Vessel Plancius Has Departed for Antarctica
The expedition ship has left the Netherlands to begin its upcoming season in the southern polar region.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Cruises
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The 116-passenger vessel Plancius has set sail from the Netherlands to prepare for its 2026-27 Antarctic expedition season. The ship is currently repositioning for a series of voyages that will explore the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands.
Why it matters
This departure signals the start of the seasonal shift for polar tourism operators as they relocate fleets to the Southern Hemisphere. The transit allows vessels to conduct multi-week expeditions through areas like South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
The Plancius, a ship built in 1979, carries 116 passengers. The upcoming itinerary features a 20-night expedition to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
The players
Plancius
This is an expedition vessel built in 1979 that is operated by Oceanwide Expeditions for polar travel.
Oceanwide Expeditions
This travel company specializes in polar cruises and manages a fleet of vessels for voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic.
The details
After completing a summer schedule in the Arctic, the Plancius underwent a period of resupply and maintenance in Vlissingen. Oceanwide Expeditions is also preparing the Hondius and the Ortelius to support the broader operational requirements for the 2026-27 season.
Timeline
The Plancius departed the Netherlands in late September.
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Puerto Madryn on October 24, 2026.
The Antarctic expedition period spans the 2026-27 season.
The season will conclude in early April.
Roadmap
The transit of the Plancius follows the operational patterns established by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators' seasonal guidelines. These movements reflect a broader industry focus on maximizing seasonal utility across both polar regions.
Travelers booked on the 20-night expedition should finalize their travel logistics to Argentina ahead of the ship's October 24 arrival. Guests can expect to observe wildlife, including six distinct penguin species, during their journey.
The takeaway
Travelers preparing for remote expeditions should prioritize early documentation and travel logistics to accommodate transit schedules. Polar cruises require careful planning due to the short seasonal window and specific regional regulations.
Further reading
Explore upcoming expedition itineraries on our Cruises page.
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Would you consider booking an expedition cruise to Antarctica for a future vacation?
