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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. 

Highlights

Gain a deeper understanding of Antarctica on this special departure
Clean, pristine conditions allow for postcard-perfect photographs
Observe busy penguin colonies building their nests and perhaps catch a glimpse of penguin chicks as they hatch
Immerse yourself in polar science workshops with a marine biologist

Aurora Expeditions is actively monitoring developments around Avian Influenza outbreaks closely and are is in constant communication with key authorities such as IAATO. We have implemented enhanced biosecurity measures for arrival in Antarctica and reinforced our onboard protocols, and our expedition team will continue to closely assess each landing site to ensure to determine any risks. 

The Avian Flu has extended its presence to South Georgia, leading to temporary restrictions at some landing sites. Although specific locations may be inaccessible due to the ongoing situation, landing at numerous open sites is still permitted. 

In the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage you to adopt a flexible and adventurous attitude when joining our voyages. This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond our control.

Itinerary

Staterooms and Prices

Choose your departure

Meet the Expert

Each voyage in partnership with New Scientist is accompanied by an expert Special Guest, who leads a vibrant program of expert-led talks, workshops, shore visits and Zodiac cruises, covering topics from polar science (including glaciology and marine biology) to the big-picture questions about life, the universe, and what it means to be human.

Included Activities

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Lectures on wildlife, our environment, history and destinations
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Marine Mammal Spotting
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Photography
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Polar Plunge
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Scenic Cruising
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Trips Ashore
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Walking
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Wildlife Watching
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Zodiac Cruising
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Bird Watching

Add-on Activities

Low impact
Moderate
Difficult
Advanced

Our Ship

The Douglas Mawson

Our new purpose-built small ship, the Douglas Mawson.
Capacity
154 Passengers Maximum (130 on Expedition)
Year built
2025
Cabins
86
Length
104.4 m
Decks
8
Speed
10-12 Knots

Extension Tours

Loyal Travelers

We love celebrating our loyal expeditioners who return to explore with us. After your first Aurora Expeditions voyage, you’ll automatically achieve Bronze Adventurer status. The more voyages you embark on, the higher you climb—progressing to Silver and eventually Gold!

Solo Travelers

Voyages with Aurora Expeditions are such a fantastic choice for solo travelers, giving you the chance to experience the world’s most remote and incredible destinations with like-minded travelers and our expert guides, while on board our small, social and welcoming ships.

Your Big Adventure Awaits: Preview a Real Expedition

See what an expedition with us is really like. For every expedition, we produce a Voyage Log to send to all passengers.  The log is a beautifully crafted, day-by-day recap featuring breathtaking photos, real guest experiences, and a complete list of wildlife sightings. From dramatic landscapes to daily activities, it’s the perfect way to envision your own journey. Browse a recent Voyage Log and start imagining your big adventure.