By
Alex Smith |
Hurtigruten Expeditions has partnered with Metropolitan Touring to expand its global offering to the Galapagos archipelago for the first time.
Hurtigruten will offer year-round, seven-day cruises to destinations in the archipelago onboard Metropolitan Touring’s 90-passenger ship Santa Cruz II from January 2022. As part of the partnership, all suites and cabins, the explorer lounge, dining room, bar and other public areas onboard the ship will be renovated and upgraded. A Science Area will also be added, where guests will learn about the destinations they visit from the expedition team.
“This partnership brings together two companies that combine the best of two worlds: Hurtigruten Expeditions as a global player with an excellent reputation in expedition cruises, and our long history, deep knowledge and amazing, experienced teams working in the Galapagos Islands,” said Paulina Burbano de Lara, CEO of Metropolitan Touring.
All Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises to Galapagos will be carbon neutral, with guests contributing directly to the protection of biodiverse forests in northwestern Ecuador, named a Unesco biosphere reserve in 2018.
“This is a significant milestone in our 125-year history of exploring,” said Asta Lassesen, CEO of Hurtigruten Expeditions. “The Galapagos is one of the world’s ultimate expedition cruise destinations. It is a perfect match between two companies with proud histories, strong heritages and passion for the well-being of our oceans and our planet.”