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Douglas Mawson

Antarctica
Deluxe
Expedition Ship

Overview

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, the Douglas Mawson features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

Maximum passengers: 130 on polar voyages and 154 for other destinations

This vessel honours the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson. Like the Greg Mortimer and the Sylvia Earle, the Douglas Mawson features the same revolutionary X-BOW® design, an inverted bow concept which results in smoother sailing and increased efficiency. Rather than rising over and then dropping onto waves like a traditional ship, the X-BOW® cuts through the swell, minimising vibrations, allowing for quicker transits through waves, whilst helping to reduce fuel consumption.

There's nothing like personal experience from someone who's been there to elevate your holiday out of the ordinary. Our specialists have it in bucket loads ready to tailor make your adventure.
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  • Why choose the Douglas Mawson?

    The state-of-the-art Douglas Mawson offers up comfort and style alongside unique design and environmentally friendly technology. This vessel is perfect for those wanting to combine an active and exciting Polar adventure with some on-board creature comforts.

Features

  • 86 cabins
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Lounges
  • Library
  • Presentation room
  • Citizen Science laboratory
  • Spa and wellbeing facilities
  • Fitness room
  • Expedition jacket – yours to keep
  • Fleet of Zodiacs
  • Loan of rubber boots during voyage
  • Optional activities such as kayaking available on selected departures
  • X-BOW® design for more stability and comfort
  • Registered Ice Class 1A

Cabins & suites

Guest cabins offer exceptional comfort and many feature full length window or private balconies, ideal for keeping an eye out for passing wildlife.

 

Single travellers
Quad, triple or twin share cabins are available (on a same gender basis) as well as dedicated solo cabins. Sole occupancy of a cabin incurs a supplement.

  • Aurora Stateroom Single

    One single berth, with private bathroom. Superior Staterooms are slightly larger.

    Deck 3 and 7
    Exterior porthole

  • Aurora Stateroom Triple

    Three lower single berths with private bathroom.

    Decks 3 and 7
    Exterior porthole

  • Aurora Stateroom Twin

    Two lower single berths or one double bed with private bathroom.

    Deck 3
    Picture window

  • Aurora Stateroom Superior

    Two lower single berths or one double bed with private bathroom.

    Deck 7
    French balcony

  • Balcony Stateroom Single

    One double bed with private bathroom.

    Decks 4 and 6
    Large window
    Balcony

  • Balcony Stateroom

    Two lower single berths or one double bed with private bathroom. Superior Balcony Staterooms are slightly larger.

    Decks 4 and 6
    Large window
    Balcony

  • Junior Suite

    Two lower single berths or one double bed with private bathroom.

    Deck 7
    Large window
    Balcony

  • Captain’s Suite

    Two lower single berths or one double bed with private bathroom.

    Deck 4
    Large window
    Balcony
    Separate lounge area
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A new standard

Innovative features of the ship include four sea-level Zodiac launching platforms, designed for speedy embarkation to help maximise time ashore. The vessel also offers a wide range of onboard activities, with a dedicated mudroom, a spacious preparation area, and a separate platform for activity launches.

At the front of the ship, the distinctive glass atrium lounge offers panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows – the perfect spot to relax with a drink, enjoy the scenery, or spot wildlife.

For relaxation and wellness, visit the Wellness Centre featuring gym, sauna, spa, and massage therapy. The heated saltwater open-air swimming pool and Jacuzzis, provide ample opportunities to unwind between landings.

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Responsible travel

Operated by AE Expeditions, a certified B Corporation, the Douglas Mawson embodies a commitment to drive meaningful environmental and social change. By travelling aboard the Douglas Mawson, you become part of these efforts to protect our planet.

As a B Corp, AE Expeditions upholds rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. In 2021, the company became Carbon Neutral certified and supports conservation initiatives such as native forest protection in Tasmania.

Through its Ocean Regeneration initiative, AE Expeditions helps restore marine ecosystems by funding the planting of one unit of marine life and the removal of one kilogram of ocean-bound waste for every passenger.

Partnerships with SeaTrees, Veritree, and CleanHub support projects including kelp forest restoration in Canada and Portugal, seagrass meadow recovery in Spain, and coral restoration in Indonesia and Costa Rica.

Anchored in sustainability

Environmentally friendly virtual anchoring technology uses GPS and advanced steering systems to hold position without deploying a traditional anchor, helping protect delicate sea floors from disturbance.

In addition, the Douglas Mawson is designed to minimise its environmental impact, with reduced emissions to air and water, lower energy consumption, high fuel efficiency, minimized light pollution to protect wildlife, and reduced on-board plastic use.

Citizen Science

Get involved in Citizen Science projects both on and off the vessel, contributing to vital research in the remote Polar regions.

Take part in data collection activities such as seabird surveys, phytoplankton studies, whale tracking, and weather mapping, then analyse your findings in the Douglas Mawson’s onboard Science Centre.

These engaging, hands-on projects offer fun opportunities to collaborate, with support from your onboard Citizen Science Coordinator throughout your voyage.

Holidays featuring this vessel

Optional experiences 

The following are offered at extra cost, but availability varies according to voyage and departure date

  • Kayaking Polar

    Antarctica

    Paddle alongside seals, icebergs and more on a polar kayaking excursion.

    Price on request

    Duration variable

    Jan-Mar, Jun-Aug & Nov-Dec

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