Plancius

• A classic small expedition ship that takes a maximum of 108 guests on intimate voyages in the Arctic and Antarctica.
• A former oceanographic research vessel that was rebuilt as an expedition ship in 2009.
• This is a great option for budget-conscious travellers looking for a small ship expedition without the creature comforts of more modern ships.

Why Sail Aboard Plancius?

Plancius is one of only a handful of classic expedition ships that offers exploratory expeditions in the polar regions. Its older style appeals to travellers looking for a classic ship with a wide range of cost-effective itineraries in the Arctic and Antarctica. With just 108 guests, the experience onboard is intimate, and more time is spent exploring and ashore than on larger ships.

First launched in 1976, Plancius is a former oceanographic research ship sailed by the Royal Dutch Navy. In 2009, it was completely rebuilt as a passenger vessel offering adventurous voyages into the sea ice of the polar regions.

While the ship is basic compared to newer vessels, the service and guide team are excellent and deliver outstanding expeditions on every voyage.

Dining On Plancius

Plancius features a single dining room with informal seating for all guests.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style using freshly prepared ingredients. Evening dinners are three-course meals with a choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian.

Tea, Coffee and water are included, and alcohol and soft drinks are available for purchase at an additional cost.

Cabins On Plancius

The Plancius accommodates 108 passengers in 50 guest cabins.

Each cabin has a private toilet and shower and offers lower berths. Common amenities include a desk and chair, telephone and internet connection, and a flat-screen TV. Corner cabins are spacious accommodations with additional windows for enhanced comfort. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins.

Cabin types include quadruple porthole cabins, twin porthole cabins, twin cabins with windows, twin deluxe cabins, and twin superior cabins. The superior cabin features a spacious design, including two picture windows and room for luggage, and offers versatility with a sofa bed suitable for up to three people.

Onboard Experience

The Plancius has common areas and amenities to make your journey comfortable. On Deck 5, there is a spacious observation lounge and bar with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The lounge has a coffee and tea station, TVs, and comfortable seating areas, perfect for relaxing and socializing while taking in the scenery.

On Deck 4, there are large open deck spaces for those who want to enjoy the fresh polar air and unobstructed views of the icy waters. The restaurant/lecture room on Deck 3 is a multifunctional space where you can have your meals and attend lectures about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife.

For those who want to read a book or do some research, the ship has a library with reference books in multiple languages and computers for photo downloading.

The ship’s power is 220v, 60Hz, and you can access the internet through a voucher system, so you can stay connected even in remote polar regions.

Destinations

Plancius offers small ship expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica with some of the smallest group sizes available.

In the Arctic, travellers can explore Svalbard and Spitsbergen in search of polar bears or go on an expedition to the remote and rugged coasts of East Greenland.

You can explore the Antarctic Peninsula, known for its captivating scenery and rich wildlife. Plancius also offers longer expeditions to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia.

Activities and Excursions

Plancius has an expedition staff that includes polar experts and field guides with in-depth knowledge of the polar regions. The expedition team take guests exploring on a daily basis.

The ship is equipped with 10 Mark V Zodiacs for swift Zodiac operations and can accommodate all guests simultaneously on shore landings and Zodiac cruises.

Zodiac cruises, hikes, and shore excursions are included in the itinerary.

Plancius offers a range of additional activities, including snowshoeing, sea kayaking and polar diving, which must be booked in advance.

The Plancius is an ideal base camp for wildlife-minded modern explorers seeking adventure and active experiences.

The ship’s specialized design makes it particularly suitable for oceanographic voyages, supporting educational travel programs and allowing extensive exploration and activities in the polar regions.