Santa Cruz II Review

Wonderful ship and crew, not so wonderful itinerary

Review for Galapagos Cruise on Santa Cruz II
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TMLMJ
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Mar 2018

My husband and I and our three teen-aged boys recently returned from a spring break trip on the Santa Cruz II, Western Itinerary. We thoroughly enjoyed the Santa Cruz II. Everything was clean and modern. The food was very good and the waiters went out of their way each day to bring my son gluten-free breads and waffles without us ever having to ask. The outdoor deck was lovely. The bar and lounge areas were comfortable and inviting. The boat's staff at the Quito airport, on arrival in Baltra, and on the ship were all very organized and friendly and we always knew where we were going and what we were doing. The snorkeling equipment was excellent and seemed top quality. The ship's photographer takes pictures that are provided at no cost, which I thought was a very nice touch. I would sail on this ship again without the slightest hesitation.

Our naturalist guide for the trip was a very nice young man, but he could have talked a little less (sometimes you just want to silently enjoy the nature around you!) and been a little better informed. At times when he was asked questions I think he just improvised when he didn't know something. He often answered the same question different ways at different times. He explained evolution as "if a bird had an injured wing his offspring would then also have injured wings."

My real complaint, however, was the itinerary. Days 2 & 4 were excellent. Day 1 was ok, Day 3 was terrible. On such a short cruise at such a high cost, every day should be amazing!

Cabin Review

Cabin Horizon Deck

We had three cabins - two doubles (120, 122) and a single (124) all in a row on the main Horizon Deck. These were right next to the main desk, which I worried would be loud, but we actually loved the location. Very central to everything. The rooms did not feel cramped. The showers were nice with glass doors - so much better than the curtains the blow against you on most cruises. Nice large picture window in each. Very comfortable beds. Really no complaints at all.

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