Ships
Santa Cruz II
Overview
About This Ship
Recently upgraded, and built with Galápagos cruising in mind, Santa Cruz II takes passengers through the equatorial waters of South America to some of the most beautiful islands in the entire world… with spacious decks, luxurious staterooms and indulgent ocean views, Santa Cruz II's casual atmosphere offers an ideal setting for conversation and camaraderie with fellow explorers.
Created especially for operations in remote areas like the Galápagos Islands, the Santa Cruz II boasts five spacious decks with modern interiors designed by renowned Swedish ship designer Richard Nilsson. Just over 70 meters long, the new vessel sleeps 90 guests in 50 contemporary designed staterooms – 36 of which can be interconnected, offering flexibility for families and single travelers. Guests can choose from luxuriously appointed double and triple Explorer cabins, or opt for the more exclusive Darwin Suite, an exceptional standard of accommodation on the Panorama Deck. All staterooms are equipped with air conditioning, a large picture window, hair dryer, iPod / MP3 docking station, numerous electrical outlets, in-room safe, reading lights and more.
From top to bottom, Santa Cruz II features ample, indulgent spaces crafted from choice materials, including wide hallways and broad stairwells. Passengers can truly relax in the beautifully designed communal areas and viewing platforms, including indoor and outdoor dining options, two lounge bars, a well-stocked library, two indulgent ocean view hot tubs and a state of the art gym. Creative Ecuadorian and international cuisine featuring freshly caught fish and seafood and locally grown organic fruit and vegetables is spotlighted on menus served in the colorful Beagle Dining Room.
Santa Cruz II offers a refined small ship cruising experience, with a maximum capacity of just 90 passengers. Aboard Santa Cruz II, your Tauck group may share the ship with non-Tauck guests. On all departures, you'll be accompanied by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 Tauck guests. Your cruise will be highlighted by exclusive, private Tauck shore excursions, while your time on board Santa Cruz II will provide opportunities for you to interact with guests.
Deck Plans
Sky Deck
Panorama Deck
Expedition Deck
Horizon Deck
Ocean Deck
Onboard Experience
Embark on a ship built with Galápagos Island cruising in mind! From your first briefing, boat drill and launch… to the excitement of your first wet landing… the Santa Cruz II provides all that is needed for you to explore these islands that time forgot in total comfort. Your first night aboard begins with an official welcome briefing and introduction of the ship's officers, followed by a Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception and dinner. Meet and mingle with fellow guests as you enjoy creative Ecuadorian dishes and internationally prepared cuisine under the leadership of a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef. Retire to your comfortable and contemporarily designed stateroom as you fall asleep dreaming of all that lies ahead for you this week. Awake early in the morning to scout for sea life and birds on the top deck if you choose, followed by a hearty breakfast that will perfectly fuel you for the day ahead. After a safety briefing, you will board your first panga for a coastal ride with an opportunity to swim, snorkel or walk to discover all that your first landing has to offer. Head back onboard for lunch, rest, and replenishment before an afternoon of further exploring. Once back onboard the ship at days' end, a recap and briefing will take place before dinner, by one of the seven onboard naturalists, to talk about the days' wildlife encounters and observations. Later that evening… if the skies are clear… head up to the top deck to star gaze before retiring for the evening and resting up for the adventures that lie ahead.
Welcome Aboard Santa Cruz II
Take to the seas for some water activities!
The 235-foot, Santa Cruz II is outfitted with a variety of aquatic equipment available to rent.
Take out some snorkeling equipment and dive into the depths of the Pacific Ocean, passing by the beautiful aquatic life that lives just below the surface. An onboard camera staff is available to take your picture and document your time spent under the sea, so at a future time, you can look back and take a trip down nostalgia lane aboard Santa Cruz II.
Panorama Bar & Lounge
On board the ship, dine inside in the Beagle Dining Room or relax in the Panorama Bar & Lounge.
Sourcing as much of its food as locally as possible, the kitchen staff aboard Santa Cruz II, led by a Cordon Bleu chef, use only the freshest of fish and seafood available to them as well as organic fruits and vegetables to provide diners with delectable delights of both Ecuadorian and international cuisine. You can enjoy a delicious cocktail while relaxing in the Panorama Bar and Lounge – the perfect mix of casual and comfortable after a day of exploring.
Panorama Deck
Enjoy spending time outdoors on the Panorama or Sky decks.
You'll enjoy the beautiful – and varied – Galápagos' landscapes from the Terrace on the Panorama, home to a "Happy Hour" where snacks are served each afternoon – and you have an opportunity to visit the state-of-the-art bridge. On the Sky Deck, you'll find space to relax and enjoy your Galápagos cruise, taking in the sunshine at the very top of the vessel; the solarium / sun deck and fitness room are located here.
Gallery