Douglas Mawson: Ship, Routes & Consulting
3 Reasons for a an Expedition on the Douglas Mawson
- Scheduled for launch in 2025, the Douglas Mawson is the third X-Bow expedition ship from the experienced Australian operator AE Expeditions.
- Named after the renowned Australian polar explorer, this vessel carries up to 154 passengers, offering the comfort of a small boutique hotel on adventurous Antarctic routes.
- Guests can choose from a wide range of additional activities, including kayaking, snowshoeing, and even polar snorkeling.
What Awaits You on an Expedition on the Douglas Mawson
New X-Bow Expedition Ship
The revolutionary X-Bow design ensures smoother sailing in polar waters and contributes to lower fuel consumption.
With Polar Class PC6 capability, an experienced expedition team, and a maximum of just 154 guests, the Douglas Mawson allows you to spend more time exploring ashore.
Floating Boutique Hotel
Seventy-nine percent of the spacious cabins feature a private balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows. One of the standout features is the two-storey atrium at the bow, offering impressive panoramic views.
The lecture theatre and the Citizen Science Centre provide an excellent onboard educational programme. After a day out in the ice, you can unwind in one of the deck whirlpools or warm up in the sauna.
Wide Range of Optional Activities
Your voyage aboard the Douglas Mawson includes all landings, Zodiac cruises, and onboard lectures.
In addition, depending on the itinerary, you can choose from a wide selection of optional adventure activities such as kayaking, camping, or even snorkelling.
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Cabins and Suites on the Douglas Mawson
| Captain's Suite | 35 M2 |
| Junior Suite | 29 M2 |
| Balcony Stateroom Superior | 23.5 M2 |
| Balcony Stateroom Cat. A | 19.5 M2 |
| Balcony Stateroom Cat. B | 19 M2 |
| Balcony Stateroom Cat. C | 18.5 M2 |
| Stateroom Superior | 15.5 M2 |
| Twin Share | 15.5 M2 |
| Triple Share | 22.5 M2 |
| Stateroom Single | M2 |
| Superior Single | 10 M2 |
Captain's Suite
- 35 m² Captain's Suite on Deck 4.
- 10 m² private balcony (total size 45 m²).
- Double bed or two single beds.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Desk and walk-in closet.
- Separate lounge area with access to the balcony.
- Bathroom.
- Binoculars available to borrow for the duration of your cruise.
- Minibar (completely free of charge, replenished as needed).
- One bottle of champagne (free of charge).
Junior Suite
- 29 m² Junior Suite on Deck 7.
- 12 m² private balcony (total size 41 m²).
- Double bed or two single beds.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Desk area.
- Separate lounge area with large window.
- Bathroom.
- Binoculars available to borrow for the duration of your cruise.
- Minibar (refilled once free of charge).
- One bottle of champagne (complimentary).
Balcony Stateroom Superior
- 23.5 m² Superior Balcony on Deck 4 and Deck 6.
- 10 m² private balcony (total size 33.5 m²).
- Double bed or two single beds.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Wheelchair-accessible suites available.
- Desk and seating area.
- Private bathroom.
Balcony Stateroom Cat. A
- 19.5 m² Balcony Cabin Cat. A on Deck 4 and Deck 6.
- 5 m² private balcony (total size 24.5 m²).
- Double bed or two single beds.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Desk and seating area.
- Private bathroom.
Balcony Stateroom Cat. B
- 19 m² balcony cabin Cat. A on Deck 4 and Deck 6.
- 5 m² private balcony (total size 24 m²).
- Double bed or two single beds.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Desk and seating area.
- Private bathroom.
Balcony Stateroom Cat. C
- 18.5 m² balcony cabin Cat. A on Deck 4 and Deck 6.
- 5 m² private balcony (total size 23.5 m²).
- Double bed or two single beds.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Desk and seating area.
- Private bathroom.
Stateroom Superior
- 15.5 m² balcony cabin on deck 7.
- French balcony with large window that can be opened.
- Double bed or two single beds.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Desk and seating area.
- Private bathroom.
Twin Share
- 20 m² Superior cabin on deck 3.
- Double bed or two single beds.
- Window.
- Desk and seating area.
- Private bathroom.
Triple Share
- 22.5 m² triple cabin on deck 3.
- Three single beds.
- Portholes.
- Desk and seating area.
- Private bathroom.
Stateroom Single
- 11 - 15.2 m² single cabin on deck 3 and deck 7.
- Single bed.
- Porthole in the cabins on deck 3.
- French balcony in the cabin on deck 7.
- Desk and seating area.
- Private bathroom.
Superior Single
- 10 m² triple cabin on deck 3.
- Single bed.
- Porthole.
- Small desk and seating area.
- Private bathroom.
Polar Travel Expert
Douglas Mawson Deck Plan
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Reach out to us today and receive independent, expert guidance from passionate polar specialists who will assist you every step of the way from choosing the right expedition to booking and planning every detail of your journey. Here’s How It Works:
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Itineraries of the Douglas Mawson in Antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions about Douglas Mawson
Included:
Antarctica voyage in the cabin category booked on the Douglas Mawson.
Hotel night in Ushuaia prior to embarkation, including meals as listed in the program.
All airport transfers as specified in the itinerary.
All shore landings and activities throughout the voyage, including Zodiac excursions.
All meals on board, including snacks, coffee, and tea throughout the journey.
Beer, house wine, and non-alcoholic beverages during dinner.
Captain’s Farewell Cocktail and Dinner.
Complimentary expedition parka.
Complimentary use of expedition boots.
A photographic journal documenting the expedition.
Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for one device, suitable for basic browsing, email, social media, and messaging.
Comprehensive pre- and post-departure documentation.
Excluded:
International flights: suitable flights can be arranged upon request for an additional cost.
Voluntary gratuities at the end of the voyage for the expedition team and ship crew.
Personal expenses, such as purchases in the onboard shop.
Spa treatments and similar services.
Personal travel insurance.
The activities available on the Douglas Mawson depend on the itinerary and travel date. In general, the following experiences are offered:
• Shore landings
• Zodiac cruises
• Expert lectures
• Photography workshops
• Polar Plunge
• Camping
• Kayaking
• Snowshoeing
• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Skiing / ski touring
All shore landings, Zodiac outings, and expert lectures are included in the voyage fare.
Additional adventure activities may be available at an extra cost depending on the route and voyage duration.
Some activities require proof of prior experience. Please contact us if you would like clarification.
Thanks to Starlink, the Douglas Mawson offers internet connectivity even in Antarctica. Speeds are generally suitable for messaging, email, and social media. However, due to the remoteness of the region, reliable video calls cannot be guaranteed.
No international or domestic flights are included in the listed voyage price.
When booking with ArcticDesire.com, you may choose a full travel package including international flights from Germany, any required domestic flights, transfers, and a pre-voyage hotel night.
You may also simply book the expedition voyage on the Douglas Mawson. The choice is yours.
Yes, that’s exactly what we are here for. You can call us directly or request a free callback. We can also help with detailed questions many travellers wouldn’t even think to ask.
When booking with ArcticDesire.com, you receive the best available rate directly from the cruise operator — without added booking fees — plus complimentary concierge support from experienced polar travel specialists.
This means you travel fully prepared, with correct packing advice, a personal point of contact for all questions, and a 24/7 emergency phone number throughout your journey.
To book a voyage on the Douglas Mawson, simply call us, send us a message via the contact form, or request a free callback.