Aurora Expeditions today announced that its newest purpose-built expedition vessel, Douglas Mawson, has been named on the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler 2026 Hot List, recognising the world’s best new hotels, restaurants and cruise ships.
Released annually, the Hot List is curated by the publication’s global editorial team, who vet and select the most compelling new openings and travel experiences around the world. Inclusion in the 2026 list places Douglas Mawson among a highly selective group of standout travel experiences globally.
The recognition follows the successful debut season of Douglas Mawson, which has quickly established itself as a leading expedition vessel, purpose-built for immersive exploration across some of the world’s most remote regions — from Antarctica and the Ross Sea to the Arctic and beyond.
“We are incredibly proud to see Douglas Mawson recognised by Condé Nast Traveler as part of its 2026 Hot List,” said Katie Malone, Chief Marketing Officer at Aurora Expeditions. “This acknowledgement reflects the strength of our expedition offering — combining innovative ship design with meaningful, experience-led exploration, and a deep commitment to responsible travel.”
Designed specifically for expedition travel, Douglas Mawson builds on Aurora Expeditions’ legacy of small-ship exploration, offering expeditioners access to hard-to-reach destinations while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability, education and on-the-ground experiences.
This latest recognition adds to growing global acclaim for Douglas Mawson following its inaugural season, further cementing Aurora Expeditions’ position as a leader in immersive, small-ship expedition travel.
