CRUISE SHIP: Douglas Mawson from Aurora Expeditions, what guests can expect

Aurora Expeditions’ Douglas Mawson offers a purpose-built experience blending cutting-edge technology with environmental mindfulness. This small ship, launching in 2025 and accommodating up to 154 passengers, combines functional reception areas, quality dining, educational entertainment, comfortable accommodations, and attentive hospitality. Designed for exploration, Douglas Mawson delivers a holiday that balances rugged adventure with onboard comfort.

The guest experience on Douglas Mawson is defined by its focus on exploration and camaraderie. Passengers appreciate the spacious balcony cabins and expert-led excursions, with the Ulstein X-BOW ensuring smoother transits and reduced seasickness. The ship’s ice-class 1A rating enables access to rugged polar regions. Guests enjoy the balance of active landings and onboard relaxation, with the Glass Atrium Lounge and multiple observation decks offering prime wildlife-spotting views. The all-inclusive dining and drinks, along with 79% balcony cabins, add value, though some anticipate minor wear in high-traffic areas post-launch. The international passenger mix fosters a shared sense of adventure.

Guests aboard Douglas Mawson can anticipate a holiday centred on off-ship exploration and education. Expect twice-daily Zodiac excursions, weather permitting, with opportunities for shore landings or optional activities like kayaking. Onboard, days include informative lectures, citizen science participation, or relaxing in the heated pool or sauna. Dining offers hearty, social meals, and evenings feature drinks in the lounge or quiet time in the library. The ship’s small size allows access to remote polar and coastal destinations, with embarkation from ports like Hobart. The expedition focus means limited traditional entertainment, but the crew’s attentiveness ensures English-speaking guests feel included in the international mix.

Reception Areas: A Practical Welcome

The reception area, located in the central lounge on Deck 5, accommodates guests with a functional, open design featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a Nordic-inspired palette of crisp whites and cool blues. The space is efficient and inviting, with a desk staffed by approachable crew members ready to assist with expedition planning, bookings, or queries. Adjacent, the Elephant Island Bar and Lounge offers a relaxed spot for coffee or cocktails, with comfortable seating and panoramic views. The area serves as a social hub, with occasional presentations by expedition staff creating an engaging atmosphere. A small gift shop provides essentials and souvenirs.

Dining: Hearty and Social

Douglas Mawson’s dining options cater to adventurers with two venues, both included in the fare. The main restaurant on Deck 5, seating 166, offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch with dishes like fresh salads and grilled meats, and à la carte dinners with house wines, beers, and soft drinks included. The Observation Restaurant on Deck 8, seating 42, provides an intimate setting with Italian-inspired dishes like pasta and seafood, requiring reservations. Complimentary 24-hour coffee, tea, and snacks are available in the lecture theatre. Vegetarian and plant-based diets are accommodated with advance notice, with guests praising the hearty, high-quality meals. A farewell three-course dinner with cocktails fosters camaraderie.

Entertainment: Education and Exploration

The entertainment programme on Douglas Mawson prioritises learning over traditional performances. The lecture theatre on Deck 4, seating all passengers, hosts daily presentations by naturalists and scientists on topics like polar ecology, history, and climate change, with a 1:8 team-to-passenger ratio ensuring personalised guidance. Off-ship activities, such as Zodiac cruises, shore hikes, and optional extras like kayaking or snorkelling (for a fee), form the core of the experience. The Citizen Science Centre on Deck 5 encourages participation in environmental research. The library, with floor-to-ceiling windows, offers non-fiction books, wildlife guides, and board games. A heated outdoor pool, two hot tubs, and an ocean-view sauna on Deck 8 provide relaxation, with occasional movie screenings on a big screen.

Accommodation: Spacious and Scenic

Douglas Mawson’s 86 cabins, spread across Decks 3 to 7, include 11 categories ranging from 9.85-square-metre Aurora Stateroom Singles with portholes to the 44.5-square-metre Captain’s Suite with a private balcony. All feature twin or king bedding (singles with twin beds), en-suite bathrooms, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, international power outlets, and daily servicing, with 79% offering private balconies. Aurora Stateroom Superiors (15–22.57 square metres) on Decks 3 and 7 provide extra space, while 58 interconnecting balcony staterooms suit groups. Two triple cabins and wheelchair-accessible options ensure inclusivity. Guests receive a 3-in-1 polar jacket, with suites including a complimentary minibar and spa treatment. A 2025 build ensures modern furnishings.

Hospitality: Friendly and Expert-Led

The crew of approximately 100 delivers professional, approachable service, fostering a tight-knit atmosphere. Cabin stewards provide twice-daily cleaning and turndown, with complimentary 24-hour room service. Restaurant and bar staff cater to guest preferences, though some note potential understaffing at bars during peak times. The expedition team, including naturalists and specialists, offers expert guidance during landings and lectures. The Wellness Centre on Deck 8 provides massages, a gym, and a sauna for a fee. A medical clinic, staffed by an onboard doctor, offers services for a fee. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, with connectivity varying by location. Gratuities of $15 USD per person per day are included for suites, adjustable at Guest Services.

Standout Features

Douglas Mawson’s standout features include its Ulstein X-BOW hull, ensuring smoother, eco-friendly transits, and its ice-class 1A rating, enabling access to remote polar regions. The Glass Atrium Lounge and multiple observation decks offer panoramic views, while 15 Zodiacs with two embarkation points ensure efficient excursions. The Observation Restaurant provides an intimate dining option, and the Citizen Science Centre encourages environmental engagement. The heated pool, hot tubs, and sauna.