Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Hurtigruten more than doubles its new Galápagos offering

PHOTO: HURTIGRUTEN/METROPOLITAN TOURING CRUISE_Santa_Cruz_II_Panorama_bar_salon.jpg
The new-look Panorama bar and salon aboard the upgraded Santa Cruz II
Hurtigruten Expeditions' inaugural Galápagos cruise departs in early January but the company is now revealing an additional three new itineraries available year-round in 2023 and 2024.

Travelers will be able to choose from four different small-ship cruises ranging from four to eight nights. These essentially cover the full span of the remote 19-island archipelago.

Added four- and eight-night cruises

The six-night Eastern Galápagos itinerary that launches this January will be complemented with a four-night Northern Galápagos cruise, a four-night Western Galápagos cruise and an eight-night combination covering Northern and Western Galápagos. All four options are now open for booking.

In addition, Hurtigruten Expeditions expanded its pre- and post-cruise program by  adding luxury rainforest hotel Mashpi Lodge, located a few hours northwest of Quito. A three-night add-on is available with any Galápagos cruise.

Santa Cruz II's multimillion-dollar upgrade

Leading up to the 2022 season, Santa Cruz II has undergone a multimillion-dollar upgrade, including all public areas, cabins and suites. The 50-cabin ship now has light and modern Nordic interiors.

Besides the spacious Darwin Suites, the vessel has dedicated family and single cabins. All accommodations were upgraded with new mattresses and bedding. A new menu now features vegan and more vegetarian options at breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Citizen science

A Science Corner was added in line with Hurtigruten Expeditions' Science Program. Passengers are invited to participate in scientific activities to develop a deeper understanding of the region. Two citizen science projects will be offered, according to Dr. Verena Meraldi, chief scientist, Hurtigruten Expeditions.

Hurtigruten's Galápagos program springs from a long-term partnership with Ecuador's Metropolitan Touring, which has more than 70 years of experience in the archipelago.