MV Santa Cruz II Galapagos

The 2002-built MV Santa Cruz 2 is an expedition cruise yacht acquired by Metropolitan Touring (from Cruceros Australis) in 2014. Formerly named “Mare Australis,” she was renamed “Santa Cruz II” following a 2015 drydock refurbishment.

Since 2022, the vessel has been under full-time charter to HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions).

The ship (IMO 9265677) is currently Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735059355) and registered in Guayaquil. Prior to the HX Expeditions charter, she sailed under the Chilean flag (MMSI 725010200).

Santa Cruz II’s Galapagos itinerary program offers Galapagos Islands voyages departing from the homeport Baltra Island (Ecuador).

Metropolitan Touring’s Galapagos cruise packages include airfare for domestic flights between Quito and Baltra.

In June 2021, Hurtigruten Expeditions signed a charter agreement with Metropolitan Touring for the luxury yacht Santa Cruz II, which underwent an extensive renovation the same year. Her first voyage for Hurtigruten was scheduled to depart on January 5, 2022. The 8-night/9-day program includes hotel stays in Quito (two nights, pre- and post-cruise) and 6 nights at sea.

The 2021 drydock project included a full refurbishment of all staterooms and public areas, including the Explorer Lounge & Library, Panorama Bar & Lounge, and the Beagle Restaurant (Dining Room). A new “Science Area” (“Discovery Room” on Expedition Deck/deck 2) was added for Hurtigruten’s enrichment program, led by a dedicated expedition team.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The vessel has 5 decks (all accessible to passengers, with accommodations on 3 decks) and a total of 50 staterooms, including single, double, and triple cabins, plus 3 Darwin Suites.

Dining venues include the Beagle Restaurant (main dining room with open seating) and the Panorama Bar & Lounge, which also offers alfresco dining on the adjacent Outdoor Terrace.

Other onboard amenities include the Expedition Lounge & Library, Fitness Room, Solarium/Sun Deck, Panorama Veranda, Expedition Veranda, Discovery Room, two Jacuzzis (spa whirlpools), a Boutique, a 24-hour coffee station, a WiFi hotspot, a forward-viewing platform (in front of the Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse), and a kids’ play area.

Ocean Deck (deck 0)

• The Beagle Restaurant (Dining Room) serves all meals except during outdoor BBQ nights or alfresco dining events on the Panorama Veranda. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, while dinner is a four-course, waiter-served meal.

Horizon Deck (deck 1)

• The Lobby houses the Reception Desk, providing 24-hour guest services.
• The Gift Shop is a premium boutique offering logo apparel, jackets, wood carvings, and travel essentials.
• The Infirmary (Medical Facility/Hospital) is staffed by a resident doctor.

Expedition Deck (deck 2)

• The fore-located Expedition Lounge is a bar lounge and Library with ample seating and a separate reading room with books, board games, and DVDs.
• The midship Discovery Room (Science Area) hosts enrichment activities led by the expedition team.
• Two outdoor Jacuzzis (spa whirlpools) are part of the aft Sundeck area.

Panorama Deck (deck 3)

• The Navigation Bridge (Wheelhouse) and the adjacent Captain’s Suite (officers’ quarters) are located forward.
• The midship Panorama Bar & Lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows and hosts daily briefings before dinner. It opens directly onto the aft Outdoor Terrace, which is also accessible via exterior stairways from decks 2 and 4.

Sky Deck (deck 4)

• The Sky Deck features the Solarium/Sun Deck with padded loungers and tables.
• Adjacent is the indoor Fitness Center, equipped with treadmills, exercise bikes, weight benches, and free weights.

Santa Cruz 2 Galapagos cruise itineraries

Santa Cruz II operates year-round Galapagos itineraries as roundtrips from Isla Baltra, with all arrivals and departures via Baltra Airport.

• 4-night/5-day “Northern Galapagos” itinerary (Monday–Friday): Baltra (South Seymour), Las Bachas (lagoons, flamingos), Santiago (Buccaneer Cove, Puerto Egas), Rabida, Bartolome, Genovesa, San Cristobal.
• 4-night/5-day “Eastern Galapagos” itinerary (Saturday–Wednesday): San Cristobal (Punta Pitt), Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station), Espanola (Punta Suarez, Gardner Bay).
• 5-night/6-day “Western Galapagos” itinerary (Wednesday–Monday): Baltra (South Seymour), North Seymour, Isabela (Punta Vicente Roca, Tagus Cove), Fernandina (Punta Espinosa, Urbina Bay), Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station), Floreana (Post Office Bay, Punta Cormorant).

Santa Cruz 2 Galapagos cruise prices

The following Santa Cruz II cruise fares are indicative and vary by cabin category:

• Horizon Deck (triple): 5 days – USD 3200; 6 days – USD 4000
• Horizon Deck (double): 5 days – USD 3400; 6 days – USD 4250
• Horizon Deck (single): 5 days – USD 4650; 6 days – USD 5800 (only two single-occupancy cabins available)
• Expedition Deck (double): 5 days – USD 3550; 6 days – USD 4450
• Panorama Deck (double): 5 days – USD 3650; 6 days – USD 4550
• Panorama Deck Suite (double): 5 days – USD 4150; 6 days – USD 5150 (only three suites available)

The ship's inaugural Galapagos cruise (Maiden Voyage) commenced on October 10, 2015. The special voyage was attended by Paulina Burbano de Lara (Metropolitan Touring's Executive President). The cruise ship arrived in the Galapagos on October 7, 2015, following the christening ceremony held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on October 5.

This modern-design small cruise vessel resembles a luxury mega-yacht. Each Galapagos Islands expedition is guided by seven wildlife experts. The Expedition Leader organizes and oversees all island tours, which are included in the cruise fare. Complimentary activities offered both on board and ashore include glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, swimming, and sea kayaking.

The ship replaced the former Santa Cruz I, which had operated in the Galapagos for 36 years. The new vessel offers 4-, 5-, and 9-night itineraries.