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MS Santa Cruz II

Hurtigruten

Class Expedition ship

Built / Refurb 2002 / 2021

Gross Tonnage 2,664

Guests 90

Length 71.8 m

Beam 13.4 m

Decks 5

Cabins 50

Max speed 10.5 kn

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About MS Santa Cruz II

MS Santa Cruz II is a compact Galápagos expedition ship operated under the HX Expeditions brand in partnership with Metropolitan Touring. Built by ASENAV in 2002 and refurbished in 2021, it carries up to 90 guests in 50 cabins across five passenger decks. Its small scale suits wildlife-focused exploration, with a science area, expedition lounge, multiple outdoor spaces and locally inspired dining. The ship is designed for an informal, destination-centered experience rather than large-ship resort amenities.

Ship at a Glance

Operator: HX Expeditions (Hurtigruten Expeditions), in partnership with Metropolitan Touring
Builder / shipyard: ASENAV Shipyard, Valdivia, Chile
Registry / flag: Ecuador
Call sign: HC5781
IMO number: 9265677
MMSI: 735059355
Previous names: Mare Australis

Onboard Experience

Signature highlights

The ship features a Science Corner, expedition lounge and library, Panorama Bar & Lounge, Sky Deck, fitness room, two hot tubs and spaces for viewing the Galápagos scenery. Its small size supports a relaxed expedition atmosphere.

Dining

Beagle Restaurant serves meals using regional and locally sourced ingredients, with options intended for varied dietary preferences. The Panorama Bar & Lounge provides drinks, lectures and indoor-outdoor social space.

Entertainment

Onboard activities center on expedition briefings, lectures, science interpretation and the Science Corner, which includes educational displays and a microscope. The lounge and multiple decks provide informal gathering areas.

Staterooms & suites

There are 50 cabins, including Darwin Suites, Explorer cabins, Voyager single cabins and Explorer Family cabins. Cabins have private bathrooms; some are interconnecting, and Darwin Suites include larger windows and sofa beds.

For families

Explorer Family cabins accommodate up to three guests and include a sofa bed suitable for a child under 12. Some cabins can interconnect, supporting family or small-group arrangements.

Pools, spa & wellness

The Sky Deck includes a fitness room equipped with yoga mats, weights, treadmills, stationary bikes and an elliptical trainer. Two hot tubs are located on the Expedition Deck.

Accessibility

The ship has no wheelchair-accessible ramps, cabins or elevators according to the operator's published expedition brochure; prospective guests with mobility requirements should confirm suitability directly before booking.

Environmental features

HX describes MS Santa Cruz II as operating on a carbon-neutral basis and emphasizes locally sourced organic food and community-conscious Galápagos operations.

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