Cruise ship
MS Santa Cruz II — cabins, decks, dining & sailings
5 cabin types · 5 decks · 90 - 100 guests · built 2002
MS Santa Cruz II is HX Expeditions's cruise ship — 5 cabin types across 5 decks, sailing Galapagos Islands. NestCruise is advisor-led — no fares, no booking fees: share your dates and an advisor prices your exact sailing at no cost.
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- 10,000+ sailings
Overview
How NestCruise works:we're advisor-led, not a booking engine. No fares are listed and there are no booking fees — tell an advisor your dates and party and they price your exact MS Santa Cruz II sailing, typically within 24 hours.
Sailings aboard MS Santa Cruz II
5
Cabins & decks
DS | Darwin Suite
Suite · ≈326 sq ft
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. 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
FH | Explorer family cabin
Stateroom · ≈185 sq ft
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring. They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets. Large windows Double bed (optional twin) Sofa bed, suitable for a child under 12 years of age Guests: up to 3 | Size: 17.2 m2 Cabin Code: FH
EE | Explorer cabin
Stateroom · ≈164 sq ft
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring. They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets. Large window Double bed (optional twin) Guests: 2 | Size: 15.2 m2 Cabin Code: EE
EH | Explorer cabin
Stateroom · ≈151–161 sq ft
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring. They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets. Large window Double bed (optional twin) Guests: 2 | Size: 14-15 m2 Cabin Code: EH
EP | Explorer cabin
Stateroom · ≈164 sq ft
With a large window that illuminates the interior and allows you to take in the views as we cruise, these cabins offer an elegant and comfortable space to relax in after a day of active exploring. They feature a single bed, and all have private bathrooms with a shower and toiletries, as well as a safe and USA two-pin plug sockets. Large window Double bed (optional twin) Bathrobes and slippers, available on request. Guests: 2 | Size: 15.2 m2 Cabin Code: EP
Deck plans
Deck 5
Observation Deck · Fitness Room
Deck 4
Observation Deck · Panorama Lounge & Bar · Cabins
Deck 3
Hot Tubs · Observation Deck · Science Corner · Discovery Room · Expedition Lounge & Bar · Library · Cabins
Deck 2
Reception · Medical Centre · Shop · Cabins
Deck 1
Beagle Restaurant · Expedition Launch
Gallery
Ship facts
- Year built
- 2002
- Gross tonnage
- 2,664
- Length
- 71 m
- Beam
- 13 m
- Cruising speed
- 13 kn
- Guests
- 90 - 100
- Crew
- 50
- Decks
- 5
- Builder
- ASENAV Shipyard
- Class
- Mega Yacht
Entertainment
- Sky Deck
- Outdoor Terrace
- Panorama Bar & Lounge
- Reception
- Discovery Room
- Expedition Lounge & Bar with Science Corner and Library
- Panorama Deck
- Gift Shop
Wellness
- Fitness Room
- Hot Tubs
Enrichment
- Shore Excursions
- Expedition Launch Pad
Good to know
What to pack
The Galápagos offers a plethora of adventures as you experience the rich nature and unique wildlife of these idyllic islands. Regardless of what time of year you visit, a pair of sturdy walking shoes is recommended for the hikes as trails vary in difficulty, but most are of volcanic nature. For those travelling in the warm season (January - May), we recommend focusing on shorts and loosely-fitting tops. This time of year is also the wettest, so be sure to pack a light rain jacket or poncho. If you are visiting during the cooler months (June - December), we suggest packing a light jumper or windbreaker for those chilly nights onboard. We also recommend packing the following: Insect repellent Polarised sunglasses and sunscreen Sandals or shoes you don‘t mind getting wet Wide-brimmed sun hat with a chin strap Swimsuit for the hot tubs A pair of casual shoes for onboard use Waterproof small back pack or bag Rain Jacket Prescription Snorkeling Masks Don't forget you will also receive a complimentary reusable waterproof bottle, which is yours to keep at the end of the voyage.
Getting to the Galápagos Islands
It may seem like getting to these remote islands is an expedition in itself however, many carriers fly to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. Within the cost of your voyage, we include return flights in economy class between key gateways, and entirely dependent upon the expedition you choose. Be sure to check the 'What's Included' section of the voyage to see which applies to you, flights include: from/to Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra and the Galápagos Islands. from/to Lima - Cusco (Peru) for those with the Machu Picchu combination. Please Note: The checked baggage allowance is up to 23kg, and a cabin bag of up to 8 kg. These limits can vary between long-haul and the included short-haul flights run by LATAM, to/from Lima (for the Machu Picchu programme) and Quito/Guayaquil (for Galápagos Islands). Additional luggage can only be booked as a paid service at the check-in counter.
Families & the Galápagos Islands
With their unique wildlife and captivating natural beauty, these islands offer a memorable experience for all of the family. Exploring these islands provides numerous educational opportunities for children, from learning about evolution and diverse ecosystems to close encounters with the local stars such as the Galápagos giant tortoises and playful sea lions. Our Family-friendly cruises and guided tours ensure safety and comfort, while activities like snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife spotting create cherished moments for families to bond and appreciate the wonders of nature together.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas, not in cabins or private balconies. Smoking while the ship is refuelling is prohibited.
Wi-Fi
Guests will receive limited complimentary Wi-fi access. Additional Wi-Fi is available for purchase.
Children
The minimum age for travel to Antarctica and Galápagos is 5 years and the participation of children under the age of 12 years in small-boat landings during expedition cruises is at the discretion of the captain.
Dietary Requirements
Guests who require special diets or have food allergies can contact the Restaurant Manager in the restaurants during opening hours.
Travel HX App
Everything you need to know about your cruise, including your bookings, daily programme, restaurants and services on board and essential information about available excursions is at hand at any time. What have I booked? Take a look at My bookings to explore the excursions you have booked and prepare for your adventure accordingly with practical tips. What's happening today? The daily programme helps you to know what’s happening on board. It shows you all the on-board events, meals, optional excursions/activities, and important announcements so that you can relax and enjoy the expedition. What’s available on board? You can find all the services and facilities available on board in one place: exciting excursions and information about the state-of-the-art vessel.
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A MS Santa Cruz II sailing that fits you.
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Ship facts from NestCruise data, verified Jun 2026.