Captain's Suite

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.

• Deck 4
• King or Twin beds
• Private en-suite
• Full size window
• Desk area
• Room-controlled thermostat
• 42" flat-screen TV
• Private balcony
• Separate lounge area
• Closet space
• Room safe
• 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
• 1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
• Free stocked mini bar
• 1 x free bottle of champagne per suite

^Captain’s Suite mini bar is replenished as needed.

Junior Suite

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.

• Deck 7
• King or twin beds
• Private en-suite
• Full size window
• Desk area
• Room-controlled thermostat
• 42" flat-screen TV
• Private balcony
• Separate lounge area
• Closet space
• Room safe
• 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
• 1 x free pair of binoculars per suite
• Free stocked mini bar (stocked once only, not replenished)
• 1 x free bottle of champagne per suite

^Junior Suite Mini Bar is stocked once only, not replenished.

Balcony Stateroom Superior

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.

• Deck 4 & 6 
• King or twin beds
• Private en-suite (wheelchair accessible available)
• Full size window
• Closet space
• Room safe
• Mini bar*
• Private balcony
• Desk area
• Room-controlled thermostat
• 42" flat-screen TV
• 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)
• Some of these rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Balcony Stateroom Category A

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.

• King or twin bed
• Private en-suite
• Full size window
• Closet space
• Room safe
• Mini bar*
• Private balcony
• Desk area
• Room-controlled thermostat
• 42" flat-screen TV
• 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Balcony Stateroom Category A – Solo

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.

• Private Ensuite
• Closet Space
• Mini Bar
• Private Balcony
• Room-controlled Thermostat
• Full Size Window
• Room Safe
• Desk area
• 42" Flat-Screen TV
• 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.

Balcony Stateroom Category B

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

• King or twin bed
• Private en-suite
• Full size window
• Closet space
• Room safe
• Mini bar*
• Private balcony
• Desk area
• Room-controlled thermostat
• 42" flat-screen TV
• 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Balcony Stateroom Category C

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.

• King or twin bed
• Private en-suite
• Full size window
• Closet space
• Room safe
• Mini bar*
• Private balcony
• Desk area
• Room-controlled thermostat
• 42" flat-screen TV
• 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Aurora Stateroom Superior

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.

• King or twin bed
• Private en-suite
• French balcony
• Closet space
• Room safe
• Mini bar*
• Desk area
• Room-controlled thermostat
• 42" flat-screen TV
• 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Aurora Stateroom Twin

The Douglas Mawson features two Aurora Stateroom Twin cabins featuring windows, all with private en-suites. Located on Deck 3, they're close to the mudroom and loading platforms, perfect for adventurers who are looking for a comfortable base that's close to the action.

• King or twin bed
• Private en-suite
• Porthole window
• Closet space
• Room safe
• Mini bar*
• Desk area
• Room-controlled thermostat
• 42" flat-screen TV
• 1 x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain’s Suite

Cabins 311 & 309 have a sofa. 

Aurora Stateroom Superior Single

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.

• Single bed
• Private en-suite
• Closet space
• Room safe
• Mini bar*
• Porthole window
• Room-controlled thermostat
• 42" flat-screen TV
• 1x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain's Suite

Aurora Stateroom Single

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.

• Single bed
• Private en-suite
• Closet space
• Room safe
• Mini bar*
• Porthole window
• Room-controlled thermostat
• 42" flat-screen TV
• 1x 3-in-1 polar jacket per person (polar voyages only)

*Please note mini bar items are chargeable in all cabins except Junior Suite and Captain's Suite

Deck 8

• Seating area
• Observation lounge
• Top-deck restaurant
• Bar
• Observation decks
• Elevator

Deck 7

• Gym
• Sauna
• Seating area
• Observation decks
• Swimming pool and sun deck
• Jacuzzis
• Bridge
• Elevator
• Junior Suite
• Aurora Stateroom Superior
• Aurora Stateroom Superior Single

Deck 6

• Library
• Upper glass atrium lounge
• Elevator
• Balcony Stateroom Superior
• Balcony Stateroom (A, B, C)
• Junior Suite
  

Deck 5

• Lecture room & lounge
• Assembly station
• Reception
• Ship shop
• Dining room
• Bar
• Lower glass atrium lounge
• Elevator
• Citizen Science centre

Deck 4

• Elevator
• Main entrance
• Expedition desk
• Captain's Suite
• Balcony Stateroom Superior
• Balcony Stateroom (A, B, C)

Deck 3

• Change room/mudroom
• Zodiac access points
• Activity launching platform
• Medical clinic
• Elevator
• Aurora Stateroom Triple
• Aurora Stateroom Twin
• Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
• Aurora Stateroom Single

Citizen Science Centre and Lounge

Learn more about the world and the unique destinations Aurora visits by visiting the onboard naturalist and Expedition Team in the world-class Citizen Science Center. You will be rewarded for your thirst for knowledge with one of the best views on the ship.

Atrium

More information coming soon.

Sun Deck & Pool

In between landings, enjoy access to the onboard gym or unwind in the sauna. Or head to the back deck to swim in the heated outdoor pool, enjoy a drink at the pool bar, or soak in one of two Jacuzzis, watching the world go by.

Bars & Lounges

Communal meeting areas have always played a major role in fostering the warm camaraderie on board our ships. They are the heart of the expedition, where people meet to share tales from the day, swap photos, keep an eye out for wildlife and watch the sun go down.

The bars and lounges on board are refined yet inviting places to gather, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views, and of course friendly bartenders to shoot the breeze with.

Library

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the library is a peaceful sanctuary where you can find non-fiction books to read up on the day’s destinations, use a public laptop to organise your photos or play board games with newfound friends. Choose from our range of informative non-fiction titles, wildlife guidebooks, travel journals, novels and a selection of children’s books and board games.

The Glass Atrium Lounge

As you explore the ship you will find indoor lounge areas with floor-to ceiling windows, and multiple open decks with expansive 270-360 degree views. The Glass Atrium Lounge inside the bow is a fantastic place to sit and watch for wildlife – with a drink in hand. There is no shortage of spaces to take in the majesty of the incredible world outside!

Citizen Science

Travel is always the best educator and we offer the chance to enrich your curiosity and expand your knowledge and understanding of the places we travel to. There is no better learning opportunity than being in the field with subject matter experts.

Our Citizen Science Program is designed to be an interactive forum of like-minded travellers to share new discoveries and deepen their connection to the natural world in a relaxed, informal and fun environment – both on board our ships, on our fascinating shore expeditions and in our zodiacs.

You can make a difference as we can provide invaluable data to the scientific community through you taking part. You too can become an ambassador for the protection of our majestic but fragile blue planet when you return home by sharing what you have learned.

What is Citizen Science?

Citizen Science is the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world by members of the general public, typically as part of a collaborative project with professional scientists around the world.

Why Take Part?

Aurora Expeditions travels to some of the most unique and remote places on the planet. It is challenging for scientists to spend time in these areas, so any observations we contribute can be extremely valuable.

Gathering and sharing data is also a great way to engage and educate ourselves in pressing issues that concern us at a local, regional and global level.

How Does it Work?

Members of our passionate Expedition Team, together with a Citizen Science Coordinator, will be on hand to introduce and assist you with the projects being conducted on your voyage.

Expert guidance on the collection, storage and sharing of new scientific data will not only greatly enhance your voyage experience, but help you gain more knowledge of our ever-changing natural environment.

From the biggest mammals to the smallest marine creatures, the important part you play in our Citizen Science projects will help protect and preserve the planet for generations to come.

Our Projects

Our passengers can contribute to global research, collecting data in some of the most hard-to-reach, under-studied places on Earth. Our Citizen Science Program covers seven projects that span the globe, to advance understanding of marine ecosystems, birdlife, climate change and polar environments.

Please note: As some of our Citizen Science projects are location- and weather-dependent, we cannot operate all of the projects on all voyages. We will endeavour to include as many projects as possible on your voyage with ample time allocated to them on a day-to-day basis.

• HappyWhale uses photo ID to track individual whales. Guests can photograph encounters and log them on the database, improving knowledge about migration, population health and behaviour.
• eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related Citizen Science project, collecting bird observations from around the globe. Aurora passengers help to track species distribution and population changes.
• Our passengers are invited to record cloud conditions, with observations submitted to NASA GLOBE Cloud contributing to climate modelling.
• Our Citizen Scientists measure water clarity by lowering a Secchi disk , recording visibility, and sharing data with scientists that are studying the effects of climate change on ocean ecosystems. This builds a long-term global dataset, and each voyage contributes new observations from some of the least-studied waters in the world.
• Snow algae are microscopic organisms that grow on snow and ice, influencing melt rates. The Snow Algae Study engages passengers in photographing and recording snow algae sites, contributing to global research into how these organisms influence the Antarctic environment. This study is supported by the latest science from the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
• FjordPhyto invites passengers to explore phytoplankton diversity in polar fjords and coastal waters. Using simple tools, they collect samples to help scientists track phytoplankton health and its response to changing ocean conditions. These observations enhance understanding of the base of the marine food and how climate change is altering polar ecosystems. *Only available on Antarctic voyages.
• We are proudly the first expedition company to facilitate the development and execution of the TIPI pilot project , using thermal imaging to measure polar ice conditions. This project combines science, technology and storytelling to create robust datasets while engaging the public in polar research. We are collaborating with founder Joe Muise to deliver high-quality scientific outcomes.

Activities

Whether it’s adventure at sea or on land that makes you tick, we have a huge range of optional activities to help you make the most of your time in some of the most beautiful places on earth.

We encourage you to make the most of every opportunity to nurture your inner adventurer. You can choose from a range of add-on adventures to make the most of your time in these beautiful places. We have pioneered more adventure activities than any polar expedition cruising company to help you explore in your own way.

We’ll get you out for your optional activities as often as possible, and this will be your main mode of exploration through your trip. Your guides* will assess the conditions at each landing, and you’ll have the option to join whenever conditions allow.

Optional activities are popular and group sizes are limited, so if you’re interested, get in touch with our team as soon as possible. Optional activities are listed on each itinerary page and additional fees apply.

Lecture Theatre

On all expeditions you will meet naturalists and local specialists, who offer presentations on their area of expertise to enhance your appreciation of the destination you are exploring.

Join the team in the lecture theatre for presentations covering a broad range of topics to suit every interest, from history and culture to biology and climate change. Regardless of the topic, they all have one thing in common: they all aim to engage, educate, entertain and turn you into an ambassador for the planet.

Activities Platform

The Douglas Mawson features Zodiac access points and an activities platform, making boarding the Zodiacs as quick, efficient and safe as possible, minimising wait times and getting you closer to the action for longer. 

Mudroom

Mudroom

No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your cabin to dry. Keep your cabin warm and cosy by leaving your outer jackets and pants in the mudroom.

The mudroom is your launchpad for all shore excursions and activities. Here, you will have access to a locker when you can hang your gear up to dry, and store your boots between excursions.

Dining room

One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Start each adventure with hearty meals and delicious morning and afternoon teas prepared by our onboard chefs.

Meals are a great time to connect with fellow travellers in our open-seating dining area, sharing stories and insights from the day. Tea, coffee, and snacks are available 24/7, and our chefs offer a variety of menu options for each meal. Enjoy house wines, beers, and soft drinks with dinner after a day of exploration.

Wrap up your journey with informal Captain’s Farewell drinks, featuring complimentary beverages, cocktail appetisers, and a special three-course meal.

Top Deck Restaurant

The Top Deck Restaurant is located on deck 8.

Jacuzzis

There are two Jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside.

Gym & Sauna

During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge!