Itinerary Map
Itinerary Map
Trip Summary
Date: Jul 17, 2027 – Jul 27, 2027
Duration: 11 Days
Ship: Douglas Mawson
Starting at: $ 16565
Iceland serves as a gateway to the Arctic, offering itineraries that explore its rugged coastlines, volcanic landscapes, and rich birdlife. Some voyages combine Iceland with destinations like Jan Mayen or Svalbard, crossing the Arctic Circle and providing opportunities to witness diverse marine life, including whales and seals. Excursions may include visits to remote islands, Zodiac cruises along glacier fronts, and hikes through dramatic terrains shaped by volcanic activity. The blend of geological wonders and abundant wildlife makes Iceland a unique Arctic destination.
This is only a guide and does not represent a specific trip. Please consult our sales team for a detailed itinerary.
Board your expedition vessel in the capital of Iceland. After settling into your cabin and attending briefings, the ship departs Reykjavík in the evening, beginning the circumnavigation.
Cruise along Iceland’s rugged coast with stops in remote fjords, volcanic islands, and small fishing communities. Possible highlights include:
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The dramatic cliffs and puffin colonies of the Westfjords.
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Akureyri and the nearby geothermal area of Lake Mývatn.
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The colorful town of Seyðisfjörður in the Eastfjords.
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Zodiac landings and hikes in rarely visited areas, shaped by lava fields and glaciers.
Arrive back in Reykjavík and disembark. You may wish to extend your stay to explore Iceland’s iconic Golden Circle or Blue Lagoon.

The Douglas Mawson, setting sail in 2025, redefines small ship expedition cruising. Designed for global exploration with enhanced sustainability features, it accommodates up to 154 guests on cruises and 130 adventurers on expeditions. It features the innovative Ulstein X-BOW® and a wide range of staterooms, including single staterooms. Amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, two Jacuzzis, a gym, a sauna, a Citizen Science Centre, and two restaurants, along with multiple observation areas to enjoy landscapes and wildlife.
Technical Specs

Cabins & Amenities
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.
Citizen Science Center & 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.
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.
Wildlife guides, books and binoculars can also be found on the observation lounge on Deck 7.
Mudroom
No need to take your wet expedition gear back to your stateroom to dry. Keep your stateroom 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.
Swimming Pool & Jacuzzis
There are two Jacuzzis on the top outside deck which offer amazing views of the world outside, a heated outdoor pool surrounded by sun beds you can relax on after a long day of exploring, and a pool bar.
Gym & Sauna
During your voyage, enjoy complimentary access to the gym or visit our sauna, which we highly recommend after the Polar Plunge!
Restaurants
One of the most important parts of any expedition is the food! Whatever adventures the day holds, you will be fuelled-up with hearty meals and delicious morning/afternoon teas cooked by our onboard chefs.
Meals are a great time to soak up the expedition camaraderie in our open seating dining area. Share stories with your fellow travellers and ask our expedition team questions that may have come up during the day.
Tea, coffee and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and our chefs offer different menu options and courses for each meal. Enjoy the range of house wine, beers and soft drinks included with dinner after a long day in the wild.
We also invite you to join your captain and expedition team for informal Captain’s Farewell drinks, with complimentary beverages and cocktail appetisers, followed by a 3 course meal.
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.
