The newest expedition ship sailing the enchanted islands, the 90-guest Santa Cruz II includes first-class amenities, daily naturalist-led hikes, panga rides, snorkeling and a glass-bottom zodiac. The vessel’s 50 cabins (many of them interconnected) and ample space on five decks make the Santa Cruz II a great option as a family friendly Galapagos cruise.
The modern cabins include single, double and family cabins, as well as three exclusive Darwin Suites for those desiring something more lavish. When not exploring the islands’ treasures, guests can kick back in the elegantly designed communal spaces or viewing platforms. These include indoor and outdoor dining, a lounge bar, complete library, two sumptuous hot tubs overlooking the ocean and a gym. Although, we are not sure if you will require more exercise after all the excursions you will be taken to. It is thus also a great ship for private departures. It is the perfect Galapagos cruise for private charter. Whatever the occasion, we will make sure you will be well-appointed and appropriately supported. Fortunately, the infrastructure allows that.
Moreover, the crew team also backs-up your journey. They are highly organized with the objective of keeping all passengers on board engaged and enjoying the archipelago to the fullest. The ship may be recently refurbished, but its team is among the most experienced!
Sumptuous Ecuadorian and international cuisine will be prepared under the watchful eye of the Santa Cruz II’s Cordon-Bleu trained chef. Freshly caught fish and seafood and locally grown organic fruit and vegetables will feature heavily on menus served in either in the Beagle Dining Room or outside in the fresh air of the Panorama Deck, where guests can admire the marvelous views and marine breezes that the archipelago offers. Guests may also help themselves to free coffee, tea, chocolates and water at the 24-hour coffee station.
A cruise aboard the Santa Cruz II is as active as you want it to be, with several levels of excursions offered each day. The Santa Cruz II takes guests on two 5-day cruises and one 6-day cruise itineraries in the northern, eastern and western side, which can be combined in various ways to create extended 9-, 10- or 15-day cruises. Each marine and land expedition will be accompanied by seven exceptionally knowledgeable guides plus an Expedition Leader in charge of making the most of each day’s outings.
Activities can be tailored to each guest’s personal interests and range from daily land expeditions to a host of aquatic activities free of charge, including ocean kayaking, snorkeling with sea lions and glass bottom zodiac expeditions – all of the options permitted by the National Park. At the end of the day, guides reveal the brilliant equatorial night skies to delighted guests, where it is possible to see constellations from both the northern and southern hemispheres. Just before stargazing at Galapagos, remember stopping-by the coffee station to grab some hot chocolate.
The Santa Cruz II is a well-prepared ship convenient for any type of traveler. You may find it perfect for your honeymoon trip to the Galapagos, a fun and joyful holiday with your children, or for those who find themselves with weak sea legs – large vessels help some passengers feel fewer sways.
“We loved the time at the lodge in Cuyabeno. It was so genuine and natural there and the crew was so knowledgable and helpful. Thank you so much for the recommendation of the real Amazonia-experience.”
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“The trip to the Galapagos was really fantastic! Although it was quite short, the trip itinerary made time for us to do quite a lot of things. Everything went very smoothly, too.”