Santa Cruz II

Max Passengers: 90
Ship Type: Expedition Cruise Ship
Operated by: Hurtigruten

The Santa Cruz II has recently undergone a refurbishment and was exclusively designed for the Galapagos Islands. Its operation, including the crew and staff, is still being handled by Metropolitan, a company with expertise in managing Galapagos cruises. Santa Cruz II offers her guests the best of amenities and resources to be an educational delight. The Santa Cruz II replaces its legendary predecessor, the MV Santa Cruz. The new boat will offer guests unrivaled guiding while ensuring the utmost care is taken to preserve the islands’ delicate ecosystem via the latest in sustainable sailing technologies.

On Board Facilities and Amenities
• Bar & Lounge
• Restaurant
• Al fresco dining-BBQ
• Gift shop
• Fitness Room
• 24h Coffee station (free coffee, tea, and water)
• Satellite telephone
• WiFi hotspot (intermittent/ low bandwidth)
• PA system
• Snorkelling equipment
• Hair dryer
• iPod/MP3 docking station
• Safe deposit box (in cabin)
• 2 Jacuzzis
• Reading room and natural history library
• Multiple-purpose room
• Air conditioned throughout
• Wetsuit rental
• Glass bottom boat
• Kayaks

Lounges and Deck Spaces
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.

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 al fresco terrace.

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 science activities.

Beagle Restaurant - Incredible Dining Experience. 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.

Wellness and workouts
The 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.

For a nice relaxing time the two hot tubs with capacity for 5 guests each. Located on the Expedition deck are ideal.

Galapagos Wildlife
The emphasis on the undersea realm will also be reflected through the added technological appliances that the ship has acquired as improved underwater cameras to capture aquatic encounters, as well as improved spotting scopes for viewing above the water.

In order for guests to get closer and understand more about the islands' marine world, the ship now has a hydrophone for listening to the calls of dolphins and whales, as well as a ‘splashcam' video camera which will let the crew film these creatures in action underwater from the pangas. To record guests' fun in the water, the high-quality staff camera has an underwater housing - and photos of the expeditions are always shown on the last night before disembarking. On board, take advantage of the telescope as well as top notch binoculars for improved wildlife observation.

Underwater Discovery
Discover the wonders of the Galapagos Marine Reserve at your own rhythm, an experience every bit as important to the experience of the archipelago as the land visits. Exclusive to the Santa Cruz ship's crew is a Specialist Underwater Naturalist, as well as a range of swimming aids. As your guides lead you guests by the hand during swimming and snorkeling activities, everyone onboard will feel confident and safe at all times in the water and all can marvel at this marine world.

Families and the Galapagos
The Santa Cruz II is a family-friendly ship par excellence and the ship's crew has a commitment to providing the best environments and activities for families to share, explore, learn and have fun together. Shore excursions and aquatic activities are tailored for families; games, trivias and a kids’ kit are provided; as well as visits to the bridge and special children’s meals.