By
Alex Smith |
Aurora Expeditions is to welcome its third purpose-built small expedition ship, Douglas Mawson, to its fleet.
The new ship is due to begin sailing its inaugural season in late 2025, including Aurora’s first voyage to East Antarctica in 15 years. The ‘Mawson’s Antarctica’ itinerary will depart from Hobart, Australia, in honour of the ship’s namesake, Australian geologist, explorer and academic Douglas Mawson. Aurora has partnered with the Mawson’s Huts Foundation to support its work in preserving the Mawson’s Huts complex in Antarctica.
“We’re thrilled to be launching the newest and final Infinity-class vessel, which we have named in honour of pioneering Australian geologist and explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson,” said Michael Heath, CEO of Aurora Expeditions. “We are equally delighted to be offering passengers new itineraries departing from Australia as part of the ship’s inaugural season, including an exploration of Mawson’s Antarctica, which will visit Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands.
The 154-passenger ship will be the newest Infinity-class vessel built by SunStone Maritime Group to enter the cruise market, joining its two sister ships Greg MortImer and Sylvia Earle in Aurora’s fleet. Like its predecessors, it will feature the Ulstein X-Bow hull, designed for smoother and faster sailing, along with Nordic interior design features.
However, Greg Mawson will be the first of Aurora’s Infinity-class vessels to offer several single-berth cabins to cater for the solo traveller segment.
“Aurora has pioneered expedition travel to the world’s most remote places for more than three decades, and we know that exploration is not just about what you see, but how you see it,” said Heath. “That is why we are committed to delivering life-changing experiences with the newest, most advanced technology available, and with the most experienced and passionate team in the industry.”