Plancius

Named after Petrus Plancius, a Dutch astronomer and cartographer, the 293-ft Plancius began life in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Netherlands Navy. She underwent a major two-year multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2009, transforming her into the modern, expedition-style passenger ship that she is today, ice-strengthened and upgraded for comfort and cruising, with a diesel-electric propulsion system that reduces the noise and vibration of the engines considerably.

Life On Board

M/V Plancius combines the authenticity of an expedition ship on the outside with the comfort and amenities of a well-appointed three-star hotel on the inside, accommodating passengers in 50 cabins in a choice of six categories, including twin, triple (upon request and subject to ship occupancy levels) and quadruple options, each with a private toilet and shower. Common amenities include desk and chair, telephone and internet connection, a flatscreen TV and a hairdryer in each cabin.

Your experienced expedition team will present an educational program, both onboard the ship and during shore excursions, which paints a full picture of the region you’re exploring, from the geography to the wildlife to the impact of climate change on the destination. While on board you can look forward to presentations led by an international team of polar experts and field guides, who share their enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge through lectures, covering major topics such as marine biology, geology, glaciology, ornithology and history.

The spacious observation lounge and bar on Deck 5 is blessed with full panoramic views, and next door in the library, computers for photo downloading and reference books in multiple languages are available. The Plancius has large open deck spaces with full walk-around viewing areas on Deck 4, offering excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

All meals aboard the Plancius cruise ship are served in the dining room. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style while dinners are plated three-course meals. Options for dinner include meat, fish or vegetarian dishes. Coffee, tea and water are included.

An infirmary is also available if needed.

Activities

Plancius’ activity-focused polar cruises are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel program, during which you will spend as much time ashore as possible, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, field camping, ski trekking and even polar diving. Note that not all activities are offered on each itinerary, so check before making reservations if you have your heart set on a specific pastime.

Snowshoes for shoreline hikes are available to explore the landscape via foot. Five single and five double kayaks are aboard the Plancius for off-ship on-the-water excursions, as are Neoprene wetsuits, splash shirts and covers, booties, caps and life jackets.

Plancius is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V Zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side of the ship, guaranteeing a swift Zodiac operation. The Antarctic Peninsula expedition introduces you to up to seven species of penguins and plenty of whales, such as humpbacks, orcas and minkes.

An excellent basecamp for exploration of the polar regions, the Plancius and her crew are on a mission to get you close to some of the most striking natural settings on the planet, and is ideal for any adventure- and wildlife-minded modern explorers.