MS Santa Cruz II
Fodor’s Expert Review
Ship Overview
Ba...os Islands
Bal...os Islands
Originally built in 2002, the MS Santa Cruz II underwent a multi-million-dollar upgrade of the entire ship in 2021, including all public areas, cabins and suites, ahead of its 2022 inaugural cruise offerings to The Galapagos Islands. The Santa Cruz II is virtually a brand-new ship with a light and modern Nordic design.Read More
With only 50 cabins and suites, the upgrade includes new mattresses and beddings in all cabins, a fresh blue and white Nordic color palette, and the addition of a new science center common area. The dining menu was also reimagined, featuring vegan, local Ecuadorian fare and more vegetarian options at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The ship also has a renovated library, bar and lounge areas, barbecue and al fresco dining, sun decks, a fitness center, public laundry facilities and two hot tubs.
The new Science Corner compliments Hurtigruten Expeditions’ Science Program, which allows guests to dive deeper into the wonders of the Galapagos Islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises to Galapagos are also carbon neutral. With every Galapagos expedition cruise, guests will contribute directly to the protection of biodiverse forests in northwestern Ecuador, named a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2018.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
What to expect on board
Staterooms & Cabins
The MS Santa Cruz’s 50 cabins and suites range from the roomy and elegant Darwin Suites to cozy Explorer Cabins and even family-friendly spaces. The Explorer Cabins on the Expedition and Horizon Decks are cozy blue and white-hued 49-foot spaces that offer a large panorama window for plenty of natural light and views to the night sky, two twin beds and large dressers. Each has a small bathroom with shower facilities. There are three Explorer cabins on the Panorama Deck, 17 on the Expedition Deck and 23 on the Horizon Deck.
The three Darwin Suites are the largest available rooms with 98.5 feet of space. The Darwin suites on the Panorama deck feature double picture windows with the option of twin or double beds. The rooms also have a sitting couch and additional seating, and if more space is desired, these suites can be utilized alongside a connecting Explorer cabin. These suites also include a spacious dresser and bathrooms with deluxe amenities.
The two Explorer Family cabins come equipped with twin beds and a sofa bed (ideal for children under 12). The Voyager Single Cabins are suited for the solo traveler. This single twin-bed room has plenty of space for storage and luggage and also has a large picture window for gazing out at the stunning landscapes.
There are no accessible cabins aboard this ship.
Food & Drink
The dining area of the ship is spacious and large, offering table service as opposed to a buffet. With plenty of tables to accommodate groups and four-tops, the dining area resembles a high-end restaurant.
The dining service offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with both vegetarian/vegan and traditional offerings. Diners can opt for daily special Ecuadorian dishes like empanadas, ceviche and the famed Ecuadorian Locro de papa (Ecuadorian
potato and cheese soup) or select from a variety of classic American fare like hamburgers and barbecue plates. Because most of the food is brought on board at the start of the cruise, guests are required to submit their next meal choices at each meal to help facilitate planning.
The Santa Cruz II’s Panorama Bar & Lounge on the Panorama Deck of the hip has a fully-stocked bar that offers a daily drink special and appetizers every day, though beer and wine are always free and unlimited. The space is roomy and well-lit, connecting to an outdoor al fresco terrace where guests can enjoy the balmy breezes and watch the islands go by. The Panorama Lounge is also where most of the ship-wide events, like the welcome reception and the daily science lectures, take place, but it’s also a nice area to relax or socialize with other guests.
Entertainment
Entertainment on the MS Santa Cruz II focuses more on scientific lectures and talks as opposed to shows or traditional entertainment. The library and Science Corner are well-stocked with books and some games, and an entertainment nook near the concierge’s desk offers movies, board games and other family-friendly choices. Fortunately, the daily outdoor excursions more than make up for any entertainment shortcomings on board.
Spa & Fitness
The fitness center has two treadmills, two stationary bikes, an elliptical trainer, yoga mats and weight set. There is no cost to use the fitness center, but the ship does not offer group classes or trainers.
The Santa Cruz II also offers two small hot tubs on the Expedition Deck. As these can only accommodate five people at once, it’s essential to reserve a time slot in advance.
Key cruising tips
Health & Safety
2022 Hurtigruten Expedition Cruises require all guests (including children under the age of 18) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a WHO-approved vaccine.
In addition to COVID protocols, all guests must adhere to safety measures on the ship, which include keeping track of their assigned life jacket and noting via a moveable magnet on a community board every time they exit or return to the ship.
The Santa Cruz II does have a medical professional on board, and travel insurance is required.
Dress Code
Because the Santa Cruz II is a smaller, expedition-style ship, the dress code is more casual and geared for comfort and exploration as opposed to glamour. Some guests do dress up for dinner, but jeans and a nice shirt work just as well. Hiking shoes and water shoes are highly recommended for off-ship excursions, as are sunglasses, hats, long-sleeve light shirts and a light jacket for the evenings.
Junior Cruisers
Hurtigruten Expeditions’ “Pirates Aboard” program gives guests ages 6-12 an opportunity to engage with educational activities that delve deep into the surrounding wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. All young pirates are handed a draw-string bag on arrival containing an array of materials that include an Activity Book with coloring and drawing pages, games and educational texts. The book was designed by illustrators in conjunction with the expedition teams. Young Pirates also receive coloring pencils to go along with the books.
Service
The small staff of the Santa Cruz II is friendly and eager to help. The bartenders are especially good at recognizing who drinks what and most often will have a drink already pouring for you as you walk into the door.
The concierge desk is centrally located for other needs like medication, questions or help with scheduling.
The dining room staff is friendly, quick and efficient. They adapt easily to added or changed choices and are eager to refill drinks or help with dietary restrictions.
Tipping
Santa Cruz II follows Hurtigruten’s non-tipping policy. Guests are, however, of course allowed to tip if they wish, but it is not expected.