Santa Cruz II
Sails from Baltra, Galápagos · Fly into GPS
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Santa Cruz II at Baltra, Galápagos, November 2025 · Photo: Wolfgang Fricke, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Santa Cruz II
Santa Cruz II is an HX Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise ship, in service since 2002. She measures 2,664 gross tons and carries 90 guests. She sails Galápagos itineraries. We rate her 3.0 out of 5.
Santa Cruz II is a 90-guest Galápagos expedition ship owned by the Ecuadorian company Metropolitan Touring, which formed a partnership with Hurtigruten's expedition arm in 2021; HX now sells her voyages alongside its own ships. Built in 2002 at the ASENAV yard in Chile, she measures about 72 meters and 2,664 gross tons, with 50 cabins on three decks, including Darwin Suites. A 2021 refurbishment renewed her cabins and public areas. She sails year-round among the Galápagos Islands, with guests flying in and out through Baltra, and has a Science Center, a main lounge and bar used for lectures, and two hot tubs on the Expedition deck.
Ship facts
- Guests
- 90
- Fewer guests than 93% of 600 ships
- Entered service
- 2002
- Refitted 2021
- Length
- 72 m
- Shorter than 95% of 575 ships
- Decks
- 5
Santa Cruz II is smaller than 97% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries fewer guests than 93%. At 29.6 gross tons per guest she is tighter than 77% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 4/5, fleet average 4.2
- Dining
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
- Entertainment
- 2/5, fleet average 2.0
- Service
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Pools & decks
- 2/5−1.0, fleet average 3.0
- Value
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews. Ticks mark the HX Hurtigruten Expeditions fleet average across 5 rated ships in service.
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Photos
Santa Cruz II at Baltra, Galápagos, November 2025Photo: Wolfgang Fricke, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
Home port: Baltra, Galápagos.
Flying in for your cruise?
Santa Cruz II sails from Baltra, Galápagos. The airport is Galapagos Baltra (GPS), with 1 lounge to wait in before you board.
The lounge at Galapagos Baltra on Lounge FrogEvery ship sailing from Baltra, GalápagosQuick answers
Which cruise line operates Santa Cruz II?
Santa Cruz II is operated by HX Hurtigruten Expeditions.
How big is Santa Cruz II?
Santa Cruz II measures 2,664 gross tons and 72 metres in length, with 5 decks.
How does Santa Cruz II compare in size with other cruise ships?
Santa Cruz II is smaller than 97% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries fewer guests than 93%. At 29.6 gross tons per guest she is tighter than 77% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does Santa Cruz II feel?
Santa Cruz II has a passenger space ratio of 29.6: 2,664 gross tons for 90 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Santa Cruz II feels busy for her size.
How many passengers does Santa Cruz II carry?
Santa Cruz II carries 90 guests at double occupancy.
When did Santa Cruz II enter service?
Santa Cruz II entered service in 2002 and was last refurbished in 2021.
Where does Santa Cruz II sail?
Santa Cruz II sails Galápagos itineraries. Her home port is Baltra, Galápagos.
Which airport should I fly into for Santa Cruz II?
Santa Cruz II sails from Baltra, Galápagos. Fly into Galapagos Baltra (GPS), which has 1 airport lounge listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Santa Cruz II?
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions publishes the deck plans for Santa Cruz II; this page links to Deck plans.
How is Santa Cruz II rated?
Cruises Frog rates Santa Cruz II 3.0 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on cabins (4/5) and lowest on pools & decks (2/5).
Traveller reviews
What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.
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