M/V Plancius

Originally an oceanographic research vessel for the Dutch Navy, the M/V Plancius has been thoroughly refitted to offer 54 comfortable cabins, all with en suite facilities.

The nature of its cruises into the Antarctic regions will very much be focussed on exploration and education, spending as much time ashore as possible. There is a restaurant/lecture room and spacious observation lounge (with bar and library) which has picture windows that provide unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife and, when the weather is kind, there are large open deck spaces, with full walk-around on one of the decks. A highly experienced expedition team comprising an expedition leader and five lecture guides are also on board to help you make the most of your time.

Various itineraries, all starting from Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego, are on offer which range from the classic 11-day Antarctic Peninsula cruise to 19-day itineraries that include the Falklands and South Georgia. One thing for sure is that you will encounter dramatic scenery and incredible wildlife such as whales, penguins, seabirds and seals on your Antarctic voyage.

There are 53 cabins (all ensuite), some of which have portholes and some windows. Four cabins are quadruple, three are triple and the remaining 46 cabins (standard - c. 15 sq m, and superior - c. 21 sq m) are mostly twin with some double superior cabins.

The Plancius offers a lecture-cum-dining room, a bar and observation lounge with library, and the open deck spaces offer excellent viewing opportunities of the wildlife.

All excursions are included. Depending on the voyage, you may spend several days aboard the ship, followed by a series of landings, each several hours long. On some voyages you land two or three times every day. During your time in the high latitudes, you will have almost continuous daylight, which means that excursions may be scheduled before breakfast, after dinner, or even in the middle of the ‘night'. Often the light for photography is best at these times.

Antarctic weather is a lesson in extremes. Antarctica is the world’s coldest, windiest and driest continent. During the summer months the winds abate considerably and the weather is surprisingly comfortable, averaging between 20 and 50F. Summertime also means 18-24 hours of sunlight which allows life to flourish for a brief summer period. Long days also allow extensive exploration by small ship cruise to Antarctica. Antarctic weather allows for a short season of cruising from November to March each year.