Plancius
Refurbished naval vessel offering polar expeditions with three-star comfort and an intimate setting
per person
per person
Overview
- Refurbished research vessel with three-star accommodation
- Comfortable polar expedition ship with an exploratory atmosphere
- Enjoy hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, camping, and photography
- Boat crew, hotel staff, expedition team, and a doctor on board
Plancius is a refurbished Royal Dutch Navy research vessel embarking on epic adventures in the polar regions. Having undergone extensive refurbishment, this impressive expedition ship now promises comfortable cruises in some of the harshest environments on the planet. But, while the interiors are certainly inviting, Ortelius’ itineraries aim to immerse guests in the surrounding wilderness, offering a variety of epic activities such as mountaineering, skiing, or scuba diving. What’s more, this vessel’s modest-size makes for a wonderfully intimate atmosphere on board, adding extra exclusivity to the experience.
Upcoming trips
Cabins
- If you are a solo traveller, we aim to allocate shared cabins on a same-sex basis.
- Non-shareable cabins can not be shared with another single traveler outside your party. A single occupancy surcharge will be applied.
Amenities
Boat
Dive facilities
- If you are a solo traveller, we aim to allocate shared cabins on a same-sex basis.
- Non-shareable cabins can not be shared with another single traveler outside your party. A single occupancy surcharge will be applied.
Vessel
Vessel information
Plancius was built in 1976 and utilised for oceanographic research purposes by the Royal Dutch Navy. In 2009, Plancius underwent a major two-year multi-million dollar refurbishment, transforming it into a modern, comfortably-appointed touring vessel. As a result, Plancius now combines the rugged, hard-working exterior of a research ship with the interior amenities of a three-star hotel. Complying with the latest SOLAS regulations, this vessel provides the ideal basecamp for polar exploration, and offers a diverse selection of educational, activity-filled itineraries. These trips aim to spend as much time as possible in nature, enjoying pursuits such as snowshoeing, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and polar diving.
At 89-metres long, this expedition vessel can comfortably accommodate just over 100 guests. Passengers are accommodated in a selection of 50 well-appointed cabins which come in a variety of double, twin, and quadruple occupancy configurations. All accommodations are equipped with en-suite bathrooms and flat screen TVs with streamable movies. What’s more, the vessel’s experienced team includes nautical crew, hospitality staff, expedition specialists, and a doctor – guaranteeing the highest standards of service at all times.
Onboard Plancius
Plancius features a large, open dining area beside the boarding area and reception. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while evening meals are a plated affair. Coffee, tea, and water are included in the rate, however alcohol and soft drinks require an additional charge. The upper deck features an inviting observation lounge furnished with comfortable armchairs and bench-style seating. This area also incorporates a bar, TVs, and a cosy library nook with space to edit and download images. Both the dining room and observation lounge can be used as lecture halls for presentations.
Diving and excursions from Plancius
This vessel features large open deck spaces with full walk-around viewing areas that offer excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Plancius is also equipped with a fleet of 10 zodiacs, accessed via two gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing the streamlined operation of daily excursions. Depending on the voyage, guests aboard this vessel can expect to take part in a wide range of activities, including hiking, camping, ski-trekking, scuba diving, and wildlife photography.
Top tips
- Lectures are presented throughout each voyage, focusing on history, wildlife, and other destination-relevant topics.
- Twin gangways on the starboard side allows two zodiacs to be loaded at once, ensuring minimal waiting time during embarkation and disembarkation.
