Plancius
Plancius
MV Plancius began life in 1976 as the Royal Netherlands Navy’s oceanographic vessel Tydeman and now roams the high latitudes for Oceanwide Expeditions. Re-fitted with an Ice Class 1D hull, diesel-electric propulsion, and a fleet of 10 Mark V Zodiacs, this 89-meter workhorse carries just 108 guests into fjords and pack ice most cruise ships can’t reach. A glass-walled Observation Lounge, open-bridge policy, and daily briefings by naturalists turn the ship into a floating field station. Practical comforts—private-bath cabins, hearty buffet meals, and an informal bar—make Plancius a cozy basecamp between landings.
[voyage_widgety_ship_gallery]
Ship Statistics
2010
Launch Year
10944
Gross Tonnes
142
Length
18
Width
EUR
Currency
14
Max Speed (Knots)
264
Capacity
145
Crew
132
Cabins
Facilities
Accommodation
The 50 cabins favor function over frills: Baltic-birch finishes, outside views, and clever gear storage. Every cabin includes an ensuite bathroom, desk, individual climate control, and daily housekeeping.
Stateroom & Suite Categories
- Superior Cabin (≈ 21 m² / 226 ft²) — Two large windows, double bed plus sofa, and coffee/tea set-up.
- Twin Deluxe (≈ 12.5 m² / 135 ft²) — Two windows, twin beds, and a compact sitting area (only two cabins available).
- Twin Window (≈ 12.5 m² / 135 ft²) — Twin beds and a picture window located amidships for extra stability.
- Twin Porthole (≈ 12.5 m² / 135 ft²) — Twin beds and two round portholes, located on Deck 3.
- Quadruple Porthole (≈ 12.5 m² / 135 ft²) — Upper and lower berths for four guests; ideal for families or group travellers.
Dining
Culinary Philosophy
The single dining room follows a fuel-for-adventure ethos: generous buffet spreads at every meal, fresh-baked bread daily, and themed dinners that weave in regional ingredients such as Arctic char or Patagonian lamb. Seating is open and casual—layers encouraged.
Restaurant & Bar
- Main Dining Room / Lecture Theater — converts from expedition-briefing space to buffet venue with panoramic windows.
- Expedition Bar & Lounge — espresso by morning, wildlife recaps and cocktails after dinner.
Onboard Facilities
Nordic woods and cool grays keep the focus on the ice outside, while a full walk-around Deck 4 provides 360° wildlife watching.
Indoor & Outdoor Spaces
- Observation Lounge — 270° glazing, library corner, and barista station.
- Lecture Lounge / Restaurant — tiered seating with dual screens for science talks.
- Open Bridge — guests welcome nearly 24 / 7.
- Mudroom — lockers and boot dryers beside Zodiac doors.
- Outer Decks — ideal for photography, whale blows, and midnight sun.
Deck Plans
[voyage_widgety_ship_deck_plans cols=”2″]
More Information About Plancius
Ship Overview
Entertainment & Onboard Activities
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Family, Kids, and Special Traveler Services
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
Testimonials & Passenger Reviews
Brand Heritage
Family-owned Oceanwide Expeditions has specialized in small-ship polar travel since 1993. Plancius entered the fleet in 2009 after a complete expedition refit, carrying forward her research-ship DNA and the line’s wildlife-first philosophy.
Design Description
The vessel’s diesel-electric engines reduce vibration for quieter wildlife approaches, while a shallow 5.3 m draft and reinforced bow allow safe navigation in first-year sea ice. Guest areas cluster amidships for stability and quick transitions between lounge, decks, and Zodiacs.
Unique Features
- Basecamp Voyages — select sailings include kayaking, camping, mountaineering, and photo workshops at no extra cost.
- Citizen-Science Friendly — guests can log seabirds, plankton, and cloud data.
- 10 Mark V Zodiacs enable swift, flexible landings.
Plancius´s itineraries
Emblematic Antarctica
Discover the highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula on this 10-night luxury expedition aboard L’Boreal.
- 8 days
- Le Boréal
