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DestinationsAntarcticaPlancius

Plancius

Overview of the Plancius

The M/V Plancius was built in 1976 for the Royal Dutch Navy as an oceanographic research vessel, the Hr. Ms. Tydeman and was then completely rebuilt into a polar expedition vessel 2009, and recently converted to a 108-passenger vessel in 2020.

The ship has been designed as a setting for passengers interested in an exploratory educational experience on their Antarctica vacations, looking to spend as much time on the Antarctic shore as possible rather than in luxury accommodations.

Trip Features
  • 11-43 Days
  • Starting at $6,700 per person
  • PHYSICAL RATING
    Moderate
  • ACTIVITIES
    Hiking, Snowshoeing, Mountaineering, Kayaking, Camping, Diving, Photography
  • HIGHLIGHTS
    Glaciers, Icebergs, Whales, Penguins

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A blue and white ship sails through icy waters with towering, snow-covered mountains in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, and the rugged, jagged peaks dominate the scenery, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape—a perfect setting for a Placius Antarctica expedition.
A large ship navigates through icy waters surrounded by towering snow-covered mountains and icebergs. The ship, painted dark blue with white upper decks, has lifeboats secured on its sides. Snow and ice dominate the landscape, creating a stark, serene atmosphere during the Placius Antarctica expedition.
A group of people in winter gear are on a black inflatable boat in calm, icy waters, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and a blue sky with scattered clouds during their Placius Antarctica expedition. A penguin or small seal is visible in the water near the boat.
A whale breaches the surface of the ocean, its massive body captured mid-leap with water splashing around it. In the background, a vast expanse of icebergs and snow-covered mountains can be seen under a clear blue sky, evoking the majestic landscapes experienced on a Placius Antarctica expedition.
A large blue ship named "Plancius" sails on a calm, reflective sea during an Antarctica expedition. Snow-covered mountains form the backdrop under a cloudy, gray sky, creating a serene and tranquil scene. The ship stands central in the image, with slight ripples seen on the water's surface.
The large ship Plancius is parked on calm waters near a snowy, mountainous coastline during an Antarctica expedition. A whale's tail breaks the surface of the water close to the ship. The surrounding scenery consists of icy terrain and rugged cliffs.
A glowing sunrise illuminates a snow-covered landscape with a yellow tent pitched near an icy lake. Two people are near the lake, one taking photographs. Snowy mountains and clear skies complete the peaceful and cold, remote Placius Antarctica expedition scene.
Three people walk across a snow-covered landscape in cold weather gear. Two wear red jackets, and the other an orange jacket. The background features snow-covered mountains and an icy body of water under a clear sky, capturing the essence of a Placius Antarctica expedition.
A group of people hike in a line through snow-covered terrain. They are dressed in winter clothing, with some carrying backpacks. Behind them, there is a scenic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky. A lake is visible in the distance, capturing the spirit of the Placius Antarctica expedition.
A group of people in a small inflatable boat approach a beach crowded with penguins. A large cruise ship, part of the Plancius Antarctica expedition, is anchored in the background on a bright, clear day.
A beach scene with several penguins standing on the sand in the foreground, a few people riding a small boat in the middle ground, and a large ship anchored in the background on a sunny day with clouds in the sky, evokes imagery from a typical Placius Antarctica expedition.
A group of penguins stands on a rocky, snow-covered shoreline with snowy mountains in the background. A large ship from the Placius Antarctica expedition is visible on the water under a cloudy sky, suggesting a cold, remote location likely in Antarctica.
A large blue expedition ship sails through icy waters with towering, snow-covered mountains in the background under a cloudy sky. The Plancius Antarctica expedition vessel features a white superstructure, antennas, and a lifeboat on its deck.
A group of six people sit in colorful kayaks on a calm, icy blue sea, raising their paddles in celebration during their Plancius Antarctica expedition. They are all wearing life jackets and cold-weather gear. Behind them is a large, white iceberg under a clear, blue sky with mountains visible in the distance.
Two people on a ship's deck photograph a large iceberg in an icy, mountainous landscape during the Plancius Antarctica expedition. A small boat with a few passengers approaches the iceberg on the calm water. Snow-covered peaks and a partly cloudy sky form the backdrop.
A group of climbers roped together hikes along a snowy mountain ridge during the Plancius Antarctica expedition. The climber in the foreground has their arms raised in celebration, while others in the background follow, also with arms raised or holding climbing poles. The sky is clear and blue.
A large blue ship named Planicus is anchored in an icy landscape, surrounded by snow. Several people in winter clothing are standing on the ice, some holding onto a rope attached to the ship. The sky is overcast with grey clouds, marking another day of the Plancius Antarctica expedition.
A ship from the Plancius Antarctica expedition sails through calm waters towards a snow-covered mountain range under a partially cloudy sky. The ship's deck is visible in the foreground with several people taking photos and enjoying the view of the icy landscape.

Plancius Itineraries

The ship has been designed as a setting for passengers interested in an exploratory educational experience on their Antarctica vacations, looking to spend as much time on the Antarctic shore as possible rather than in luxury accommodations.

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Day 1 Embark Ushuaia, Argentina
DayS 2-3 Drake Passage
DayS 4-7 Antarctic Peninsula
Day 8 South Shetland and Deception Island
DayS 9-10 Drake Passage
Day 11 DISEMBARK – Ushuaia
Day 1 Embark Ushuaia, Argentina
DayS 2-3 Drake Passage
DayS 4-7 Antarctic Peninsula
DayS 8-9 Drake Passage
Day 10 DISEMBARK – Ushuaia
Day 1 Embark Ushuaia, Argentina
DayS 2-3 Drake Passage
DayS 4-10 Antarctica Peninsula/Basecamp Adventure
DayS 11-12 Drake Passage
Day 13 Disembark – Ushuaia
Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina – Embark
DayS 2-3 Drake Passage
Day 4-9 Antarctic Peninsula & Polar Circle
DayS 10-11 Drake Passage
Day 12 Ushuaia – Disembark
Day 1 Embark Ushuaia, Argentina
Day 2 At Sea
DayS 3-5 Falkland Islands
DayS 6-7 At Sea
DayS 8-11 South Georgia
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 South Orkney Islands
Day 14-15 At Sea
Day 16-17 Antarctic Peninsula
DayS 18-19 Drake Passage
Day 20 Disembark – Ushuaia
DEPARTURES COULD BE SHORTER
Day 1 Embark Ushuaia, Argentina
DayS 2-3 At Sea
Day 4 SHAG ROCKS
DayS 5-10 South Georgia
DayS 11-14 At Sea
Day15 Disembark – Ushuaia
Day 1 Embark PUERTO MADRYN, Argentina
DayS 2-3 At Sea
Day 4-5 Falkland Islands
DayS 6-7 At Sea
DayS 8-11 South Georgia
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 South Orkney Islands
DayS 14-15 At Sea
DayS 16-18 Antarctic Peninsula
DayS 19-20 Drake Passage
Day 21 Disembark – Ushuaia
Day 1 Ushuaia – Embark
DayS 2-3 Drake Passage
Day 4 FROM POINT WILD, ELEPHANT ISLAND TO WEDDELL SEA
Day 5 DEVIL ISLAND
Day 6 EREBUS AND TERROR GULF
Day 7 ORLEANS STRAIT WHALE SEARCH
Day 8 PORT MONUMENTS AND ISLAND WILDLIFE
DayS 9-10 DETAILLE ISLAND
Day 11 ARGENTINE ISLANDS
Day 12 MELCHIOR ISLANDS
DayS 13-14 Drake Passage
Day 15 Ushuaia – Disembark

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More About the Plancius

The Plancius complies with the latest SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) regulations and travels at a speed of 10-12 knots. She is ice-strengthened with bow and stern thrusters for maneuverability (Ice Class 1D).

A large blue and white ship named "Plancius" is anchored in icy waters during an Antarctica expedition. Several people are in a black inflatable boat approaching the ship from the left side. The sky is overcast, and small icebergs are floating around the vessel.
Spacious, modern indoor seating area on a ferry with black cushioned benches and small round tables. Several people are visible in the background near a counter. The room has large windows offering views of the exterior, perfect for those embarking on an Antarctica expedition.
A group of people sitting and standing in a communal area with round tables and modern seating. The room has a coffee station with supplies on the right, creating a casual atmosphere, possibly a break room or meeting space on the Plancius Antarctica expedition.
An interior view of a modern ferry or boat shows the seating area with rows of cushioned benches on either side and small round tables with chairs in the center. People are seen near the entrance in the background. The decor is sleek with a contemporary design, ideal for those embarking on Plancius Antarctica expeditions.
A modern self-service dining area is shown with sleek wooden cabinetry and striped ceiling panels. The space is well-lit with large windows, overhead lights, and various food items and condiments on display across the counters. The ambiance is clean and inviting, perfect for discussions of a Plancius Antarctica expedition.
A dining area with round wooden tables set with cutlery, plates, and glasses. The room has blue-tinted windows, cushioned chairs in various colors, and overhead lighting. The space appears to be modern and well-organized, ready for guests from the Plancius Antarctica expedition.
A person in a white uniform stands at a modern ship's bridge, operating control panels and screens. The bridge, part of the Plancius Antarctica expedition, is equipped with multiple monitors, navigation instruments, a comfortable chair, and large windows offering an expansive view ahead.
Ship Highlights
  • Size/Type
    293 ft.
  • Guest Capacity
    108
  • Features
    Restaurant/Lecture Room
    Observation Lounge w/ Bar
    Library
    Large Open Deck Spaces
    10 Mark V Zodiacs
    Two Starboard Gangways
View Deckplans

Cabin Details

The M/V Plancius has 52 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower facilities. All cabins are outside cabins with a minimum of one porthole or window.

This image shows a compact, well-organized bunk bed cabin with wooden furniture on a ship, part of the Placius Antarctica expedition. There are two sets of bunk beds with ladders, pillows, and neatly folded bedding. A small porthole in the back wall allows natural light to brighten the room.

Plancius

Quadruple

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A compact cabin room with two single beds positioned on either side of a small nightstand. Each bed has a folded towel and a pillow. The room features a round porthole window with beige curtains, a wall lamp above each bed, and a framed photo from the Placius Antarctica expedition on the left wall.

Plancius

Twin Porthole

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A cozy cabin room with two single beds featuring light blue sheets and neatly folded white towels. A window with curtains allows natural light in, and there is a painting of a ship on the wall. A small desk with a TV and various items is in the background, hinting at the start of your Placius Antarctica expedition.

Plancius

Twin Window

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A simple, tidy cabin room featuring two beds with white linens and neatly folded towels. A desk with a chair, a TV mounted on the wall, a phone, and a vase with red flowers sits between two windows. The room has neutral tones and curtains on the windows, perfect for resting before your Placius Antarctica expedition.

Plancius

Twin Deluxe

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A modern cabin interior featuring twin beds with dark headboards and lit lamps above. The room has two large windows with curtains. There's a sofa, table, and desk with a lamp, two water bottles, and a brochure about the Placius Antarctica expedition. The decor is in neutral tones with a cozy ambiance.
A cozy modern hotel room features a large bed with accent lighting, a comfy beige sofa with a yellow cushion, a work desk with a green chair, and a wooden wardrobe. The room is decorated with warm tones and contemporary designs, evoking the spirit of an adventurous Placius Antarctica expedition.

Plancius

Superior

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PHONE  + 1-877-784-5400

TRIP FAQs

We have so much to share with you! How does this all work? Start with the frequently asked questions below, and if you want to talk to us directly, simply reach out by phone or form.

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You have the flexibility to choose your own travel dates on most of our trips. Certain trips, such as cruises, have fixed schedules. Availability on these trips is always changing so please contact us with your preferred travel time and we can find the perfect itinerary for you.

The first step is to get in touch with a Southern Explorations travel planner for date availability and information on activities, accommodations and other travel aspirations you may have. Give us a call at 1.877.784.5400, fill out this form or email info@southernexplorations.com.

Yes! All of our posted itineraries can be considered a starting point and were happy to tailor a trip to your exact desires. There may be some elements of a trip, such as a cruise or all-inclusive lodge stay, that cannot be modified but we can always adjust the tours around those components.

We provide full service tours so in general our trips include all guided activities with professional English-speaking guides, accommodations, transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees and permits, select meals, and pre-departure services. You will be responsible for international airfare while we will book all in-country airfare. Contact one of our expert travel planners for even more details on this specific tour.

We have more detailed information about each destination in the Plan Your Trip section of this website. Our team of friendly travel planners is also available to walk you through various options and to work with you on the perfect trip!

Plan Your Trip to Antarctica

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Testimonials

This company did not disappoint. I would highly recommend it. From the booking agent, expedition team and staff, accommodations and food…everything was fantastic!

Jen

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