Built in
2002
Remodeled in
2021
Capacity
90
Cruises
1
Staterooms
50
Crew
50
Crew to guests
1 : 1.8
Length
70 m
Cruising speed
11 knots
By
Tauck
The Santa Cruz II is an exceptional small-ship experience crafted for exploring the unique wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Designed for comfort and style by Swedish designer Richard Nilsson, this sleek vessel features five spacious decks and modern interiors. Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers, the ship offers 50 bright, air-conditioned staterooms, including Explorer cabins and the exclusive Darwin Suite on the Panorama Deck. Thoughtfully equipped, all rooms include large windows for stunning ocean views and convenient amenities like an in-room safe and docking station.
Guests can unwind in the ship's inviting communal spaces, from outdoor decks with ocean-view hot tubs to indoor lounge bars and a well-stocked library. Enjoy authentic Ecuadorian and international cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients in the colorful Beagle Dining Room or al fresco under the stars. Designed for adventure and relaxation, the Santa Cruz II promises an unforgettable voyage.
Dining
Aboard the 90-guest Santa Cruz II, the Beagle Dining Room is where the day's exploring gives way to a shared meal. Open seating and regional menus keep things relaxed, with dishes shaped by the surrounding islands and waters.
Complimentary
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.
Sailings on this ship
We'll email you the current itineraries we sell on Tauck - Santa Cruz II, plus the reasons travelers book with Small Ship Travel. Reply anytime to ask about specific cabins, dates, or itineraries.
Suites
323 sq. feet · sleeps up to 3
Suite Dimensions:
30 sq. m. (323 sq. ft.)
Private Balcony:
No
Beds:
2 large twin beds convert to double (105 cm x 91 cm) x 2
Stateroom Furnishings:
2 night desks, 2 chairs, 1 corner desk, 1 sofa, 2 small armchairs, 1 center table, 1 high table
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Biodegradable shampoo & soap, hairdryer, mirror, facial tissue, towels. Under request at reception we have available for guests: sewing kit, shower cap and vanity kits.
Stateroom Amenities:
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.
163 sq. feet
Suite Dimensions:
15.2 sq. m. (163.2 sq. ft.)
Private Balcony:
No
Beds:
2 large twin beds convert to double (105 cm x 91 cm) x 2
Stateroom Furnishings:
2 night desks, 1 chair, 1 corner desk
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Biodegradable shampoo & soap, hairdryer, mirror, facial tissue, towels. Under request at reception we have available for guests: sewing kit, shower cap and vanity kits.
Stateroom Amenities:
Ceiling light; under-the-bed closet (space for suitcases); telephone; iron (upon request); pen & memo pad; expedition map; sports bottle; extra blanket
192 sq. feet · sleeps up to 3
Suite Dimensions:
17.8 sq. m. (192 sq. ft.)
Private Balcony:
No
Beds:
2 large twin beds convert to double (105 cm x 91 cm) x 2, plus a sofa bed (105 cm x 91 cm)
Stateroom Furnishings:
2 night desks, 1 chair, 1 corner desk, 1 sofa bed
Private Bathroom:
Yes, with shower
Bathroom Amenities:
Biodegradable shampoo & soap, hairdryer, mirror, facial tissue, towels. Under request at reception we have available for guests: sewing kit, shower cap and vanity kits.
Stateroom Amenities:
Ceiling light; under-the-bed closet (space for suitcases); telephone; iron (upon request); pen & memo pad; expedition map; sports bottle; extra blanket
On board
Good to know
Children age 3 and older at the time of travel are welcome on Tauck Bridges itineraries. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. In some cases there may be age restrictions on activities; all children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 or older to make a reservation. Note: Minimum age for our Tauck Bridges river cruises is 4 years; minimum age for our Tauck Bridges African safaris is 5 years; and minimum age for our Tauck Bridges Galápagos cruise is 6 years.
We ask that you use good judgment if considering bringing a young child or children on a Tauck journey. Many of our itineraries do not cater to young children's interest, patience or stamina, and therefore aren't really suited to children of too young an age. Young children's behavior can be unpredictable, and with consideration for all fellow travelers wanting to enjoy their vacation to its fullest, it is important to know and understand that Tauck has the right to ask any tour member who is disruptive to a group to leave the tour whether they are 6 or 96 years of age.
Family travel is important to us. The bond between children and adults as they experience the world together makes for special memories that last lifetimes. It is for that reason we created 'Tauck Bridges' – journeys for the whole family to enjoy together. Each of these kid-friendly family oriented journeys has a minimum recommended age rating to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all our guests.
Tauck regrets that it cannot provide individual assistance to a guest for walking, wheelchairs, motorized scooters, dining or other personal needs. Guests needing such assistance must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist them. We regret that some itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.
Just about everything! Virtually every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel and ship accommodations, entertainment, meals as specified in the itinerary, special dinner, land and cruise transportation, sightseeing, shore excursions, luggage handling, most taxes, concierge-style services Tauck Directors, services of local guides and more.
Most meals are included on Tauck journeys. Dining is a delightful and integral part of the Tauck experience – and that is why Tauck selects restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit. Enjoy Tauck's "free choice" dining where you often dine when and with whom you wish; some meals are full a la carte, some may be limited a la carte, and some may be from a set menu or buffet.
All appropriate gratuities for luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, dining room servers, and ship staff are included. Tauck Tour Director and Tauck Cruise Director gratuities are included on all small ship cruises.
Over 100 cost components are included on every cruise – which means no hidden costs, no surcharges, no on-tour surprises!
Tauck runs small-ship ocean and river voyages built around cultural immersion, privileged access, and attentive personal service. It belongs to the Tauck family of guided travel, founded in 1925, so the planning and on-the-ground logistics carry a century of experience behind them. Voyages reach Europe, Asia, Antarctica, North and South America, and the itineraries are designed to connect you with the heart of each destination through enriching excursions and expert-led touring.
Tauck's small-ship voyages reach quiet harbors, remote islands, and culturally rich coastal regions that big ships sail right past. These are intimate sailings with a personal feel, whether you are tracing the Mediterranean, the Arctic, the Galapagos, or the coastal cities of Asia.
Shore excursions open access to historical sites, private cultural performances, and tours led by genuine experts.
Ships are chosen for their comfort, with spacious accommodations, considered dining, and onboard enrichment programs.
Group sizes stay small, which keeps each journey personal and unhurried.
From watching icebergs drift past in Antarctica to walking the halls of a historic European castle, every Tauck small-ship voyage is shaped for meaningful exploration.
Tauck's European river voyages bring you close to the landscapes, historic cities, and cultural treasures of the continent. Sailing the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Seine, and other storied rivers, the days balance relaxation with steady discovery.
Wine tastings at vineyards and private chateau visits feature on many routes.
Guided touring takes in medieval villages, grand palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Onboard, expert-led lectures and regional cooking add depth to each leg of the river.
With small-group excursions and a focus on authentic local encounters, Tauck's river voyages give you an engaging way to see Europe.
For families who want to see the world together, Tauck Bridges designs journeys that hold the attention of every age. Days might mean biking the Dutch countryside, watching wildlife in the Galapagos, or following a scavenger hunt through a historic palace.
Interactive cultural experiences are tailored for multigenerational groups.
Accommodations sit in distinctive places, including castles and historic hotels.
Activities are built to bring history, nature, and culture to life while staying fun.
With Tauck Bridges, families build lasting memories as they discover the world side by side.
We keep our recommendations tight because we book what we know. After a close look at how Tauck delivers on cultural immersion, personal service, and authentic exploration, we were glad to add it to our portfolio of small-ship operators we trust.
Working with Tauck, we arrange access, tailored itineraries, and the practical travel logistics that keep a trip calm rather than complicated. Whether you want a European river voyage, a small-ship sailing in Antarctica, or a cultural cruise through the Mediterranean, we shape the experience around what you want.
Booking through Small Ship Travel brings you advisor guidance, personal service, and added benefits on your Tauck voyage. From pre- and post-cruise hotel stays to private shore excursions and travel logistics, we handle the details so you can be present for the journey.
See the world with Tauck and Small Ship Travel, where careful planning, real exploration, and cultural discovery meet. Get in touch and we will start mapping your next voyage.
consultation
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.