across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Douglas Mawson
Le Soléal
Gross Tonnage
Douglas Mawson
8,500 GT
Le Soléal
10,944 GT
Length
Douglas Mawson
105 m
Le Soléal
142 m
Beam
Douglas Mawson
18 m
Le Soléal
18 m
Passengers
Douglas Mawson
154
Le Soléal
264
Crew
Douglas Mawson
95
Le Soléal
140
Decks
Douglas Mawson
—
Le Soléal
—
Year Built
Douglas Mawson
2,025
Le Soléal
2,013
Space Ratio
Douglas Mawson
55.2 GT/pax
Le Soléal
41.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Douglas Mawson
1.62 :1
Le Soléal
1.89 :1
| Specification | Douglas Mawson | Le Soléal |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Aurora Expeditions | Ponant |
| Class | Expedition | Boréal Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,013 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 8,500 GT | 10,944 GTWinner |
| Length | 105 m | 142 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 m | 18 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 154 | 264Winner |
| Crew | 95 | 140Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 55.2 GT/paxWinner | 41.5 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.62:1Winner | 1.89:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | China Merchants Heavy Industry | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | France |
| IMO Number | 9852577 | 9617063 |
Le Soléal is the significantly larger vessel at 10,944 GT — 29% more than Douglas Mawson's 8,500 GT. Douglas Mawson offers more personal space with a space ratio of 55.2 GT per passenger versus 41.5. Built in 2025, Douglas Mawson is 12 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Le Soléal |
| Capacity | Le Soléal |
| Modernity | Douglas Mawson |
| Service | Douglas Mawson |
| Spaciousness | Douglas Mawson |
Bottom line: Douglas Mawson wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Douglas Mawson
55 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.6:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2025 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Le Soléal
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.9:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
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| Decks | — | — |
