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MS Santa Cruz II

MS Santa Cruz II

HX Expeditions
  • Guests: 90
  • Crew: Staff
  • Tonnage: 2664
  • Length: 72
  • Beam: 13
  • Cruise Speed: 10
  • Launch Year 2002
  • Refit Year 2021

When you are exploring the Galápagos islands with us onboard the MS Santa Cruz II, you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in high quality surroundings. The small size - with a guest capacity of maximum of 90 allows for a cozy yet classy environment. You'll easily feel at home on board.

With carbon-neutral operations, MS Santa Cruz II is environmentally-sustainable and socially conscious with the local community.

This sleek, spacious ship has a layout that allows you to enjoy your cruise from start to finish. Enjoy delicious food in the elegant restaurant, increase your knowledge of the Galápagos Islands with your fellow travellers in the Science Center or maybe mingle out on the multiple decks.

While exploring the Galápagos, you'll have the ability to actively engage in activities and encounters. After a day in Darwin's footsteps, you will enjoy coming home to a casual atmosphere with the best service there is. MS Santa Cruz II's amenities easily appeal to all world explorers.

Welcome aboard

An HX Expeditions trip includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks* and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.

restaurantRestaurants

varies
Beagle Restaurant
Complimentary

local_hotelAccommodation

DS | 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

FH | Explorer family cabin
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

EE | Explorer cabin

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

EH | Explorer cabin

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

EP | Explorer cabin

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

accessibility_newHealth and Fitness Facilities

Whenever you feel the need to get your body moving, exercise facilities are on hand to get your pulse up. And whether you’re relaxing after a day of fascinating lectures, or a long hike, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to relax your body and mind.

Fitness Room

Our fitness center 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.

theatersEntertainment

Your ship gives you everything you could wish for in a home away from home: places for stimulation, relaxation, and meetings with your fellow guests. With a Scandinavian-inspired décor and all modern conveniences, MS Santa Cruz II does it in comfort and style.

Entertainment
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.

Entertainment
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. 

Entertainment
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.

Entertainment
Panorama Deck

Located on Deck 5

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop is located on Deck Two.

infoUseful Information

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What to pack

The Galápagos offers a plethora of adventures as you experience the rich nature and unique wildlife of these idyllic islands. Regardless of what time of year you visit, a pair of sturdy walking shoes is recommended for the hikes as trails vary in difficulty, but most are of volcanic nature.

For those travelling in the warm season (January - May), we recommend focusing on shorts and loosely-fitting tops. This time of year is also the wettest, so be sure to pack a light rain jacket or poncho. If you are visiting during the cooler months (June - December), we suggest packing a light jumper or windbreaker for those chilly nights onboard.

We also recommend packing the following:

  • Insect repellent
  • Polarised sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Sandals or shoes you don‘t mind getting wet
  • Wide-brimmed sun hat with a chin strap
  • Swimsuit for the hot tubs
  • A pair of casual shoes for onboard use
  • Waterproof small back pack or bag
  • Rain Jacket
  • Prescription Snorkeling Masks

Don't forget you will also receive a complimentary reusable waterproof bottle, which is yours to keep at the end of the voyage.

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Getting to the Galápagos Islands

It may seem like getting to these remote islands is an expedition in itself however, many carriers fly to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil.

Within the cost of your voyage, we include return flights in economy class between key gateways, and entirely dependent upon the expedition you choose. Be sure to check the 'What's Included' section of the voyage to see which applies to you, flights include:

  • from/to Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra and the Galápagos Islands.
  • from/to Lima - Cusco (Peru) for those with the Machu Picchu combination.

Please Note: The checked baggage allowance is up to 23kg, and a cabin bag of up to 8 kg. These limits can vary between long-haul and the included short-haul flights run by LATAM, to/from Lima (for the Machu Picchu programme) and Quito/Guayaquil (for Galápagos Islands). Additional luggage can only be booked as a paid service at the check-in counter.

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Families & the Galápagos Islands

With their unique wildlife and captivating natural beauty, these islands offer a memorable experience for all of the family. Exploring these islands provides numerous educational opportunities for children, from learning about evolution and diverse ecosystems to close encounters with the local stars such as the Galápagos giant tortoises and playful sea lions.

Our Family-friendly cruises and guided tours ensure safety and comfort, while activities like snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife spotting create cherished moments for families to bond and appreciate the wonders of nature together.

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Smoking Policy

Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, not in cabins or private balconies. Smoking while the ship is refuelling is prohibited.

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Wi-Fi
Guests will receive limited complimentary Wi-fi access. Additional Wi-Fi is available for purchase.
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Children
The minimum age for travel to Antarctica and Galápagos is 5 years and the participation of children under the age of 12 years in small-boat landings during expedition cruises is at the discretion of the captain.
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Dietary Requirements
Guests who require special diets or have food allergies can contact the Restaurant Manager in the restaurants during opening hours.
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Travel HX App

Everything you need to know about your cruise, including your bookings, daily programme, restaurants and services on board and essential information about available excursions is at hand at any time.

What have I booked?

Take a look at My bookings to explore the excursions you have booked and prepare for your adventure accordingly with practical tips.

What's happening today?

The daily programme helps you to know what’s happening on board. It shows you all the on-board events, meals, optional excursions/activities, and important announcements so that you can relax and enjoy the expedition.

What’s available on board?

You can find all the services and facilities available on board in one place: exciting excursions and information about the state-of-the-art vessel.

Speak to a Travel Expert

We believe booking online is no substitute for one-on-one service. Between them our expert travel consultants have travelled to over 99% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.

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Monday to Friday: 8am - 8pm (UK) : 9am-7pm (ROI)
Saturday & Bank Holidays: 9am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm

For individual opening times please check your local travel centre

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