Is Santa Cruz II worth it?
The MS Santa Cruz II is a 90-guest expedition ship operated by HX in the Galápagos. Built in 2002 and refurbished in 2021, she carries eight to nine multilingual naturalist guides — enough to run several activity levels at once, so a strenuous hike and a glass-bottom boat ride can happen simultaneously.
Ship at a glance
- Operator
- HX
- Guests
- 90
- Crew
- 40–50, including 8–9 naturalist guides
- Built
- 2002, refurbished 2021
- Cabins
- 50 staterooms across four Explorer categories plus Darwin Suites
- Style
- Small purpose-built expedition vessel
- Region
- Galápagos
What is she like to board?
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.
What are the cabins like?
Fifty staterooms across four Explorer cabin categories plus Darwin Suites, in doubles, singles and family configurations. All are ocean-view, spread across three decks, with private bathrooms, large windows, air conditioning and safes.
- 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 a deck 1 cabin for easier access to the ship’s restaurant area and the expedition launch — fewer stairs with your gear.
What’s the food like?
All meals are included. Daily menus feature Ecuadorian specialties, fresh seafood, and international classics for those who are less adventurous — and the crew-hosted barbecue on the Panorama Deck is a highlight.
- Dining style: indoor dining, open seating for a communal feel; assigned seating if in a group.
- Drinks: house wines, cocktails and local beer are all included; a premium list is available for an extra charge.
- Snacks: returning from an island hike to beverages and a light bite in the lounge became a daily highlight.
What are the excursions like?
This is where the MS Santa Cruz II truly shines, with a team of eight to nine multilingual naturalist guides including a dedicated Expedition Leader. With multiple guides the ship can offer different activity levels simultaneously: a strenuous hike for some and a glass-bottom boat ride for others.
They are conservationists, marine biologists, and naturalists who often have decades of experience in the islands.
- 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 and land iguanas, Galápagos penguins, sea lions, sharks, giant tortoises, and more.
What’s daily life aboard like?
An unhurried pace: there’s no rushing from site to site, and plenty of room to linger by a blue-footed booby nest or watch the sunset from the Panorama Deck. The ship serves as a chic, comfortable basecamp with high-touch, personalized service.
- Personalized service: by day two, the crew won’t just know your name — they’ll know exactly how you take your morning coffee.
- Scandinavian design: the focus remains on world-class hospitality and deep scientific discovery.
- Family friendly: with interconnected cabins and kid-focused wildlife activities, it’s a good setting for a multi-generational adventure.
- Onboard photography service: professional wildlife photos of your expedition, from underwater turtle encounters to sunset views on the Sky Deck.
How sustainable is she?
The MS Santa Cruz II demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainability, recognizing the vital importance of preserving the Galápagos’ delicate ecosystem. That runs from engine efficiency and water treatment to plastic-free initiatives and local sourcing.
- HX states that the ship’s operations are carbon-neutral through a Nature-Based Carbon Removal programme supporting restoration of the Chocó Andino cloud forest in mainland Ecuador.
- Engine efficiency: following the 2021 refurbishment, the vessel achieved a 31% reduction in fuel consumption compared with its predecessor. The four-stroke engines are designed to maximize power while minimizing emissions.
- 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 sensitive marine ecosystems.
- Waste sorting: rigorous onboard sorting separates recyclables, food waste, and landfill streams.
- Plastic-free initiatives: single-use plastics are largely eliminated. Guests are provided with reusable bottles and biodegradable alternatives for onboard amenities.
- Supporting the local economy: the ship prioritizes locally sourced organic food, supporting Galápagos farmers and reducing the footprint of importing goods from the mainland.
Who should book her?
Couples or small groups seeking a personalized Galápagos experience, multi-generational families wanting tiered adventure, first-time expedition travelers, social travelers and solo adventurers, families with young explorers, and wildlife lovers, snorkelers, science-focused people and photographers.
- Couples or small groups seeking a personalized Galápagos experience.
- Multi-generation families traveling with everyone from grandkids to grandparents — the ship offers “tiered” adventure.
- First-time expedition travelers who want the adventure of Darwin’s laboratory with the stability of a larger ship.
- Social travelers and solo adventurers looking for a vibrant social energy.
- Families with young explorers, matched to the kids’ programme.
- Wildlife lovers, snorkelers, science-focused people and photographers.
The verdict
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.
Related reading
Written by your expedition advisor
Chris Commisso · Expedition Expert
Chris and Erika have personally sailed 18 expedition ships and explored eight expedition regions.
Last updated .
