destination
accommodation profile
Santa Cruz
accommodation specifics
Construction: Bilbao, Spain, 1979
Reconstruction: Talcahuano, Chile, 1998
Category: First Class
Gross Tonnage: 1675
Capacity: 90 guests
Crew: 52
Length: 72.35 meters (237.3 feet)
Beam: 11.85 meters (38.86 feet)
Speed: 13 knots
Electricity : 110 Volts in cabins, 220 in Reception and Dining
Engines: 2 Sulzer engines, 1620 BHP each
Navigation: Gyrocompass, auto pilot, radar, echo-sounders
Safety Classification: ABS classification +A1E + AMS #7907 853 SOLAS (safety of life at sea) ISM certificate complying with the IMO resolution A.788(19), automatic fire controls, life jackets in each cabin
Lifeboats: Two 66-man, two 25-man
Life Rafts: Two 16-man, two 10-man
Zodiacs: 5 for ship to shore transportation
Boston Whaler: 1 with glass-bottom with for underwater observation
Owner: ETICA / Metropolitan Touring
galapagos
The 44-cabin, 90-passenger M/V Santa Cruz was built exclusively for Galapagos Island cruises. The Santa Cruz has gained worldwide recognition for her excellent standards including superb service, expert crew, safety and highly knowledgeable, multilingual naturalist/guides. She is also known for her chef and menus that feature the very best international cuisine and celebrated Ecuadorian dishes.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ M/V Santa Cruz review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our crew has traveled aboard the Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands, so feel free to ask us any questions about this ship. Please read our M/V Santa Cruz review below then contact our Galapagos cruise experts to compare the Santa Cruz with other Galapagos yachts and cruises.
A November 2011 remodel outfitted the Santa Cruz with new carpeting throughout the ship, renovations in the reception area, new armchairs in the bar/salon, renewed décor and furniture in the dining room, plus new crockery and cutlery, a revamped library-internet room and new sun loungers on the Sun Deck. In the cabins, new wallpaper and blinds, replaced desk tops and new off-white sheets, pillow cases and blankets give a lighter, more spacious feel.
As an alternative to snorkeling, the Santa Cruz carries a glass-bottom boat to observe the Galapagos marine life without getting wet. Snorkel equipment is provided free of charge and wetsuits are available for rental.
Common Areas Aboard M/V Santa Cruz
The
Santa Cruz offers plenty of room on board with four spacious decks. The dining room, lounge and bar are elegantly appointed, as is the well-stocked library/reading room with two computers with internet access (extra charge). WiFi is available via satellite in the lounge only, and can be purchased for one device.
The wide open Sun Deck is where you will spend most of your time and features a bar and Jacuzzi. The observation platform on the Sun Deck is the place to be while cruising to view birds, whales and dolphins. At night, when pitch-dark starry skies are seen, stargazing is an amazing nocturnal activity.
The Upper Deck features common areas including a large lobby, spacious view lounge, gift shop/boutique and dining area.
Expedition Team and Crew
The
Santa Cruz features an Expedition Team consisting of seven Galapagos Naturalists and a Chief Galapagos Naturalist. All will delight guests with diverse natural history explanations and superb on-deck talks and lectures regarding Galapagos natural history and conservation issues. Group size is 16 maximum, so any questions and comments regarding the Galapagos can be addressed. Their multimedia presentations and recaps will complement each day's activities. Together with the Captain, they will plan each day's program of Galapagos exploration. They are masters of Galapagos knowledge and inevitably become the highlight of your voyage.
The Upper Deck aboard the Santa Cruz features Standard Twin bed cabins each with a large view window. Below the Upper Deck the Main Deck is home to the remaining Standard Twin bed cabins alongside the ships Galley and crew quarters. Cabins on the Main Deck have portholes rather than view windows.
Additionally there is a doctor permanently on board, giving free consultations and adding a level of safety and security to your Galapagos voyage.
Family Activities Aboard M/V Santa Cruz
The
Santa Cruz features a “Young Pirates” family program for young Galapagos explorers. This program is aimed at children ranging between ages 7 to 12 years old and features an attractive kit full of materials showcasing a fun and exciting way of experiencing the
Galapagos Islands . Children's meals and meal schedules available, as are panga rides and bridge visits with the captain. An introduction to snorkeling for kids and parents is guided by a naturalist.
Accommodations Aboard M/V Santa Cruz
All cabins aboard the Santa Cruz open to an interior passageway and feature a private bathroom, air conditioning and 110-volt electrical outlets. Locking safety boxes are available in each room.
The Boat Deck is the uppermost cabin deck and includes two spacious master suites with double beds (plus a sofa bed for a child), a sitting area and a private balcony with large view door. The Boat Deck also includes two Junior Suites with twin beds (plus a sofa bed for a child) that are similar to the Master Suites but without the private balcony. Six Superior-Class cabins on the Boat Deck have twin or double beds and large view windows. We recommend the Boat Deck for family travel to the Galapagos because cabins can be configured as single, double or triple.
The Upper Deck aboard the Santa Cruz features Standard Twin bed cabins each with a large view window. Below the Upper Deck the Main Deck is home to the remaining Standard Twin bed cabins alongside the ships Galley and crew quarters. Cabins on the Main Deck have portholes rather than view windows.
Boat Deck
2 Master Suites w/ double bed plus sofa bed
2 Junior Suites w/ twin beds plus sofa bed
4 Superior Cabins w/ twin beds
2 Superior Cabins w/ double bed
5 Standard Cabins w/ twin beds
1 Standard Cabin w/ double bed
1 Standard Single cabin
2 Standard Plus w/ twin beds
Upper Deck
12 Standard Twin Cabins
Main Deck
13 Standard Twin Cabins
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