Plancius
EXPEDITION (108 GUESTS)
The Plancius accommodates up to 108 passengers in 53 passenger cabins all with private ammenitiies. Built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy she sailed for the Navy until 2004 when she was used as an expedition vessel. Completely rebuilt in 2009 and later upgrades in 2019, the complies with the latest SOLAS-regulations. Offering a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3, a spacious observation lounge with large windows and a bar on deck 5 and a library on deck 5there is no shortage of places to relax. There are large open deck spaces on the Plancius, especially on Deck 4 with full walk-around possibilities for optimal wildlife spotting and enjoying the scenery. The Plancius carries 10 Mark V zodiacs, with 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. Whilst the Plancius is comfortable and well equipped, she is in no way a luxury vessel. The focus is in spending as much time on shore as possible with an exploratory educational travel programme with 8 highly knowledgeable expedition staff.
PLANCIUS DATES AND PRICES
PLANCIUS 2024-25 DATES AND PRICES
Prices in USD$ – per person twin share (triple share in triple cabins)
Click on Cruise itinerary name below to view detailed description of your Antarctic Cruise
| Cruise Itinerary | Start Date | End Date | Days | Starts/Ends | Quadruple Porthole | Triple Porthole | Twin Porthole | Twin Window | Twin Deluxe | Superior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica - Basecamp | 25 Dec 2024 | 06 Jan 2025 | 13 | Ushuaia | $9,900 | $12,150 | $12,150 | $12,650 | $13,400 | $14,300 |
| Antarctic Peninsula | 06 Jan 2025 | 16 Jan 2025 | 11 | Ushuaia | $8,650 | $10,700 | $10,700 | $11,150 | $11,800 | $12,650 |
| Antarctic Peninsula | 03 Feb 2025 | 13 Feb 2025 | 11 | Ushuaia | $8,650 | $10,700 | $10,700 | $11,150 | $11,800 | $12,650 |
| Antarctica - Basecamp | 13 Feb 2025 | 25 Feb 2025 | 13 | Ushuaia | $9,900 | $12,150 | $12,150 | $12,650 | $13,400 | $14,300 |
| Antarctica - Basecamp | 25 Feb 2025 | 09 Mar 2025 | 13 | Ushuaia | $9,900 | $12,150 | $12,150 | $12,650 | $13,400 | $14,300 |
| Antarctica, Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle | 09 Mar 2025 | 23 Mar 2025 | 15 | Ushuaia | $10,500 | $12,800 | $12,800 | $13,400 | $14,300 | $15,300 |
| Antarctic Peninsula – Polar Circle | 23 Mar 2025 | 03 Apr 2025 | 12 | Ushuaia | $7,700 | $9,450 | $9,450 | $10,000 | $10,600 | $11,200 |
Single Occupancy is available on a limited number of room categories for 1.7x the published rate. Solo travelers also have the option of sharing a cabin with another traveller for no additional cost.
PLANCIUS 2024-25 CRUISES
For more information on the voyages we offer, call 1300 784 794 or email contact@antarcticatravelcentre.com.au
PLANCIUS 2025-26 DATES AND PRICES
Prices in USD$ – per person twin share (triple share in triple cabins)
Click on Cruise itinerary name below to view detailed description of your Antarctic Cruise
| Cruise Itinerary | Start Date | Ends Date | Days | Starts / Ends | Quadruple Porthole | Triple Porthole | Twin Porthole | Twin Window | Twin Deluxe | Superior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Georgia Explorer | 13-Nov-25 | 27-Nov-25 | 15 | Ushuaia | $10,900 | $12,950 | $12,950 | $13,600 | $14,750 | $15,800 |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica | 27-Nov-35 | 16-Dec-25 | 20 | Ushuaia | $14,800 | $17,600 | $17,600 | $18,400 | $20,000 | $21,400 |
| Antarctica Base Camp | 16-Dec-25 | 28-Dec-25 | 13 | Ushuaia | $10,550 | $12,950 | $12,950 | $13,500 | $14,550 | $15,600 |
| Antarctica Base Camp | 28-Dec-25 | 9-Jan-26 | 13 | Ushuaia | $10,550 | $12,950 | $12,950 | $13,500 | $14,550 | $15,600 |
| Antarctic Peninsula | 9-Jan-26 | 19-Jan-26 | 11 | Ushuaia | $9,250 | $11,400 | $11,400 | $11,850 | $12,800 | $13,750 |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica | 19-Jan-26 | 6-Feb-26 | 19 | Ushuaia | $16,600 | $20,450 | $20,450 | $21,400 | $23,100 | $24,800 |
| Antarctic Peninsula | 6-Feb-26 | 16-Feb-26 | 11 | Ushuaia | $9,250 | $11,400 | $11,400 | $11,850 | $12,800 | $13,750 |
| Antarctica – Elephant Island – Weddell Sea – Polar Circle | 9-Mar-26 | 23 Mar 0926 | 15 | Ushuaia | $11,200 | $13,700 | $13,700 | $14,300 | $15,600 | $16,650 |
| Antarctica Whale Watching | 23-Mar-26 | 1-Apr-26 | 10 | Ushuaia | $6,700 | $8,300 | $8,300 | $8,750 | $9,400 | $10,050 |
Single Occupancy is available on a limited number of room categories for 1.7x the published rate. Solo travelers also have the option of sharing a cabin with another traveller for no additional cost.
PLANCIUS 2025-26 CRUISES
For more information on the voyages we offer, call 1300 784 794 or email contact@antarcticatravelcentre.com.au
PLANCIUS ACTIVITIES
Photo Workshop
Select voyages feature a photography workshop with pro photographers who are happy to share their knowledge and expertise with you to ensure that you get some incredible shots from your unforgettable Antarctica Experience. You can enjoy your photography workshop either on board or a more practical approach, during excursions.
Complimentary on Basecamp and Discovery Antarctic Voyages:
Camping
If you’re looking for a totally unique Antarctic Experience than look no further than camping in Antarctica. Staff on board will choose when the weather and conditions are right and you will be able to camp under the Antarctic skies. Leave the ship after dinner and return to the ship before breakfast. The location for camps and the amount of camp nights offers depends on the weather location of the ship.
Complimentary on Basecamp Antarctica Voyages:
Available on other Voyages for US$225:
Snowshoeing
Requiring reasonably good shape and health, snowshoeing is a great way to explore inland from the Polar Shorelines on foot. The excursions last usually between 2 to 6 hours – keep in mind that there are no paths and that you will be travelling over fairly rugged terrain and will be taking on some hills. You will be provided with snow shoes if you choose to participate.
Complimentary on Basecamp Antarctic Voyages:
Mountaineering
Head into glaciated areas with your experienced guides as you push yourself and travel further and see more than most. In terms of physical fitness, it is important that you are up for walking four or more hours over rugged terrain and hills. As you reach more vertical climbs, you will switch out your snow shoes to shoes with crampons to make your ascent. You will also be roped together with fellow mountaineers for your protection. You will usually choose from one of four or five half or full-day mountaineering treks per cruise.
Complimentary on Basecamp Antarctic Voyages:
Kayaking
Kayaking is an amazing way to slip into the white and blue beauty of the quiet oceans around you. Come up close and personal with wildlife and icebergs as you glide through the pristine Antarctic waters. Dependent on your experience will depend on what cruise is right for you. If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you join a Basecamp Voyage where even those inexperienced can be welcomed to this wonderful experience.
Complimentary on Basecamp Antarctic Voyages:
Available on other voyages for US$560:
Polar Diving
If you are signed up to Polar Diving, the team will aim for 1 or 2 divers per day (depending on weather and ice conditions) you will dive under shallow ice, down along walls, from the beach or from a Zodiac, You will reach a depth of 20 metres. Diving under Polar Waters is like no other dive – the combination of water, sunlight and ice formations creates an ever-shifting spectacle of colours. You will need be extremely experienced with diving and have a minimum of 30 cold-water diving and dry-suit dives under your belt.
Price varies by cruise from $800 to $1,350
Plancius Cabins
The Plancius Quadruple Porthole can fit a maximum of 4 people and are equipped with one porthole. There are 2 upper and lower berths. There is a private bathroom with a hairdryer, shower and a toilet. There is a desk and chair along with ample storage for your convenience. For your entertainment, there is a Fltascreen TV, telephone and WiFi (supplemented).
This cabin is suitable for families traveling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin.
The triple porthole on board the Plancius can fit a maximum of three people, with one upper berth and two lower berths and one porthole. There is a private bathroom with a hairdryer, shower and toilet. There is a desk with a chair, a flatscreen TV, telephone and WiFi (supplemented). There is ample storage space, with this cabin suitable for families travelling with children, or passengers who do not require a twin or more luxurious cabin.
The Twin Porthole rooms on board the Plancius accommodate a maximum of 2 people in each room in two lower berths with a single porthole. There is a private bathroom with a hairdryer, shower and toilet along with a desk and chair. Ample storage space along with a Flatscreen TV, telephone and WiFi (supplemented) ensure comfort for both guests.
The Twin Window rooms on board the Plancius accommodate a maximum of 2 people in each room in two lower berths with a single window. There is a private bathroom with a hairdryer, shower and toilet along with a desk and chair. Ample storage space along with a Flatscreen TV, telephone and WiFi (supplemented) ensure comfort for both guests.
The twin deluxe on board the Plancius accommodates a maximum of 2 people with two windows and two lower berths. There is a private bathroom equipped with a hair dryer, private shower and toilet. There is a desk and chair along with a flatscreen TV, telephone and WiFi (supplemented). Ample storage space ensures the stow away of your belongings. These cabins are corner cabins and are slightly more spacious than the normal twin porthole/window cabins.
The Superior Cabins on board the Plancius are the most spacious of all of the cabins. They feature a double bed with 2 windows and can accommodate up to 2 people. There is a sofa bed along with a desk and chart, flatscreen TV, telephone & WiFi (supplemented), a refrigerator, coffee and tea maker along with ample storage space. There is a private bathroom with a hairdryer, shower and toilet.
Deck Plan
Ship Details
Restaurant/Lecture Room
Spacious Observation Lounge with large, panoramic windows
Large Open Deck Spaces
10 Mark V inflatable zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines
2 gangways on starboard side, that guarantees a swift zodiac operation
Voyage aboard the Plancius as indicated in the itinerary.
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
Luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation, in Ushuaia
Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation)
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
AECO fees and governmental taxes
Comprehensive pre-departure material
Built: 1979 – rebuilt in 2009
Registered: The Netherlands
Guests: 108 in 52 Cabins
Staff & Crew: 47
Operator: Oceanwide Expeditions
Length: 89 metres
Breadth: 14.5 metres
Draft: 5 metres
Ice Class: 1D (Plancius has a Lloyds class notation 100A1 Passenger ship, Ice Class 1D at a draught of 5 metres)
Displacement: 3211 tonnes
Propulsion: 3x Diesel-Electric
Speed: 10.5 knots average cruising speed