m/v Plancius

Our most longstanding vessel, Plancius is a classic choice for some of our most popular polar voyages.


History of Plancius

​M/v “Plancius” was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. The ship sailed for the Dutch Navy until June 2004 and was eventually purchased by Oceanwide Expeditions. The vessel was completely rebuilt as a pssenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). M/v “Plancius” is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.

Specifications

Passengers: 108 passengers in 50 cabins
Staff & crew: Crew 40 | Guides 8 | Doctor 1
Length: 89 meters (293 feet)
Breadth: 14,5 meters (47 feet)
Draft: 5 meters (16 feet)
Ice class: 1D (Plancius has a Lloyds class notation 100A1 Passenger ship, Ice Class 1D at a draught of 5 meters)
Displacement: 3211 tonnes
Propulsion: 3x Diesel-Electric
Speed: 10.5 knots average cruising speed

Deck plans and downloads

m/v Plancius cabins


Perfect for any expedition

M/v “Plancius” accommodates 108 passengers with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 25 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds).

Plancius: a vessel with comfort and character

Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge.The vessel 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. M/v “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), 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. M/v “Plancius” is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. Plancius fully meets our demands to achieve this. The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel 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. M/v “Plancius” is manned by an international crew of 40 (20 nautical crew and 20 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor.

 

Photo gallery

Age and Nationality

Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.

Dress code

In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.

Currency & payment

Refreshments from the bar and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the Hotel Manager and pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (Euro or Dollar). We do not accept cheques of any kind. The prices and standard currency on board our vessels is the Euro. Other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager at prevailing rates.

Electric current

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. You may need a 220v/110v converter.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship's service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage which is divided among the crew. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest US$8 to US$10 per person per day. It is better for the crew, if you can give them cash US Dollar.

Non-smoking policy

On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke in the designated smoking areas. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

Your physical condition

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

 

Our cruises

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
Up to $3800 OFF

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Classic Antarctica including Deception Island

PLA26-25 This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

6 Jan - 16 Jan, 2025

Berths start from:

6050 USD

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Meet at least six penguin species

PLA27-25 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.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

16 Jan - 3 Feb, 2025

Berths start from:

15750 USD

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Classic Antarctica including Deception Island

PLA28-25 This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

3 Feb - 13 Feb, 2025

Berths start from:

8650 USD

Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop

The best activity voyage in Antarctica

PLA29-25 The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

13 Feb - 25 Feb, 2025

Berths start from:

12150 USD

Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop

The best activity voyage in Antarctica

PLA30-25 The Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp cruise offers you a myriad of ways to explore and enjoy the Antarctic Region. This expedition allows you to hike, snowshoe, kayak, go mountaineering, and even camp out under the Southern Polar skies.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

25 Feb - 9 Mar, 2025

Berths start from:

9900 USD

Reviews

by Gressier Jocelyne
This expedition has been exceptional! Even when the weather was not good, we had activities : the staf was efficient and very friendly. It was an exceptionnal experience in another world.
by Wolfram Ohlendorf
Kann man nur weiter empfehlen
by Selim Ardüser
Don’t think about it, just book it! Also, the Drake Passage can be, and it was in our case, very chil, relaxed and easy…so, don’t worry about that! Cheers and have fun (-:
by V. Lagler
Die Reise ans "Ende der Welt" war eine tolle Erfahrung und hat meine Erwartungen erfüllt, z.T. übertroffen. Schade, dass wir an der Antarktischen Halbinsel nicht anlanden konnten wegen des vielen Eises. Ich würde allen Leuten empfehlen, die Reise zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt zu planen. Die Guides waren alle top. Sie haben unglaublich viel geleistet und viel zum Erfolg beigetragen (Anlandungen, Vorträge!). Überhaupt war die gesamte Schiffscrew grossartig - von der Kabine bis zur Küche, von der Brücke bis zum Restaurant Service. Alle freundlich, aufgestellt und hilfsbereit. Ein besonderes Lob verdient die Küche. Das Essen war ausgezeichnet, vielfältig und frisch. Ganz toll finde ich die Filmzusammenfassung und die wunderbaren Bilder von Yves, die wir an Ende der Reise entgegennehmen durften. Vielen herzlichen Dank für diese tolle Erinnerung. Ich sehe sie mir jeden Tag mind. einmal an.
by Garie Williams
My expedition cruise to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica was phenomenal! The expedition guides, crew, and ship staff were first class - always happy to answer questions, chat about nature, and help when needed. Very professional, knowledgeable, kind, and glad to help in any way. The ship was clean, well stocked, and comfortable. The food was amazing and plentiful! You do not go long without food on this ship - the variety was mind blowing. Great options and so delicious! The Captain and Expedition Leader really took the time to make well thought out decisions based on the current conditions and got us off the ship as much as possible. We had so many landings and zodiak cruises and spent a lot of time exploring. The ports were absolutely gorgeous and filled with history and remarkable wildlife! My favorite landing was Gold Harbor in South Georgia - I have never seen so many incredible species everywhere! We were surrounded by wildlife and it was like being on another planet. This adventure far exceeded my expectations and I am so grateful for this journey! I completely understand why people keep coming back! Hoping to do the Arctic with Oceanwide soon!
by Anna Weatherstone
This was a most amazing experience - landscape, glaciers, wildlife and tiny plants were awe inspiring. I loved the ice and seeing a polar bear on the ice was my highlight among many highlights. The silence and remoteness was life changing. We never wanted for anything - both crew and guides were marvelous; the former with comfort and wonderful food; the latter offering great activities, the sharing of their knowledge and care and concern for the environment. A superb team.
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