Reviews

Dear all The trip was good and we will not forget all this impressions. The crew of the hotel was just amazing and we were heard bei theme. We had a very cold cabine and they changed us the next day. Food was excellence and the service just amazing. The landing was very over scared. Over all the crew there also was nice and supportable. There is just one thing - when we got the Creditcard invoice last week from our bank in Switzerland - we were really disappointed as you charged us 4 % from 8000 USD, that means 400 USD more as we were expecting. The travel agency in Ushuaia (where we booked) did not tell us about that surcharge. This is not ok. I would like you to check this again and would appreciate to get back these USD 400.00. Best regards Thomas Kaegi

This 19 days cruise could have been much more interesting if one of the 7 guides had been a biologist. Only 3 of them were scientists ( physics, geology, glaciology), but none was competent at ornithology. This is totally abnormal in such an expensive cruise, in a region where bird life is so important. For charity, we don't mention the presence aboard of a supposed "mammologist guide" whose level was so poor that we prefer not to comment it more...

Having previously travelled to the Antarctic Peninsula, my wife and I wanted to return to more distant parts of this gorgeous and fascinating place. The Ross Sea tour, with its abundance of natural wonders and great historical significance, had the ideal itinerary. I can say that all of our high expectations were met, and often even exceeded. With fortunate weather (especially some well-timed sea-ice breakups) and the diligent efforts of both ship and expedition crews, we had one rare and unforgettable experience after another: the rich wildlife of the Southern Ocean, the huts of the great explorers, a tour of McMurdo Station, and the otherworldly beauty of the continent, especially the shimmering blue of the ice. In our trip planning, we evaluated several tours, and the fact that the Ortelius had helicopters emerged as a compelling argument in its favor. This proved out, especially with a landing in the Taylor Dry Valley, an awe-inspiring experience that is otherwise almost impossible. We can't say enough about the crews. They were genuinely committed to providing the best experience. We immediately came look upon them as friends, colleagues, and mentors.

My trip to Antarctica on the Plancius 2016/17 was the most wonderful trip of my life. I love the Plancius, have also been to Spitsbergen on her. It is an excellent ship, homey yet graceful, the crew and the meals really first class. I fell in love with all the male crew.. especially the younger ones and our wonderful leader Andrew Bishop, but everyone of the crew was so friendly and the lectures were very interesting.. And also the passengers looked after me with with a pat on the back when I managed something difficult, like camping or kajaking or trudging through the snow. And the Chinese were also so nice: every one would ask me: Where you come from? Vienna, Austria. What your name? Luise. You all alone? Yes I came all alone. How old are you? So I will tell you now: On March2, 2017 I will be 80. And thank you all for my birthday present of Antartica.

Words are not adequate. Astounding scenery - surprising colourful Falklands, historic South Georgia with so many penguins, majestic islands, fascinating and colourful icebergs, sea ice and bergy bits - how many shades of blue are there?. So fortunate with the weather calm seas, wonderful sunsets. Wildlife fascinating. For wellbeing everyone should meet a penguin a day! Saw so much - king penguins, magalllenic, rockhopper, Gentoo, chinstrap and adelie. Fur seals with pups, elephant seals - massive bulls and friendly pups. Albatross - close up to black browed on their nests, wandering, sooty backed, light mantled sooty headed - all majestic. Soaring petrels. Close up encounters whilst in the zodiacs with feeding humpback whales. Ship's captain and crew, hotel staff and guides all professional and friendly. Learned so much and will never forget the experience. Buenos Aires and Uschuaia good experiences too.

Great trip,great sea sick hahahah great weather.staff very very kind loved every minute of it just the drake passage was a little bit rought on the way to antartica but perfect on return with the pacth of doctor Hans we would love having a longer kayak ride,,,,would love kayaking before dinner since the sun was still high in the sky

I have returned from this trip hungry to read all about the early Polar explorers thanks to two riveting talks by Henryk. I am looking to go to the Antarctic too as I have been wowed and inspired by the sights, sounds and total beauty of this wild and beautiful landscape. The Captain was masterful in his handling of the ship close to rocks, walls, glaciers ,ice flows wildlife and rough seas. The crew were brilliant from the laundry ladies to the Chef (delicious food) and all in-between. The ship was clean and comfortable. The Team looking after us was lead by the most able and good-looking Andrew Bishop - a man of many talents and a great big Aussie smile. Everyone was interesting, helpful, professional and endlessly willing to talk about anything at any time. My final comment has to be for Gerard - the most beautiful man with THE most beautiful French accent when speaking in English! I would run away with him!!!!!

What a great trip! Warm people, fantastic ship, beautiful animals, great weather, wonderful nature, very friendly crew/staff .... This was a very special experience. Plenty of time to do whatever you want, take marvellous pictures, well experienced staff and vegan menus on demand. I loved the zodiac trips, landings, guides and there was a wedding as well! I enjoyed it very much from beginning to end and if the opportunity arises I will definitely join the MV Plancius again! Thanks to all!

The past 20 years I have experienced the prevelage of being guest on board for 20 times or more. Both the arctic and Antarctic regions not only are the most impresive regions of this planet, but they also offer me the best occasions to learn about living at this planet. During this years I have been able to ad thousands of new images to the image bank of the Int. World Wide Fund for Nature. If I could embar tomorow, I would not hessitate to do again. wim van passel