3
Captain's Suite
CSD
Overview
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.
Suites
3
4
Junior Suite
JSD
7
Balcony Stateroom Superior
SBSD
2
Balcony Stateroom Category A
BSAD
2
Balcony Stateroom Category A – Solo
BA1D
3
Balcony Stateroom Category B
BSBD
2
Balcony Stateroom Category C
BSCD
2
Aurora Stateroom Superior
SASD
2
Aurora Stateroom Twin
AS3D · AS2D
2
Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
SA1D
2
Aurora Stateroom Single
AS1D
Captain's Suite
CSD
Junior Suite
JSD
Balcony Stateroom Superior
SBSD
Balcony Stateroom Category A
BSAD
Balcony Stateroom Category A – Solo
BA1D
Balcony Stateroom Category B
BSBD
Balcony Stateroom Category C
BSCD
Aurora Stateroom Superior
SASD
Aurora Stateroom Twin
AS3D · AS2D
Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
SA1D
Aurora Stateroom Single
AS1D
Dining
5
Dining room
Regional
3
Top Deck Restaurant
Regional
Dining room
Regional
Top Deck Restaurant
Regional
Life on board
Citizen Science Centre and Lounge
Lounge
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.
Atrium
Atrium
More information coming soon.
Sun Deck & Pool
Sun Deck
In between landings, enjoy access to the onboard gym or unwind in the sauna. Or head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a drink at the pool bar, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis, watching the world go by.
Bars & Lounges
Bar
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.
Library
Library
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.
The Glass Atrium Lounge
Lounge
As you explore the ship you will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. The Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow is a fantastic place to sit and watch for wildlife – with a drink in hand. There is no shortage of spaces to take in the majesty of the incredible world outside!
Citizen Science
Education
Travel is always the best educator and we offer the chance to enrich your curiosity and expand your knowledge and understanding of the places we travel to. There is no better learning opportunity than being in the field with subject matter experts. Our Citizen Science Program is designed to be an interactive forum of like-minded travellers to share new discoveries and deepen their connection to the natural world in a relaxed, informal and fun env …
Citizen Science
Travel is always the best educator and we offer the chance to enrich your curiosity and expand your knowledge and understanding of the places we travel to. There is no better learning opportunity than being in the field with subject matter experts.
Our Citizen Science Program is designed to be an interactive forum of like-minded travellers to share new discoveries and deepen their connection to the natural world in a relaxed, informal and fun environment – both on board our ships, on our fascinating shore expeditions and in our zodiacs.
You can make a difference as we can provide invaluable data to the scientific community through you taking part. You too can become an ambassador for the protection of our majestic but fragile blue planet when you return home by sharing what you have learned.
What is Citizen Science?
Citizen Science is the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world by members of the general public, typically as part of a collaborative project with professional scientists around the world.
Why Take Part?
Aurora Expeditions travels to some of the most unique and remote places on the planet. It is challenging for scientists to spend time in these areas, so any observations we contribute can be extremely valuable.
Gathering and sharing data is also a great way to engage and educate ourselves in pressing issues that concern us at a local, regional and global level.
How Does it Work?
Members of our passionate Expedition Team, together with a Citizen Science Coordinator, will be on hand to introduce and assist you with the projects being conducted on your voyage.
Expert guidance on the collection, storage and sharing of new scientific data will not only greatly enhance your voyage experience, but help you gain more knowledge of our ever-changing natural environment.
From the biggest mammals to the smallest marine creatures, the important part you play in our Citizen Science projects will help protect and preserve the planet for generations to come.
Our Projects
Our passengers can contribute to global research, collecting data in some of the most hard-to-reach, under-studied places on Earth. Our Citizen Science Program covers seven projects that span the globe, to advance understanding of marine ecosystems, birdlife, climate change and polar environments.
Please note: As some of our Citizen Science projects are location- and weather-dependent, we cannot operate all of the projects on all voyages. We will endeavour to include as many projects as possible on your voyage with ample time allocated to them on a day-to-day basis.
- HappyWhale uses photo ID to track individual whales. Guests can photograph encounters and log them on the database, improving knowledge about migration, population health and behaviour.
- eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related Citizen Science project, collecting bird observations from around the globe. Aurora passengers help to track species distribution and population changes.
- Our passengers are invited to record cloud conditions, with observations submitted to NASA GLOBE Cloud contributing to climate modelling.
- Our Citizen Scientists measure water clarity by lowering a Secchi disk, recording visibility, and sharing data with scientists that are studying the effects of climate change on ocean ecosystems. This builds a long-term global dataset, and each voyage contributes new observations from some of the least-studied waters in the world.
- Snow algae are microscopic organisms that grow on snow and ice, influencing melt rates. The Snow Algae Study engages passengers in photographing and recording snow algae sites, contributing to global research into how these organisms influence the Antarctic environment. This study is supported by the latest science from the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
- FjordPhyto invites passengers to explore phytoplankton diversity in polar fjords and coastal waters. Using simple tools, they collect samples to help scientists track phytoplankton health and its response to changing ocean conditions. These observations enhance understanding of the base of the marine food and how climate change is altering polar ecosystems. *Only available on Antarctic voyages.
- We are proudly the first expedition company to facilitate the development and execution of the TIPI pilot project, using thermal imaging to measure polar ice conditions. This project combines science, technology and storytelling to create robust datasets while engaging the public in polar research. We are collaborating with founder Joe Muise to deliver high-quality scientific outcomes.
Activities
Excursions
Whether it’s adventure at sea or on land that makes you tick, we have a huge range of optional activities to help you make the most of your time in some of the most beautiful places on earth. We encourage you to make the most of every opportunity to nurture your inner adventurer. You can choose from a range of add-on adventures to make the most of your time in these beautiful places. We have pioneered more adventure activities than any polar ex …
Activities
Whether it’s adventure at sea or on land that makes you tick, we have a huge range of optional activities to help you make the most of your time in some of the most beautiful places on earth.
We encourage you to make the most of every opportunity to nurture your inner adventurer. You can choose from a range of add-on adventures to make the most of your time in these beautiful places. We have pioneered more adventure activities than any polar expedition cruising company to help you explore in your own way.
We’ll get you out for your optional activities as often as possible, and this will be your main mode of exploration through your trip. Your guides* will assess the conditions at each landing, and you’ll have the option to join whenever conditions allow.
Optional activities are popular and group sizes are limited, so if you’re interested, get in touch with our team as soon as possible. Optional activities are listed on each itinerary page and additional fees apply.
Lecture Theatre
Education
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, ent …
Lecture Theatre
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.
Activities Platform
Zodiacs
The Douglas Mawson features Zodiac access points and an activities platform, making boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer.
Mudroom
Mud Room
Mudroom No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your cabin to dry. Keep your cabin warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom. The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.
Jacuzzis
Pool
There are two Jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside.
Gym & Sauna
Gym
During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge!
Deck plans
Deck 8
- Seating area
- Observation lounge
- Top-deck restaurant
- Bar
- Observation decks
- Elevator
Deck 7
- Gym
- Sauna
- Seating area
- Observation decks
- Swimming pool and sun deck
- Jacuzzis
- Bridge
- Elevator
- Junior Suite
- Aurora Stateroom Superior
- Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
Deck 6
- Library
- Upper glass atrium lounge
- Elevator
- Balcony Stateroom Superior
- Balcony Stateroom (A, B, C)
- Junior Suite
Deck 5
- Lecture room & lounge
- Assembly station
- Reception
- Ship shop
- Dining room
- Bar
- Lower glass atrium lounge
- Elevator
- Citizen Science centre
Deck 4
- Elevator
- Main entrance
- Expedition desk
- Captain's Suite
- Balcony Stateroom Superior
- Balcony Stateroom (A, B, C)
Deck 3
- Change room/mudroom
- Zodiac access points
- Activity launching platform
- Medical clinic
- Elevator
- Aurora Stateroom Triple
- Aurora Stateroom Twin
- Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
- Aurora Stateroom Single
Cruises on Douglas Mawson
A Northern Saga
From £11,732 pp
A United Kingdom: The Crown and the Clans
From £6,648 pp
Across the Antarctic Circle
From £19,979 pp
Amalfi, Sicily and Malta: The Godfather
From £5,548 pp
Antarctic Circle in Depth
From £17,201 pp
Antarctic Explorer
From £17,278 pp
Antarctic Explorer
From £13,658 pp
Antarctic Explorer
From £14,242 pp
Antarctic Explorer Express
From £14,553 pp
Antarctic Explorer: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours
From £13,658 pp
Antarctic Explorer: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours
From £14,429 pp
Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake
From £19,769 pp
Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake
From £15,340 pp
Antarctica Active: All Inclusive Activities
From £12,503 pp
Antarctica Complete
From £25,869 pp
Barcelona to Nice: A Mediterranean Canvas
From £4,048 pp
Barcelona to Valletta: Storied Shores of the Med
From £9,774 pp
Costa Rica & the Panama Canal
From £10,335 pp
Glaciers & Fjords of Southern Patagonia
From £6,221 pp
Iceland & East Greenland: Under the Northern Lights
From £10,506 pp
Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire & Ice
From £11,696 pp
In Shackleton's Footsteps
From £21,766 pp
Ireland & Scotland: Saints, Saviours and Secrets
From £6,198 pp
Ireland: The Luck of the Irish
From £9,986 pp
Jewels of the Arctic: Svalbard & East Greenland
From £12,667 pp
Jewels of the Arctic: Svalbard & East Greenland
From £15,068 pp
Lisbon to Amsterdam: Coasting the Atlantic
From £10,214 pp
Nice to Rome: La Dolce Vita
From £4,048 pp
Northern Lights & Wild Isles: Iceland, Greenland, Scotland
From £11,791 pp
Northern Lights Explorer
From £11,502 pp
Panama and Costa Rica: Crossing the Canal
From £7,782 pp
Sailing 'The Med': A Mediterranean Feast
From £7,798 pp
South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey
From £21,435 pp
Southern Antarctic Realms: Circle & Weddell Sea
From £17,621 pp
Spirit of Antarctica
From £12,328 pp
Spirit of Antarctica
From £11,907 pp
Spirit of Antarctica: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours
From £12,172 pp
Spitsbergen: Realm of Ice & Wildlife
From £8,546 pp
Svalbard Odyssey
From £11,696 pp
The Cross and the Crescent Moon
From £10,214 pp
The Mediterranean: Beyond the Icons
From £12,024 pp
Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea
From £13,518 pp
Wild Scotland
From £9,146 pp