Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Aug 2026 | Athens (Piraeus) Greece |
Hotel | |
| 30 Aug 2026 | Athens (Piraeus) Greece |
Hotel | |
| 31 Aug 2026 | Athens (Piraeus) Greece |
Embark | |
| 01 Sep 2026 | Mykonos, Greece |
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| 02 Sep 2026 | Kusadasi, Turkey |
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| 03 Sep 2026 | Patmos, Greece |
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| 04 Sep 2026 | Rhodes, Greece |
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| 05 Sep 2026 | Aghios Nikolaos, Greece |
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| 06 Sep 2026 | Chania, Crete |
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| 07 Sep 2026 | Santorini, Greece |
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| 08 Sep 2026 | Syros, Greece |
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| 09 Sep 2026 | Athens (Piraeus) Greece |
Disembark |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
9 Night small ship cruise sailing from Athens return aboard Douglas Mawson. 2 nights hotel stay pre-cruise in Athens.
Set sail on a journey through the Greek islands, where the essence of island living unfolds amid azure waters, whitewashed villages, and waterfront tavernas. These islands are not just picturesque postcard destinations; they embody the heart of Greek culture, showcasing the resilience and allure of this archipelagic nation.
Beyond the well-trodden paths, we uncover tight-knit communities where age-old traditions and family ties thrive, sustained by the renowned Mediterranean diet. Each island offers a unique charm and invitation to explore. Rhodes boasts an enchanting medieval Old Town, while Patmos resonates with ancient mystique. Mykonos beckons with its legendary beach lifestyle, and nearby Delos reveals UNESCO-listed archaeological treasures. Santorini captivates with dramatic cliffs and volcanic vistas, and Syros showcases fertile lands famed for olives, cheese, and wine while Crete, Greece’s largest island, combines ancient civilisations and stunning landscapes en masse, while we enhance our journey, by touching the Turkish coast at Kuşadasi, with the opportunity to visit Ephesus, one of the oldest Greek cities on the Aegean Sea. Starting with an exploration of the ancient wonders of Athens, our voyage unveils the distinct charm of each island, culminating in the ultimate Greek island experience.
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.
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. All in smooth, quiet comfort. It boasts our most extensive range of staterooms yet, including a range of single staterooms.
The Douglas Mawson features a host of amenities to help you connect with like-minded travellers and elevate your time onboard our floating base camp for adventure. After a long day of exploring, head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool, find a sun bed to read on, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis. Work up a sweat in the gym before unwinding in the sauna, resolve to learn something new in the Citizen Science Centre, then enjoy a delicious meal with new and old friends in one of two restaurants. Or, with multiple observation areas throughout the ship, simply relax in comfort while you keep watch for wildlife or incredible landscapes unfold before you.
While enjoying the luxurious amenities onboard, you can rest assured that our aim to get you off the ship to explore the natural environment as much as possible through our unique activities program remains unchanged.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 104.4m
- Maiden Voyage: 2025
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 154
At Aurora Expeditions wilderness is a passion they share with others by taking small groups of like-minded people to some of the most isolated places on our planet. From the polar regions of Antarctica and High Arctic to the wilds of Costa Rica, Scotland, Patagonia and more, Aurora Expeditions aims to create special expedition-style cruises that foster an understanding and appreciation of our natural world.
The Australian-owned adventure company was initially established in the early 1990¹s by adventures Greg Mortimer and Margaret Werner when they began sharing their love of remote places by organising ship-based trips for keen friends and fellow travellers. Their style to push the boundaries¹ has remained unchanged and they are proud of the fact that their spirit of adventure and exploration is as strong as ever. Their adventure activities are proof of this; with many of their voyages offering polar scuba diving, sea kayaking, camping and mountain climbing.
Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions were the founding member of both the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). All their voyages have expert expedition staff who will help to unlock the wonders of these special places.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
The largest of all our rooms, the singular Captain’s Suite will take you to the polar regions in ultimate style and comfort. Complete with large lounge area, balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, you’ll need to get in early to secure this suite.
Room size: 45.22m² (486.7ft²)
Location: Deck 4
Sleeps: 2
Features
Private Ensuite
Private Balcony
Full Size Window
Separate Lounge Area
Desk area
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
1 x free pair of binoculars per suite.
Free stocked mini Bar^.
A free bottle of champagne per suite.
A gratuity of $15 USD per person per day for the crew is included with each suite.
^Captain’s Suite mini bar is replenished as needed.
The four Junior Suites take in some impressive scenery from their vantage points on Deck 7. When you aren’t enjoying a landing, you can relax in the suites’ separate lounge area, or just watch the world float by from the private balcony.
Room size: 41.47m² – 41.87m² (446.4ft² – 450.7ft²)
Location: Deck 7
Sleeps: 2
Features
Private Ensuite
Private Balcony
Full Size Window
Separate Lounge Area
Desk area
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
^Junior Suite Mini Bar is stocked once only, not replenished.
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Balcony Stateroom Superiors are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Located on Deck 4 and 6, the Staterooms feature floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Room size: 27.77m² – 36.27m² (298.9ft² – 390.4ft² )
Location: Decks 4 & 6
Sleeps: 2
Features
Wheelchair Accessible
Private Ensuite
Private Balcony
Full Size Window
Desk area
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite. **Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Our 25 Balcony Stateroom A rooms are our premium room, and the most abundant on board. These staterooms are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 and 6 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Room size: 23.07m² – 26.77m² (248.3ft² – 288.2ft²)
Location: Decks 4 & 6
Sleeps: 2
Features
Private Ensuite
Private Balcony
Full Size Window
Desk area
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.
Our 17 Balcony Stateroom B rooms are our standard room, many fitted with interconnecting features making them great for families or groups. These staterooms are located at the fore and aft of Deck 4 and 6
Room size: 22.07m² – 24.97m² (237.6ft² – 268.8ft²)
Location: Decks 4 & 6
Sleeps: 2
Features
Private Ensuite
Private Balcony
Full Size Window
Desk area
Closet Space
French Balcony
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.
Our 15 Balcony Stateroom Category C rooms are our most economical, fitted with all the necessities and comfortable for up to 2 people. These staterooms are scattered throughout Deck 4 & 6.
Room size: 21.07m² – 24.87m² (226.8ft² – 267.7ft²)
Location: Decks 4 & 6
Sleeps: 2
Features
Private Ensuite
Private Balcony
French Balcony
Desk area
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.
Our 4 Solo Balcony Stateroom A – Solo rooms are our premium room, these staterooms are located in preferred positions on Deck 4 which provides easy access between Decks via the internal stairs or elevator.
Room size: 23.07m² – 26.77m² (248.3ft² – 288.2ft²)
Location: Deck 4
Sleeps: 1
Features
Private Ensuite
Private Balcony
Full Size Window
Desk area
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.
With a bit more room to stretch the legs, the Aurora Stateroom Superior are perfect for polar adventurers who travel with plenty of gear. Located on Deck 7, the Staterooms feature french balconies, floor to ceiling windows, en-suite bathrooms and a comfortable desk area.
Room size: 13.97m² – 16.17m² (150.4ft² – 174.1ft²)
Location: Deck 7
Sleeps: 2
Features
Private Ensuite
French Balcony
Desk area
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.
There are four Aurora Stateroom Superior Single cabins, each featuring a porthole and a private en-suite for a comfortable solo retreat. Located on Decks 3 and 7, these well-appointed staterooms offer a perfect balance of privacy and convenience for solo adventurers.
Room size: 10.97m² – 15.18m² (118.1ft² – 163.4ft²)
Location: Decks 3 & 7
Sleeps: 1
Features
Private Ensuite
Porthole Window
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.
Room size: 15.37m² – 15.97m² (165.4ft² – 171.9ft²)
Location: Deck 4
Sleeps: 2
Features
Private Ensuite
Porthole Window
Desk area
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.
There are two Aurora Stateroom Triple cabins featuring portholes, both with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they’re close to the mudroom and loading platforms.
Room size: 22.57m² (242.9ft²)
Location: Deck 3
Sleeps: 3
Features
Private Ensuite
Porthole Window
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.
There are two Aurora Stateroom Single cabins on Deck 3, each featuring a porthole and private en-suite. Conveniently located near the mudroom and loading platforms, these cabins offer easy access for your daily adventures while providing a comfortable space to unwind.
Room size: 9.85m² (106ft²)
Location: Deck 3
Sleeps: 1
Features
Private Ensuite
Porthole Window
Closet Space
Room-controlled Thermostat
Room Safe
42″ Flat-Screen TV
Mini Bar
Cabin inclusions
A 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only).
*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all staterooms except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite.
* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.
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