Blurring the boundary between ship and sea 

The interior design on AE Expeditions’ latest ship has been influenced by the polar regions and destinations in which it sails. 

The third vessel in the fleet with the distinctive tapered Ulstein X-Bow hull, and the seventh and final vessel in SunStone’s first series of Infinity-class vessels, 8,500-gt Douglas Mawson, is built for both aesthetics and adventure. Launched in December 2025, it carries a maximum of 154 passengers, which is reduced to 130 on polar expeditions. 

Joining Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, the new ship marks the ongoing partnership between the Australian-owned small ship company Aurora Expeditions – branded as AE Expeditions in the UK – and lead architect Tomas Tillberg Design. 

A spokesperson from the line said, “After collaborating with AE Expeditions and SunStone on the first two ships, stepping into the design of Douglas Mawson was a seamless extension of previous collaborations for Tomas Tillberg Design. Given the specialised needs of small expedition cruise ships, the team understood the intricacies of designing such a ship that traverses remote polar regions. 

“To strengthen the bond between guests and their surroundings, Tomas Tillberg Design embraced biophilic principles and developed a colour palette inspired by landscapes, flora and fauna. Warm earth tones, cool blues and varied greens echo the polar environment, and natural materials such as wood and stone reinforce the eco-conscious message that underpins AE Expeditions’ ethos.” 

Named after the Australian geologist and explorer, AE Expeditions said Douglas Mawson’s design complements the dramatic natural surroundings outside the vessel. 

“The expansive observation spaces and panoramic lounges blur the boundary between ship and sea, keeping the surrounding landscape at the heart of the experience,” said the spokesperson. “Meanwhile, lecture halls, libraries and science centres encourage guests to learn, contemplate and engage more deeply. The goal was not merely to build a beautiful vessel, but to create an atmosphere that inspires exploration and leaves guests with a lasting impression of the rich history of Sir Douglas Mawson’s work and the natural world he uncovered.” 

AE Expeditions said creating interiors for a small, polar-bound expedition ship is very different from a big resort cruise ship.  

“Rather than focusing on spectacle or entertainment, the interiors had to balance comfort, safety and flexibility, each with its own personality and sense of escapism,” explained the spokesperson.  “Above all, a smaller expedition ship must be marked by its ability to make guests feel that sense of intimacy and connection to the environment.”    

Douglas Mawson features the widest choice of accommodations in the fleet, including, for the first time, single cabins.  

“Staterooms and suites are all adorned with a modern and elegant design, accompanied by blue and white tones that are combined with dark timber finishes and subtle nautical elements,” said the spokesperson. After a long day of adventure, the rooms welcome guests with cosy interiors where they can unwind and recharge in comfort. 

Several onboard spaces are named after significant locations, events and individuals connected to Sir Douglas’s expeditions, and guests will find nautical motifs, vintage maps, artefacts, photographs and memorabilia throughout the ship.  

“These design features, enhanced by interactive exhibits and virtual-reality experiences, create a tangible link to his legacy and invite guests to forge a deeper appreciation of Sir Douglas’s contributions to exploration, science and the natural world,” said the spokesperson.  

Founder and creative director of Tomas Tillberg Design, Tomas Tillberg, added, “From the outset, the design of Douglas Mawson was about creating a seamless relationship between the ship, the guest and the environment outside. We prioritised natural light, openness and flow, using floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic spaces to give guests the sensation of being immersed in the landscape, even when indoors. Every area was carefully considered, from the serene cabins to the expansive observation lounges, to support comfort, intuitive movement and a deep connection to the journey. 

“Building on our longstanding collaboration with Aurora Expeditions and SunStone, Douglas Mawson felt like a natural evolution of the design language established on Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle. The ship reflects the pioneering spirit of its namesake through subtle storytelling, vintage cartography, artefacts and Nordic-influenced design elements, while balancing a calm, timeless aesthetic that frames the extraordinary polar environments the ship explores.” 

AE Expeditions chief executive Michael Heath concluded, “The interior design of Douglas Mawson plays a critical role in how our guests experience expedition travel. It’s not simply about how the ship looks, but how it feels to move through the space, encouraging curiosity, learning and quiet moments of reflection. From the lecture theatres and science spaces to the panoramic lounges and observation decks, every detail supports meaningful exploration and storytelling. 

“Working once again with Tomas Tillberg Design allowed us to build on a shared understanding of Aurora’s values, exploration, education and environmental stewardship. Douglas Mawson honours both Australia’s Antarctic legacy and Sir Douglas’s extraordinary contribution to polar science, while delivering an elevated, contemporary onboard experience that sets a new benchmark for expedition cruising.” 

The ship has embarked on its inaugural season to Tasmania and East Antarctica, which is now underway. The maiden season will mark Aurora Expeditions’ return to East Antarctica for the first time in 13 years, with new itineraries that include a Mawson’s Antarctica voyage to East Antarctica, in honour of the ship’s namesake. In April 2026, Douglas Mawson will reposition for a season in the Mediterranean, British Isles and Western Europe.