Among the smaller vessels in the expedition fleet, the MV Plancius can carry just 116 passengers in simple but comfortable style. The ship is run by a Dutch company and there’s a definite European feel on board. The Plancius offers a great variety of routes: it can take you toward Kvitøya in the Arctic.
Passengers116 | Crew47 | Decks4 | Length958ft | Width157.5ft | Knots10.5 | Built1976 | Refitted2013 |
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The MV Plancius joined the expedition fleet in 2009 after a complete refurbishment. A former Dutch Royal Navy boat, she’s fully ice strengthened and adapted to ride the seas in the Arctic. Each cabin has exterior views and en suite facilities, with a range from shared four berths to spacious superiors. The Plancius is also equipped with the latest safety systems, including its communication and navigation equipment, and the most modern fire and flood prevention systems. With both bow and stern thrusters, the ship can move safely in and out of the most interesting places. The ship also operates ‘basecamp’ trips, where you can trek, snowshoe, climb, kayak, camp or dive.
Cabins
The cabins on the Plancius are relatively simple and range from four-berth shared options to superiors. But, each and every cabin is en suite and they all have exterior views. While they’re perfectly comfortable, the cabins are primarily designed as a place to lay your head, but on deck is the best place to be.
Dining
- Buffet breakfast and lunch served in the main restaurant
- À la carte dinner in the main restaurant
- Bar serving all-day snacks, tea and coffee
Routes
- Northern Svalbard and circumnavigation of Svalbard
- Expeditions to Kvitøya, Svalbard
- Svalbard and Northeast Greenland
- Scoresbysund and the Northern Lights
Suggested itineraries
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North Spitsbergen: 7-night cruise
Norway and ArcticSpend time on deck looking out for the elusive polar bear, huge walrus and surfacing whales.
Look for Arctic foxes on the prowl at the bottom of impressive cliff nesting colonies.
Walk through the barren landscape and learn the fascinating history of the whalers and trappers who once sheltered here.
Marvel at icebergs carved into hypnotic shapes by the wind and water.
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Spitsbergen & northeast Greenland: 12-night cruise
Norway, Iceland and ArcticVisit the spectacular Scoresby Sund, rich in Arctic wildlife from musk oxen to little auks.
Possible northern lights sightings when you travel toward the end of the year.
Whales, including the possibility of narwhals.
Visit ancient Inuit sites.
Deck Plans
Activities
- Daily landings
- Zodiac cruising
- Trekking
- Kayaking
- Camping
- Wildlife viewing
- On-board lectures
- Photography trips
- Snowshoeing
- Diving
- Mountaineering
Facilities
- Observation deck
- Open bridge
- Internet access (where possible)
- Medical clinic
- Library
- Audio-visual facilities for lectures
- Laundry
- Complimentary boot hire
- Mud room