Aurora Expeditions With Road Scholar
A State-of-the-Art Fleet in the Antarctic
Prepare for an educational journey to the end of the world aboard Aurora Expeditions’ brand-new ships. Constructed between 2019 and 2025, these state-of-the-art expedition vessels are designed for discovery, offering an intimate and comfortable setting as they nimbly navigate Antarctic waters. With a focus on small-group exploration, you’ll experience the immense beauty of the White Continent — from spectacular icebergs to iconic wildlife — in a profound and personal way. Every detail, from cutting-edge technology to thoughtfully designed common spaces, has been crafted to bring you closer to the wild, untamed beauty of Antarctica.
Meet the Fleet: Our Trio of Antarctic Vessels
While sharing a similar design, each of our three new ships brings its own unique character to your learning adventure.
The Greg Mortimer
Named for Aurora Expeditions’ founder, this is the pioneering vessel that started it all. As the first passenger ship to feature the revolutionary X-BOW® design, it set a new standard for comfortable and efficient polar exploration.
The Sylvia Earle
A floating ambassador for the planet, this ship honors the legendary marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle. It features a dedicated Science Center and public decks named after six other leading women in conservation, inspiring a deep connection to the natural world.
The Douglas Mawson
The newest ship in the fleet, the Douglas Mawson is named for the Australian geologist and explorer. It continues the legacy of its fellow ships, offering the latest in sustainable technology and comfort for discovering the world’s most remote regions.
AT A GLANCE
A Classroom at Sea & Base for Adventure
Step aboard and experience the comfort of a floating basecamp. The atmosphere is warm, friendly and informal, designed to foster a sense of community. With a maximum of just 130 participants, you’ll get to know your instructors and fellow explorers in a relaxed and intimate setting.
Every meal is an opportunity to connect, relax and recharge. Each ship features two restaurants with open-seating dining, allowing you to sit with new friends and share your experiences. The menu is diverse and varied, with options to suit every palate. Enjoy complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner each evening. Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24/7.
Education is at the heart of theses journeys, and Aurora Expeditions’ ships are equipped with lecture theaters and dedicated science centers. Here, the expert expedition team and program naturalists will bring the wonders of Antarctica to life through engaging presentations on biology, history, geology and more. You can also participate in a hands-on Citizen Science Program, contributing to real-world research and deepening your connection to the environment around you.
Deck Plans & Room Types
While the layout of each of the three ships is very similar, we encourage you to view the detailed deck plans to familiarize yourself with the location of the restaurants, lecture halls and observation lounges.
A variety of comfortable staterooms and suites are available, including dedicated single cabins. Most staterooms feature private balconies, and all include private bathrooms, individual temperature controls and ample storage.
Photo Gallery
Explore with Purpose: Our Commitment to the Planet
At Road Scholar, we believe that travel should be a force for good, which is why we are proud to partner with Aurora Expeditions, a certified B Corporation. This distinction is unique for a cruise operator and reflects a deep commitment to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. By choosing this learning adventure, you are supporting a mission that goes beyond exploration. You are joining a community of travelers dedicated to preserving the world’s most fragile ecosystems for future generations. Traveling with a B Corporation means your journey is not just about what you see, but about the positive impact you leave behind.