1976 (refurbished 2009)
4
50
49
12KN
89m
1
-31
Plancius is Oceanwide’s most longstanding vessel and a classic of polar exploration, built in 1976 as the Royal Dutch Navy oceanographic research ship Hr. Ms. Tydeman and completely rebuilt as a passenger expedition vessel in 2009. Ice-strengthened and carrying a Lloyd’s Register ice-class notation of 1D, it was purpose-built for science at sea, and that heritage shows in its sturdy, capable character. A diesel-electric propulsion system keeps noise and vibration low — a quiet advantage when drifting near wildlife.
Carrying just 108 guests, Plancius keeps the small-ship advantage that matters most in Antarctica, where IAATO rules cap shore landings at 100 people at a time, so the whole party can be ashore together. Ten Mark V Zodiacs and two starboard gangways make ship-to-shore operations swift and unhurried. Onboard, a restaurant and lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge with bar on deck 5 anchor the social life, while generous open decks, including a full walk-around on deck 4, invite long hours watching the scenery and wildlife. Comfortable and nicely decorated rather than luxurious, Plancius is unashamedly a base camp for active, curious travellers, with an exploratory, education-led programme that spends as much time ashore as the ice and weather allow.
Guests: 4, two upper & lower berths
Size: 12m2
Decks: 2
The ship's most sociable and economical layout, with two upper and two lower berths lit by a porthole and a private shower and toilet. A desk, safe and ample storage round out the space. A practical option for families or friends sharing on a budget
Guests: 3, 2 lower berths & 1 upper
Size: 12m2
Decks: 2
An upper and two lower berths with a porthole and a private shower and toilet. A desk, safe and ample storage round out the space.
Guests: 2, Twin
Size: 12m2
Decks: 3
A snug porthole twin, with two lower berths and a private shower and toilet. A desk and storage make efficient use of the space. Well suited to active guests who treat the cabin as a place to rest between full days among the ice and wildlife.
Guests: 2, Twin
Size: 12.5-13.5m2
Decks: 4
A comfortable twin with a window framing the coastline and two lower berths. A neat layout includes a desk, flatscreen TV and good storage, with a private shower and toilet.
Guests: 2, Twin
Size: 13.5m2
Decks: 4
A bright corner cabin with two windows that draw in extra daylight. Two lower berths, a desk and ample storage make it a comfortable, practical base. The private bathroom has a shower and toilet. A good choice for guests who value a little more space.
Guests: 2, double + sofa bed
Size: 21-23m2
Decks: 5
The most spacious accommodation aboard, two windows framing the passing sea. A refrigerator and coffee-and-tea facilities lend a homely comfort between landings, and there is generous storage for expedition gear. The private bathroom has a shower and toilet, all in the ship's understated, classic style.
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Rope up with qualified guides to cross glaciers, climb modest peaks or ski-trek across snowfields few ever reach. Routes are matched to ability and conditions, rewarding the effort with sweeping views over ice, sea and untouched polar terrain.
Paddle quiet inlets away from the ship, threading between ice floes. Guided in small groups, it offers an intimate, water-level perspective on the coastline and its wildlife, well suited to reasonably fit guests seeking time on the water.
A brief, bracing leap from the beach into polar waters — a rite of passage taken with the crew standing safely by. Exhilarating and quickly over, it is the kind of shared moment that defines an expedition and warms the retelling for years.
Sharpen your eye alongside an onboard photographer, from composing icebergs to capturing wildlife in fading light. Sessions blend practical fieldwork with deck-side guidance, helping you return home with images that do justice to what you have seen.
Aboard a sturdy inflatable, you sit just above the waterline as your guide noses among brash ice and towering bergs. It is the closest encounter with the polar world, seals hauled out nearby, a whale surfacing, the deep quiet broken only by cracking ice.
Spend a night ashore under the vast polar sky, swapping the ship's comfort for the profound stillness of the ice. With minimal equipment and a guide's careful briefing, it is a memorable immersion in the silence and scale of Antarctica.
Explore remote landscapes on foot, with guided hikes available for all ability levels—from relaxed walks to more challenging routes for experienced hikers.
Snorkel directly from a Zodiac, exploring clear polar waters, ice formations and remarkable marine life. Certified guides and all specialist equipment are provided, with no previous experience required.
Strap on snowshoes to cross terrain that would otherwise be impassable, following your guide across firm snowfields and gentle ridges. The pace is steady and the focus is on the landscape — its silence, its tracks, and the wildlife that shares it.
Speak with one of our polar destination specialists to begin planning your journey. With deep regional knowledge and a wealth of first-hand experience, our consultants will take the time to understand your travel style and guide you towards the voyage thats right for you.
You can also email us on hello@polarfrontiers.com.
+61 3 9640 0622Alternatively, fill out the form below.
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