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Accommodating up to 108 passengers in a variety of cabins, the Plancius is an excellent choice for wildlife cruises in the Polar region.

Built in 1976, she has a long history as a hydrographic research vessel in the service of the Dutch government, and underwent a total refit and refurbishment in 2006 to prepare her to carry passengers to both Antarctica and the Arctic. With both bow and stern thrusters, the ship can manoeuvre in and out of the most interesting places safely. 

Cabins range from triple to superior, all with outside view and private facilities. The large open deck spaces offer excellent opportunities to watch wildlife, and the two starboard-side gangways guarantee smooth Zodiac operations.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Length: 89 m (293 feet) metres
  • Passengers: 108 in 53 cabins
  • Crew and staff: 45

wildlife trips

Plancius offers the following cabin classes:

Quadruple porthole

  • Location: Deck 2
  • Beds: 2 upper & lower berths
  • External view: Porthole
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Hairdryer, Shower, Toilet, TV

Twin porthole

  • Location: Deck 3
  • Beds: 2 lower berths
  • External view: Porthole
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Hairdryer, Shower, Toilet, TV

Triple porthole

  • Location: Deck 2
  • Beds: 1 upper berth & 2 lower berths
  • External view: Porthole
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Hairdryer, Shower, Toilet, TV

Twin window

  • Location: Deck 4
  • Beds: 2 lower berths
  • External view: 1 window
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Hairdryer, Shower, Toilet, TV

Twin deluxe

  • Location: Deck 4
  • Beds: 2 lower berths
  • External view: 2 windows
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Hairdryer, Shower, Toilet, TV

Superior

  • Location: Decks 4 & 5
  • Beds: 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed
  • External view: 2 windows
  • Facilities: Private bathing facilities, Hairdryer, Shower, Toilet, Fridge, TV

Wildlife trips

This cruise vessel is featured in the following itineraries:

Around Spitsbergen

Sail through a wonderland of mountain and glacial scenery and enjoy spectacular wildlife encounters in this polar bear and birding paradise. Highlights include an exhilarating ride along the spectacular 14th of July Glacier, where large numbers of kittiwakes and Brunnichs guillemots nest on the nearby cliffs. Find out more about Around Spitsbergen

  • Destination: Arctic, Norway
  • Price (exc. flights): 10-12 days from £5,160
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S

Classic Antarctica

This voyage is a perfect introduction to the Antarctic, visiting prime wildlife sites along the Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland islands. Encounter huge rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins, beaches adorned with wallowing elephant seals, and whales and dolphins along the way. Find out more about Classic Antarctica

  • Destination: Antarctica
  • Price (exc. flights): 10-13 days from £5,645
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Crossing the Polar Circle

An extraordinary opportunity to cross the Antarctic Circle, a polar achievement few have the privilege to experience. Discover a rarely seen, isolated world, littered with gigantic icebergs, snow-clad mountains and swathes of pack-ice, whilst being followed by an array of seabirds and several whale species. Find out more about Crossing the Polar Circle

  • Destination: Antarctica
  • Price (exc. flights): 11-15 days from £7,480
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Great Antarctic Voyage

This ultimate Antarctic experience marries the phenomenal wildlife of the sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands and South Georgia to the pristine beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore dramatic wilderness areas and visit huge penguin colonies, all amongst hauntingly beautiful polar scenery. Find out more about Great Antarctic Voyage

  • Destination: Antarctica, Falkland Islands
  • Price (exc. flights): 19-22 days from £12,900
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

North Spitsbergen

This one week voyage provides an intoxicating mix of astonishing landscapes, stunning coastline and spectacular wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, whales, Arctic foxes and huge colonies of seabirds. The long daylight hours offer maximum time to appreciate this breath-taking land of ice to the full. Find out more about North Spitsbergen

  • Destination: Arctic, Norway
  • Price (exc. flights): 7-11 days from £4,615
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • J

Weddell Sea Explorer

A land of icebergs, volcanic islands and year-round sea ice, the Weddell Sea has played a pivotal role in Polar exploration. A haven for birdlife and a feeding ground for migrating whales, this voyage offers the opportunity to discover the less-visited side of the Antarctic Peninsula and icy perimeter of the Weddell Sea. Find out more about Weddell Sea Explorer

  • Destination: Antarctica
  • Price (exc. flights): 12 days from £11,315
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • M