In November 2026, nicko cruises will offer two extraordinary world cruise options aboard the elegant VASCO DA GAMA. Guests can choose between the 193-day Grand World Cruise, circling the globe from Hamburg back to Hamburg, or the 126-day Compact World Cruise to Tokyo. Both itineraries combine fascinating destinations with unforgettable moments at sea.
Across Europe and the Atlantic
On 3rd November 2026, VASCO DA GAMA departs Hamburg, calling first at Vigo in Spain, following Columbus’ legacy, and then Lisbon in Portugal, with its vibrant neighbourhoods and delicious pastéis de nata. After a day on Madeira and a hike in La Palma’s volcanic Caldera de Taburiente, the voyage continues to Tenerife before embarking on the Atlantic crossing. The route includes Cape Verde’s cultural hub Mindelo before the ship reaches South America. Guests enjoy slow cruising in Belém, Brazil, explore the magic of the Amazon, and even cross the equator in Macapá. The Caribbean then unfolds with stops at Devil’s Island, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, Curaçao and Aruba, each offering tropical flair and cultural treasures. Two full days in Cartagena allow time to soak up the folklore and music, while Costa Rica’s rainforest reveals another paradise before the passage through the Panama Canal concludes this segment in Panama City.
Festive Season in South America
The journey continues through Ecuador, Peru and Chile, with optional overland programmes to the Galapagos Islands or the legendary Inca site of Machu Picchu. Christmas Eve is celebrated on board, far from the usual holiday stress, and Christmas Day in Trujillo offers a memorable experience in the “City of Eternal Spring.” Guests then discover Peru’s colonial towns, archaeological treasures and stunning coastal landscapes before arriving in Puerto San Antonio, gateway to Santiago and colourful Valparaíso.
South Seas and Oceania
From South America, VASCO DA GAMA sets course for the South Pacific, where the mystical statues of Easter Island and the remoteness of the Pitcairn Islands create unforgettable highlights. In French Polynesia, the islands of Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine and Rangiroa enchant with crystal lagoons and authentic culture. Further on, Fiji, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea impress with their natural beauty, while Sulawesi’s mangrove forests and the Philippines’ Chocolate Hills round off this vibrant chapter of the cruise.
Asia’s Mysticism and Modernity
In Manila, the ship begins its Asian adventure. The dazzling skyline of Hong Kong, Taiwan’s bustling harbours, and South Korea’s striking bridges and volcanic landscapes set the stage for the contrasts of Japan. Guests explore Kanazawa’s serene gardens, Sapporo’s wide green spaces, the romantic waterfalls near Aomori, Mount Fuji from Shimizu, Kyoto from Kobe and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. In Vietnam, the scenic Hai Van Pass and the imperial city of Hue fascinate before the ship continues to Ho Chi Minh City. Cambodia follows with a chance to discover the Angkor temples, before the cruise sails to Bangkok, Singapore and Malaysia. In Sri Lanka, the colonial charm of Colombo combines with ancient temples and lively markets, while the Maldives enchant with turquoise waters before the voyage continues to Oman.
Arabian Nights and the Mediterranean Return
The magic of the Arabian Nights unfolds in Salalah with its tropical vegetation, in Jeddah with its lively souks, and in Aqaba, gateway to Petra and Wadi Rum. After the passage through the Suez Canal, Alexandria welcomes with the pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum before the ship returns to European waters. In Greece, Kalamata offers relaxed coastal charm, while Syracuse and Cagliari reveal Mediterranean history. Mallorca and Málaga in Spain provide highlights such as the Alhambra and the Serra de Tramuntana, followed by Porto in Portugal and A Coruña in Spain. Honfleur in France delights with its harbour before Dover leads to a day trip in London. On 15th May 2027, the VASCO DA GAMA finally returns to Hamburg, concluding more than six unforgettable months at sea.
Life Onboard VASCO DA GAMA
With capacity for around 1,000 guests, the VASCO DA GAMA combines intimacy with comfort. On board, five restaurants and seven bars offer varied culinary delights, while two swimming pools, outdoor sports facilities and a modern fitness centre provide opportunities for recreation. Those seeking relaxation find it in the spacious spa with sauna and steam bath. Guests enjoy well-equipped cabins and the comfort of a floating home, discovering the world without the constant need to pack and unpack.
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