PLANCIUS

The historic MV Plancius was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel and in 2009 was completely rebuilt as a polar explorer ship. The ship accommodates 108 passengers, across 50 cabins and boasts large open deck spaces, a fleet of Mark V zodiacs and a team of expert expedition staff to accompany each voyage.

There is comfortable furnishing and decor throughout and the spacious observation lounge on Deck 5 acts as the hub of the ship, from which you can enjoy views of the polar regions. The restaurant on Deck 3 offers a comprehensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Oceanwide's voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. Plancius is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably.

Polar Specialist Ben Rowley says; "For an older ship, Plancius is very smooth and quiet thanks to its hybrid diesel-electric engines. It’s also very low to the water and walking down the decks on either side of the ship you almost feel you can reach out and touch whales, penguins etc in the water alongside you. Heading inside, the ship's simple and no-fuss interior is a comfortable place to spend two or three weeks exploring."