MV Plancius

Exceptionally versatile and robust enough to sail at the top and bottom of the planet, the ice-strengthened MV Plancius is outfitted to provide you an up-close experience of the Arctic and Antarctic. 

This vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and can therefore navigate solid one-year sea ice as well as loose multi-year pack ice. The MV Plancius sails the North and South Poles as well as the waters of Iceland, Norway and Argentina.

History of the MV Plancius

Built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and 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 116-passenger vessel in 2009 and complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea). MV Plancius is classed by Lloyd’s Register and flies the Dutch flag.

M/v “Plancius” accommodates 116 passengers in 53 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 Quadruple porthole cabins, 2 Triple porthole cabins, 9 Twin porthole cabins, 26 Twin cabins with window and 2 Twin Deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 Twin Superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer Lower berths (one Queen-size bed in the Superior cabins and two Single beds in the Twin cabins), except for the 4 Quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x Upper and Lower beds), and 2 Triple cabins (1 Bunk bed plus 1 Lower bed).

Plancius: a vessel with comfort and character

The vessel offers a Restaurant/Lecture Room on Deck 3 and a spacious Observation Lounge (with Bar) on Deck 5 with large windows, offering a full panorama view. M/V “Plancius” has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on Deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V Zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift Zodiac operation. M/V “Plancius” is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel.

Passengers on a typical voyage range from in their 30s to their 80s, with the majority usually between 45 - 65. Our expeditions attract independent travelers from around the globe who are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie that develops on board is an important part of the Oceanwide experience, and many passenger groups include several nationalities.

In keeping with the spirit of expedition, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities, and keep in mind that much of the scenery can be appreciated from deck - which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles, and make sure your parka is never far away in case one of our crew shouts “Whales!” over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside at a moment’s notice. Opt for layers, as it is comfortably warm aboard the ship though often cold on deck.

Your physical condition and health.

You must be in good overall health and be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding, but we spend as much time as possible on shore. You are, however, welcome to remain aboard the ship if you prefer. To join most excursions you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway ― from the ship to the water level ― to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats, and boarding will become progressively easier with practice, but conditions on shore can be slippery and rocky. Remember, you will be traveling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition or need daily medical treatment.

ABOUT ANTARCTICA

Witness some of Earth’s most beautiful scenery in one of Earth’s least hospitable environments. Antarctica is the coldest, highest, windiest, and driest of all Earth’s continents, though it grants our cruise passengers access to many of the most dazzling sights our planet has to offer. Gray Rock Peaks punch out of the wind-carved snow, passing Icebergs dot the dark blue waters, and wildlife abounds that can be seen nowhere else – all serving to remind us that we are truly in another world.

The North Pole is the top point of earth. At the North Pole, night and day occurs continuously half the year. This depends on whether the Pole is facing the sun or not.The North Pole is in the middle of the Arctic Ocean and is surrounded by Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Russia. 

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXPEDITION TRIPS?

Our voyages are “expedition” style cruises. Our emphasis is on wildlife encounters, personal contact with the environs, visiting sites of historical interest and to a lesser extent scientific stations. Our actual program will vary to take best advantage of local conditions, spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. Experience in Antarctic waters shows us that a flexible program is essential when it comes to dealing with the published itinerary as a guide to some of our best opportunities.

There is always an element of the unexpected. When packing, don’t weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire for your trip that can be worn in layers. Please ask for our Expedition Manual with detailed information on clothing lists, what to pack and what to expect on our voyages.

HOW TO GET THERE

Please refer to logistics section of each itinerary to find detailed info on how to get there.