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 $12850.00 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.
Scoresby Sund & Aurora Borealis
From USD $4100.00 Per Person
DURATION:8 Days/ 7 Nights REGION:Arctic SHIP:Plancius
This Scoresby Sund expedition crosses the Arctic Circle into the home waters of multiple species of whale as it journeys into the largest and deepest fjord system in the world. The Northern Lights guide the way.
Expedition to the Polar Circle
From USD $7950.00 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 $4100.00 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 $5000.00 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 $7950.00 Per Person
DURATION:12 Days/ 11 Nights REGION:Antarctica SHIP:Plancius
The 12-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.