Hurtigruten Expeditions's inaugural Galapagos cruise is currently scheduled to depart on January 7, 2022. The company has already revealed additional 3 new itineraries for 2023 and 2024.
Tourists will be able to choose from 4 different small-ship expedition voyages, ranging from 4 to 8 nights and covering the full span of the 19-island Galapagos archipelago considered one of the world's most unique places.
The 6-night Eastern Galapagos itinerary is to be complemented with a 4-night Northern Galapagos voyage, a 4-night Western Galapagos, and an 8-night B2B/back-to-back covering Northern & Western Galapagos. All options are available to book for travel in 2023 and 2024.
Hurtigruten also expands the land-based pre-/post-cruise program, adding the luxury rainforest hotel Mashpi Lodge, situated a few hours northwest of Quito (Ecuador's capital), as a unique 3-night pre-/post-tour for any Galapagos voyage.
Hurtigruten's Galapagos passengers will be the first to experience the fully refurbished MV Santa Cruz 2. Custom built for small-ship explorations, and with only 50 staterooms, the boat offers a comfortable way of exploring the archipelago. Leading up to season 2022, Santa Cruz 2 has undergone a multi-million upgrade, including public areas and accommodations effectively operating as a new ship with a modern Nordic design.
Besides the stylish Darwin Suites, the vessel also has dedicated single- and family cabins. All accommodations have been upgraded with new beddings and mattresses. The upgraded dining menu features numerous vegan and vegetarian options.
During the upgrade, a Science Corner was added in line with Hurtigruten's industry-leading Science Program, offering passengers to even deeper explore the wonders of the archipelago which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Hurtigruten has entered into a long-term partnership with Metropolitan Touring (Ecuador) that founded expedition cruising in Galapagos 70+ years ago.