NEED TO KNOW

• Many of the cabins and suites have large windows, whilst some have private balconies
• Santa Cruz was built exclusively for Galápagos cruising
• The vessel has an elegant dining room and bar
• A Jacuzzi is located on the sun deck
• Other facilities include an observation platform for whale watching, a natural history library, reading room and lectures, a gift shop, aromatherapy centre, a stargazing programme, glass bottom boat, complimentary snorkelling equipment, naturalist guides, a resident physician and email, telephone and fax facilities
• With a choice of single, double and triple cabins, as well as suites, the Santa Cruz is ideal for families
  

THE HOTEL
The Santa Cruz is a 237 foot, 90 passenger deluxe cruise ship offering a choice of suites, double or single cabins.  All are comfortable, well appointed and equipped for a deluxe Galápagos cruise. Fully carpeted and air conditioned, the Santa Cruz is perfect for a comfortable and relaxed vacation in the Galápagos Islands.

Opportunities to explore the crystal clear waters are manifold - on guided snorkel and scuba tours or from a glass bottomed boat for those unable to take the plunge. During starlit evenings, the ship's sun deck, complete with bar, Jacuzzi and observation platform provides a relaxed setting in which to mull over the sights and sounds of the day.

Three, four and seven night cruises depart on Friday or Monday, and offer itineraries designed to provide a most complete vision of the Galápagos main highlights.  Excursion programmes are flexible, allowing passengers to choose between shorter or longer hikes, Zodiac cruises, swimming activities, and more.  All have been planned to offer the best of the archipelago in such a way as to ensure the continued preservation of this unique ecosystem.

The Santa Cruz has 46 high-standard cabins. On the Boat Deck, there are two Master Suites with private balcony and two Junior Suites. On the Upper and Main Decks are the Superior and Standard cabins. All are comfortably equipped for expedition cruising, air-conditioned, stylishly furnished and most with sea views. Family passengers have ample choice among single, triple and quad accommodations.

Underwater discovery
We have added an extra naturalist guide to the crew - an Underwater Naturalist - who will lead guests by the hand during swimming and snorkelling activities, helping them with masks, snorkels and techniques, and we've added new flotation aids, too. We're confident far more of our guests will enjoy the ship's snorkelling activities, revealing another world of wonder in the Galápagos that they might otherwise have missed.

Expedition equipment
In order for guests to get closer and understand more about the islands' marine world, the ship now has a hydrophone for listening to the calls of dolphins and whales, as well as a 'splashcam' video camera which will let us film these creatures in action underwater from the pangas. To record our guests' fun in the water, our high-quality staff camera has an underwater housing - and photos of the expeditions are always shown on the last night before disembarking. The Santa Cruz also has a spotting scope for improved observation of wildlife.

M/V Santa Cruz is one of the best options for family journeys, this has been reinforced by our commitment to giving families precious moments to share, explore, learn and have fun together. As part of every journey, the following is included:
• our "Young Pirates" programme on board with attractive kits full of materials.
• kids' meals and times
• board games and puzzles in the library
• panga rides just for young explorers
• an "introduction to snorkeling for kids" time with our extra naturalist
• bridge visits with the Captain
• interaction with our multimedia tablet.
Santa Cruz Island visits: great alternative activities

As well as the 'traditional' visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in the afternoon of this day (currently Thursday, but Monday and Saturday with the 2012 itineraries), guests can choose from the following activities:     
• trekking in the highlands
• biking downhill to a secluded beach
• visiting an organic coffee plantation
• scuba diving
• walking to Tortuga Bay beach where they can kayak or simply enjoy some down-time.

All of these activities are offered at no additional cost, except for scuba diving.