Douglas Mawson
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 on average 154 adventurers to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of cabins yet, including a range of single cabins.
The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard our floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes unfold before you.
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.
The Douglas Mawson’s inaugural season will mark AE 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, a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica, and immersive explorations of the Subantarctic Islands.
The Douglas Mawson features the newest streamlined Ulstein X-BOW®, designed for global discovery. The revolutionary design cuts through the swell, offering unrivalled stability on ocean crossings and helping to reduce fuel consumption. It’s just one of the many sustainability features that helps us travel more responsibly.
Handcrafted Cruise Packages
Subantarctic Discovery
- 02 Jan 2026 - 16 Jan 2026
- 14 Nights Douglas Mawson
14 nights from £9,914 per person
Cabins
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
Features
Junior Suite
Cabin & balcony combined size: Up to 41.47m2 - 41.87m2 (446.4ft2 - 450.7ft2)
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
Features
Balcony Stateroom Superior
Cabin & balcony combined size: 27.77m2 - 36.27m2 (298.9ft2 - 390.4ft2)
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superior cabins 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.
Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
- 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
Features
Balcony Stateroom Category A
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2)
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 25 Balcony Stateroom – A cabins are our premium cabin, and the most abundant on board. These cabins 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)
Features
Balcony Stateroom Category B
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2)
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom – B Cabins are our standard cabin, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These cabins 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
Features
Balcony Stateroom Category C
Cabin & balcony combined size: 21.07m2 - 26.77m2 (226.8ft² - 288.2ft2)
We have three cabin categories of our Balcony Staterooms. These are classified as A, B or C depending on the cabin size.
Our 15 Balcony Stateroom Category C cabins are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These cabins 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
Features
Aurora Stateroom Superior
Cabin size: 13.97m2 - 16.17m2 (150.4ft2 - 174.1ft2)
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
Features
Aurora Stateroom Twin
Cabin size: 15.37m² - 15.97m² (165.4ft² - 171.9ft²)
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
Features
Aurora Stateroom Triple
Cabin size: 22.57m2 (242.9ft2)
There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, both with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
- 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
Features
Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
Deck 3 Cabin size: 15.18m2 (163.4ft2)
Deck 7 Cabin size: 10.97m2 (118.1ft2 )
There are four Aurora Stateroom Superior Single cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Decks 3 & 7.
- 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
Features
Aurora Stateroom Single
Cabin size: 9.85m2 (106ft2)
There are two Aurora Stateroom Single cabins featuring portholes, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
- 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
