With the capacity for just 90 guests at a time, MS Santa Cruz 2 is one of the most intimate expedition vessels in the impressive HX Hurtigruten Expeditions fleet and a ship that promises memorable adventures for everyone onboard. Sailing to the enigmatic Galapagos Islands, you’ll have the chance to get closer than ever to these incredible destinations thanks to the smaller size of this ship – and, of course, the immersive and educational shore excursions available. From gastronomic delights in the exquisite Beagle Restaurant to refreshments in the remarkable Panorama Bar & Lounge, when you’re not ashore exploring, you can expect your voyage aboard MS Santa Cruz 2 to be both relaxing and rewarding.
Ship Stats and Features
Ship Facilities
Dining
Despite being somewhat limited due to this ship’s intimate size, the dining options aboard MS Santa Cruz II are bound to delight any guest - no matter their tastes or preferences. In the Beagle Restaurant – the only dedicated dining venue onboard – you’ll have the chance to indulge in a variety of delicious dishes – all made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients – throughout breakfast, into lunch, and for dinner. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, this is a fantastic spot to unwind with some fantastic food after a busy day of exploring some sensational destinations.
Entertainment
A smaller ship than most in the HX Hurtigruten Expeditions fleet, MS Santa Cruz II is surprisingly home to two lounge-bars – giving everyone onboard plenty of places to kick-back and relax with refreshments after an exciting day. These are:
- Expedition Lounge & Bar - this forward-facing lounge-bar is the perfect place to admire sensational sea views while socialising with friends, family, and your fellow explorers aboard MS Santa Cruz II
- Panorama Lounge & Bar - found on the upper decks, this large and well-lit space is where most of the ship’s onboard events take place and a fantastic place to relax while at sea
While onboard, you’ll also find the resident Expedition Team hosting informative lectures and interesting presentations on everything from the local cuisine to the natural history of the destinations you’re sailing to. This educational entertainment offering is done with the goal of enhancing your onshore experience and often compliment upcoming adventures perfectly.
Things to do
When it comes to things to do aboard MS Santa Cruz II, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s plenty on offer – although, with onshore experiences the focus and the smaller size of this expedition-style ship, the options available are going to be different to what you’d expect from a larger, traditional cruise ship.
On the top deck, you’ll find a well-equipped Fitness Room with a variety of modern gym machines and equipment; so, if you have a workout regime you want to stick to while at sea, you’ll find yourself with the chance to break a sweat during your voyage.
Or, if you’re after something a little more relaxing when it comes to unwinding after a busy day, you’ll find whirlpool hot tubs out on the Observation Deck – so you can soak in some stunning views while you soak your muscles.
The Expedition Lounge & Bar is also home to a small Library and a Science Corner, where you’ll find more information and science equipment supporting the lectures and presentations held by the resident Expedition Team.
Useful Information
With HX Hurtigruten Expeditions’ carbon-neutral operations, you’ll also be able to rest assured knowing MS Santa Cruz 2 is doing everything it can to ensure these remarkable environments and the waters around the archipelago are being protected for future generations.
Dress Code
Throughout the day aboard Hurtigruten’s Santa Cruz II guests can wear expedition clothing, including shorts, long trousers, walking shoes and hats. At night, shorts and sandals are acceptable, but guests are asked to avoid t-shirts and walking around the ship without shoes. There is no formal night onboard.
When you set sail on a cruise adventure with MS Santa Cruz 2, you can indulge in a myriad of amenities, activities and more that are included as standard in your base fare. From a HX water bottle to access to the onboard hot tubs and the sauna, onboard activities, soft drinks, expedition walking gear, an expeditions logbook, gratuities and more. Not only this, but HX have recently announced an exciting all inclusive offering, that not only includes the above, but the following:
- Daily expeditions led by experts in their field
- Science-led activities
- Alcoholic beverages (from 1pm each day of your cruise)
- Professional photographs
- An Expedition jacket
- Starlink Wi-Fi
*Terms and conditions apply.
Want to learn more about what it's like to sail on MS Santa Cruz 2, and how it’s different to sailing with Hurtigruten? For more information, see our blog - Hurtigruten vs HX Expeditions.
