
Customer review from Liveaboard.com
“Everything was great!!!!!!!!!! Lemaire channel with barbecue, kayakking between the ice floes and the many cute penguins. ”
Recommended for: The nature was breathtaking, the crew and catering was excellent and the atmosphere was relaxed and cozy.
Customer Review By Magdalena M, from: Netherlands scored the Plancius 8.8 out of 10; Review courtesy of Liveaboard.com, for all 3 reviews and information click here: Plancius .
Is The Plancius Right For You?
Quick Facts about the Plancius
(or equivalent)
✓ The Plancius Is Best For:
- ✓Advanced & experienced divers (Minimum 30 logged dives required)
- ✓Social divers who enjoy meeting new people
- ✓Divers seeking multi-day immersive experiences
✗ The Plancius Is Not Ideal For:
- ✗Complete beginners (Advanced Open Water Diver required)
- ✗Divers with limited experience
- ✗Those on a tight budget (premium pricing)
- ✗Divers without their own equipment (no rental onboard)
- ✗Those who prefer day trips or shore-based diving
The Plancius Is Perfect If You Want...
- •Extreme cold-water diving experiences
- •Encounters with leopard seals and penguins
- •Ice diving beneath frozen surfaces
- •Once-in-a-lifetime polar expedition diving
- •Challenging dive sites for experienced divers
The Plancius Liveaboard scores 4/10 on the boat features SDE Liveaboard Rating
When I reviewed the Plancius liveaboard it scored 4/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Boat Features, as it has 4 of the 10 key boat features (see below).
The Plancius liveaboard has audio and video entertainment in the lounge for you to relax and enjoy music, films and other entertainment between dives or in the evenings.
In addition, it has WIFI internet onboard as a paid extra, which means you can stay up to date with your emails and social media whilst on your dive trip.
Below is the full list of 10 key boat features for the Plancius liveaboard. This liveaboard includes 4 of the 10 key features.
- ✓
- ✕
- ✓
- ✕
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✕
Smart Voyager accreditation
- ✕
- ✓
- ✓
Boat FAQs for the Plancius Liveaboard
Does the Plancius Liveaboard have WiFi internet?
Does the Plancius Liveaboard have an air conditioned saloon?
Does the Plancius Liveaboard have an indoor saloon?
Does the Plancius Liveaboard have a sun deck or leisure deck?
Does the Plancius Liveaboard have an observation deck?
What onboard entertainment is available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is there a boutique or souvenir shop on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is the Plancius Liveaboard family friendly?
Is the Plancius Liveaboard available for private charter?
What type of crew works on the Plancius Liveaboard?
What is the crew to guest ratio on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Does the Plancius Liveaboard have Smart Voyager accreditation?
Boat information:
- You will need to bring your own beach and deck towels for your trip on the Plancius liveaboard, as they are not provided onboard. Click Beach Towels or Deck Towels to find liveaboards that offer these onboard.
- The Plancius liveaboard offers hotel and airport transfers, which incurs an additional cost on top of your liveaboard trip.
- The Plancius liveaboard also includes port fees in the cost of the liveaboard.
- The Plancius liveaboard has optional additional charges on top of the cost of the trip, these additional optional charges include gratuities.
- The Plancius liveaboard is not listed as a family friendly cruise and does not show dedicated family cabins in the features either. If you’d prefer a liveaboard that is better set up for families, click Family Friendly Cruises to see family oriented trips, or Liveaboards With Family Cabins to find boats that just offer cabins designed for families.
- The Plancius liveaboard is not currently available for private charter, as this trip is usually sold by the cabin rather than as a full-boat charter, so it works best for individual divers, couples, and small groups booking separate cabins; if you need a liveaboard you can reserve exclusively for your group, click liveaboards available for private charter to find boats that are available for private charter.
- The Plancius liveaboard is not specifically listed as a budget-friendly option, and is better suited to divers who are happy to pay more for upgraded comfort, premium facilities, and a higher overall experience while exploring Antarctica’s dive sites; if your priority is keeping costs down, you can check current discounts using discounted liveaboards, or click Budget Friendly Liveaboards to compare this vessel with other liveaboards that are marketed as more budget-friendly.
Video Highlights for the Plancius
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The Plancius Liveaboard scores 6/10 on the cabin features SDE Liveaboard Rating
When I reviewed the Plancius Liveaboard it scored 6/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Cabin Features, as it has 6 of the 10 key cabin features (see below).
The Plancius Liveaboard includes air-conditioned cabins, which keeps your cabin cool and comfortable if you want to relax in your cabin between dives, and whilst you sleep at night. In addition, it includes additional cabin luxuries such as complimentary toiletries and daily housekeeping, which means you can pack lighter and enjoy a more relaxed trip.
What’s more, it has en-suite bathrooms, which adds hotel-style convenience to your diving trip. You’ll also find it includes seaview cabins so you wake up to an ocean view.
Below is the full list of 10 key cabin features for the Plancius Liveaboard. This liveaboard includes 6 of the 10 key features.
- ✓
- ✓
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- ✓
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Cabin FAQs for the Plancius Liveaboard
Do cabins on the Plancius Liveaboard have en-suite bathrooms?
Is there air-conditioning in the cabins on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are there family cabins on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are there balcony or sea-view cabins on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is there a hair dryer in the cabins on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Do cabins on the Plancius Liveaboard have a safe box?
Is there a TV in the cabins on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are the cabins non-smoking on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are towels and toiletries provided on the Plancius Liveaboard?
How many guests and cabins does the Plancius Liveaboard have?
Cabin information:
- The Plancius Liveaboard provides cabin towels, which are included in the cost of your liveaboard trip.
- The Plancius Liveaboard includes a laundry service, which is an extra charge on top of the cost of your liveaboard trip.
- The Plancius Liveaboard does not offer a pressing service. If you would like this service onboard, click Pressing service to find liveaboards that provide it.
- The Plancius Liveaboard provides complimentary toiletries, which are included in the cost of your liveaboard trip.
- The Plancius Liveaboard does not show dedicated family cabins and is not tagged as a family friendly cruise in the cabin features. If you are travelling with children, you may find a better fit by choosing from Liveaboards With Family Cabins for boats that offer family sized cabins, or Family Friendly Cruises for trips that are set up more clearly for families. You can still review the cabin layouts for this boat in the cabin types section below.
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The Plancius Liveaboard includes the following cabin types:
- 10 Double cabins with ensuite bathrooms
- 4 Quad cabins with ensuite bathrooms
- 2 Triple cabins with ensuite bathrooms
- 34 Twin cabins with ensuite bathrooms
The Plancius Liveaboard scores 1/10 on the diving features SDE Liveaboard Rating
When I reviewed the Plancius Liveaboard it scored 1/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Diving Features, as it has 3 of 10 key diving features (see below).
The Plancius Liveaboard offers scuba diving courses onboard, so you can update or advance your diver certification whilst you are on your liveaboard trip. In addition, Nitrox is available onboard as a paid extra, so you can choose to dive with nitrox on the dives that matter most. The Enriched Air Nitrox is normally EAN32 or 32% oxygen.
Below is the full list of 10 key diving features for the Plancius Liveaboard. This liveaboard includes 3 of the 10 key features.
Diving FAQs for the Plancius Liveaboard
Does the Plancius Liveaboard have nitrox onboard?
Is the Plancius Liveaboard custom built for diving?
What level of experience is required and what diver certification is required for the Plancius Liveaboard?
How many logged dives do you need for the Plancius Liveaboard?
Can I get certified on board the Plancius Liveaboard?
Does the Plancius Liveaboard have a camera area and camera rinse?
Are there facilities for photographers onboard the Plancius Liveaboard?
Do I need DIN or yoke on the Plancius Liveaboard, and are adaptors available?
How are water entries and exits handled on the Plancius Liveaboard? Are tenders used?
What rental gear is available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are scuba courses available onboard the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is a nitrox course available onboard the Plancius Liveaboard?
What itineraries does the Plancius Liveaboard run?
What sea creatures can you see on the Plancius Liveaboard
These marine creatures are commonly associated with the dive sites dived from the Plancius Liveaboard. Where we have a page for the creature it will be underlined, so you can click to read more.
Dive information:
- Diver certification level required: Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Number of logged dives required: Minimum 30 logged dives
- Itinerary options on the Plancius liveaboard are currently: 15 Days/14 Nights, 10 Days/9 Nights
- The diving package to include all the dives on the itinerary of your choice is an extra charge on top of the cost of the liveaboard trip.
- The Plancius liveaboard offers scuba diving courses, and in particular a nitrox course, which are an optional extra charge. Click Scuba diving courses or Nitrox course to find other liveaboards that offer scuba courses onboard.
- If you would like to do extra dives on the Plancius liveaboard, you will have to pay an extra charge for these.
Tip: click any of the linked items above to find other dive liveaboards with the same option.
List of Antarctica dive sites visited by the Plancius Liveaboard
This is the list of Antarctica dive sites you will dive from the Plancius Liveaboard. Click any underlined site to read more.
Antarctic
- Antarctic Peninsular
The Plancius Liveaboard scores 5/10 on the food features SDE Liveaboard Rating
When I reviewed the Plancius liveaboard it scored 5/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating For Food Features, as it has 5 of the 10 total key food and dining features (see below).
The Plancius Liveaboard offers options for specific dietary requirements and you can add these in special requests on step two of the booking form. But you are requested to limit these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies. It also includes vegan choices on the menu. In addition, it has the benefit of fully inclusive meals, which includes breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
Below is the full list of 10 key food features for the Plancius liveaboard. This liveaboard includes 5 of the 10 key features.
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Beach BBQ
- ✓
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Fine cuisine
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Local food
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✓
Snacks all day (Free)
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✓
Western food
Dining FAQs for the Plancius Liveaboard
What meal plan does the Plancius Liveaboard offer?
Are dietary requirements accommodated on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are vegetarian and vegan options available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is al fresco dining available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Does the Plancius Liveaboard include a beach BBQ?
What dining style is used on the Plancius Liveaboard?
What cuisine is served on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are snacks provided on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Dining and food information:
- Meals are served buffet style on the Plancius liveaboard.
- Set menu dinners are listed, which can feel more structured at meal times.
The Plancius Liveaboard scores 9/10 on the drinks & refreshments SDE Liveaboard Rating
BelowWhen I reviewed the Plancius Liveaboard it scored 9/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating For Drinks and Refreshment Features, as it has 9 of the 10 total key drink and refreshment features (see below). In addition, this liveaboard includes drinking water, tea & coffee, and welcome cocktails in the trip price.
Below is the full list of 10 key drinks & refreshments features for the Plancius Liveaboard. This liveaboard includes 9 of the 10 key features.
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✓
Alcoholic beverages (Paid extra)
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✓
Bar
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Beer available
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Drinking water (Free)
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Fine wines selection (enhanced wine offering)
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Free wine w/dinner
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Soft drinks (Paid extra)
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✓
Tea & coffee (Free)
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✓
Welcome cocktails
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✓
Wine available
Drinks & Refreshments FAQs for the Plancius Liveaboard
Which drinks are included on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is there a bar onboard the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is alcohol available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are soft drinks included on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are tea and coffee included on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is drinking water included on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is wine with dinner included on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are welcome cocktails offered on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Can I bring my own alcohol on the Plancius Liveaboard?
How do I pay for drinks onboard the Plancius Liveaboard?
Included in the price of your liveaboard trip:
- Drinking water
- Tea & coffee
- Welcome cocktails
The Plancius Liveaboard scores 5/10 on the non-diver companion SDE Liveaboard Rating
When I reviewed the Plancius liveaboard it scored 5/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Non-Diver Companion Rating, as it has 5 of the 10 total key non-diver companion features (see below).
The Plancius liveaboard is suitable for non-divers, with activities such as kayaks and snorkelling. These keep everyone involved between dives and make the trip enjoyable for partners or friends who prefer to stay above the surface. In addition, Kayaks are available onboard the Plancius liveaboard, a simple way to stretch out between dives, explore sheltered bays, and enjoy light exercise while spotting wildlife from the surface. What’s more, Snorkel gear is available on the Plancius liveaboard, perfect for relaxed reef time between dives and for non-divers to join in the water.
A naturalist guide is included on the Plancius liveaboard, enriching reef and island visits with wildlife insights. You’ll also find there is a small library on the Plancius liveaboard with fish ID books and light reading and you will often find titles left by previous guests too.
Below is the full list of 10 key non-diver companion features for the Plancius liveaboard. This liveaboard includes 5 of the 10 key features.
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Glass bottom boat
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Jacuzzi / hot tub
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✓
Library
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✓
Naturalist guide (Free)
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✓
Snorkel gear (Paid extra)
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Wellness facilities
Non-Dive Companion FAQs for the Plancius Liveaboard
Are kayaks available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are stand up paddleboards available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is snorkel gear provided on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is there a jacuzzi or hot tub on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is the Plancius Liveaboard suitable for non-divers?
Is there a naturalist guide or naturalist itinerary on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is there a library on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is yoga offered on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are wellness services available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are jet skis available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is water skiing available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is wakeboarding available on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is fishing offered on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is there a glass bottom boat on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Are land excursions included on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Included in the price of the liveaboard trip:
- Land excursions
- Naturalist guide
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Underwater Photographer Features for the Plancius Liveaboard
When I reviewed the Plancius liveaboard it scored 1/5 on the SDE Underwater Photographer Rating, as it has 1 of the 5 key photographer facilities (see below).
The Plancius liveaboard offers WiFi internet onboard as a paid extra, so you can still back up key images and stay connected between dives if you need to.
Below is the full list of 5 key underwater photographer features for the Plancius liveaboard. This liveaboard includes 1 of the 5 key features.
Underwater photographer FAQs for the Plancius Liveaboard
Is there a dedicated camera room on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Does the Plancius Liveaboard have a dedicated camera table or workstation?
Are there charging stations for cameras and batteries on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is there a separate rinse tank for underwater cameras on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Does the Plancius Liveaboard have WiFi for backing up and sharing photos?
Is the Plancius Liveaboard a good choice for serious underwater photographers?
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Technical Diving Features for the Plancius Liveaboard
When I reviewed the Plancius liveaboard it scored 0/3 on the SDE Tech Diving Rating, as it has 0 of the 3 key technical diving features (see below).
This liveaboard does not offer technical diving options. If you are looking for a liveaboard that supports technical diving, see the section below and click one of the features to view liveaboards that offers support for techincal divers.
Below is the full list of 3 key tech diving features for the Plancius liveaboard. This liveaboard includes 0 of the 3 key features.
Tech diving FAQs for the Plancius Liveaboard
Is sidemount diving supported on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is technical diving supported on the Plancius Liveaboard?
Is rebreather diving supported on the Plancius Liveaboard?
All Antarctica's Discounted Liveaboard Deals & Last Minute Discounts
Plancius Included in the Price
When you book the Plancius dive liveaboard, your cruise price includes key items for an amazing dive safari in Antarctica. All your meals are included, so you can focus on diving.
These inclusions provide excellent value and a hassle-free cruise experience. Below is everything included in your Plancius liveaboard fare.
A review of the list of features 'included' in the price of the Plancius liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature included in the price, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Included Cabin towels
- Included Complimentary toiletries
- Included Drinking water
- Included Full-board meal plan (All meals)
- Included Land excursions
- Included Naturalist guide
- Included Port fees
- Included Snacks
- Included Tea & coffee
- Included VAT
- Included Welcome cocktails
Show features not included in the price
The other features that are not included on the Plancius liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with this feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Not included Accommodation
- Not included Airport transfers
- Not included Nitrox
- Not included Snorkel equipment
- Not included Soft drinks
- Not included Beer
- Not included Wine with dinner
- Not included Dive guide
- Not included Diving equipment
Plancius Optional Paid Extras
Enhance your Plancius charter with these optional upgrades available for an additional cost. Nitrox helps extend your bottom time at the sites around Antarctica.
These extras let you tailor the trip to your preferences. See the list below.
A review of the list of 'optional extras' charged on top of the price for the Plancius liveaboard. Click a feature to find liveaboards including this in the price:
- Included Airport transfer
- Included Alcoholic beverages
- Included Diving package
- Included Extra dives
- Included Gratuities
- Included Hotel transfer
- Included Laundry service
- Included Nitrox
- Included Nitrox course
- Included Rental gear
- Included Scuba diving courses
- Included Snorkel Gear
- Included Soft drinks
- Included Travel insurance
- Included WiFi Internet
Plancius Required Paid Extras
Please note some essential costs are not included in the base price of the Plancius dive cruise and must be paid additionally.
Budget for these mandatory costs when planning your liveaboard trip. See the list below.
A review of the list of 'required extras' not included in the price for the Plancius liveaboard. Click a feature to find liveaboards where this is covered in the price (when applicable):
- Included None
Plancius Vessel Details
- Length: 89.0m (292.0ft)
- Beam: 145.0m (475.7ft)
- Max guests: 108
- Cabins: 53
- Bathrooms: 58
Plancius Boat Navigation and Safety
Navigation and safety aboard the Plancius Liveaboard are built around dependable positioning and rapid response.
A review of the full list of navigation and safety features for the Plancius Liveaboard. Plancius Liveaboard scores 58% on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for navigation & safety, which means it has 10 out of 17 navigation & safety features (see below for the features that are missing from this liveaboard).
- Included Crew Trained in First Aid
- Included Depth Sounder
- Included Emergency Rafts
- Included First Aid Kits
- Included GPS
- Included Life Vests
- Included Oxygen
- Included Radar
- Included Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
- Included Satellite & Mobile Phones
Show features not found
The plancius boat navigation and safety that are not found on the Plancius Liveaboard:
- Not included Bilge Pump Alarm
- Not included E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
- Not included Emergency Flares
- Not included Engine room CCTV
- Not included Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
- Not included Fishfinder
- Not included Search light