Perfect for any expedition

The m/v Plancius accommodates 108 passengers with private toilet and shower in 4 quadruple porthole cabins, 9 twin porthole cabins, 25 twin cabins with window and 2 twin deluxe cabins, all (ca. 12,5 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters). All cabins offer lower berths (one queen-size bed in the superior cabins and two single beds in the twin cabins), except for the 4 quadruple cabins (for 4 persons in 2x upper and lower beds).

Plancius: a vessel with comfort and character

Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge.The vessel offers a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows, offering full panorama view. The m/v Plancius has large open deck spaces (with full walk-around possibilities on deck 4), giving excellent opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. She is furthermore equipped with 10 Mark V zodiacs, including 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines and 2 gangways on the starboard side, guaranteeing a swift zodiac operation. The m/v Plancius is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxury vessel. Our voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel programme, spending as much time ashore as possible. Plancius fully meets our demands to achieve this. The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system which reduces the noise and vibration of the vessel considerably. The 3 diesel engines generate 1.230 horse-power each, giving the vessel a speed of 10 - 12 knots. The vessel is ice-strengthened and was specially built for oceanographic voyages. The m/v Plancius is manned by an international crew of 40 (20 nautical crew and 20 hotel crew), 8 expedition staff (1 expedition leader, 1 assistant expedition leader and 6 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor.

Age and Nationality

Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s - with a majority usually from 45 - 65. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travellers from around the world. They are characterised by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience. Many departures have several nationalities on board.

Dress code

In keeping with our expeditions atmosphere, dress on board is informal. Bring casual and comfortable clothing for all activities. Keep in mind that much of the spectacular scenery can be appreciated from deck, which can be slippery. Bring sturdy shoes with no-slip soles and make sure the parka is never far away in case of the call "Whales!" comes over the loudspeaker and you have to dash outside. Wear layers since it is comfortably warm aboard the ship - and often cold on deck.

Currency & payment

Refreshments from the bar and souvenirs will be charged to your cabin. The day before departure you can settle your bill with the Hotel Manager and pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or cash (Euro or Dollar). We do not accept cheques of any kind. The prices and standard currency on board our vessels is the Euro. Other currencies may be accepted at the discretion of the hotel manager at prevailing rates.

Electric current

The electrical supply aboard the ship is 220v, 60Hz. Electrical outlets are standard European with two thick round pins. You may need a 220v/110v converter.

Gratuities

The customary gratuity to the ship's service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage which is divided among the crew. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. As a generally accepted guideline, we suggest 10 - 15 Euro or USD per person per day. It is better for the crew, if you can give them cash.

Non-smoking policy

On board our vessels we have a non-smoking policy. It is prohibited to smoke inside the ship. You can smoke in the designated smoking areas. Please respect the wishes of non-smokers.

Your physical condition

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. To join most excursions, you must be able to get up and down the steep gangway from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. You are travelling in remote areas without access to sophisticated medical facilities, so you must not join this expedition if you have a life-threatening condition, or need daily medical treatment.

Why embark on an Oceanwide adventure? Because we're more than just a voyage; we're a gateway to the untamed heart of nature. With three decades of polar expedition under our belt, Oceanwide stands tall as a beacon of expertise and dedication to polar exploration. Our guiding principles lead the way as we navigate the Earth's most remote and breathtaking landscapes, inviting you on a journey where rugged beauty meets unparalleled expedition.

We bring guests closer to the heart of nature, to the polar wildlife, embracing the spirit of adventure for which the Arctic and Antarctica are known.

Our expeditions are designed to immerse you in the unparalleled beauty of the polar landscape. Get ready to witness breathtaking vistas, encounter majestic wildlife, and experience the raw power of nature like never before.

At Oceanwide Expeditions, our goal is maximizing your time on shore.

That is why our fleet consists of smaller vessels that give us an opportunity to land and explore. With minimal time spent onboard and maximum time exploring the polar terrain, every moment of your adventure is filled with awe-inspiring discoveries.

Kayaking, mountaineering, scuba diving, and so much more!

From thrilling Zodiac cruises to exhilarating hikes, our carefully curated activities ensure that you experience the polar environment in all its glory. Whether you're kayaking through icy waters or trekking across snow-covered landscapes, prepare to be fully immersed in the wonders of the poles.

At Oceanwide Expeditions, we are committed to offering the highest quality trips at the best value for money. With us, you'll enjoy a truly priceless polar experience without breaking the bank.

Our vessels are specifically designed to offer the 360 eye-level experience allowing you to walk around the ship and enjoy panoramic views of the polar landscapes from every angle.  Our custom built vessels with highest ice class are designed for navigation deep into the pack  ice.

Discover the Arctic and Antarctica from every perspective. Whether you're gazing across icy horizons from the deck, discovering by foot, soaring high in a helicopter, or diving beneath the surface, our programs ensure you don't miss a single moment.

Get ready to capture stunning moments and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Leave your worries behind as you step onboard our vessels. With a casual and welcoming atmosphere, you'll feel right at home among fellow adventurers who share your passion for exploration.

We aim to not only give you a warm welcome, but make sure your life on board will be as pleasant as possible by cooking fresh homemade delicious food and providing an exceptional service.

We value flexibility both on board and in the office.

We own the ships we operate: a thoroughly outfitted fleet of ice-strengthened vessels. Our small-scale vessels are able to go many places larger ships cannot, allowing our crew and staff on board to respond to each weather and wildlife opportunity as it occurs.

All departments at home are always eager to find a solution to any requests, making it possible for everyone to enjoy their trip, no matter the circumstances.

For over three decades, we've been cultivating our expertise, expanding our fleet, and handpicking top-tier experts to ensure unparalleled service and unforgettable experiences.

Oceanwide Expeditions pioneered the way to Spitsbergen, being the first company to organize commercial trips to the archipelago. By inventing Basecamp in Antarctica, we introduced activity-filled cruises to the White continent. We were the first offering the Atlantic Odyssey cruise to the remotest islands, crossing the migratory paths of a variety of birds and whales, as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season. Travel with Oceanwide Expeditions, let’s be the first together.

We are the pioneers of ship based, dynamic, innovative expeditions that optimize your polar experience. Our belief is that real explorers should always be innovative. We design our trips with innovation in mind and push the boundaries of existing itineraries to create unexplored new expeditions.

Our second-to-none expedition staff are the ones who deliver the highest quality experiences, backed by their unparalleled expertise and commitment to innovation. They continuously strive to enhance your polar adventure, ensuring each journey is filled with unforgettable moments of discovery and wonder.

How we PRESERVE the precious polar environment

We are all guests in the polar regions, which means we must do everything we can to leave these incredible areas as untouched by our passage as possible. Here are some ways we do this.

Promoting polar awareness

In 1983 the Arctic Centre of Groningen University in the Netherlands launched a research program to Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. 

Updating our vessels

Foremost among our sustainability goals is actively reducing the impact and emission of our vessels, investing in new technology and continuously improving our existing resources.

Waste reduction & removal

We limit onboard waste production by recycling as often as we can as well as banning single-use plastics on any of our vessels. 

Supporting local, staying green

Buying our products locally whenever possible is our way of reducing transportation impact while also supporting local communities.

Protecting the wildlife

One of the chief reasons for visiting the polar regions is the exotic animals. And because it is such a privilege to watch undisturbed wildlife in its natural habitat, we dutifully and passionately adhere to all AECO and IAATO wildlife guidelines, avoiding any disturbance to these enchanting creatures. 

Assisting scientists

Science is a central part of Oceanwide’s culture and history, starting with our roots in the Plancius Foundation. But it is also vital to our growing understanding of the polar environment.

Providing a positive polar experience

We have an unwavering belief in the long-term benefit of polar education and advocacy, and we feel there is no better way to accomplish this than through positive first-hand experience.

Our ultimate goal, then, is to create and contribute to an expedition industry that protects the polar regions as much as it reveals their transformative beauty to the world, because while these areas are too good not to share, they are also too precious not to protect.

Oceanwide is one of the longest-running expedition cruise companies in the world, and one of the reasons for our success is our guides.

Chosen from a variety of backgrounds, our guides will be the people leading you over land, ice, and water during your voyage. But they are also skilled lecturers with expertise in a variety of disciplines, such as biology, history, ornithology, geology, and glaciology, among others.

Many of our guides also come from field-based professions, such as mountaineers, boat handlers and field guides in the polar regions as well as working at Antarctic research stations. We have many loyal guides who work for us in varying capacities, and we always consider the environmental impact when scheduling staff.

As Oceanwide has grown over the years, we have invested in several training resources for our guides. We are a recognized training center by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Qualsafe Awards, and we are also active corporate members of the Polar Tourism Guides Association (PTGA).

Our training team consists of Oceanwide staff who are actively working as guides and have a wealth of experience in their disciplines. Many also have search and rescue/emergency experience and have worked in extreme environments. All of our training is certified by external bodies.

Oceanwide Development Program

This concept was originally started in 2018 and has now become an established part of our development process. It is aimed at potential staff who have a strong education and background in the field as well as basic boat handling and firearm qualifications.

The program is held in Vlissingen and introduces candidates to the company. Over 10 days, participants are taught first aid, Zodiac piloting, kayak rescue techniques, VHF radio (and licensing), basic navigation on land and water, group management, and presentation/hosting skills.

This gives candidates an introduction to what we do and how we do it. It also allows us and the candidates to ensure we are a good fit.

Wales training

As the majority of our guides are busy during the northern and southern summers, there is a limited amount of time to train. We therefore run an annual training course in Wales for staff who commit to working a minimum number of voyages with us.

This course involves firearms training, navigational and hill skills, and first aid. Beginning in 2024, it will also include boat and kayak training on the Menai Straits, which will allow us to practice in a variety of conditions using our dedicated training boat (ex-RNLI D-class lifeboat).

Staff pre-season and continued training

Prior to the Arctic season, expedition leaders gather at our home office in Vlissingen for an update on the past Antarctic and upcoming Arctic seasons. Their training is run in partnership with the local maritime training center and live-fire indoor range using video technology.

The initial voyages begin in Vlissingen, and all staff scheduled for them are provided with training identical to the expedition leaders. We support our staff financially through PTGA recognition and offer them the chance to become part of our training team once senior guide status is achieved.

We prioritize onboard training as operations allow and have PTGA assessors on our vessels. To recognize staff that commit to Oceanwide, we began offering full-time contracts in 2023. For these guides, additional training and support opportunities are available.

Training Team

• Adam Turner (CXO, Head of Expedition Operations): Ex-police officer formerly with the British Antarctic Survey, volunteer lifeboat crewman, teaches Zodiac driving and first aid.
• Adam Burke (expedition leader): Former outdoor education instructor and member of British Antarctic Survey, teaches Zodiac driving, navigation, and guide safety skills.
• Pippa Low (expedition leader): Ex-commercial skipper and powerboat instructor, teaches Zodiac driving and guiding skills, volunteer lifeboat crew member.
• George Kennedy (assistant expedition leader): Licensed paramedic and medical student, teaches first aid.
• Adam Harmer (technical advisor for kayaking): Full-time kayak and mountaineering instructor, member of mountain rescue team.

PTGA Assessors

• Claudio Ghiglione
• Chloé Maréchal
• Paolo Bellezze