoramic views.
Like Aurora’s sister ships, Douglas Mawson is designed to be a comfortable base camp for adventure, with Zodiac access points, a changing room and mudroom preparing passengers for off-ship and on-shore activities, while a dedicated science center is the hub for a variety of participative and educational Citizen Science programs.
For more information go to www.aurora-expeditions.com/ship/douglas-mawson.
