Spirit of Antarctica: In partnership with New Scientist
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 AE 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. New Scientist is the number one destination for anyone interested in science and technology. Founded in 1956, it covers international news from a scientific standpoint and asks the big-picture questions about life, the universe and what it means to be human. If someone in the world has a good idea, you will read about it in New Scientist. Its travel wing, New Scientist Discovery Tours, offers a unique way to explore the world. The science-inspired tours, cruises, expeditions and short breaks are perfect for anyone who is driven by curiosity. Being surrounded by like-minded travellers and accompanying experts from New Scientist enhances the experience, allowing for rich discussions and a deep understanding of the destinations. AE Expeditions has teamed up with New Scientist Discovery Tours to deliver polar cruise experiences where you will not only explore the breathtaking scenery and wildlife, but also enrich your understanding through expert-led talks, workshops and floating safaris. Whether you are up close with a glacier, observing a polar bear or sailing around an iceberg, New Scientist’s engaging experts will help you make the most of the experience.
AE Expeditions is a small Australian cruise line which specialises in off-the-beaten-track voyages led by remote area experts.
The company’s adventurous co-founders, Greg and Margaret Mortimer, established AE Expeditions in 1991 and had by the following year, already begun running voyages to Antarctica
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.
