Ship

Plancius

4.5/5 From 586 Reviews

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Ship overview:

Built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy, the Plancius underwent a major two-year multi-million dollar refurbishment in 2009, transforming her into the modern, comfortably appointed expedition-style ship she is today - an ideal basecamp for polar exploration.

Prices per person

From $6,300

Prices based on two people sharing
Ship Capacity

108 passengers

Year built

Constructed in 1976

Expedition staff to guest ratio

1:10

Optional activities

Camping, kayaking, mountaineering, paddling, scuba diving & snowshoeing

Why we like the Plancius

  • Following the ship’s rebuild she combines the authenticity of an expedition ship on the outside with the comfort and amenities of a well-appointed 3* hotel on the inside
  • The ship's diesel-electric propulsion system greatly reduces noise and vibration, making the journey more comfortable, particularly at night
  • A wide choice of different cabin types, including Triples & Quads, all are modern with en-suite bathrooms and flat screen TVs with streamed movies
  • Twin gangways on the starboard side allows two zodiacs to be loaded at once which ensures minimal waiting time during embarkation and disembarkation
  • Stunning panorama views through the large windows of the observation lounge mean you won’t miss out on wildlife sightings while keeping warm onboard
  • Offers a wide range of adventure activities, particularly on the active Basecamp voyages, including being one of the few ships to offer diving

Watch our video tour of the M/V Plancius

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What our customers think of Plancius

Plancius trips scored 4.5/5 from 586 reviews

Beyond my expectation, the captain and his crew, plus the hotel and kitchen staff are super friendly and helpful. Will definitely choose Plancius in the future. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2024

Baoyin Huang - Canada

The Plancius was great. The rooms were perfectly sized and the food was amazing. I loved having access to the bridge and the crew were all willing to talk and answer questions. The lounge and observation decks were where I spent most of my time. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Mike Stafford - USA

I would choose this ship again. The ship itself seemed sturdy and it more than handled the Drake Passage! Fairly well designed, with easy-to-find dining and lounge areas. The relatively small number of passengers meant we could get to know some of our fellow passengers but more than that it meant we could all get at least one chance to do the add-on activities. The staff, the crew - all so friendly and helpful! Impressive that they knew all of our names within a matter of hours. Food was excellent and I loved our cabin (501). Our cabin was a great size for two people and I liked the fact that there was no deck outside the windows, so we didn't have to worry about people walking by and looking in. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Shirley Sutton - USA

Entire ship was kept very clean. All staff was friendly and super hard working. Meals were better than expected and pretty good variety. Pastry chef on board was a nice surprise. Great to be able to visit the bridge and access to many decks. The lounge was super. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2024

Monica Palme - USA

The Plancius was an awesome ship! We would absolutely choose an expedition on this ship again. The crew (including housekeeping and kitchen/dining room staff) were amazing and incredibly personable. The dining room staff remembered ALL of our names in just one day - it was very impressive and obvious how much they loved working with us. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Elyse Doherty - USA

Loved the Plancius!!! Couldn't see ourselves doing this adventure on any other boat! The food was great, we were shocked at actually how much room there was in the quad cabin! I would 1 million percent choose the Plancius again, just the perfect size for such a trip! Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Amy Ergle - USA

The Plancius far exceeded my expectations. The cabin was perfect and roomier than expected and really felt like home. The food was also great and it was pretty mind-blowing the variety they provided in such remote locations. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

Aaron Moskal - USA

All the expedition team were so passionate about the Antarctic, it was infectious. Very knowledgable, super friendly and supportive, all keen to make our trip aboard Plancius as brilliant as it could be. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2024

James Evans - UK

All the expedition team were highly educated and shared their knowledge in interesting presentations. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Margery Keskin - USA

Would DEFINITELY get on Plancius again. The food was very varied and always delicious. The cabin was very comfortable and the amenities perfect for an expedition where your goal is to be off the boat as much as possible. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Amanda Wedige - USA

Food and accommodations were first rate. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Howard Witbeck - USA

Great boat, very comfortable and cozy. Fantastic team, very knowledgeable and fun to talk to. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Amanda Shahan - USA

Ship and crew were great; service staff was great, providing excellent food and always taking care of the cabin room. Would enjoy sailing on the Plancius again. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2023

Larry Heslop - USA

I liked the fairly small ship instead of a monster boat. Downside was no exercise facilities at all. The porthole cabin though exceeded my expectations - single bed comfy (like a water bed!) slept very well. Lots of space to stow gear. Fine for 2 people - not claustrophobic as I had expected. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Rosemary Broome - USA

The perfect ship for this style of expedition. Just the right size. Our twin cabin with window was fine. Big enough to not get in each other's way. Comfortable beds. The food was excellent. I don't know how they did it. The staff were also excellent. I would definitely choose the Plancius again. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2023

Neil Gibson - Australia

Food was excellent, lots of choice and fresh. Well stocked bar and coffee and snacks always available. I will never get over how they could make such tasty food while crossing the Drake Passage. Everywhere was spotless and cabins comfortable. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Libby Chamberlain - UK

Just as expected... cosy and comfortable The food was excellent and the crew very attentive. There was nothing they wouldn't try to do for you. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Andrew John Griffiths - UK

All the expedition team were knowledgable, friendly and very approachable. I particularly liked the the fact that they fully integrated with guests throughout meal times so we could get to know them. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Peter Williams - UK

Superb, enthusiastic team of professionals who worked hard to ensure full benefit of the locations . Plancius a safe ship and intimate experience with lovely like-minded travelers. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

George Maloney - Ireland

10/10 - From the moment we stepped on the Plancius on Wednesday evening everything was superb, the ship, the crew/team, the food and also the group of fellow travellers. Everything about the Antarctic was extraordinary – amazing new experiences every day. Quite simply the trip of a lifetime. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Gerry Halpenny - Ireland

Had no idea what to expect having spent a total of one night on a boat in my entire life. Absolutely loved our little ship, so full of character, sturdy and strong (if a little rocky at times, but that was all part of the experience). The cabin was great, compact but really well laid out and providing all the storage space we needed, as well as comfortable beds and plenty of hot water. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2023

Gerry Halpenny - Ireland

I liked the intimate vibe of M/V Plancius with only ~100 guests onboard. The food was wonderful and the cabin comfortable. I loved the small feel and the hospitality of the staff. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Leanne Matthews - USA

10/10 - Professional and friendly staff … food is awesome and so glad we went on a smaller ship. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Ruth Fraser - South Africa

Loved there being a limited # of guest on the ship so able to do the activities daily and make new friends. The food was great Read the full review

Travelled: February 2023

Steven Randall Keasler - USA

Not a fancy ship but did the business with full grace. The crew were amazing, from the captain to the waiting crew and men in the boiler room. They made sure that we were safe. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Rowena Chislett - UK

10/10 - The whole crew were amazing: passionate, caring, professional and rendered excellent service. This made our experience in Antarctica an amazing one. Read the full review

Travelled: January 2023

Rowena Chislett - UK

It was a solid safe working ship. Plain without any extras. Nice to be able to visit the bridge. Officers were very helpful in explaining ship operations. Cabin was spacious but plain. Very comfortable. Food was excellent throughout voyage. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

John Metcalfe - USA

Team is amazing. Love them so much! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Stephanie Lim - USA

Food was excellent and the cabin was very comfortable. The lounge was also a great location to socialize with other passengers. The entire staff was fantastic! I especially enjoyed all of the wildlife and weather lectures. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Dale Matthews - USA

Plancius was great. Going through the Drake Passage knowing that this ship was an old navy ship and has been around for a very long time gave me great reassurance every night that we were not going to tip over. The food was excellent. The only food that was not a hit for most people I talked to was the cheesecake. We would definitively choose this ship again. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Chris Waters - Canada

Great ship. Very comfortable. Food was well above expectations. Staff was amazing and friendly. Everyone from hotel managers to servers to bartenders. Very friendly and professional Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Alison Rosebrough - USA

10 - The crew were amazing, the food was much better than anticipated, and the excursions were fabulous. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Tammie Pech - USA

10/10 - It was one of the most unique and memorable trips we have ever been on! The crew made our home away from home on the Plancius so comfortable and intimate. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Alyson Winemberg - USA

The staff, food, expeditions and views on the boat were well worth mentioning as once in a lifetime event. A huge applause to the crew and captain that were able to make this adventure such an experience! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Steve Rimel - USA

10/10 - The boat staff, the guides and all boat personnel were wonderful and extremely knowledgeable and supportive of our safety and enjoyment throughout the trip Read the full review

Travelled: December 2022

Joan Siegel - USA

Absolutely spectacular expedition team. So incredibly smart and knowledgeable. Very friendly and accommodating as well. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Elizabeth Bunnen - USA

The guides were amazing and knowledgeable. The Zodiac provided opportunities for close encounters with the land and sea of Antarctica. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Jade Griffin - USA

They worked tirelessly to ensure all passengers had daily activities and fun. I felt like they never took a day off and I'm so glad to have met such smart and caring individuals. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Jade Griffin - USA

The cabin was warm. The food was delicious. The staff made me feel comfortable and I enjoyed every minute. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2021

Jade Griffin - USA

We had a rough crossing both times, worse going to Antarctica than coming back but she was wonderful, clean, and with amazing staff who made sure we had everything we wanted. Our chamber person made little animals out of our towels every day, a great surprise when we got back to the cabin in the evenings! Read the full review

Travelled: February 2020

Rosarii Nuala Falvey - United States Of America

After a few days, we had made Plancius our home. We had so much fun there and loved every aspect of the trip. We definitely will choose this ship again when we plan to go to the Arctic. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2020

Weiling Yang - United States Of America

I will highly suggest choosing a ship size like the Plancius. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2020

Alice Chen - United States Of America

The Plancius I would say is probably the best ship for this kind of trip. Cabin Crew and the food was outstanding. Thank you. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2020

Rainer Jacobs - United States Of America

The crew and staff of the Plancius were top-notch including the galley staff and excursion guides. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2019

Rex - Len Hunt - United States Of America

The porthole cabin was actually more spacious than expected. The food was great, and lots of variation. I would book the Plancius again. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2019

Julia Eekels - Germany

Our cabin was actually bigger than I thought. I loved that we each had our own closet and that is was clean. Food was way better than I thought it would be. Loved the variety and always having a vegetarian option. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2019

Kayla Kissane - United States Of America

We had a superior cabin and it certainly exceeded our expectations. Space on a ship is always a luxury but our cabin was very spacious. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2019

Leon Steyl - South Africa

It was absolutely amazing. It exceeded my expectations in every way. The landscape and experiencing the wildlife up close was incredible. The crew was friendly and helpful. The excursions were better than expected. Getting to speak with all the scientist onboard was great. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2019

Abhi Pal - United States Of America

Four-star experience! Could not have been better. The food was excellent. The cabin more than adequate. The guide's talks superb, putting everything in context. The highlight was the ship's crew, our guides, and our fellow explorers. Read the full review

Travelled: February 2019

Jim Tietjen - Malaysia

I would certainly recommend Plancius. It gives good value for money compared to many other ships. Good atmosphere on the boat, with the dining room and lounge able to accommodate everyone at the same time. Excellent deck space. Expedition staff were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and efficient. Many landings and great basecamp activities, particularly kayaking and mountaineering.

Travelled: January 2018

Tony & Jennifer - UK

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First and foremost, the entire crew was excellent. From hotel to kitchen to expedition guides, everyone was professional, knowledgeable and hard working. The food was very good, we were never hungry. Bar prices were very reasonable for a cruise. I can't say enough about the expedition team. What an amazing bunch of people who were so friendly and made sure we all got the most out of the visit.

Travelled: December 2017

Nick - Canada

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The travel experience on the boat was mind boggling, so many great stories and interesting people and backgrounds. The highlight of the trip was being able to camp on the continent.

Travelled: December 2017

Travis & Kalli - Texas

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The expedition staff couldn't have been better - each exceptionally well trained, helpful, uniquely interesting individuals. The Plancius staff has somehow managed to create a highly positive, inclusive culture that set the tone for our very diverse group of passengers and made the entire experience a very rewarding one for each of us.

Travelled: December 2017

George & Kate - Connecticut

Fantastic experience, would recommend to anyone interested in wildlife and the history of the area. Great informal atmosphere with no cocktail parties. Expedition staff were generally excellent.

Travelled: November 2017

David & Jill - UK

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Brilliant itinerary. Early season cruise was fantastic with lovely snow and ice to enjoy. Expedition staff were uniformly excellent with wide areas of knowledge and expertise. Everyone worked smoothly together to get us all ashore quickly, efficiently and safely. The Captain added to our enjoyment by giving us unexpectedly close-up experiences of polar ice.

Travelled: November 2017

Colin & Jacqui - UK

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The crew on Plancius were fantastic, very knowledgeable, exceptionally professional and very accommodating. I met some great and very interesting people among both divers and passengers. Surprises included the quality of the service, expedition staff on Plancius, and restaurant quality meals!

Travelled: March 2017

Erika - Australia

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The Plancius was ideal, relatively small, quiet and clean and exceeded expectations. Have already recommended it to like-minded friends of all ages.

Travelled: March 2017

Graham and Angela - UK

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The services and food on the Plancius were outstanding. The crew even remembered my name, among all the passengers.

Travelled: February 2017

Patricia - Canada

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Plancius is a brilliant ship, perfect for people who like adventure and exploration and being active when they are on holiday. It is small enough to feel intimate and it means that you get to know lots of people during the trip.

Travelled: December 2016

Declan - UK

I am struggling to find any words to describe my trip; I absolutely loved every minute of it. I literally could not fault any part of the trip, staff, food, the ship, landings, other passengers. It was absolutely amazing and so surreal.

Travelled: February 2016

Beverley - UK

Overall the trip met our high expectations and we loved every minute. We would gladly take another trip with this provider and this crew as both overdelivered.

Travelled: January 2016

Samarra - Sydney

We had the time of our lives. We really put very little effort into the research of Antarctica and Patagonia, we relied totally on you both, and we were not let down. I can't thank you enough.

Travelled: January 2016

Richard & Claire - UK

We are happy to say how wonderful our trip was to Antarctica. The experience was fantastic, the entire crew was very impressive, the equipment and ship were top notch.

Travelled: November 2015

Mike & Trish - USA

Review:

Voyages aboard Plancius

Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.

Antarctic Basecamp Adventure

The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 7 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. An excellent deal backed up…

  • 13 Days
  • $9,700
Onto the Antarctic Ice

With three medium-sized expedition ships to pick from and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well-priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas, your company includes penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional…

  • 10-13 Days
  • $6,300
South of the Antarctic Circle

By including optional kayaking and diving, these late season voyages offer the chance to maximise your polar crossing experience by exploring Antarctica both on and under the water. Travelling at that time provides excellent photographic and whale watching conditions, alongside…

  • 12, 13 or 14 Days
  • $7,700
Spring Quest to Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia

Setting sail ​early in the season, be aboard ​one of the ​first ship​s to head​ south ​as the Southern Ocean reopens for business​. It's a special time in South Georgia as the beaches are packed with breeding elephant seals, while…

  • 21 Days
  • $14,250
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure

With a good choice of departure dates through the season across three medium-sized ships, this 19-22 day trip stands out for its value for money and the broad range of cabin categories available, including Quads, which are…

  • 19-22 Days
  • $9,450
Swoop Says background image

Alex says

I'm always pleased when customers ask me about The Plancius as it's one of my favourites. I like her modern, contemporary styling - comfortable without being fussy - and her quiet engines are always appreciated by guests, particularly when sailing overnight. Thumbs up.

Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Antarctica

Onboard Communications & Facilities

Upon boarding the ship you will receive an internet voucher, giving you access to a daily allowance of 1.5 GB of free internet connectivity, which resets every 24 hours. Should you require additional data beyond what's included, supplementary internet vouchers will be available to purchase on board at the following prices:

  • 5GB: €25
  • 10GB: €50

Please note that this is only for light data traffic and that the above prices are approximate.  

You can also choose from the following options: 

  • Telephone card: EUR25/ approx. 25 mins depending on destination you are calling.
  • Ship-based email: EUR5 set up fee + EUR15 for a 7-10 day trip; EUR20 for a 11-12 day trip; EUR25 for an 18 day trip; EUR50 for a 30 day trip.

Other facilities include:

  • Plugs: European 220V two-round-pinned sockets
  • Towels, toiletries and hair dryers
  • Laundry service (additional cost)
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Customer Tips

Swoop Customer - Declan, UK

We were right to keep the Twin Deluxe room – best room on the ship!

Declan, UK Customer

Swoop Customer - Patricia, Canada

I overdressed! I should have been more mindful of the temperatures.

Patricia, Canada Customer

Find Your Antarctic Ship

Choosing the right ship is crucial, given the amount of time you'll spend on board. Swoop is experienced at helping match our customers to exactly the right ship.

Find your Antarctic ship

Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.

1-888-970-4570