Signature highlights
Purpose-built for Galápagos exploration, with a maximum of 90 guests, multiple observation areas, and expedition staff supporting shore excursions and wildlife interpretation.
MS Santa Cruz II
MS Santa Cruz II is a 90-guest HX Expeditions expedition ship, in service since 2002. This page lists 14 upcoming departures across 14 itineraries in South America, day by day and port by port. Its live AIS position is plotted on the map below and refreshed through the day.
✓ Galápagos-focused expedition travelers
✓ Solo travelers wanting single cabins
✓ Families needing a cabin for three
Photos from Wikimedia Commons under their authors’ free licenses. Tap a photo for the credit and license.
MS Santa Cruz II at a glance
Ship size
Bigger than 23%
A small expedition-size ship at 2,664 gross tons — #432 of 566 ships we track. 30 tons of ship per guest.
Best for
- Galápagos-focused expedition travelers
- Solo travelers wanting single cabins
- Families needing a cabin for three
- Travelers who prefer small ships
- Guests interested in science and natural history
Think twice if you want
- Travelers wanting a swimming pool
- Guests who require elevators between decks
- Cruisers seeking private balconies
- Passengers wanting multiple restaurants
- Travelers looking for formal evening entertainment
Live Position ● 23 minutes ago
Heading to: PUERTO AYORACurrently on: 6 Nights Galapagos Cruise (6 nights)
Las Bachas, Santa Cruz Island
→ Las Bachas, Santa Cruz Island
→ Buccaneer Cove
→ Puerto Egas
→ Puerto Egas
→ Rabida Island
→ Bartolome Island
→ Bartolome Island
→ Prince Philip Steps, Genovesa Island
→ Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island
→ Itabaca Channel
Coming up
- North Seymour Island arrives 02:50 PM
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria arrives 03:20 PM
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria arrives 02:15 AM
0.0 knots
Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.
About MS Santa Cruz II
MS Santa Cruz II is a compact Galápagos expedition vessel operated by HX Expeditions and designed for intimate, low-impact exploration. Built in 2002 and refurbished in 2021, the 90-guest ship provides a relaxed base between guided island landings, wildlife encounters, and educational activities. Its small size suits the Galápagos’ narrow channels and environmentally sensitive waters, while five passenger decks provide outdoor viewing areas and comfortable indoor spaces. The ship has 50 cabins and a high crew-to-guest ratio for personalized expedition service.
Ship at a Glance
- Operator
- HX Expeditions
- Builder / shipyard
- ASENAV Shipyard, Chile
- Registry / flag
- Ecuador (confirmed by the ship’s AIS identity)
- Call sign
- HC5781
- IMO number
- 9265677
- MMSI
- 735059355
- Previous names
- Mare Australis
Onboard Experience
For families
Interconnecting cabins and dedicated family cabin configurations provide flexibility for multigenerational travelers. The small-ship format supports shared expedition activities rather than extensive onboard children’s facilities.
Pools, spa & wellness
Onboard wellness facilities include a fitness room and two hot tubs. Guests can also use open decks for scenery viewing and fresh-air relaxation.
Environmental features
The vessel is designed for small-scale Galápagos operations and supports low-impact expedition travel. HX describes its Santa Cruz II operations as carbon neutral, while shore activities emphasize environmental education and local conservation awareness.
Deck plans
Venues Cabins only Both · Tap a deck to see what's on it
Deck 5
Fitness Room Observation DeckDeck 4
Panorama Bar & Lounge Observation Deck Darwin Suite Explorer CabinDeck 3
Expedition Lounge & Bar Science Corner Library Hot Tub Discovery Room Observation Deck Explorer CabinDeck 2
Shop Medical Centre Reception Explorer Family Cabin Explorer Cabin Voyager Single CabinDeck 1
Beagle Restaurant Expedition LaunchView the official MS Santa Cruz II deck plans from HX Expeditions →
Cabins & suites
Suite 6%
Oceanview 94%
| Category | Type | Cabins | Size | Sleeps | Decks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darwin SuiteCode DS; two large windows and a sofa bed suitable for a child under 12. | Suite | 3 | 326.1 sq ft | 3 | 4 |
| Explorer Family CabinCode FH; large windows, double bed convertible to twins and a sofa bed suitable for a child under 12. | Oceanview | 2 | 185.1 sq ft | 3 | 2 |
| Explorer CabinCodes EH, EE and EP; large window and double bed convertible to twins. EH is on Horizon Deck, EE on Expedition Deck and EP on Panorama Deck. | Oceanview | 43 | 150-164 sq ft | 2 | 2, 3, 4 |
| Voyager Single CabinCode VH; single bed and large window. | Oceanview | 2 | 127.0 sq ft | 1 | 2 |
Dining, bars & venues
8 included 0 extra cost in the fare, by the line's own published policy.
Dining
Beagle Restaurant
Included
The ship's main dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bars & lounges
Expedition Lounge & Bar
Varies
A forward lounge and bar with a refreshment station and indoor views.
Panorama Bar & Lounge
Varies
The main social lounge and bar, used for ship events, lectures and drinks.
History & sister ships
- 2002Entered service, built by ASENAV Shipyard, Chile.
- 2015The ship was extensively refurbished after acquisition by Metropolitan Touring and entered service as Santa Cruz II.
- 2021The operator records a refurbishment in 2021 but does not specify the individual changes.
Where MS Santa Cruz II sails, month by month
| Oct 26 |
Nov 26 |
Dec 26 |
Jan 27 |
Feb 27 |
Mar 27 |
Apr 27 |
May 27 |
Jun 27 |
Jul 27 |
Aug 27 |
Sep 27 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South America | 1 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| From / night | $1,025 | $803 | $763 | $898 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $1,183 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ports it visits most
Explore This Ship
Jump from MS Santa Cruz II sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.
Itineraries & Sailings
From $8,982 · $898/night
Ports of CallNext: Jan 5, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $9,380 · $853/night
Ports of CallNext: Nov 5, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $9,925 · $763/night
Ports of CallNext: Dec 25, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $12,672 · $845/night
Ports of CallNext: Nov 5, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $12,212 · $814/night
Ports of CallNext: Dec 31, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $5,708 · $1,427/night
Ports of CallNext: Nov 2, 2026
1 upcoming departure
From $4,801 · $1,200/night
Ports of CallNext: Jun 28, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $4,731 · $1,183/night
Ports of CallNext: Jun 24, 2027
1 upcoming departure
From $6,150 · $1,025/night
Ports of CallNext: Oct 31, 2026
1 upcoming departure
All 14 itineraries and their departure dates
- 10 Nights Galapagos Cruisetour 5 Jan 2027
- 11 Nights Galapagos Cruise 5 Nov 2026
- 13 Nights Galapagos Cruise 25 Dec 2026
- 15 Nights Galapagos Cruise 5 Nov 2026
- 15 Nights Galapagos Cruisetour 31 Dec 2026
- 4 Nights Galapagos Cruise 2 Nov 2026
- 4 Nights Galapagos Cruise 28 Jun 2027
- 4 Nights Galapagos Cruise 24 Jun 2027
- 6 Nights Galapagos Cruise 31 Oct 2026
- 6 Nights Galapagos Cruise 6 Nov 2026
- 6 Nights Galapagos Cruise 1 Jan 2027
- 8 Nights Galapagos Cruise 30 Dec 2026
- 8 Nights Galapagos Cruise 4 Nov 2026
- 8 Nights Galapagos Cruise 7 Jan 2027
All Upcoming Departures
MS Santa Cruz II FAQ
What flag does MS Santa Cruz II sail under?
MS Santa Cruz II is registered in Ecuador.
How many passengers does MS Santa Cruz II hold?
MS Santa Cruz II carries about 90 guests with roughly 50 crew.
How old is MS Santa Cruz II?
MS Santa Cruz II entered service in 2002 and was last refurbished in 2021.
How big is MS Santa Cruz II?
At 2,664 gross tons and 72 m long, MS Santa Cruz II is a small expedition-size ship — larger than 23% of the 566 cruise ships cruises.to tracks.
What is the dress code on MS Santa Cruz II?
The dress code is relaxed and informal throughout the voyage, including dinner. There is no formal evening.
Is dining included on MS Santa Cruz II?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Beagle Restaurant are included, along with snacks and selected drinks according to the fare inclusions.
Are gratuities included or expected?
No onboard gratuity is expected. Tipping is optional, while suggested gratuities for land services are provided in the travel documents.
Is Wi-Fi available on MS Santa Cruz II?
Limited complimentary Wi-Fi is available, but the connection is intermittent and low-bandwidth because the ship operates in the remote Galápagos.
Is MS Santa Cruz II accessible for wheelchair users?
Wheelchairs and mobility aids must be declared in advance, be no wider than 60 centimetres and be suitable for safe carriage. The ship has no elevators and steep stairs, so wheelchair users must be accommodated in an accessible cabin.
Can children travel on MS Santa Cruz II?
Children are welcome. For Galápagos cruises, parents or guardians of children below age 6 must present a signed release form at embarkation, and children under 12 may have excursion participation assessed at each landing.