Plancius

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Plancius review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our experts have been aboard nearly every small expedition ship in the polar regions. Please read our review below then contact our polar cruise experts to compare the Plancius with other Antarctica ships and small cruise ships sailing Antarctica cruises and Arctic cruises including Iceland cruises and cruises to Greenland.

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VIEW ALL PLANCIUS’S CRUISES

Choose the Plancius for an activity-focused vessel while traveling in a comfortable and nicely decorated small ship that is spacious while imparting character, style and modern technology. The Plancius is a sleek ship made for explorers, much like her sister ship Ortelius. She makes for an excellent base camp for active-, adventure- and wildlife-minded modern explorers. Her polar cruises are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel program, spending as much time ashore as possible hiking, kayaking, overnight field camping and even scuba diving.

The Plancius is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10-12 knots. She has also been upgraded for comfort and cruising as the Plancius’s diesel-electric propulsion system reduces the noise and vibration of the engines considerably. In 2019, the ship’s superior cabins were fully upgraded, the corridors of deck 5 were given new carpeting and there were also renovations made to the ship’s restaurant area. And in 2025, Plancius was equipped with IcySea, a software providing near-real-time ice information to ensure safe navigation.

Plancius History

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 in London and flies the Dutch flag.

Common Areas & Amenities Aboard Plancius

Plancius offers a restaurant/lecture room on Deck 3. The spacious observation lounge and bar on Deck 5 boasts full panoramic views, a coffee and tea station with espresso machine and TVs. In the library, just off the lounge, 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. An infirmary is available if needed.

Plancius offers complimentary internet access via a voucher for a daily allowance of 1.5GB of internet activity, which resets every 24 hours. Additional internet data is available via supplementary vouchers which may be purchased on board.

Dining Aboard Plancius

All meals are served in the dining room. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style while dinners are plated 3-course meals. Options for dinner include meat, fish or vegetarian dishes. Coffee, tea and water are included however alcohol and drinks are at additional cost.

Crew & Guides Aboard Plancius

Plancius is staffed by 17 nautical crew, 19 hotel staff (6 chefs, 1 hotel manager, 1 steward-barman and 11 stewards/cabin cleaners), 7-8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 7 guides-lecturers) and 1 doctor. An international team of polar experts and field guides are assembled to share their enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge through lectures, briefings and field excursions. The science-minded professionals aboard cover major topics like marine biology, geography, geology, glaciology, ornithology and history. When it comes to excursions, the staff have all been trained and qualified in their respective activity. These scientists, lecturers and expedition guides work hard not just for safety but also to highlight examples of the unique elements of these intriguing polar regions.

Activities Aboard Plancius

As an activity-focused ship, the Plancius offers quality equipment and supplies to create safe, fun and comfortable exploration experiences. 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. Select voyages have opportunities for photography workshops on board and on land, polar diving, camping and mountaineering excursions. All off-ship activities except shoreline hikes and walks require signing-up during the booking process.