Skip to content
MV Plancius

Cruise Ships in The Arctic : MV Plancius

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.

Passengers116Crew47Decks4Length292mWidth48mKnots10.5Built1976Refitted2013
Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Anna

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Arctic specialists

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

  • A Polar Bear edges its way round a Walrus colony, Svalbard

    Spitsbergen highlights: 5-night cruise

    Arctic
    • Search for iconic Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walrus, reindeer, and a wealth of birdlife.

    • Explore by Zodiac, getting close to glacier fronts, icebergs, and remote shorelines.

    • Walk on Arctic tundra with expert guides who bring the region’s ecology and history to life.

    • Experience dramatic fjords and towering glaciers, among the most striking landscapes in the High Arctic.

    8 days from £7,925pp

  • Musk Oxen

    East Greenland & Scoresby Sund: 9-night cruise

    Iceland
    • Visit 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 Uunartoq, a remote island known for its geothermal activity and distinctive natural surroundings.

    13 days from £10,200pp

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

Price range

We create trips as individual as you, so you won't find any set prices on our website. Your specialist will design your journey from scratch, selecting every element around your passions and preferences. The result is a unique itinerary with a unique price. This itinerary is just an idea, and our guide pricing is an indication of how much this kind of trip might cost, depending on factors like when you travel, how far in advance you plan, where you stay, and what you choose to experience.