Santa Cruz II is a compact, refined platform for Galápagos exploration. Launched in 2002 and refreshed in 2021, this 2,664-ton vessel measures 72 meters in length with a 13-meter beam, and accommodates up to 90 guests across five decks and 48 well-appointed cabins, delivering an intimate yet sophisticated cruising experience. The ship’s elegant restaurant, multiple outdoor decks, and a dedicated Science Centre invite you to savor meals, mingle with fellow travelers, and deepen your knowledge of the archipelago. Its layout is designed to be enjoyed from start to finish, pairing relaxed onboard ambience with close-up wildlife encounters ashore. Onboard activities are integrated into your expedition with daily excursions and activities led by experts, enriching presentations in the Science Centre, and ample opportunities to observe wildlife from deck or during guided excursions. For practicality, the ship uses US 2-pin 110V electrical plugs (adapters are not provided), while Hurtigruten Expeditions packages include meals, gratuities, drinks, and comprehensive daily programming, ensuring you experience the Galápagos in an immersive, unforgettable way.
Ship Specifications
Expedition Launch Pad
The Expedition Launch Pad can be found on Deck 1.
Shore Excursions
We offer a rich and varied programme of included and optional shore excursions run by third-party providers in many areas we sail to. In many ports, we offer an included excursion, which can be reserved for no additional charge. In some cases, the included excursion can be combined with other optional excursions in the port. Most excursions can be pre-booked, but may also be bookable onboard if capacity remains.
We advise that you book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment due to the excursion being fully booked. Please note that registration is binding, and once on board the Expedition Team will advise you of booking deadlines for excursions still available. Our excursions have English-speaking guides unless otherwise indicated and other languages cannot be guaranteed unless specified. Excursions are subject to change and possible cancellation due to weather conditions. They are also dependent on the number of participants.
In addition, the Expedition Team also arrange a variety of activities during the cruise. These will depend on location and season but may include hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. These activities are booked on board and subject to availability.
Specifically for guests onboard Santa Cruz II - We offer every day, in addition to the core activity (generally, nature walks, a variety of activity options approved by the national park: Snorkeling, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Coastal explorations (aboard our inflatable dinghies, otherwise known as pangas), Glass-bottom boat rides, Biking (on Santa Cruz Island only).
Beagle Restaurant
The MS Santa Cruz II has a team of trained staff members that utilize locally-sourced organic food to prepare every dish. This ship provides a Le Cordon Bleu (a trained Gastronomy Director) and a wide variety of culinary experiences that encompass all diets and preferences. Each and every meal served onboard is exquisite.
Sky Deck
The Sky deck offers spaces where guests can relax and enjoy their Galápagos expeditions basking in the sun at the very top of the ship. The sun deck and fitness room are located here.
Outdoor Terrace
The Outdoor Terrace is located on Deck Three.
Panorama Bar & Lounge
This large and well-lit area is not only the main bar, but also the place where most ship events will take place (welcome and farewell cocktail), and doubles as an ideal place for lectures. It’s the ideal site to chill and relax with Wi-Fi hot spot and direct access to our al fresco terrace.
Reception
Located at the main intersection on the ship, the reception is the place where you will find the central bulletin board with daily program and other valuable information on the expedition experience.
Discovery Room
The Discovery Room is located on Deck Three.
Expedition Lounge & Bar with Science Corner and Library
Facing the front of the ship, the Expedition Lounge – complete with a refreshment station and library – is a fantastic place to admire the beauty of the Galápagos’ Islands from inside. The Science Corner includes a glass cabinet, a microscope and a whale vertebrae clone, a perfect learning zone about our science activities.
Panorama Deck
Located on Deck 5
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is located on Deck Two.
Deck 5
Facilities on this deck:
- Observation Deck
- Fitness Room
Deck 4
Facilities on this deck:
- Observation Deck
- Panorama Lounge & Bar
- Cabins
Deck 3
Facilities on this deck:
- Hot Tubs
- Observation Deck
- Science Corner
- Discovery Room
- Expedition Lounge & Bar
- Library
- Cabins
Deck 2
Facilities on this deck:
- Reception
- Medical Centre
- Shop
- Cabins
Deck 1
Facilities on this deck:
- Beagle Restaurant
- Expedition Launch
Darwin Suite
Add some indulgence to your voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz II and reserve one of our Darwin Suites. With two large windows, you’ll enjoy superb views in premium comfort. These spacious suites feature double beds that can be divided into two single beds on request at the time of booking, as well as a sofa bed suitable for a child under the age of 12. If more space is needed, these rooms can be interconnected with an Explorer cabin. All have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, a safe, and USA two-pin plug sockets. There’s a daily turn-down service, and you’ll also get a welcome gift in the form of a Galápagos wildlife book. Two large windows
- Double bed (optional twin)
- Sofa bed, suitable for a child under 12 years of age
- Bathrobes and slippers on request
- Guests: up to 3 | Size: 30.3 m2
- Cabin code: DS
Explorer Family Cabin, Horizon Deck
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring. They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets.
- Large windows
- Double bed (optional twin)
- Sofa bed, suitable for a child under 12 years of age
- Guests: up to 3 | Size: 17.2 m2
- Cabin Code: FH
Explorer Cabin, Expedition Deck
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring. They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets.
- Large window
- Double bed (optional twin)
- Guests: 2 | Size: 15.2 m2
- Cabin Code: EE
Explorer Cabin, Horizon Deck
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring. They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets.
- Large window
- Double bed (optional twin)
- Guests: 2 | Size: 14-15 m2
- Cabin Code: EH
Explorer Cabin, Panorama Lounge
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring. They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets.
- Large window
- Double bed (optional twin)
- Bathrobes and slippers, available on request.
- Guests: 2 | Size: 15.2 m2
- Cabin Code: EP
Fitness Room
Our fitness centre is equipped with yoga mats, set of weights, 2 treadmills, 2 stationary bikes, and an elliptical trainer for those guests who do not want to let their routine slide.
Hot Tubs
For a nice relaxing time our two hot tubs with capacity for 5 guests each. Located on the Expedition deck are ideal.
