Aurora Expeditions, the Australian-owned journey cruise firm, has introduced the upcoming launch of its third small ship, the Douglas Mawson, set to start crusing in late 2025.
Introducing the Douglas Mawson
Signifying Aurora Expeditions’ return to East Antarctica with new itineraries from Hobart, Tasmania, Aurora Expeditions is ready to boost its fleet with the introduction of the Douglas Mawson. The brand new Infinity Class vessel will debut in late 2025.
The ship, named after pioneering Australian geologist and explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, will embark on its inaugural season with a particular concentrate on East Antarctica, Aurora’s first return to the area after 15 years.
“We’re thrilled to be launching the most recent and remaining Infinity Class vessel,” mentioned Michael Heath, chief government officer, Aurora Expeditions. “We’re equally delighted to offer passengers new itineraries departing from Australia as a part of the ship’s inaugural season.”
As a key determine within the “Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration,” Mawson led the Australasian Antarctic Expedition from 1911 to 1914, serving to to map the Antarctic shoreline. The expedition established bases, carried out in depth research, and explored beforehand unknown areas.
“Aurora takes nice inspiration from the unimaginable legacy of Sir Douglas Mawson. It was Mawson’s SY Aurora vessel that impressed our founder, Greg Mortimer, to call our firm Aurora,” mentioned Hayley Peacock-Gower, chief advertising officer, Aurora Expeditions.
Options and Itineraries of Douglas Mawson
Designed to hold a mean of 154 passengers, Douglas Mawson will be a part of its sister ships, the 132-passenger Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, additionally named for exploration and environmental conservation pioneers. The ships will emphasize small-group, immersive experiences.
Douglas Mawson will function a Nordic-inspired inside with a variety of staterooms and suites, most outfitted with non-public balconies. Distinctive to the ship might be a number of single-berth cabins to cater to solo vacationers. There might be 86 cabins in whole.
Public areas will embrace various eating choices, bars, and out of doors heated swimming pool, and wellness facilities. The ship additionally emphasizes instructional alternatives with a citizen science heart and lecture theater providing numerous participative and academic packages.
As an expedition ship, passengers will take pleasure in expansive commentary decks with panoramic views of the wilderness and wildlife. Indoor lounge areas will function floor-to-ceiling home windows, and the Glass Atrium Lounge contained in the bow.
For its inaugural journey, Douglas Mawson will supply a particular itinerary that follows within the footsteps of Mawson’s Antarctica. Passengers will go to Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands.
Douglas Mawson, like its sister ships, will function a base camp for passengers to discover. The ship will function Zodiac entry factors, a altering room and a mudroom getting ready passengers for off-ship and on-shore actions, and Ulstein X-BOW expertise to enhance gas effectivity whereas providing smoother ocean crossings.
Aurora has not revealed the complete program of voyages for Douglas Mawson, however the cruise line says it should go to the polar areas and “some thrilling new locations.” The inaugural voyage is anticipated for December 2025.
Aurora Expeditions is launching its 2024 expedition season in April with a “Patagonia & Chilean Fjords” voyage aboard Sylvia Earle. Launching April 5, the 15-day cruise will discover Cape Horn, Beagle Channel, Glacier Alley, Francisco Coloane Marine Reserve, the Chilean Fjords, Torres del Paine Nationwide Park, PIO XI Glacier, Tic Toc Bay, Castro, and Puerto Montt.
