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 passenger 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).

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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.

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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.

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Our cruises

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife
Up to $5425 OFF

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife

3 Jun - 10 Jun, 2025

Tripcode: PLA02-25

$1000 travel credit | code ARCTIC2025 Svalbard

This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful...

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & more
Up to $5425 OFF

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & more

10 Jun - 17 Jun, 2025

Tripcode: PLA03-25

$1000 travel credit | code ARCTIC2025 Svalbard

This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen's visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and the many opportunities to spot wildlife like whales, polar bears, seabirds, and walruses.

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife

24 Jun - 1 Jul, 2025

Tripcode: PLA05-25

$1000 travel credit | code ARCTIC2025 Svalbard

This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such wildlife. Enjoy the fantastically beautiful...

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
Up to $7455 OFF

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

1 Jul - 10 Jul, 2025

Tripcode: PLA06-25

$1000 travel credit | code ARCTIC2025 Svalbard
  • EN

Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sight of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

Around Spitsbergen, In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice

10 Jul - 19 Jul, 2025

Tripcode: PLA07-25

  • B

Take a cruise around Spitsbergen and explore the icy waters of the North Atlantic. This special expedition offers you the chance to catch sight of whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, and the star attraction, the polar bear.

Reviews

by Michael Karpusas
Our trip was well organized and for me it was a life-changing experience. No pictures or video from Antarctica can do justice to actually be there. The glacier scenery was mind-boggling and the animal encounters really unique. Strongly recommended to anyone who can afford the trip.
by Ilaria Ulivi
I started this trip with no idea about what to expect as you never know 'til the end what the weather will allow you to do. The forecast predicted a Drake's shake (waves up to 6 mt), a real adventurous start! After that we got luckier and luckier everyday more: during our sail and also during our zodiac cruises we were surrounded by whales, orcas, seals literally everywhere. It's something i will never forget and all the members of the crew were excited as well. The whole crew was amazing, they took care of us even in "shaking" moments. The wildlife and the scenery is just breathtaking and unbelievable. Also, it's amazing to see how much passionate they all are doing their job, Captain included. You share so many emotions with the other passengers that you feel like part of a family. This is my second cruise on the vessel Plancius. I love it because it has a good size with not too many passengers so every activity runs smoothly. High recommended!
by Chris Oakes
My main objective was to see antarctic wildlife. We had ample time to observe interactions between animals. Historical site visits were nice too!
by Wendy Kane
This was the trip of a lifetime. Every detail from the staff, to the food, accommodation and tours was perfect.
by Ruth Pinion
Felt like a real explorer, travelling in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton! We were lucky enough to reach Vahsel Bay and Berkner Island which was incredible and further south then Shackleton went! Saw wonderful wildlife and ice. Spent time just watching beautiful emperor penguins on ice and a humpback whale logging close to our zodiac. Crew were incredibly hard working and cheerful. My dietary intolerance was catered for by the Chef with cheerfulness and respect and I enjoyed fantastic meals for 4 weeks with no problems. Expedition staff were very knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. The prime aim seemed to be to make the trip as interesting and special for every guest as possible. They succeeded!
by WEIHAO Wu
It was a life time experience to go to Antarctica. It’s a pity we didn’t stay long after crossing polar circle due to bad weather conditions.
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