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Tauck 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.

KEY FEATURES

Conceived for operations in remote areas like the Galápagos Archipelago, the new Santa Cruz II boasts five spacious decks with modern interiors designed by renowned Swedish ship designer Richard Nilsson.

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.

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.

Dining in the colorful Beagle Dining Room or al fresco on the Panorama Deck is a delight for all ages on board Santa Cruz II; shipboard menus include creative Ecuadorian dishes and international cuisine featuring freshly caught seafood and locally grown produce that everyone in your party is sure to enjoy.

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Accomodation Types

Darwin Suite

Explorer Double Cabin

Explorer Triple Cabin

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Deck Plans

Sky Deck

Panorama Deck

Expedition Deck

Horizon Deck

Ocean Deck

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Dining

Beagle Dining Rooom

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Entertainment

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.

Panorama Deck

Panorama Lounge & Bar

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Enrichment

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.

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Health & Fitness

Gym

Hot Tubs

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Kids & Teens

Please note: There are no children's facilities available.

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Useful Information

Age Restrictions

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, and 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: Children age 3 and older at the time of travel are welcome on many Tauck Bridges itineraries. Minimum age for our Tauck Bridges river cruises is 4 years old.

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 interests, 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.

Mobility Onboard and Ashore

Ashore – Guests with restricted mobility may have difficulty managing the pedestrian-only city centers, cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces that exist throughout Old World Europe.

Onboard – Guests may need to walk across narrow gangways and ascend or descend stairs when embarking or disembarking the riverboat due to "double-docking" or the docking location. An able traveling companion who can help guests who require assistance must accompany them throughout their journey.

What's Included

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 meals, land and cruise transportation, sightseeing, shore excursions, luggage handling, most taxes, concierge-style services Tauck Directors, services of local guides and more.

Meals are freshly prepared and regionally driven, both on the riverboat and at local restaurants. Complimentary beverages – from specialty coffee, tea, and soft drinks to house wine, beer and premium spirits – are included on the riverboats, all day, every day.

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 river cruises.

Over 100 cost components are included on every cruise – which means no hidden costs, no surcharges, no on-tour surprises!