JetsetterGuide
AE_Expeditions_Douglas_Mawson_Exterior___AE_Expeditions

Douglas Mawson

Douglas Mawson

Ship Specifications

Ship TypeOcean
Launch Year2025
Gross Tonnage8,500 GT
Length104 m
Width18 m
Max Speed12 knots
Passenger Capacity154
Crew Members24
Decks8
Total Cabins86
Accessible Cabins2
Activities

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

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

Activities Platform

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

Mudroom

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.

Dining room

Dining room

One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Start each adventure with hearty meals and delicious morning and afternoon teas prepared by our onboard chefs.

Meals are a great time to connect with fellow travellers in our open-seating dining area, sharing stories and insights from the day. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available 24/7, and our chefs offer a variety of menu options for each meal. Enjoy house wines, beers, and soft drinks with dinner after a day of exploration.

Wrap up your journey with informal Captain’s Farewell drinks, featuring complimentary beverages, cocktail appetisers, and a special three-course meal.

Top Deck Restaurant

Top Deck Restaurant

The Top Deck Restaurant is located on deck 8.

Citizen Science Centre and Lounge

Citizen Science Centre and 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 & Pool

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

Bars & Lounges

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

The Glass Atrium 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!

Deck 8

Deck 8

  • Seating area
  • Observation lounge
  • Top-deck restaurant
  • Bar
  • Observation decks
  • Elevator

Deck 7

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

Deck 6

  • Library
  • Upper glass atrium lounge
  • Elevator
  • Balcony Stateroom Superior
  • Balcony Stateroom (A, B, C)
  • Junior Suite

Deck 5

Deck 5

  • Lecture room & lounge
  • Assembly station
  • Reception
  • Ship shop
  • Dining room
  • Bar
  • Lower glass atrium lounge
  • Elevator
  • Citizen Science centre

Deck 4

Deck 4

  • Elevator
  • Main entrance
  • Expedition desk
  • Captain's Suite
  • Balcony Stateroom Superior
  • Balcony Stateroom (A, B, C)

Deck 3

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

Captain's Suite

Captain's Suite

The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain's Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you'll need to get in early to secure this suite.

  • Deck 4
  • King or Twin beds
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Private balcony
  • Separate lounge area
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
  • Free stocked mini bar
  • 1 x free bottle of champagne per suite
^Captain’s Suite mini bar is replenished as needed.
Junior Suite

Junior Suite

The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren't enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites' separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.

  • Deck 7
  • King or twin beds
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • Private balcony
  • Separate lounge area
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • 1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
  • Free stocked mini bar (stocked once only, not replenished)
  • 1 x free bottle of champagne per suite
^Junior Suite Mini Bar is stocked once only, not replenished.

Balcony Stateroom Superior

Balcony Stateroom Superior

With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superiors are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.

  • Deck 4 & 6 
  • King or twin beds
  • Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible available)
  • Full size window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Private balcony
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
  • Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Balcony Stateroom Category A

Balcony Stateroom Category A

Our 25 Balcony Stateroom A rooms are our premium room, and the most abundant on board. These staterooms are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Private balcony
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite
Balcony Stateroom Category A

Balcony Stateroom Category A – Solo

Our 4 Solo Balcony Stateroom A - Solo rooms are our premium room, these staterooms are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.

  • Private Ensuite
  • Closet Space
  • Mini Bar
  • Private Balcony
  • Room-controlled Thermostat
  • Full Size Window
  • Room Safe
  • Desk area
  • 42" Flat-Screen TV
  • A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.
Balcony Stateroom Category B

Balcony Stateroom Category B

Our 17 Balcony Stateroom B rooms are our standard room, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These staterooms are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Private balcony
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Balcony Stateroom Category C

Balcony Stateroom Category C

Our 15 Balcony Stateroom Category C rooms are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These staterooms are scattered throughout Deck 4 & 6.

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Full size window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Private balcony
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Aurora Stateroom Superior

Aurora Stateroom Superior

With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • French balcony
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Aurora Stateroom Twin

Aurora Stateroom Twin

The Douglas Mawson features two Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring windows, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.

  • King or twin bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Porthole window
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Desk area
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Cabins 311 & 309 have a sofa. 

Aurora Stateroom Superior Single

Aurora Stateroom Superior Single

There are four Aurora Stateroom Superior Single cabins, each featuring a porthole and a private en-suite for a comfortable solo retreat. Located on Decks 3 and 7, these well-appointed staterooms offer a perfect balance of privacy and convenience for solo adventurers.

  • Single bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Porthole window
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain's Suite

Aurora Stateroom Single

Aurora Stateroom Single

There are two Aurora Stateroom Single cabins on Deck 3, each featuring a porthole and private en-suite. Conveniently located near the mudroom and loading platforms, these cabins offer easy access for your daily adventures while providing a comfortable space to unwind.

  • Single bed
  • Private en-suite
  • Closet space
  • Room safe
  • Mini bar*
  • Porthole window
  • Room-controlled thermostat
  • 42" flat-screen TV
  • 1x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain's Suite

Jacuzzis

Jacuzzis

There are two Jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside.

Gym & Sauna

Gym & Sauna

During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge!