Plancius
Ship Overview
Operated by: Oceanwide Expeditions
M/V Plancius was launched in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy a role she maintained until June 2004, at which time she was purchased by current operator Oceanwide Expeditions. She was completely rebuilt and refurbished as a 116-passenger expedition vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) regulations. Plancius is classed by Lloyd’s Register with an ice-rating of 1D and flies the Dutch flag. Limited to no more than 116 passengers and 53 cabins, her size ensures a flexible polar experience with maximum wildlife opportunities. She is equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. Plancius is comfortable and well-decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Her voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible.
Key Facts
Superior
SIZE:21m2 / 226sqftSLEEPS:2
Plancius's ten Superior cabins are located across decks four, five and six. Each Superior cabin features two windows, 1 double bed, 1 sofa bed, private en suite, desk & chair, small refrigerator, coffee & tea making facilities, ample storage space and telephone / internet access (additional cost).
Twin Deluxe
SIZE:13m2 / 140sqftSLEEPS:2
The two Twin Deluxe cabins are located at the stern of deck four and feature two windows, 2 lower berths, private ensuite, desk & chair, flatscreen tv and telephone / internet access (additional cost). These cabins are corner cabins and are slightly more spacious than the normal twin window/porthole cabins.
Twin Window
SIZE:12.50m2 / 135sqftSLEEPS:2
The 26 Twin Window cabins are located on deck four and feature one window, 2 lower berths, private ensuite, desk & chair, flatscreen tv and telephone / internet access (additional cost).
Twin Porthole
SIZE:12.50m2 / 135sqftSLEEPS:2
The 9 Twin Porthole cabins are located on deck three and feature one circular porthole, 2 lower berths, private ensuite, desk & chair, flatscreen tv and telephone / internet access (additional cost).
Triple Porthole
SIZE:12.50m2 / 135sqftSLEEPS:3
Ideal for families or friends, the two Triple Porthole rooms accommodate three guests and are located on deck two. Features include one circular porthole, 2 lower berths, 1 upper berth, private ensuite, desk & chair, flatscreen tv and telephone / internet access (additional cost).
Quadruple Porthole
SIZE:12.50m2 / 135sqftSLEEPS:4
Ideal for families or friends, the four Quadruple Porthole rooms accommodate four guests and are located on deck two. Features include one circular porthole, 2 lower berths, 2 upper berths, private ensuite, desk & chair, flatscreen tv and telephone / internet access (additional cost).
Three meals of international cuisine are served in the dining room and prepared by the ship's six experienced chefs. The meals are not quite to Michelin-star standard, however they are healthy, hearty and will warm your insides after a busy day exploring.
Plancius offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. She has large open deck spaces (with full promenade walk-around possibilities on deck 3), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation.
Plancius' diesel-electric propulsion system reduces the noise and vibration of the engines considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages.
Plancius is manned by an internation crew of 47, including 17 nautical crew, 19 hotel staff (6 chefs, 1 hotel manager, 1 steward-barman and 11 stewards / cabin cleaners), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides-lecturers) and 1 doctor.
Plancius Expeditions
Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula
From USD $13200.00 Per Person
DURATION:19 Days/ 18 Nights REGION:Antarctica SHIP:Plancius
This Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover's dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
Expedition to the Polar Circle
From USD $7550.00 Per Person
DURATION:12 Days/ 11 Nights REGION:Antarctica SHIP:Plancius
This voyage will take you further south of Antarctica, crossing the Polar Circle through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales.
The Polar Bear Special
From USD $3850.00 Per Person
DURATION:8 Days/ 7 Nights REGION:Arctic SHIP:Plancius
This seven night expedition aboard the Plancius cruises along the pack-ice of North Spitsbergen, ensuring the best opportunities to spot the King of the Arctic; the iconic polar bear.
Around Spitsbergen and Kvitøya
From USD $5150.00 Per Person
DURATION:10 Days/ 9 Nights REGION:Arctic SHIP:Plancius
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen and cut through the ice to visit Kvitøya on this ten day Arctic expedition aboard the Plancius.
Antarctic Peninsula - Basecamp Plancius
From USD $8850.00 Per Person
DURATION:13 Days/ 12 Nights REGION:Antarctica SHIP:Plancius
The 13-day expedition promises myriad ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Peninsula. From 'Basecamp Plancius' hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.