Aurora’s Douglas Mawson Prepares for Maiden Season Across Australia and Singapore, Marking a New Era in Expedition Travel

Published on November 26, 2025

A significant milestone in the world of expedition cruising has been marked as the Douglas Mawson, the newest vessel joining Aurora Expeditions, prepares for its inaugural season spanning Australia and Singapore. The ship has been unveiled with its newly applied livery, symbolizing its entry into a fleet known for immersive travel experiences in some of the planet’s most remote regions. Delivered earlier in the year by the CMHI shipyard, the vessel has undergone a series of detailed enhancements aimed at elevating comfort and efficiency for upcoming voyages. During its stay in Southeast Asia, a comprehensive transformation was carried out that included cabin refinements, equipment loading and the striking addition of Aurora’s branding to the hull. As this 186-guest ship sets its course for its maiden journey in early December 2025, its design and preparation reflect careful attention to detail for travelers seeking adventure in regions such as Tasmania, East Antarctica and the Ross Sea. With its upcoming expeditions from Hobart and future repositioning into Europe, the vessel is poised to play a defining role in shaping modern expedition tourism across hemispheres.

A Fresh Identity Unveiled in Singapore

Before embarking on its much-anticipated maiden cruise, the Douglas Mawson underwent an extensive visual and technical transformation in Singapore. The vessel was repainted with Aurora Expeditions’ distinctive livery, a step that represented its official welcome into the company’s fleet. The iconic Aurora logo was applied prominently onto the hull, while a bold star motif was added to the bow to signal its alignment with the brand’s adventurous spirit.

During this period in Southeast Asia, the ship’s interior accommodations were refined with careful attention to detail. Cabins and staterooms were given updated finishing touches, ensuring that every space met the elevated standards expected of a modern expedition vessel. Additional expedition gear, including kayaks, boots and other essential equipment, was also loaded to support the exploratory nature of the ship’s upcoming itineraries.

Each stage of preparation was carried out with the goal of delivering a polished and reliable guest experience. Through these upgrades, the Douglas Mawson was positioned to begin its service with a standard befitting both purpose-built polar ships and luxury-focused expedition travel.

Journey Toward Australia for the Maiden Season

Once final modifications were completed, the Douglas Mawson set sail from Singapore in early November, beginning a repositioning voyage toward Sydney, Australia. This transit marked a pivotal moment in the ship’s entry into operational service, as it moved closer to the region where it would host its first guests.

Upon reaching Australian waters, the ship shifted its focus to the commencement of its first official itinerary: an 11-night expedition departing roundtrip from Hobart on December 1, 2025. This journey was mapped to showcase the diverse natural landscapes of Tasmania, offering travelers access to destinations such as South Bruny Island, Freycinet Peninsula and Recherche Bay.

Designed with a capacity for 186 guests, the vessel’s configuration enables an intimate style of travel ideal for exploring coastal wilderness. As part of Aurora Expeditions’ mission to blend comfort with adventure, the Douglas Mawson’s readiness for its inaugural guests reflected a seamless merging of operational efficiency and experiential travel.

A Key Role in Aurora’s 2025–26 Expeditions

Throughout the 2025–26 season, the Douglas Mawson is scheduled to operate several expedition cruises that highlight some of the most remote and sought-after environments connected with Australia. A notable portion of the season will be devoted to journeys toward East Antarctica and the Ross Sea, regions that are globally recognized for their dramatic landscapes, wildlife encounters and scientific significance.

These itineraries provide travelers with the rare opportunity to explore polar environments from an Australian departure point. The vessel’s advanced construction and Ice Class capabilities allow it to navigate demanding conditions while offering guests a secure and comfortable onboard experience.

As the third vessel to join Aurora Expeditions, the Douglas Mawson complements the operational capabilities of the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. Together, these ships strengthen the company’s presence in the expedition cruise sector and expand the range of routes available to adventure-oriented travelers.

Design, Construction and Operational Framework

The Douglas Mawson was built as the final ship in SunStone’s Infinity class, a series of expedition vessels recognized for their blend of upscale amenities and rugged capabilities. Constructed at China Merchants Heavy Industries in Hainan, the ship was engineered to travel through remote and polar regions while maintaining modern comfort standards.

Its design includes features tailored to expedition travel, such as robust navigational systems, environmentally considerate technologies and facilities that support outdoor activities. Through a long-term charter arrangement, the vessel now operates for Aurora Expeditions, aligning with the company’s strategy of offering high-quality, small-ship exploration experiences.

With its innovative construction and adaptive design, the Douglas Mawson is well positioned to handle diverse geographic regions, from the icy waters of Antarctica to the temperate coastlines of Tasmania and beyond.

Future Repositioning Into Europe and the Mediterranean

Looking ahead to 2026, the Douglas Mawson is scheduled to shift operational regions by repositioning to Europe and the Mediterranean. This transition will take place under Aurora’s Vantage Explorations program, expanding the vessel’s itinerary portfolio to include destinations rich in cultural and historical significance.

By combining Arctic, Antarctic, Australian and Mediterranean routes, the ship will contribute to a diverse global cruising network that appeals to both adventure travelers and cultural explorers. This future deployment reflects Aurora’s commitment to offering year-round travel opportunities that highlight varied environments across continents.

A New Chapter in Global Expedition Tourism

The introduction of the Douglas Mawson into active service signifies an important evolution in the expedition travel landscape for both Australia and Singapore. Its careful preparation, purposeful design and strategic deployment indicate a commitment to elevating small-ship exploration across the world’s most captivating regions.

Through its upcoming voyages, the vessel is expected to enhance the accessibility of remote environments while encouraging responsible and informed travel. As global interest in expedition cruising continues to grow, the Douglas Mawson stands poised to play a prominent role in shaping memorable and sustainability-minded journeys across multiple continents.