Part of the
Hurtigruten Group
MS Santa Cruz II

MS Santa Cruz II

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.

MS Santa Cruz II Ship walkthrough

Highlights

About the ship

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

Ship features

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 travelers 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 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.

All-inclusive | Click here to learn more

Gastronomic delights

Mouthwatering meals and creative cocktails await you aboard MS Santa Cruz II. With creativity and dedication, our cheerful staff draw inspiration from everything from the weather to the region’s flavours and local ingredients.

Beagle Gastro Restaurant, MS Santa Cruz II

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.

Panorama Bar Lounge, Santa Cruz II

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.

Guests relaxing on the Sky Deck onboard MS Santa Cruz II. Credit Ashton Ray Hansen.

Luxury living

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.

Explorer Cabin (EE) onboard MS Santa Cruz II. Credit Clara Tuma.

Interior and Cabins

Onboard the ship, there are fifty cruise cabins that provide ample space for each and every guest. Each cabin has a private bathroom. There are options available for single travelers, couples, groups and families.

Science Corner, Santa Cruz II

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.

Sky Deck, MS Santa Cruz II

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.

Guests dining in the Beagle Restaurant onboard MS Santa Cruz II. Credit: Metropolitan Touring

Wellness and workouts

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.

Gym Fitness Room, MS Santa Cruz II

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 Tub, MS Santa Cruz II

Hot Tub

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

Cabins and Suites

Darwin Suites

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.   

DS | Darwin Suite

  • 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

  • Double bed | Optional Twin
  • Large Windows

Decks

Explore our decks

  • Plan of the Ocean Deck onboard MS Santa Cruz II, an HX Hurtigruten Expedition ship.
  • 1
    Plan of the Horizon Deck onboard MS Santa Cruz II, an HX Hurtigruten Expedition ship.
  • 2
    Plan of the Expedition Deck onboard MS Santa Cruz II, an HX Hurtigruten Expedition ship.
  • 3
    Plan of the Panorama Deck onboard MS Santa Cruz II, an HX Hurtigruten Expedition ship.
  • 4
    Plan of the Sky Deck onboard MS Santa Cruz II, an HX Hurtigruten Expedition ship.

Specifications

MS Santa Cruz II

  • Year built - 2002
  • Capacity - 90
  • Year of refurbishment - 2021
  • Ship yard - ASENAV Shipyard (CHL)
  • Gross tonnage - 2664 T
  • Speed - 10,5 knots
  • Length - 235.6 ft
  • Beam - 44 ft

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Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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