Douglas Mawson is a state-of-the-art purpose built expedition cruise vessel. Launched in 2025 and named after legendary Australian geologist and explorer, the ship embodies Mawson's pioneering spirit offering departures in Antarctica, the Arctic, the Mediterranean and beyond. She boasts the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and enhanced sustainability features, with the capacity to carry 154 passengers (limited to 130 in the Arctic and Antarctica) on a journey of a lifetime to some of world's wildest areas in comfort and style.  She offers 12 cabin categories including dedicated solo staterooms. 

Please click on any side photo to view ships gallery.

Year Built:	2025
Capacity:	154 (limited to 130 in the Arctic and Antarctica)
Length:	104.4 metres
Ice Class:	1A
Speed:	10 – 12 knots (average)
Cabins:	Single Stateroom (9.85m2) - 1 x single bed Superior Single Stateroom (10.97 - 15.18m2) - 1 x single bed Solo Balcony Cat A Stateroom (23.07 - 26.77m2) - 1 x double bed Triple Stateroom (22.57m²) - 1 x king & 1 x twin bed or 3 x twin beds Twin Stateroom (15.37m² - 22.57m²) - 1 x king or 2 x twin beds Superior Stateroom (13.97m2 - 16.17m2) - 1 x king or 2 x twin beds Balcony Cat A Stateroom (23.07m2 - 26.77m2) - 1 x double or 2 x twin beds Balcony Cat B Stateroom (24.07m2 - 24.97m2) - 1 x king or 2 x twin beds Balcony Cat C Stateroom (21.07m2 - 24.8m2) - 1 x king or 2 x twin beds Superior Balcony Stateroom (27.77m2 - 36.27m2) - 1 x king or 2 x twin beds Junior Suite (41.47m2 - 41.87m2) - 1 x king or 2 x twin beds Captain's Suite (45.22m2) - 1 x king or 2 x twin beds

Onboard you will find surprisingly luxurious amenities for a polar expedition ship including a swimming pool (may be closed during open-water sailing), Jacuzzis, gym, sauna, sun deck, restaurant, observation decks, Citizen Science centre, library and perhaps our favourite part of the ship: a double-height Atrium Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views.

Onboard Expedition Team

Your experienced onboard expedition team will offer a series of lectures and presentations throughout your polar voyage, this team may include expeditioners, biologists, scientists, historians, naturalists, geologists, photographers and of course specialist kayaking guides. 

Science Centre 

The ship’s Citizen Science Centre & Lounge is located in the double-height Atrium Lounge; be sure to visit to learn more about the projects that your onboard naturalists are involved with and participate in programmes by helping to collect data that contributes to the conservation of our planet and our understanding of these remote destinations that you are visiting. 

Health and fitness onboard

Onboard you will find a small but well-equipped gym; sauna and Jacuzzi and an outdoor swimming pool. Please note that the swimming pool is likely to be closed during open sea crossings and of course, is subject to weather conditions and other safety considerations.

Onboard Dining

The main restaurant is located on Deck 5 and serves three meals per day, usually a buffet breakfast and lunch with a plated dinner service – or choose to dine in the top deck restaurant on Deck 8. Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day.

What is included onboard?

Your voyage on the Douglas Mawson includes almost everything from daily excursions and activities with your expedition team; meals onboard; drinks onboard (tea, coffee, drinking water, house beers, wines and soft drinks during dinner); expedition parka; loan of rubber boots and basic WiFi access. Optional extras will be charged to your onboard account such premium drinks (e.g. top shelf spirits, vintage wine, Champagne etc); gratuities; laundry and other personal purchases from the small onboard shop. Additional optional activities such as a voyage-length kayaking programme, snorkelling and scuba diving may be available depending on your chosen itinerary, these activities are at an additional cost and must be pre-booked well in advance of departure.