Exclusive South Georgia
« All MV Plancius cruise options
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||
| Quadruple Porthole | Triple Porthole | Twin with Porthole | Twin with Window | Twin Deluxe | Superior | |
- Please note: There will be an additional fuel surcharge of US $25 per passenger per night on Antarctic voyages for the 2012-13 season.
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Single occupancy: All cabins 1.7 times the share price
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Plancius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Deposit & Payment - Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Single occupancy: All cabins 1.7 times the share price
- Due to the extreme nature of itinerary destinations, travel insurance is mandatory for all cruises aboard the Plancius - including medical, accident and repatriation/evacuation insurance.
Day 1 Embark in Montevideo, Uruguay
In the afternoon, embark in Montevideo. Set sail to South Georgia.
Days 2-5 At Sea
At sea, across the Southern Atlantic Ocean, in the wester lies the ship is followed by several species of albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels. On your way to South Georgia, cross the Antarctic Convergence. Entering Antarctic waters, the temperature will drop as much as 10 degrees C in the time span of only a few hours. Near the Convergence you will see a multitude of southern seabirds near the ship; several species of Albatrosses, Shearwaters, Petrels, Prions and Skuas.
Days 6-14 Sailing around and skiing across South Georgia
An exciting expedition with two adventure options: the normal sea voyage for “sea explorers” (with zodiac excursions hiking options) and a land expedition for “ski explorers”! The sea explorers will circumnavigate the Island in 9 days, while at the same time the ski explorers will attempt to traverse the Island on a self supplied ski trek from the South coast (King Haakon Bay) to the North coast (Stromness Bay) in 4 to 5 days.
Ski trek across South Georgia: a group of up to 12 ski explorers and 2-3 mountain guides will attempt to traverse on an unsupported and self supplied trek across the island with skis (or snowshoes) hauling pulkas (sledges). The skiers will cover a total distance of 40 – 50 km retracing sections of the historic Shackleton route, which he covered in 36 hours. On arrival day at King Haakon Bay, the expedition members will spend a night close to the shore preparing for the crossing. The expedition will then embark on their trek across alpine passes and glaciers aiming for reunion with the ship at Stromness Bay. After both expeditions have rejoined, all passengers will then continue to enjoy the latter part of the South Georgia cruise itinerary.
Sea voyage around South Georgia: The sea explorers who remain on board will wave the skiers “bye-bye” at Pegotty Bluff, the historic camp site. It was from where on the 19th May 1916 that Shackleton, Crean and Worsley set off across the Island to Stromness in a marathon trek of 36 hours. The same day, Plancius will stop over at Cape Rosa, and intend to make a landing. Shackleton’s James Caird landed at Cape Rosa after an epic 16 days voyage from Elephant Island. Truly a historic day!
During the night at sea pass Cape Disappointment (discovered by James Cook in 1775) and the expedition will reach the South East corner of South Georgia. Drygalski Fjord is a great scenic place for zodiac cruising, hope to land at Cooper Bay. During the next few days the expedition will explore the beaches of Gold Harbour, Royal and St. Andrews Bay. The sites that you visit give you a good opportunity to see a wide spectrum of landscapes and wildlife, like like King and Macaroni Penguins, Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Elephant Seals and the introduced reindeer.
With zodiacs explore more closely the glacier front of Nordernskjöld glacier and the shorelines of Maiviken and Cumberland West Bay.
There will be opportunities for walkers in the group to hike at Godthul, Maiviken, Gold Harbour and Stromness. All hiking excursions are subject to weather and landing site availability. Hikes will be guided and vary in length with approx 2 – 4 hours, 5 – 10 km.
At Stromness Bay, the abandoned whaling village, the walkers amongst the sea explorers might want to follow a shorter section of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s final leg of his epic hike. The path will take you to “Shackleton Waterfall”, total distance 5 km, 2 hours walking. The terrain is boggy and some small rivers might have to be crossed (sandals and walking poles very useful!).
In Stromness, the ship will most likely re-unite with the ski explorers. With all passengers onboard the ship will then set sail to Fortuna Bay to anchor for the night. The beaches are inhabited by King Penguins and seals. You might even see reindeer! At Grytvikenyou will also see an abandoned whaling village, where King Penguins now walk in the streets and seals have taken over the buildings. At Grytviken you’ll also visit the Whaling History Museum as well as to Shackleton’s grave near by. One of the final highlights might be your visit to Prion Island, where you will witness the breeding efforts of the huge Wandering Albatross and enjoy watching their displays. At Salisbury Plain, the second largest King Penguin colony at South Georgia, you will also see elephant seals. The voyage around South Georgia ends at the bay of Elsehul, with its very active fur seal breeding beach. From there you take course to Ushuaia, South America.
Days 15-17 Sailing towards Ushuaia
On your way to Ushuaia you again are followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Southern Atlantic.
Day 18 Disembark in Ushuaia
Arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark.
Itinerary Notes
Fares include:* Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.
* All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
* Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.
* Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
* All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.
* Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
* All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program.
* Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Not included:
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; transfers to the vessel; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
If world fuel prices will reach or exceed USD $90/Barrel 90 days prior to departure, the MV Plancius reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge of USD25 per passenger per night.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 25% cruise cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx, cards subject to a credit card fee.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 70 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 90 days or more | 25% cruise cost |
| 89-60 Days | 55% cruise cost |
| 59-0 Days | 100% cruise cost |
MV Plancius
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 112
M/V “Plancius” started her life in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named “Hr. Ms. Tydeman”. In June 2004, the vessel was taken out of active service for rebuilding.
The vessel was completely rebuilt in 2009 as a 112-passenger polar expedition ship, complying with the latest SOLAS-regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea), is classed by Lloyd’s Register in London and will fly the Dutch flag.
The vessel is comfortable and nicely decorated, but is not a luxurious vessel. Our cruises in the Arctic and Antarctic regions are primarily defined by an exploratory educational travel program, spending as much time ashore as possible. This vessel fully meets our demands to achieve this.
M/V “Plancius” can accommodate 112 passengers in 54 passenger cabins with private toilet and shower in 4 Quadruple private cabins , 40 twin private cabins (ca. 15 square meters) and 10 twin superior cabins (ca. 21 square meters).
The vessel is manned by 30 international crew members (inc. 10 stewardesses/cabin cleaners), 6 hotel staff (4 chefs, 1 purser and 1 steward-barman), 6 expedition staff (1 expedition leader and 5 guides-lecturers) and 1 doctor.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Quadruple Porthole 4 cabins with private facilities, 2 bunk beds. (ca. 15 m2) |
 | Triple Porthole 2 cabins with private facilities, 1 bunk bed and 1 lower berth. (ca. 15 m2) |
 | Twin with Porthole 9 twin private cabins with porthole. Two Lower berths. (ca. 15 m2) |
 | Twin with Window 26 twin private cabins with window. Two Lower berths (ca. 15 m2) |
 | Twin Deluxe 2 twin private deluxe cabins. Lower berths (either two single beds or one queen-size bed(ca. 15 m2) |
 | Superior 10 twin superior cabins. Lower berths (either two single beds or one queen-size bed (ca. 21 m2) |
