EXPEDITION CRUISE

Antarctic Explorer

All departures of this trip

CRUISE ID # AURORAAEP056D

Punta Arenas TO Ushuaia

Antarctic Explorer
No Single Supplement
Thank you for joining Aurora Expeditions on our Antarctic Explorer Fly/Sail expedition.   Early Antarctic explorers returned from their voyages to the deep south with tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life. Experience the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica, reducing your time on the high seas by flying across the Drake Passage in one direction.

Immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where vast glaciers tumble into the sea, penguins are dwarfed by soaring peaks and humpback and minke whales feast on abundant krill
TRIP STARTS ON
January 15, 2028
SHIP SAILS ON
January 15, 2028
HOTEL NIGHTS
Pre-Cruise: 0, Post-Cruise: 0
SHIP
Douglas Mawson
TRIP ENDS ON
January 23, 2028
STOPS
0 Stops, 0 Countries
CRUISE NIGHTS
8
OPERATOR
Aurora Expeditions
FROM: 

$17,295

WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED

FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST

Suites & Fares

CHOOSE START DATE 

: January 15, 2028

 
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DEAL
Cruise Fare
No Single Supplement
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Itinerary

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0 Countries
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About the Ship

Name

Douglas Mawson

Operator

Aurora Expeditions

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.

Ship Facts
cabin count
86
capacity
154
crew count
24
deck count
8
currency
USD onboard
gross tonnage
8500
language
en
launch year
2025
length
104m
speed
12kts
wheelchair count
2
width
18m

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DINING

One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning/afternoon teas cooked by our onboard chefs.

Dining room

One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Start each adventure with hearty meals and delicious morning and afternoon teas prepared by our onboard chefs.

Meals are a great time to connect with fellow travellers in our open-seating dining area, sharing stories and insights from the day. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available 24/7, and our chefs offer a variety of menu options for each meal. Enjoy house wines, beers, and....

Top Deck Restaurant

The Top Deck Restaurant is located on deck 8.

Entertainment

When you’re relaxing during a sea day or you have a little downtime on the ship between excursions, what is there to do onboard the Douglas Mawson? Plenty!

Citizen Science Centre and Lounge

Learn more about the world and the unique destinations Aurora visits by visiting the onboard naturalist and Expedition Team in the world-class Citizen Science Center. You will be rewarded for your thirst for knowledge with one of the best views on the ship.

Atrium

More information coming soon.

Sun Deck & Pool

In between landings, enjoy access to the onboard gym or unwind in the sauna. Or head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a drink at the pool bar, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis, watching the world go by.

Bars & Lounges

Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.

The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the bre....

Library

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, use a public laptop to organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends. Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.

The Glass Atrium Lounge

As you explore the ship you will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. The Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow is a fantastic place to sit and watch for wildlife – with a drink in hand. There is no shortage of spaces to take in the majesty of the incredible world outside!

Health And Fitness

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.

Jacuzzis

There are two Jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside.

Gym & Sauna

During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge!

Enrichment

One of the great benefits of travelling with AE Expeditions is the number of optional activities that you can participate in. From kayaking and skiing to diving and climbing, these are one-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you need to take advantage of.

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Citizen Science

Travel is always the best educator and we offer the chance to enrich your curiosity and expand your knowledge and understanding of the places we travel to. There is no better learning opportunity than being in the field with subject matter experts.

Our Citizen Science Program is designed to be an interactive forum of like-minded travellers to share new discoveries and deepen their connection to the natural world in a relaxed, informal an....

Activities

Whether it’s adventure at sea or on land that makes you tick, we have a huge range of optional activities to help you make the most of your time in some of the most beautiful places on earth.

We encourage you to make the most of every opportunity to nurture your inner adventurer. You can choose from a range of add-on adventures to make the most of your time in these beautiful places. We have pioneered more adventure activities than any p....

Lecture Theatre

On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to enhance your appreciation of the destination you are exploring.

Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering a broad range of topics to suit every interest, from history and culture to biology and climate change. Regardless of the topic, they all have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, edu....

Activities Platform

The Douglas Mawson features Zodiac access points and an activities platform, making boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer. 

Mudroom

Mudroom

No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your cabin to dry. Keep your cabin warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom.

The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.

Kids And Teens

There are no dedicated children's facilities onboard the Douglas Mawson

UNIQUE FEATURES

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.

USEFUL TO KNOW
Medical Facilities

When travelling to extreme environments, ensuring our expeditioners are healthy and happy is our number one priority. That's why we have a doctor on board at all times, as well as a well-equipped clinic to provide basic medical care.

Dress Code

Shipboard clothing is informal and casual Jeans, jumpers and long-sleeved shirts are ideal for indoors in the polar regions; however be sure to keep your jacket close for unexpected wildlife sightings! Some people like to take a nicer outfit for the captain's welcome and farewell drinks but formal clothing is not necessary. For health and safety reasons, we do request you wear enclosed shoes in public areas while on board the ship. AE Expediti....

Temperatures

Our expeditions to the polar regions operate during the summer months in the Antarctic and Arctic. During the summer months in Antarctica∘ the temperature can range from -2°C (28°F) to 8°C (46°F). Big storms are rare, but if one comes through the temperature could drop to -8°C (17°F).

In the Arctic the temperature can range from -3°C (26.6°F) to 7°C (44.6°F).

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Onboard wi-fi internet packages are available for purchase during the voyage. Telephone access for personal use is not available on board. In case of an emergency, our expedition team can facilitate communication with your family members if necessary. 

Smoking Policy

There is a ‘No Smoking’ policy throughout the interior of our ships.

Age Restrictions

Our travellers have ranged from 8 to 92, so as long as you have a thirst for adventure, you’re welcome to join us in Antarctica. Any person under 18 years of age must travel with their legal guardian.

Health & Safety

Medical Form

It is compulsory for each passenger to return a signed medical from their general practitioner. Your Medical Form is required to be signed by your general practitioner and returned to AE Expeditions no later than three months and no earlier than six months before your voyage departure date.

If you become aware of any change in your health and fitness that may be likely to affect your participation on the trip (e....

What To Pack

When packing for your holiday, do you have trouble deciding between what to take versus leave at home? If so, you’re certainly not alone – it can be tricky deciding what makes the cut into your luggage.

Of course, what often helps is knowing the environment that you’re entering into. With Antarctica and the Arctic – known as the coldest, most isolated and remote landscapes in the world – there might be a tendency to pack your suitcase wi....

Special Dietary Requirements

We can accommodate most special meal requests if given advance notice. Our talented chefs will take your requirements into their meal planning and ensure you receive tasty, healthy meals. Ensure you list any dietary requirements on your personal details form. Although we aim to accommodate most dietary requirements, we are unable to cater to all requirements, nor can we guarantee that our onboard meals do not contain traces of peanuts or other....

What's Included

Standard Inclusions

We offer a number of standard inclusions on our voyages. Please see full list below:

  • Fully-serviced accommodation in your chosen stateroom or suite
  • Daily shore excursions, guided walks, Zodiac cruises and some activities^
  • Entry fees to historic or tourist sites
  • An experienced team of destination specialists, activity leaders, and local guides*
  • An informative and entert....