AE Expeditions is expanding its fleet with a new ship named after explorer Douglas Mawson, enhancing its Antarctic offerings.
- The 154-passenger vessel will debut in December 2025, travelling from Hobart to East Antarctica.
- This marks AE Expeditions’ return to East Antarctica after a 15-year hiatus, showcasing the significance of this venture.
- The new ship boasts advanced features including the ‘Ulstein X-Bow’ design for better ocean navigation and Nordic interior design touches.
- Pre-registration offers savings up to $2,000 per couple for the inaugural Antarctica 2025-26 season.
AE Expeditions is making significant strides in its fleet expansion with the introduction of a new ship, honouring the famed Antarctic explorer Douglas Mawson. The vessel, designed to carry 154 passengers, will commence its maiden voyage in December 2025. It promises to enrich the Antarctic exploration experience by sailing from Hobart to the remote regions of East Antarctica, a return that the company embraces after a notable 15-year absence.
This strategic move signals a notable return to East Antarctica for AE Expeditions, a region where they haven’t set sail in over a decade. The expedition promises to engage travellers with the untouched beauty of the Antarctic landscape, offering a unique perspective developed through years of pioneering experience in remote travel.
Key to the ship’s advanced seafaring capabilities is the ‘Ulstein X-Bow’ design, an innovative inverted bow that allows for smoother, faster, and more efficient ocean crossings. Furthermore, its interior reflects Nordic elegance, featuring a variety of cabin categories, most of which have private balconies and inclusive single berth cabins tailored for solo adventurers.
The ship’s public areas are designed to elevate the on-board experience. These include two well-appointed restaurants, two relaxing bars, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a poolside bar, jacuzzies, a fully-equipped gym and sauna, along with a library, a comprehensive science centre, and a lecture theatre designed for educational insights.
The competitive edge is enhanced by an attractive pre-registration offer. Enthusiasts who express their interest ahead of the launch will benefit from significant savings of up to $2,000 per couple for the initial Antarctica 2025-26 season.
According to Michael Heath, the company’s chief executive, AE Expeditions has continuously led the frontier in expedition travel, transforming ordinary voyages into ‘life-changing experiences’ by utilising cutting-edge technology paired with an adept and passionate crew. Hayley Peacock-Gower, the marketing head, has shared her eagerness to unveil the full suite of voyages that the ship will undertake, promising unprecedented polar expeditions complemented by enticing new destinations.
The addition of Douglas Mawson to AE Expeditions marks a strategic enhancement of their fleet, promising enriched journeys to the Antarctic region.
