Australian‑owned Aurora Expeditions has earned global recognition, with its newest small expedition ship, Douglas Mawson, named to TIME’s prestigious World’s Greatest Places 2026 list.
Douglas Mawson: A next-generation expedition ship
Launched in November 2025, Douglas Mawson is Aurora Expeditions’ newest purpose‑built vessel and the third in a fleet designed specifically for exploring some of the most remote regions on Earth. Named after legendary Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, the ship honours Australia’s polar heritage while showcasing the next wave of responsible expedition travel.
Carrying just about 130 expeditioners in polar regions (and up to 154 on global voyages), Douglas Mawson combines the intimacy of small‑ship exploration with serious polar capability. A Polar Class 6 rating, advanced safety systems and robust expedition infrastructure allow the ship to operate comfortably and safely in ice‑laden waters and along wild coastlines.
X-BOW design and tech for smoother, cleaner voyages
At the heart of Douglas Mawson’s design is the distinctive Ulstein X‑BOW, a wave‑piercing hull that improves stability, reduces slamming and cuts fuel consumption—especially valuable on challenging crossings like the Drake Passage. The X‑BOW is paired with energy‑efficient diesel‑electric propulsion and features such as waste‑heat recovery to lower emissions and reduce the ship’s overall environmental footprint.
These innovations help deliver a smoother ride, less noise and greater comfort for guests, while aligning with Aurora Expeditions’ commitment to operate as responsibly as possible in fragile polar and sub‑polar environments.
Light-filled spaces and purpose-built expedition features
Douglas Mawson’s interiors are designed to keep travellers connected to the environment at every turn. Key spaces include a two‑storey atrium, a panoramic forward‑facing observation lounge and expansive outdoor decks that encourage wildlife watching, photography and time in the fresh air.
Expedition‑ready infrastructure supports Aurora’s immersive style of exploration. Dedicated Zodiac embarkation platforms and an activities deck enable fast, safe boarding for shore landings, kayaking, hikes and other off‑ship adventures. A wide choice of cabin types, including additional single staterooms, makes the ship particularly appealing to solo travellers who want the benefits of a small, like‑minded community.
Science, learning and meaningful exploration
Sustainability and science sit at the centre of the Douglas Mawson experience. The ship includes a dedicated Citizen Science centre and lecture theatre, where expedition specialists and guest experts share insights on wildlife, climate science, oceanography and polar history.
Travellers can participate in hands‑on projects—such as wildlife observations or ocean data collection—that contribute to global scientific initiatives, deepening their understanding of the regions they visit. As Aurora Expeditions Chief Marketing Officer Katie Malone notes, the vessel was “designed as a platform for discovery—bringing together adventure, science and responsible travel in some of the most extraordinary places on Earth.”
A milestone for Aurora Expeditions’ 35th year
Douglas Mawson joins sister ships Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, giving Aurora Expeditions a three‑ship fleet of X‑BOW, small‑capacity vessels operating across all seven continents. Together, they support itineraries that range from Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands to the Arctic, Patagonia and remote global coastlines.
The TIME World’s Greatest Places accolade arrives as Aurora Expeditions celebrates 35 years of expedition travel in 2026, underscoring the company’s role as a pioneer of intimate, education‑focused voyages to some of the most remote corners of the planet. For travellers seeking a small‑ship, science‑rich way to explore polar regions and beyond, Douglas Mawson’s recognition highlights it as one of the standout new expedition platforms in the world today.
For more information about Douglas Mawson and Aurora Expeditions’ itineraries, travellers can visit aurora‑expeditions.com, while the full TIME World’s Greatest Places 2026 list is available at time.com.
