The Ultimate Galápagos Islands Expedition: A Guide to the MS Santa Cruz II with HX Expeditions

HX Expeditions MS Santa Cruz II : Expedition Vessel Features & Overview

• Operator: HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

• Guests: 90 passengers

• Crew: 40-50, including 8-9 Naturalist Guides

• Launched/Refurbished: Originally built in 2002 refurbished in 2021

• Style: Small, purpose-built expedition vessel

• Best For: Active, nature-focused travelers, multigenerational families, and groups seeking a comfortable yet immersive Galapagos experience

HX Expeditions MS Santa Cruz II Experience: First Impressions

• The moment you step aboard the MS Santa Cruz II, the first thing you notice is the light and open feeling giving guests space to admire the amazing views

• Unlike older, cramped vessels, this ship feels airy and contemporary.

• The aesthetic leans heavily into Scandinavian design—clean lines, light woods, and neutral tones that allow the vibrant colors of the Galápagos outside to take center stage.

HX Expeditions MS Santa Cruz II Accomodations: Cabin Guide & Comfort

• Cabins: 50 staterooms with 4 Explorer cabin categories and Darwin Suites (doubles, singles, family)

• Design: Ocean-view cabins across three decks

• Comfort: All rooms include private bathrooms, large windows, Air Conditioning, safes, interconnecting options or convertible twin-to-double beds

• Tip: Choose deck 1 cabin for easier access to the ship’s restaurant area and the expedition launch to have less stairs in your gear

Dining on HX Expeditions MS Santa Cruz II: Cuisine Experience

• All meals included: Daily menus feature Ecuadorian specialties, fresh seafood, and international classics available for those who are less adventurous - Highlight the crew hosted barbecue on the Panorama Deck

• Dining style: Indoor dining, open seating for communal feel if in a group assigned seating

• Drinks: House wines, cocktails and local beer are all included; premium list available for an extra charge

• Snacks: Returning from an island hike to beverages and a light bits in the lounge became a daily highlight

HX Expeditions MS Santa Cruz II Expedition Team: Learning & Discovery

This is where the MS Santa Cruz truly shines with a team of 8 to 9 multilingual Naturalist Guides, including a dedicated Expedition Leader. They are conservationists, marine biologists, and naturalists who often have decades of experience in the islands. With multiple guides, the ship can offer different activity levels simultaneously. For example: a strenuous hike for some and a glass-bottom boat ride for others.

What to Expect:

• Twice-daily excursions: Typically a morning hike or snorkel and an afternoon Zodiac landing

• Guides: Incredibly knowledgeable and certified by the Galápagos National Park

• Gear included: Wetsuits, snorkel equipment, and kayaks provided (we brought our own and the wetsuits were optional - after all you are at the Equator!)

• Wildlife highlights: Depends on the route, Red-footed boobies, Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed boobies, marine & land iguanas, Galápagos penguins, sea lions, sharks, giant tortoises, and more

Capture the magic of Darwin's backyard without the stress. Our onboard photography service ensures you receive professional wildlife photos of your expedition, from underwater turtle encounters to sunset views on the Sky Deck.

Onboard HX Expeditions MS Santa Cruz II: Comfort & Adventure at Sea

• Unhurried pace: Balance active exploration with moments of stillness. There’s no rushing from site to site; plenty of room to linger by a blue-footed booby nest or watch the sunset from the Panorama Deck.

• Personalized service: The team prides itself on high-touch hospitality. By day two, the crew won't just know your name—they’ll know exactly how you take your morning coffee.

• Scandinavian design: The ship serves as a chic, comfortable "basecamp" where the focus remains on world-class hospitality and deep scientific discovery.

• Family friendly: With interconnected cabins and kid-focused wildlife activities, it’s the perfect setting for a multi-generational adventure.

Sustainable Travel: HX Expeditions MS Santa Cruz II's Eco-Conscious Expeditions

MS Santa Cruz II demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainability, recognizing the vital importance of preserving the Galápagos' delicate ecosystem. This dedication is evident in several key areas of its operation:

• 100% Carbon-Neutral Operations: Through a Nature-Based Carbon Removal (NBCR) program, the ship offsets its entire carbon footprint. This includes supporting the restoration of the Chocó Andino cloud forest in mainland Ecuador, a high-biodiversity area critical for global climate health.

• Cutting-Edge Engine Efficiency: Following its major 2021 refurbishment, the vessel achieved a 31% reduction in fuel consumption compared to its predecessor. The four-stroke engines are designed to maximize power while minimizing emissions.

• Advanced Water & Waste Systems:

  • Desalination Plant: The ship produces its own fresh water onboard, reducing the need to transport water from the mainland.

  • Wastewater Treatment: A state-of-the-art treatment plant ensures that any water released meets the strictest environmental standards, protecting the sensitive marine ecosystems.

  • Waste Sorting: Rigorous onboard sorting separates recyclables, food waste, and landfill streams to ensure nothing harmful enters the Galápagos waters.

• Plastic-Free Initiatives: The ship has largely eliminated single-use plastics. Guests are provided with reusable bottles and high-quality, biodegradable alternatives for onboard amenities.

• Supporting Local Economy: Sustainability also means social responsibility. The MS Santa Cruz II prioritizes locally sourced organic food, supporting Galápagos farmers and reducing the carbon footprint of importing goods from the mainland.

Who Should Book: HX Expeditions MS Santa Cruz II

• Couples or small groups seeking a personalized Galápagos experience

• For multi-generation families traveling with everyone from grandkids to grandparents, the MS Santa Cruz II offers "tiered" adventure.

• First-time expedition travelers that want the adventure of Darwin’s laboratory but the stability of a larger ship.

• Social Travelers & Solo Adventurers looking for a vibrant social energy.

• Families with Young Explorers match their kids program

• Wildlife lovers, snorkelers, science focused people and photographers

Glacial Expeditions Takeaway: Why Choose HX Expeditions MS Santa Cruz II

"There is a rare kind of magic on the MS Santa Cruz II; it bridges the gap between a high-tech scientific expedition and a warm, Scandi-chic home. It’s the kind of place where you can spend your morning analyzing microscopic life and your evening sharing stories under the stars—proving that you don’t have to choose between deep discovery and true relaxation."

Plan Your HX Expeditions: Next Steps & Resources

• Call: 920-404-1803

• Schedule an Appointment: Calendar Link

Glacial Expeditions | GlacialExpeditions.com | info@glacialexpeditions.com