Plancius, originally named Hr. Ms. Tydeman, was initially constructed in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy. However, in June 2004, this remarkable ship found a new purpose when it was acquired by Oceanwide Expeditions.

Under its Dutch flag, Plancius underwent a complete rebuild and transformation, ensuring compliance with the latest SOLAS regulations. It was officially classed by Lloyd's Register in London. The name "Plancius" pays tribute to the Plancius Foundation (1981-1996), the predecessor of Oceanwide Expeditions, which was the pioneering cruise operator offering yearly voyages to Spitsbergen with a small cruise vessel named Plancius.

Plancius is designed to provide a comfortable and tastefully decorated environment, catering to explorers rather than luxury seekers. It exudes a spacious yet cozy small-ship character, combining comfort, modern technology, and style. Serving as a base camp for active, adventure-seeking, and wildlife-minded modern explorers, the vessel accommodates up to 108 passengers in 50 cabins, each equipped with private facilities, including a toilet, sink, and shower.

The cabin options include quadruple porthole cabins, twin porthole cabins, twin cabins with windows, twin deluxe cabins, and superior cabins, all thoughtfully designed to offer approximately 15 m2 (161 sq. ft) of space, except for the superior cabins, which provide around 21 m2 (226 sq. ft). Most cabins feature lower berths (either two single beds or one queen-size bed), while the quadruple cabins offer bunk beds.

Onboard amenities include a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge on deck 5, complete with a bar and large windows that provide panoramic views of the stunning surroundings. Plancius also boasts extensive open deck spaces on deck 4, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

For exploration and excursions, Plancius is equipped with 10 Mark V inflatable Zodiacs, each outfitted with 40 HP 4-stroke outboard engines. There are two gangways on the starboard side to facilitate swift Zodiac operations.

The ship is operated by a dedicated and skilled crew, including 20 nautical crew members, 20 hotel staff, 8 expedition staff (comprising 1 expedition leader and 7 guides/lecturers), and 1 doctor, ensuring passengers' safety, comfort, and well-being throughout the voyage.

Plancius serves as the 'basecamp' for Oceanwide Expeditions' educational travel program in the polar regions, with a strong emphasis on spending ample time ashore. Special interest activities such as kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, field camping, ski trekking, polar diving, and Zodiac cruising may be available on selected voyages, providing enriching experiences for passengers. It's advisable to check the specific offerings for your voyage.

Additionally, Plancius offers dive trips to the Antarctic Peninsula, enabling divers to witness penguins, sea lions, and even leopard seals underwater. These dives are shallow, typically around 20 meters (60 feet), and can involve both Zodiac and shore diving. The experienced dive team leader and guides ensure a safe and memorable diving experience. Divers should have prior experience in cold water and dry-suit diving and are required to bring their gear (with tanks and weights provided onboard) as conditions may change due to local ice and weather factors. Diving alongside remarkable ice floes is a truly unforgettable experience to cherish forever.