Among the smaller vessels in the expedition fleet, the MV Plancius can carry just 116 passengers in simple but comfortable style. The ship is run by a Dutch company and there’s a definite European feel on board. The Plancius offers a great variety of routes: it can take you into the Weddell Sea in Antarctica.
| Passengers116 | Crew47 | Decks4 | Length292m | Width48m | Knots10.5 | Built1976 | Refitted2013 |
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The MV Plancius joined the expedition fleet in 2009 after a complete refurbishment. A former Dutch Royal Navy boat, she’s fully ice strengthened and adapted to ride the seas of the Southern Ocean. Each cabin has exterior views and en suite facilities, with a range from shared four berths to spacious superiors. The Plancius is also equipped with the latest safety systems, including its communication and navigation equipment, and the most modern fire and flood prevention systems. With both bow and stern thrusters, the ship can move safely in and out of the most interesting places. The ship also operates ‘basecamp’ trips, where you can trek, snowshoe, climb, kayak, camp or dive.
Cabins
The cabins on the Plancius are relatively simple and range from four-berth shared options to superiors. But, each and every cabin is en suite and they all have exterior views. While they’re perfectly comfortable, the cabins are primarily designed as a place to lay your head, but on deck is the best place to be.
Dining
- Buffet breakfast and lunch served in the main restaurant
- À la carte dinner in the main restaurant
- Bar serving all-day snacks, tea and coffee
Routes
- Active expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica
- Antarctic Peninsula, the Falklands and South Georgia
- Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands
- Antarctic Circle
- Whale watching in Antarctica
- Pelagic West Africa
Suggested itineraries
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![South Georgia]()
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands
Antarctica, Falkland Islands, ArgentinaWalk from Stromness to Fortuna Bay in the footsteps of Shackleton, Crean and Worsley.
See wandering albatross on their nests.
Marvel at icebergs carved into hypnotic shapes by the wind and water.
Spend time on deck watching wandering albatross circle the boat whilst keeping an eye open for whales.
Kayak or trek in peace through untouched regions.
Sit among a king penguin colony with over 100,000 birds.
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![Adelie penguins, Antarctica]()
Antarctic Peninsula cruise
Antarctica, ArgentinaSit among a penguin colony.
Marvel at icebergs carved into hypnotic shapes by the wind and water.
Spend time on deck watching wandering albatross circle the boat while keeping an eye open for whales.
Kayak or trek in peace through untouched regions.
Deck Plans
Activities
- Daily landings
- Zodiac cruising
- Trekking
- Kayaking
- Camping
- Wildlife viewing
- On-board lectures
- Photography trips
- Snowshoeing
- Diving
- Mountaineering
Facilities
- Observation deck
- Open bridge
- Internet access (where possible)
- Medical clinic
- Library
- Audio-visual facilities for lectures
- Laundry
- Complimentary boot hire
- Mud room