Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ special edition Spirit of Antarctica expedition, in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours. Embark on an adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula with like-minded travellers (curious-minded, that is!), in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours. Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the white continent. During our crossings of the famed Drake Passage, enjoy educational lectures, explore our Science Centre, admire soaring seabirds, or perhaps just get to know your fellow seafarers and expert expedition team. Once you arrive on the white continent, you will be dazzled by icy landscapes and fascinating wildlife. This unique cruise will be hosted aboard a new, state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel, the Douglas Mawson (built 2025). The newest of Aurora Expeditions’ small ship fleet, the Douglas Mawson is one of a handful of passenger ships to feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW, reducing fuel consumption and allowing a sleeker cruising experience. With no more than 130 guests, an amazing viewing space and a ship-build designed to minimise negative environmental impacts, the Douglas Mawson guarantees a far more enjoyable guest experience than the other older and larger expedition ships. Travel with like-minded people who love to connect with the natural world and the wonder of science. An ideal environment for curious-minded couples, friends and solo travellers to relax. Your expedition is a carefully curated mix of daytime activity offboard, designed to immerse you in your polar surroundings, and talks while on board. During the day, the itinerary remains flexible as the captain and expedition leader will look at prevailing conditions and sightings to give you the best opportunity for wildlife encounters.






Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ special edition Spirit of Antarctica expedition, in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours. Embark on an adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula with like-minded travellers (curious-minded, that is!), in partnership with New Scientist Discovery Tours. Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the white continent. During our crossings of the famed Drake Passage, enjoy educational lectures, explore our Science Centre, admire soaring seabirds, or perhaps just get to know your fellow seafarers and expert expedition team. Once you arrive on the white continent, you will be dazzled by icy landscapes and fascinating wildlife. This unique cruise will be hosted aboard a new, state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel, the Douglas Mawson (built 2025). The newest of Aurora Expeditions’ small ship fleet, the Douglas Mawson is one of a handful of passenger ships to feature the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW, reducing fuel consumption and allowing a sleeker cruising experience. With no more than 130 guests, an amazing viewing space and a ship-build designed to minimise negative environmental impacts, the Douglas Mawson guarantees a far more enjoyable guest experience than the other older and larger expedition ships. Travel with like-minded people who love to connect with the natural world and the wonder of science. An ideal environment for curious-minded couples, friends and solo travellers to relax. Your expedition is a carefully curated mix of daytime activity offboard, designed to immerse you in your polar surroundings, and talks while on board. During the day, the itinerary remains flexible as the captain and expedition leader will look at prevailing conditions and sightings to give you the best opportunity for wildlife encounters.
Before the cruise
Day-by-day stops
After the cruise

Aurora Expeditions
Ship Features Onboard Facilities Staterooms & Suites Deck Plan Trips on the Douglas Mawson Designed for global discovery. 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 to Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond. Named after the legendary Australian geologist and explorer, our new small ship embodies Mawson’s pioneering spirit and is designed for global discovery. Featuring the revolutionary Ulstein X-BOW® and purpose-built with enhanced sustainability features, it takes a maximum of 130 adventurers on board our Expeditions, and just 154 on our Small Ship Cruises. All in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of staterooms yet,
Children: 3–15 years Child discount: 50%
Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy
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