Plancius

The Plancius

The m/v Plancius combines a long career with the Dutch Navy with its current role as an expedition ship for Oceanwide Expeditions. Built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Navy, it was named Hr. Ms. Tydeman. It served in the Navy until June 2004, after which Oceanwide Expeditions purchased the ship. In 2009, it was completely converted into a passenger ship. The vessel is 89 metres long, 14.5 metres wide and has a draught of five metres; its displacement is 3,211 tonnes.

In a post dated 18 May 2018, Oceanwide lists Vlissingen as its home port and the Dutch flag, noting that the Plancius had flown these since its delivery in 2009. In its current fleet description, the operator also highlights the ship’s ice-strengthened hull and its original design for oceanographic voyages.

Cabins and shared spaces

Oceanwide gives the ship a capacity of 108 passengers in 50 cabins. The cabins vary in location and size: alongside four-berth and twin cabins with portholes, there are twin cabins with windows, deluxe twin cabins and larger superior cabins. According to the operator, most cabins are about 12.5 square metres; ten superior cabins are listed as approximately 21 square metres. Due to the ship’s structure, some cabins may have partially obstructed views.

The shared spaces are spread across several decks. Deck 3 has a restaurant and lecture room, while Deck 5 features an observation lounge with a bar and large windows. The open Deck 4 allows passengers to walk all the way around the outside of the ship and offers opportunities to observe the landscape and wildlife from outdoors. The Plancius thus combines indoor spaces for meals and lectures with accessible outdoor areas, which are especially important on longer expedition voyages.

Expedition operations

For shore landings and explorations from the water, Oceanwide carries ten Mark V Zodiacs and two gangways on the starboard side. The diesel-electric propulsion system reduces noise and vibration. Three diesel engines each produce 1,230 hp; the stated speed is ten to twelve knots. The fleet description lists 40 crew members, eight expedition staff and one doctor. Of the crew, 20 work in nautical roles and 20 in hotel operations. Lectures and expedition guidance complement the ship’s regular operations, making the journey more than simply a passage between ports: it is a guided programme in remote polar regions.

A Plancius voyage from Ushuaia to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, returning to Ushuaia, was scheduled for 23 November to 11 December 2026.

Shore landings and Zodiac cruises

Oceanwide describes Plancius voyages as exploratory educational programmes that aim to spend as much time ashore as possible. For most Zodiac excursions, passengers need to climb a steep gangway between the ship and the water; expedition staff assist with boarding and disembarking. Trails ashore can be rocky and slippery.