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4 Nächte Iconic wildlife and sublime landscape

MS Santa Cruz II
MS Santa Cruz II
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HX Hurtigruten Expeditions: MS Santa Cruz II
Baltra Island, Galápagos Islands, Galapagos Islands - Baltra Island, Galápagos Islands, Galapagos Islands
03.04.2025 to 07.04.2025
  4.8 / 5  -  1 Reviews

Overview

Shipping company
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
Cruising area
South America
Accessibility
The journey is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.
Impressions
Single Special: special offers for single travelers
Impressions
Expeditions

Itinerary

Day Date Travel destination Arrival Departure
1
Thu 03.04.2025
2
Fri 04.04.2025
3
Sat 05.04.2025
4
Sun 06.04.2025
5
Mon 07.04.2025
Subsequent cruise

Itineraries are subject to change

Cruise Reviews

1 Customer reviews  
  4.8 / 5   Very good
Go to cruise reports

Included services

  • Hurtigruten expedition sea voyage in the booked cabin category
  • Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Coffee, tea and soft drinks all day
  • Wine, beer, spirits and cocktails during the day and in the evening
  • Use of the free onboard facilities
  • Free Wi-Fi free
  • Entertainment programs and events on board
  • The interactive HX science program, the Science Center and activities on board and on land
  • Professional photos from the onboard photographer
  • Expedition jacket
  • Free reusable water bottle
  • Opportunities to engage with and support local communities and environmental initiatives through the Hurtigruten Foundation
  • Trips with the glass-bottom boat
  • Daily expeditions and activities such as hikes, community visits, lectures and more
  • Galapagos National Park fee (100 US $ per person)
  • Transit control card
  • Onboard tips

Not included services

  • Arrival and departure, transfers
  • Personal expenses, e.g. premium beverages, optional shore excursions, spa

Hurtigruten: MS Santa Cruz II

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in stylish surroundings aboard the MS Santa Cruz II as you explore the Galapagos Islands. With a maximum capacity of 90 guests and compact dimensions, the ship is perfect for navigating between the islands. You will feel at home on board. Enjoy delicious food at the Beagle Restaurant, learn more about the unique ecology of the archipelago in the Science Area and get to know your fellow travelers on deck. After a day following in Darwin's footsteps, you can relax in the whirlpools on deck.      

MS Santa Cruz II Data

  • HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
  • Ecuador
  • 2002 / 2021
  • English
  • EUR/Euro
  • 2.664 BRT
  • 71,8 m / 13,4 m
  • 10,5 Knots
  • (Of which passenger decks: 5)
  • 90 / 50
  • Not available
  • 110 V

Facilities and services

  • Hospital
  • 2 / Expedition Lounge & Bar, Panorama Lounge & Bar
  • 5 / No elevators available
  • VISA / MasterCard / American Express / Diner's Club
  • Shop
  • Beagle Restaurant (Main Restaurant) Included
  • W-LAN / Observation deck / Ship photographer / Library
  • Snorkeling / Kayaks / fFtness room
  • 2
  • Some services or facilities are extra charge!
No information about prices on board
** Prices are subject to change at any time. 

Before the cruise

Dietary needs, allergies and special requests
At Hurtigruten, guests are offered a wide range of purely plant-based lunches and dinners. Special dietary requirements and any food allergies can be accommodated by the chefs if communicated in advance. It is very important that you specifically specify upon booking if you have any specific food allergies.
Vaccinations and viruses
The safety of guests, staff and the communities visited is the cruise line's top priority. The cruise line has worked with health and safety experts to develop and implement protocols and procedures for the entire expedition fleet.
You may require vaccinations for your expedition. Please check with your doctor to determine which vaccinations you need for your expedition.

Yellow fever
Certain parts of South and Central America, as well as destinations in West Africa, are in the so-called "yellow fever endemic areas." Therefore, it is mandatory for all travelers over the age of 9 months to receive the yellow fever vaccination before traveling to these regions. Please note that this does not apply to travelers who are only visiting Antarctica. The yellow fever vaccination certificate is only valid 10 days after vaccination. If you have not been vaccinated in time, you may be refused entry to these areas or ordered to quarantine for up to 6 days. In such a case, Hurtigruten Expeditions cannot accept any liability. If you require a vaccination certificate for the country you are visiting, but cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, contact a yellow fever vaccination center or your doctor. They can issue you with an exemption that may be accepted by the authorities in countries that normally require a vaccination certificate.

Zika virus
As the Zika virus is also present in Central and South America and Africa, you should speak to your doctor about the risks, especially if you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant.

Additional information
When traveling to countries where there is a risk of transmission of yellow fever or Zika virus, guests are also advised to bring appropriate long-sleeved tops and long pants for expeditions, as well as their own supply of insect repellent. The cruise line also recommends seeking medical advice about yellow fever and Zika virus, as these vaccinations are mandatory for some areas in South and Central America and West Africa.


Can I take prescribed medication on board?
Please ensure that you bring enough prescribed medication for the entire duration of your cruise. The onboard medical facility does not provide prescribed medication.            
Do I have to bring my own boots?
For landings in settlements in Greenland, Iceland, Alaska and Norway, and other destinations, it is strongly recommended that you bring your own sturdy footwear.
In the Antarctica, South Georgia and Svalbard, as well as for landings in the wild in the Canadian Arctic, Greenland and Iceland, wearing rubber boots is mandatory. At destinations where wearing boots during landings is required, appropriate footwear will be provided on board free of charge on expedition cruises. Boots are thoroughly cleaned after each landing and free of seeds and other biological material. This is to prevent invasive species from inadvertently spreading in fragile environments.
Hurtigruten has boots in sizes 32 to 50. If you need a smaller or larger size, or prefer to wear your own rubber boots, you are welcome to bring them. Please note, however, that the expedition team will thoroughly check the boots before each landing to ensure they meet the necessary requirements.
Hurtigruten also rents walking sticks on board. If you prefer to use your own walking sticks, you are welcome to bring them, but please note that they must be properly cleaned and disinfected after each landing.      
Are the expedition cruises suitable for children?
Children are welcome on board. However, children under 5 years of age are not permitted on cruises to Antarctica and South Georgia with Hurtigruten Expeditions. For safety reasons, the captain will decide at each landing whether children under 12 years of age can participate in excursions at that particular landing.
For guests traveling to the Galapagos Islands on MS Santa Cruz II only: Parents accompanying children under 6 years of age must present a permission form signed by their parents or legal guardians upon embarkation to board a Galapagos cruise. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 accompanied by only one parent/guardian must present a consent form signed by the other parent or, if accompanied by another guardian, by both parents.
Are your ships accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the ships are wheelchair accessible, with some operational requirements. Guests who rely on a wheelchair are asked to bring their own wheelchair. To ensure freedom of movement on the ship, wheelchairs and mobility aids must not exceed 60 cm in width.
Mobility aids or medical equipment brought on board must be able to be transported safely and must be declared prior to voyage. To ensure that all guests can be safely evacuated in an emergency, guests who rely on a wheelchair can only be accommodated in wheelchair accessible cabins.
What is the voltage on board and which sockets are available?
The sockets in the cabins provide a voltage of 220 V/50 Hz. In the suites there is also a 110 V socket for shavers. The sockets are continental two-pin sockets and an adapter may be required. Aboard the MS Santa Cruz II the voltage is 110 V, 60 Hz. The sockets are type B (common in the USA) and two-pin sockets.
What items can I take on board?
Hurtigruten Expeditions complies with the ISPS (International Ship and Port Security System) regulations, which require all baggage to be checked using X-ray/metal detectors upon arrival at a port facility or aboard a ship. The ISPS regulations also include hand baggage screening at all ports of call throughout the sea voyage.

Prohibited items

1.Illegal drugs, narcotics and illegal substances
2.All firearms, including replicas, non-firing weapons, blank-firing pistols and their components (this includes, but is not limited to: firearms, whether operational or replica, all types of ammunition, air pistols, compressed air pistols including paintball pistols, flare guns, pistol-shaped lighters, firearm parts, pellet guns, harpoons, starting pistols, realistic replicas of firearms)
3.All types of explosives and replicas (this includes, but is not limited to: blasting caps, dynamite, fireworks, pyrotechnics, hand grenades, plastic explosives, bomb components and gunpowder)
4.Stab weapons and sharp objects (this includes, but is not limited to: throwing stars, folding or switchblade knives, daggers, knives or scissors with a blade length of more than 7 cm (including folding pocket knives), open razors, spears or harpoons, archery equipment, Crossbows, crossbow bolts and longbow arrows, sabres, swords, stocking knives (sgian dubhs), kirpans and axes)
5.Blunt weapons (this includes but is not limited to: brass knuckles, clubs, maces, batons, flails or nunchucks and other items designed or suitable for use as a weapon)
6.Restraints (this includes but is not limited to: handcuffs, leg or head restraints)
7.Electro-shock weapons and items containing incapacitating substances (this includes but is not limited to: stun guns, gas pistols, pepper spray, tear gas, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that can be used to injure, incapacitate or poison people)
8.Flammable materials, except in limited quantities (this includes but is not limited to: petrol, methylated spirits, lighter fluid, paints, thinners, large batteries/accumulators, etc.)
9.Candles and incense
10.Pressurised gas containers, gas bottles, aerosol cans (this includes including: scuba tanks, propane tanks, large spray cans)
11.Items with heating elements (including: immersion heaters, electric blankets, infrared heaters, irons, kettles, coffee machines, etc.)
12.Remote-controlled or self-flying aircraft (including: drones, toys, all types of kites)
13.Self-balancing hoverboards, electric unicycles (airwheels), scooters, Segways
14.Radio beacons for marking emergency positions, amateur radio devices, satellite phones, transformers, lasers and laser pointers, signal jamming devices
15.E-bikes and e-scooters
The above list contains only a few examples and is not to be considered exhaustive. The Ship Security Officer (SSO) and the captain are authorized to make a professional assessment of the admissibility of all items reported, discovered or found on board
What medical facilities are available on board?
There is always an English-speaking doctor and nurse on board. The ships have a small medical station with the basic equipment and medication to treat certain emergencies. In the event of a serious medical emergency, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations and medication are subject to a fee. Comprehensive travel/health insurance, which also covers, for example, rescue and medical repatriation, is urgently required. If you have to take medication regularly, please remember to bring enough with you to cover unforeseen delays. The cruise line recommends that you keep your medication clearly labelled and with instructions for use in your hand luggage. If you are dependent on vital medication, please inform the ship doctor. Illnesses on board can lead to quarantine. The instructions of the ship doctor and the captain must then be strictly followed
What gratuity rules apply on board?
It is not customary to offer gratuities on Hurtigruten Expeditions' expedition ships and is not expected. However, experience has shown that many of the guests want to express their special satisfaction with the service crew on board with a gratuity. It is therefore at the guests' discretion to reward the crew at the bars, restaurants, cabins and behind the scenes in this way for their service.
Are excursions offered during the expedition cruise?
Hurtigruten offers a diverse and varied program of included shore excursions and optional shore excursions, which are operated by external operators at many of the destinations. In many ports of call, guests can take part in excursions that can be booked at no extra charge. These excursions can occasionally be combined with other optional excursions in port. Most excursions can be booked in advance, but can also be booked on board as long as capacity is available.
It is recommended that you register in good time to secure your place on the excursions of your choice. Please note that registration is binding and the expedition team will inform you of the booking deadlines for the excursions that are still available. Unless otherwise stated, the excursions are led by English-speaking guides. Other languages ​​cannot be guaranteed unless they are specifically mentioned. Excursions are subject to change and may be cancelled due to weather conditions. In addition, the implementation also depends on the number of participants.
In addition, the expedition team will organize various activities during the voyage. These generally depend on the time of year and location and may include hiking, snowshoeing and kayaking. These activities can be booked on board and are subject to availability.
Specially for guests travelling on the MS Santa Cruz II: In addition to the main activity (usually a nature hike), various optional activities approved by the National Park are offered daily: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, coastal exploration tours (aboard the inflatable boats, also known as pangas), glass-bottom boat rides or bike tours (only on Santa Cruz Island).

During the cruise

Can I use a drone during my stay on board?
The use of drones by passengers is not permitted during your sea voyage. This is for general safety and to protect the sensitive wildlife and the personal safety of other guests. The use of drones is not permitted on the Galapagos Islands. Taking photos of wild animals with flash is not permitted in the national parks. Professional filming requires a special permit from the National Park Directorate.
Is there a library on board?
The ship has a selection of books on various topics that are available for guests on board.
MS Santa Cruz II has a natural history library, which can be found in the Expedition Lounge on the Expedition Deck. There is also a coffee and tea station accessible 24 hours a day. Please ask the naturalists on board which books are particularly worth reading during your cruise. The cruise line asks that you return all books to the library as soon as you have finished reading them. A selection of books on various topics as well as natural history books are available. If you are looking for books that specifically deal with the natural history of the Galapagos Islands, please ask your expedition leader for advice.
In the Science Corner in the Expedition Lounge you will find a high-resolution microscope by which you can view various samples. You can also admire realistic replicas of skulls and bones of various wild animals as well as replicas of bird eggs on board. To give guests an insight into the surrounding nature and especially into the world of the Galapagos Islands, the expedition team organizes scientific lectures in the Science Corner during the sea voyage.
Is there a laundry service on board?
A laundry service is available on board. For suite guests, the service is included in the cruise price. Self-service or dry cleaning is not possible. Unfortunately, there is no laundry service available aboard the MS Santa Cruz II. Instead, two domestic washing machines and dryers are available at the stern of the ship, along with instructions and laundry baskets. The machines are accessible 24 hours a day and can be used by guests free of charge. Biodegradable laundry detergent is available at the reception.
Are there cabins for pets on your ships?
There are no special cabins for pets on the ships. However, unless local regulations state otherwise, service animals are permitted upon presentation of the relevant paperwork.      
Is there enough rescue equipment on board?
The vessels meet all international safety requirements. They are modern vessels specifically designed to sail to their respective destinations, including icy waters.
All guests are briefed on safety procedures and the use and storage locations of safety equipment on board prior to departure. Safety instructions are located on the inside of the cabin door and all guests are advised to read them carefully. MS Santa Cruz II complies with the Galapagos Biocontrol Agency (ABG) and ISPS (International Ship and Port Security System) regulations, which require all baggage to be x-rayed/metal and bio/biosafety checked before boarding the aircraft in mainland Ecuador. These inspections include inspection of hand luggage before and after the flight from Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands. MS Santa Cruz meets all international safety requirements and is a modern vessel suitable for ship operations to the Galapagos Islands. The first day program includes a short but complete mandatory briefing on safety on board and during landings. This briefing is followed by the obligatory rescue exercise. Before the first landing, which includes snorkeling, kayaking or stand-up paddling, a separate safety briefing is given. No matter which ship you travel on: special safety regulations apply to landings with the landing craft during the cruise. Please follow the instructions of the expedition leader and the crew. All passengers receive special life jackets that must be used for all landings during the cruise. You will also receive a mandatory briefing on the safety regulations.
Is smoking allowed on board?
Smoking is only allowed in specially designated areas on the outside decks. Smoking is not permitted in the cabins and on private balconies. Throwing cigarette butts overboard is strictly prohibited. Smoking in a cabin/suite will incur a cleaning fee of approximately €150 to cover the cost of cleaning bed linen and curtains and to return the cabin to a non-smoking standard.
E-cigarettes are treated the same as traditional tobacco cigarettes under Norwegian law, which is why smoking e-cigarettes is only permitted in the designated smoking areas.
When the ship refuels, smoking is strictly prohibited. Please pay attention to the relevant announcements on board. Smoking is not permitted during landings in the middle of nature in AECO and IAATO areas. The only exception is shore excursions in cities.
Aboard MS Santa Cruz II, smoking is only permitted on the Sky Deck, where ashtrays are available. Smoking is not permitted in the cabins. It is strictly forbidden to throw cigarette butts overboard. Smoking is strictly prohibited during shore excursions in the Galapagos Islands National Park.
Can I use my mobile phone on board and does the Wi-Fi work on all ships?
Hurtigruten generally offers Wi-Fi on board, but on expedition cruises to remote destinations, range and speed are very limited. Internet access is provided via satellite connections (where available), unless within range of land-based cellular networks. Due to capacity limitations, the Wi-Fi included in the price is limited to browsing and not permitted for streaming. If you have any questions about Wi-Fi usage, please contact reception.
In Antarctica, Arctic Canada, Northeast Greenland, Svalbard and many places in Alaska, cellular networks on land are limited or non-existent. Check with your provider for more details.
Wi-Fi is generally available aboard MS Santa Cruz II. However, due to the remote location of the Galapagos Islands, please note that internet connection may be intermittent and low bandwidth. All guests have limited free Wi-Fi access. Internet connection is only available in public areas. All cell phones must be in FLIGHT MODE on all trails within the national park. Mobile phone coverage is patchy, very low and limited to the area around the populated islands (Santa Cruz and San Cristobal).
Can I send mail from the ship?
You can leave your mail at reception. The cruise line will then forward the mail in each port where possible, for a service fee and the price of the relevant stamps. The transit time for your mail may be relatively long. Hurtigruten Expeditions accepts no liability for mail that is lost.
For guests travelling on the MS Santa Cruz II: mailboxes and stamps are available at the Baltra Airport and in Puerto Ayora. Please note that delivery may take some time.
Do I have to bring my own equipment or can I rent equipment on board?
Many expedition cruises offer landings in snow-covered areas. The terrain can be muddy, uneven, wet and very slippery. The weather can be unfriendly and cold, but all of this is part of being an explorer. For landings in settlements in Greenland, Iceland, Alaska and Norway, and other destinations, bringing your own sturdy footwear is strongly recommended. In Antarctica, South Georgia and Svalbard, as well as for wilderness landings in the Canadian Arctic, Greenland and Iceland, wearing rubber boots is mandatory. In destinations where boots are required during landings, expedition cruises will provide you with appropriate footwear on board free of charge. Boots are thoroughly cleaned and cleared of seeds and other biological material after each landing to prevent invasive species from inadvertently spreading in fragile environments.
MS Santa Cruz II's equipment includes sit-on-top kayaks, paddle boards, a glass bottom boat and snorkeling equipment (mesh bags, masks, fins, snorkels and life jackets). These items are available to guests free of charge. These activities are organized by the National Park and must always be under the supervision of a licensed naturalist guide.
Prior to these activities, guests must attend a short safety briefing. Safety briefings and clearance documents are mandatory to participate in these activities. Wetsuits are available in all sizes from XXS to XXL.
All equipment provided by the ship is cleaned and disinfected under the supervision of the onboard medical officer. Each snorkeler is provided with a new and unused mouthpiece when using the ship's own snorkeling equipment.

Are seasickness medications available on board?
Seasickness tablets are available at the reception for a small fee. If you already know that you get seasick easily, please bring your trusty medication with you right away. If necessary, you can also buy an acupressure band against seasickness (Sea-Band) on board.
When will the daily program be announced?
The daily program, including daily ports of call, landings, lectures, meals and onboard activities, is displayed on information screens throughout the ship and on the TV in your cabin. All itineraries we publish are subject to change. You will receive information about the next day's program the evening before. The exact timing may change depending on current operations on board - as can be the case on a real expedition cruise.
On board MS Santa Cruz II, guests are given a brief update each evening by the Expedition Leader and his team on the next day's activities. This is usually preceded by a short talk that refers to the Galapagos Islands and the activities and observations of the day. The program is also displayed on screens in various areas of the ship and in the "Explorer App". To give guests a better understanding of the Galapagos Islands and their history, additional talks are given by the Expedition Team. In addition, the expedition team on board reports on the various scientific research programs in which they are involved.
What is the voltage on board and which sockets are available?
The sockets in the cabins provide a voltage of 220 V/50 Hz. In the suites there is also a 110 V socket for shavers. The sockets are continental two-pin sockets and an adapter may be required. On board MS Santa Cruz II the voltage is 110 V, 60 Hz. The sockets are type B (common in the USA) and two-pin sockets.
What items are available for sale on board?
At  the onboard shop you can buy clothing suitable for your cruise. The expedition team will gladly advise you on how to dress properly. The cruise line offers a large selection of of warm and practical garments with a focus on fabrics with natural fibers. In addition to a small selection of soap, toothpaste and other personal items, souvenirs, handicrafts and postcards are also available.      
Which expedition ships have fitness areas and whirlpools?
The expedition ships are equipped with various fitness and wellness facilities. Hot tubs, a sauna and a fitness area are available during your stay on all ships of the fleet.
Aboard the MS Roald Amundsen and the MS Fridtjof Nansen there is also an infinity pool, an outdoor fitness area and a running track. In addition, these two ships have a wellness center that offers a range of treatments - including relaxing massages after a busy day.
Please note: Treatments in the wellness center are only available for an additional charge and can be booked on board
What services are included when booking a suite?
Option to dine a la carte
 On ships that have Restaurant Lindstrøm, you as a suite guest can enjoy your meals there. Reservations must be made on board and are subject to availability.
Cabin service
This service is only offered free of charge to selected suite guests during Lindstrøm opening hours. (Suite number for MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen: 800, 801, 700, 701, 932, 919, 856, 849, 756, 749)
Check-in for suite guests
Suite guests are always allocated the earliest possible time slot when checking in and can therefore check in first. An exclusive welcome area is available for all suite guests at Restaurant Lindstrøm. There you have the opportunity to meet some of the ship's officers.
Welcome greeting
On the day of embarkation, suite guests can expect a carabiner watch, a bottle of champagne and a small welcome gift from the captain after checking  in their suite.
Turn-down service
Guests who have booked a suite will receive a daily good evening service, including fresh towels and chocolate or similar on the pillow.
Laundry service
This service is complimentary for all suite guests. This does not apply to MS Otto Sverdrup. Aboard this ship, self-service only is possible.
Minibar
Daily refill of the minibar is included in the price for suites, with the exception of large bottles of wine, sparkling wine and champagne (only first round included, refills will be charged). Guests who have booked a suite aboard the MS Santa Cruz II will receive the following additional services:
Welcome gift |
On embarkation day, all guests will receive a complimentary book about the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands and a reusable water bottle. Suite guests will receive an additional welcome gift in their cabin.
Turn-down service |
Suite guests receive a daily turn-down service, including fresh towels and chocolate or similar on the pillow.
Wi-Fi
Suite guests receive limited complimentary Wi-Fi access. Additional Wi-Fi credit is available for an additional charge. However, due to the remote location of the Galapagos Islands, please note that internet connection may be intermittent and low bandwidth.
Wetsuit rental
Suite guests can rent wetsuits free of charge upon request.
What medical facilities are available on board?
There is always an English-speaking doctor and nurse on board. The ships have a small medical station with the basic equipment and medication to treat certain emergencies. In the event of a serious medical emergency, the nearest hospital will be contacted. Medical consultations and medication are subject to a fee. Comprehensive travel/health insurance, which also covers, for example, rescue and medical repatriation, is urgently required. If you have to take medication regularly, please remember to bring enough with you to cover unforeseen delays. It is recommended that you keep your medication clearly labelled and with instructions for use in your hand luggage. If you are dependent on essential medication, please inform the ship doctor. Illness on board can lead to quarantine. The instructions of the ship doctor and the captain must then be strictly followed.
What are the rules regarding alcohol on board?
The cruise line kindly advises guests that only drinks that are sold and/or provided at the restaurants, bars, cabins and suites may be consumed on board. All alcoholic beverages purchased in ports of call must be handed over to the crew at the gangway and will be stored separately on board the ship. Purchases will be returned on the last day of the cruise and personally brought to the cabin. Guests who wish to bring wine and/or other alcoholic beverages on board MS Santa Cruz II will be charged a corkage fee of $27 plus tax.
What food and drinks are available on board?
On board, the cruise line serves meals that are tailored to the daily program. Meal times are announced in the daily program. You can reserve a table at the main restaurant, Restaurant Aune, via the onboard app and your table will be assigned to you. For the first day of the cruise, you will be assigned a time, which you will find in your welcome letter on board. Please inform your travel agent of any special seating requests or dietary requirements before departure. On ships that have the à la carte Lindstrøm Restaurant, suite guests can have all their meals there. Lindstrøm is open to all guests for dinner, but please note that additional costs apply for guests not staying in suites. Reservations are required and subject to availability. Not available on MS Spitsbergen.
The third dining option on board is Restaurant Fredheim that offers home-style cooking in a relaxed atmosphere and the option to take away food during opening hours. On the last day of the cruise, when you leave the ship, take-away meals will no longer be available. Not available on MS Spitsbergen and MS Fram. Soft drinks, beer and the ship house wine are included with all meals. Coffee, tea and drinking water prepared on board are available free of charge throughout the day. In addition, still and sparkling mineral water is served with all meals. A drinks package upgrade is also available.
Aboard the MS Santa Cruz II: all meals are created by the chef, who is certified by the "Le Cordon Bleu" culinary schools. Breakfast is served buffet style at the Beagle Restaurant on the Ocean Deck. No reservations are required and the dress code is always casual. The cruise line only asks that you do not enter the dining area in swimwear or barefoot. Please inform Hurtigruten Expeditions or your travel agent before departure of any special seating arrangement requests or specific dietary requirements. Beer and house wine as well as soft drinks are available free of charge for lunch and dinner. Coffee, tea and onboard purified drinking water are available free of charge throughout the day. In addition, sparkling and still mineral water is served with all meals. Other drinks, including cocktails, and an upgrade to your drinks package can be purchased.
What languages ​​are spoken on board?
The working language on board is English. Onboard announcements and written information are also available in German. For English-language lectures, a translation into German is offered via headphones. The lectures are also streamed into the cabins. German-speaking members of the crew and expedition team are available to answer your questions at any time. On MS Santa Cruz II, announcements for guests are made in English and, depending on the countries from which guests are on board, also in German and other languages. Lectures and other presentations are held in different rooms in different languages.      

Documents and papers

Do I need to bring a passport or identity card?
Yes - a valid passport is essential as it is the only accepted identification document. The validity of your passport must meet the national requirements of the country(ies) you are travelling to AND must also be valid for at least six months more after the completion of your sea voyage. For German citizens only: a valid ID card is also accepted to establish the identity of German citizens travelling within the Schengen area. Your ID card must be valid for at least three months more at the end of the cruise. However, for cruises outside the Schengen area, a valid passport is also required for German citizens. This is the case, for example, when travelling to the United Kingdom, Greenland or Svalbard. Please make sure you have the required documents with you before checking in.
What is a Cruise Card and when will I receive it?
When you arrive on board, you will receive your personal Cruise Card in accordance with ISPS regulations. The card serves as a control system on the gangway. This card is not only the key card for your cabin, but also your payment card on board. Visa, American Express, Diners and MasterCard are accepted to activate the Cruise Card account. Debit cards can be used to pay the final bill, but not to activate the Cruise Card account. Please note that money cannot be exchanged on board and there is no possibility of withdrawing cash.
Aboard the MS Santa Cruz II there are no keys for the cabins or a Cruise Card. The cabin doors can be locked from the inside. Each cabin has a safe and the corridors are monitored by cameras. An onboard account will be opened for you when you check in. Credit cards are not registered at the start of the sea voyage. To check out, you must pay the final bill during the last night on board. The following credit cards are accepted in Ecuador: Diners Club, Visa, American Express and Mastercard. When making any expenses or purchases on board, the staff will ask you to sign a receipt before your ship account is charged. The local currency in Ecuador is the US dollar. ATMs are available at mainland airports, as well as at the Baltra Airport and in the towns of Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Which payment methods are accepted?
The cruise line accepts Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, UnionPay, JCB, and Sofort. On expedition cruises, only payment by credit card is accepted. The credit card must be valid for at least three months more after your stay on board. Please note that if you use your credit card for the ship account, the debit will be made from your account in EUR. The exchange rate corresponds to the rate confirmed by your credit card company.

Reviews and experiences with Hurtigruten: MS Santa Cruz II

Overall rating

4.8 / 5 Very good

Kreuzfahrt- und Schiffsbewertung

5.0 / 5 Very good Travel route
5.0 / 5 Very good Ship
4.5 / 5 Very good Cabin
4.7 / 5 Very good Restaurant / food
5.0 / 5 Very good Entertainment / Sports / Wellness
5.0 / 5 Very good Service on board

Cruise Reviews

Travel dateRatingCabinAgeTraveled asRecommendation
Travel date
12.03.2025
Rating
3.5 / 5
Cabin
Aussen
Age
45-50
Traveled as
Paar
Next­recommendation
Yes
Reading on boar

Please note:
- The itinerary and program are expressly subject to change
- All planned landings are subject to local weather conditions.

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Sylvia Heimrich
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Sylvia Heimrich
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Prices per person for occupancy with 2 persons per cabin, except otherwise stated. Before sending the request respectively the booking the price of the cabin (including possibly booked additional services) is shown. The crossed out prices are (former) catalog prices of the operator to which the calculated discount refers. Errors and omissions excepted. The regulations and general terms and conditions (GTC) of the respective organizer apply. The "steering wheels" are not an official classification, but recommendations of the cruise lines as well as subjective assessments of customers and employees.
Gratuities on board Hurtigruten Expeditions
Our Steering Wheels
Es gibt keine weltweit gültigen Kriterien, nach denen Kreuzfahrt Schiffe bewertet werden. Unsere Bewertungen setzen sich zusammen aus den Meinungen unserer Kunden, Empfehlungen der Reedereien und subjektiven Einschätzungen unserer Kreuzfahrt Spezialisten – schließlich kennt unser Team viele Schiffe persönlich!
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