Santa Cruz II

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.

Outside · 163.2 sq ft

• 2 large twin beds convert to double
• Ceiling light
• Under-the-bed closet (space for suitcases)
• Telephone
• Iron (upon request)
• Pen & memo pad
• Expedition map
• Sports bottle
• Extra blanket

Cabin categories: Explorer Double Explorer Double Cabin

Supplier information; cabin layout, amenities, and inclusions should be confirmed for your sailing.

Outside · 192 sq ft

• 2 large twin beds convert to double
• Ceiling light
• Under-the-bed closet (space for suitcases)
• Telephone
• Iron (upon request)
• Pen & memo pad
• Expedition map
• Sports bottle
• Extra blanket

Cabin categories: Explore Triple Explorer Triple Cabin

Supplier information; cabin layout, amenities, and inclusions should be confirmed for your sailing.

Suite · 323 sq ft

• 2 large twin beds convert to double
• Walk-in closet and space under bed (space for suitcases)
• Telephone
• Iron (upon request)
• Pen & memo pad
• Expedition map
• Sports bottle
• Extra blanket
• Inset tablet with free WiFi in each suite available for use during trip upon request
• In-cabin national and international magazines

Cabin categories: Darwin Darwin Suite

Supplier information; cabin layout, amenities, and inclusions should be confirmed for your sailing.

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. 

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.

Cruise-line information, not a ship-specific guarantee. Confirm venues and inclusions for your ship and sailing.

Supporting a thriving world

For over six decades, we have been committed to making a positive impact – environmentally, socially and economically – in the places we travel to. At Tauck, we center our commitment to creating a thriving world on three key pillars: People, Places, and Planet. By focusing on these areas, we strive to contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, ensuring a healthy planet – and meaningful connections for travelers and local residents in the places we visit.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to inspire and enable sustainable travel experiences that protect our planet, preserve cultural heritage, and support local communities. We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint, supporting local economies, and fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the destinations they visit. Through mindful and responsible practices and partnerships, we aim to create a positive impact that ensures future generations can enjoy and appreciate the beauty and diversity of our world.

Our Partners

Our itineraries are woven into the very fabric of places where we travel. We partner with a wide range of businesses, from family-owned enterprises to larger companies, creating jobs and enhancing the economic health and vitality of these destinations.

Operating Sustainably

Operating sustainably is crucial for long-term success and positive impact. By prioritizing environmental, social, and economic sustainability, we can reduce our carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and support local communities. Sustainable practices foster innovation, improve efficiency, and align with environmentally-conscious guests. Moreover, they ensure compliance with regulations and mitigate risks associated with climate change. Ultimately, sustainability drives resilience, enabling us to thrive while contributing to a healthier planet.

History

Tauck has invested in more than 80 national parks, monuments and destinations the world over to better protect our planet – and preserve natural, historical and cultural destinations for generations to come. Destination grants include Mesa Verde, Grand Teton National Park Foundation, Civil War Trust, National Civil Rights Museum, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Jasper National Park, and Friends of Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris), Grand Pré National Historic Site (Nova Scotia), and Wilderness Safari Camps (Africa).  
 
Going hand-in-hand with destination grants is our commitment to encourage and actively participate in volunteerism. Our commitment to destination preservation can be traced back to Arthur Tauck Jr's quiet donation to preserve the bell tower of the old North Church in Boston – a landmark visited by Tauck's very first guests in 1925 and countless thousands hence.   
 
These efforts include Tauck's on-tour national park guest volunteer program that won a "Preserve America" presidential award. Additionally, hundreds of Tauck employees have participated in annual volunteer days in places like Valley Forge, Harper's Ferry, The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ellis island, Gettysburg National Military Park and more.

Cruise-line information, not a ship-specific guarantee. Confirm venues and inclusions for your ship and sailing.

The Tauck Difference

We're a company, and a family, of passionate travelers. As a family-owned travel company for nearly a century, our values and vision remain true: always do the right thing. Deliver more than what's expected. With journeys across 7 continents, in over 100 destinations and to 70+ countries, we keep moving forward to find new ways to enhance travel experiences that will be memorable for a lifetime - and we're honored to have the trust and guest satisfaction to be voted to Travel + Leisure® World's Best Awards for 28 consecutive years. We invite you to see the world as you've never seen it before.

Unique, Exclusive Access

Unique and exclusive access create a journey unlike any other. It's not just about the places you visit – it's how you experience them. With Tauck you'll see the world differently thanks to our exclusive access in destinations the world over. Authentic experiences that provide special access to hidden gems and must-see sights – at times of day when the crowds have gone. Go behind the scenes to take you into places not accessible to the public. Show you the world differently than you could see it on your own. And astonish you along the way.

Closer Connections

The best travels bring the right kind of connections, with locals who share their daily lives along with cultural insights, secrets of nature, stories of the past that define the present, and special skills – and a journey becomes both enriching and everlasting. The most memorable trips aren't just about the grand sights you see. They're also about the little experiences you have along the way, those personal encounters and unexpected moments that make your visits – and your memories – extraordinary.

Guided by the Best

Personal, caring service is the hallmark of our Tauck Directors and our handpicked local guides. Together, they provide an enriching, truly authentic travel experience. Our Tauck Directors come from 41 countries and collectively speak a total of 52 languages. Their expertise in local culture, customs, and traditions allows them to show you the world in ways you couldn't experience on your own… making the difference between a trip, and the trip of a lifetime.

Travel Confidently

Just book your trip, pack, and go. Leave your worries behind as you experience an effortless vacation with peace of mind, as we take care of all the details from start to finish. Your journey comes with Tauck's comprehensive, built-in support system a century in the making. It begins with the care and local knowledge of our Tauck Directors and local guides. and extends to our network of incredible travel partners around the world. Our experienced Global Response Team stands ready to spring into action to respond to situations as they unfold. We manage the unexpected – big and small – so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy.