Douglas Mawson

Adventure has a new name. Setting sail in 2025, the new state-of-the-art ship Douglas Mawson, is the last in a line of purpose-built vessels from a fleet of ships including the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle that have redefined small ship expedition cruising.

Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, this new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is custom designed for polar exploration and global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW hull—the latest in hull design which allows the ship to pierce through waves to maintain speed and lower both fuel consumption and emissions—it takes a maximum 154 adventurers (130 in Antarctica) to the world’s wildest places in smooth, quiet comfort.

The ship boasts the fleet’s most extensive range of cabins yet, including a range of single and interconnectable cabins, and two cabins which can accommodate a third person, making her ideal for solo travelers, families, and groups. All cabins—with the exception of the single cabins which feature a single bed configuration—boast twin or king bedding, and private bathrooms, and 79% of her cabins also include a private balcony with large floor-to-ceiling glass doors, so the stunning polar landscapes are always in your line of sight.

Life On Board

The Douglas Mawson truly is a floating base camp for adventure, and features a host of amenities and a highly qualified and experienced expedition team and international crew to help you connect with like-minded travelers and elevate your time onboard. Guests can work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new with a book from the polar library or a fascinating talk held in the purpose-built lecture theatre, or get hands-on with microscopes in the Citizen Science Centre—all part of the ship’s excellent educational programming.

After a long day of exploring, the alluring back deck beckons you to take a dip in the inviting heated outdoor swimming pool, and you’ll find plenty of sun beds to unfurl on, not to mention two Jacuzzis to soak those weary limbs in. All of your adventures are sure to make you work up an appetite too, and you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in not just one but a choice of two restaurants.

With huge windows and superb views to the front of the ship from the library or atrium lounge, or from the umpteen other observation areas throughout the ship, you’ll have ample space and opportunity to relax in comfort while you keep watch for the frequent wildlife spectacles and incredible landscapes that will unfold before you. Should you need further entertainment, or simply wish to keep in touch with the ‘other’ world, the ship does provide complimentary access to Starlink WIFI, although please note that connection can be patchy due to the poor satellite connection in the polar regions.

Exciting Shore Excursions

While enjoying the luxurious amenities on board, you can rest assured that the experienced expedition crew’s aim is to get you off the ship to explore the natural environment as much as possible. Through the unique activities program, you’ll have the chance to take part in a huge range of optional activities to help you make the most of your time in some of the most beautiful places on the planet, from sea kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and scuba diving, to trekking, snowshoeing, skiing, rock climbing, and even camping on the ice.

To help with the logistics of these daily forays into the wildest realms on Earth, the ship’s mudroom is perfectly configured for practical storage of your included rubber boots and wet kit, and there are purpose-built activity preparation areas including two easy-access Zodiac loading bay which make embarking and disembarking for shore excursions and Zodiac cruises a safe and swift experience, allowing you to maximize your time off ship.

The Douglas Mawson’s  will mark its inaugural season with new itineraries to include a Mawson’s Antarctica voyage to East Antarctica in honor of the ship’s namesake departing from Hobart, a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica, and immersive explorations of the Subantarctic Islands.