Originally built as an oceanographic vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy, the M/V Plancius is the perfect base camp for wildlife aficionados bound for Antarctica. Its well-appointed interior and up-to-date technology allow passengers to these remote regions to travel in comfort and ease.
The ship carries a highly experienced crew of stewardesses, guides, and doctors to help passengers get the most from their Antarctic voyage. A fleet of Mark V inflatable Zodiacs allows adventurers to maximize their time on shore, while its special-activities programs offer kayaking, snowshoeing, ski-trekking, and other sports on selected excursions.
Cabins
The Plancius offers twin, triple, quadruple, and superior cabins, with a variety of bunk- or double-bed combinations. What’s more, since all cabins have a minimum of two portholes facing outward, you’ll have abundant opportunities to observe wildlife from the privacy of your room. All cabins also come with private showers and toilets.
Common Areas
The Plancius’s on-board amenities cause it to feel like a floating hotel. They include an on-board restaurant serving a variety of international cuisine, as well as a spacious bar on the top deck with large windows for panoramic viewing. There’s also a library and lecture room for educational talks by the ship’s resident naturalists and guides. The deck areas are maximized to allow passengers to go topside during good weather conditions.
Plancius Cruises
Itinerary Maps
Antarctic Peninsula – Basecamp Plancius 12 D/11 N
Antarctic Peninsula Aboard the Plancius 11 D/10 N
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands Aboard the Plancius 11 D/10 N
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula 20 D/19 N
Deck Plan and Technical Specifications
| Year Built | 1976, Refurbished 2009 |
| Port of Embarkation | Ushuaia, Argentina |
| Vessel’s Registry | Netherlands |
| Type of Vessel | Expedition Cruise Ship |
| Ice Class | 1D |
| Length | 293 ft. / 89 Meters |
| Beam | 47 ft. / 14.5 Meters |
| Draft | 16 ft. / 5 Meters |
| Propulsion | 3x Diesel-Electric |
| Cruising Speed | 10-12 Knots |
| Crew Members | 45 including a physician |