Travelling around the world without having to constantly change hotels is an appealing prospect for many travellers. In November 2027, nicko cruises‘ VASCO DA GAMA will set out from Lisbon on a 172-day world cruise, visiting six continents and 41 countries before returning to the Portuguese capital on 24 April 2028.
From Lisbon to the Azores and Cape Verde
The journey begins in Europe, with several Atlantic islands among the first destinations. In the Azores, volcanic landscapes and green crater lakes provide an introduction to the voyage, before VASCO DA GAMA continues to the Canary Islands. La Gomera and El Hierro offer a combination of volcanic scenery and distinctive natural environments, including the laurel forests of La Gomera.
The ship then heads to Cape Verde, where travellers can discover colourful coastal towns, expansive sandy landscapes and the salt pools of Pedra de Lume. From here, the first major ocean crossing awaits as VASCO DA GAMA heads across the Atlantic towards the Caribbean.
After several days at sea, the ship reaches Bridgetown in Barbados. From there, the itinerary continues via Martinique and deeper into the Caribbean.
Island Hopping Through the Caribbean
The second segment lasts 14 days and takes VASCO DA GAMA from Martinique to the Dominican Republic. The itinerary showcases different sides of the Caribbean, from beaches and tropical rainforests to historic sites and volcanic landscapes.
On Saint Lucia, the Pitons provide a dramatic backdrop, while Dominica is known for its waterfalls and relatively untouched nature. On Marie-Galante, travellers can visit traditional distilleries, while Guadeloupe offers the opportunity to explore sites such as Fort Delgrès. From Saint Martin, an excursion to the smaller island of Pinel is also possible.
The route continues to Montserrat, where the Soufrière Hills volcano dominates the landscape, followed by the historic destinations of Antigua and St. Kitts. The British Virgin Islands are also included before the cruise reaches the Dominican Republic and concludes in Santo Domingo.
With relatively short distances between many of the islands, the itinerary offers the opportunity to discover a different Caribbean destination on almost every day of the voyage.
From Jamaica to the Panama Canal
From the Dominican Republic, VASCO DA GAMA heads to Jamaica. In Kingston, travellers can explore the musical legacy of Bob Marley at the museum dedicated to the reggae icon.
The Cayman Islands follow, with opportunities to discover the region’s underwater world, while Belize offers a glimpse into the ancient Maya civilisation at sites including Lamanai and Altun Ha. In Honduras, a glass-bottom boat excursion provides views of the marine life around the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Nature remains an important part of the itinerary in the following destinations. On San Andrés and in Costa Rica, travellers can experience tropical landscapes and diverse wildlife. One of the highlights of this segment is the daytime transit of the Panama Canal, before VASCO DA GAMA reaches Panama City.
Here, travellers can visit the Miraflores Locks and the Panama Canal visitor centre, providing an opportunity to explore one of the world’s most remarkable engineering projects before the next stage of the world cruise begins.
Christmas in Central America and New Year’s Eve in Cabo San Lucas
The fourth segment connects Central America with the islands of the South Pacific. During the Christmas period, VASCO DA GAMA visits Costa Rica and Guatemala before sailing along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Puerto Vallarta is among the destinations on the route, while the region also offers opportunities for whale watching, including encounters with humpback and grey whales in their natural environment.
New Year’s Eve is celebrated in Cabo San Lucas, where fireworks light up the bay as the new year begins. After several days at sea, VASCO DA GAMA reaches French Polynesia.
The Marquesas, the Tuamotu Archipelago, Moorea and Tahiti then introduce travellers to the heart of the South Pacific, with turquoise lagoons, tropical landscapes and distinctive local traditions.
Across the Date Line to Australia
From Tahiti, the journey continues to Moorea and Bora Bora before reaching the Cook Islands. Here, the world cruise includes another unusual milestone as VASCO DA GAMA crosses the International Date Line.
The crossing means that travellers move directly from 20 January to 22 January, with 21 January skipped entirely. The itinerary then continues through Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu, where travellers can discover local communities and traditions.
Around Mystery Island, colourful coral reefs provide opportunities for snorkelling, while Nouméa in New Caledonia offers a change of scenery with its colonial architecture and waterfront setting. After several days among the islands of the South Pacific, VASCO DA GAMA heads for Sydney, where the famous harbour marks the end of this stage of the journey.
From Australia’s East Coast to Indonesia
The Australian section begins with an extended exploration of the country’s east and north. From Sydney, the ship visits Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and Darwin, bringing together cosmopolitan cities, tropical landscapes and the natural highlights of Australia’s coastline.
Travellers looking to venture further inland can join an overland excursion to Uluru, the iconic sandstone monolith in the heart of the Australian Outback. Encounters with koalas, kangaroos and wombats are also among the possible experiences, while the Great Barrier Reef offers another major natural highlight.
From Australia, VASCO DA GAMA continues to Indonesia. Timor and Komodo offer dramatic landscapes and the opportunity to see the famous Komodo dragons in their natural environment. On Bali, temples, culture and lush scenery take centre stage, while Java is home to Borobudur, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most significant Buddhist monuments.
The segment concludes in Jakarta after 20 days of exploring this part of the world.
Southeast Asia and the Islands of the Indian Ocean
From Indonesia, VASCO DA GAMA sails towards Singapore and Malaysia, where modern architecture such as the Petronas Twin Towers and Gardens by the Bay contrasts with centuries-old traditions. From Thailand, travellers can also opt for an overland programme extending into India.
The itinerary then moves towards the Maldives, where sandy beaches and clear waters provide a very different setting. The Seychelles follow, with their distinctive coastline and granite rock formations. Anse Lazio is among the archipelago’s best-known natural landmarks.
In Zanzibar, Stone Town offers a glimpse into the island’s complex history. Arab, Indian and European influences have shaped the historic city over centuries, creating a distinctive cultural mix. After 24 days, this section of the world cruise concludes in Mombasa, Kenya.
From Madagascar to South Africa
From Mombasa, the itinerary follows the east coast of Africa, combining tropical islands with wildlife and landscapes on the African mainland. The Comoros offer colourful markets filled with local produce, spices and handwoven textiles.
Madagascar brings a strong focus on nature and wildlife, with opportunities to explore the island’s distinctive ecosystems and national parks. Mauritius and Réunion then provide a tropical interlude before VASCO DA GAMA returns to the African mainland.
In South Africa, travellers can discover Zulu traditions and join safari excursions. Elephants, giraffes and zebras are among the animals that may be encountered, while lucky travellers could also spot other members of Africa’s famous Big Five.
Along the African Coast Back to Lisbon
The final stage of the world cruise gradually brings VASCO DA GAMA back towards Europe. From Durban, the itinerary continues along the Garden Route and to Addo Elephant National Park, before reaching Cape Town.
The South African city offers some of the most recognisable scenery of the journey, with Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope providing a dramatic backdrop.
Further north, the scenery changes again. Walvis Bay in Namibia introduces vast desert landscapes, while Angola combines historic landmarks with lively coastal areas. The São Miguel Fortress contrasts with Luanda’s waterfront Marginal.
On Ilhéu Bom Bom in São Tomé and Príncipe, travellers encounter another tropical setting with lush nature and views across the Atlantic. After several days at sea, the final stop is Tenerife, where an excursion to Teide National Park and the Caldera de Las Cañadas offers a last natural highlight before Europe.
On 24 April 2028, VASCO DA GAMA returns to Lisbon, 172 days after setting out from the Portuguese capital.
VASCO DA GAMA as a Floating Home
During the extended world cruise, travellers will spend more than five months aboard VASCO DA GAMA, which accommodates approximately 1,000 passengers. The ship has five restaurants and seven bars and lounges, as well as two swimming pools, outdoor sports facilities and a fitness centre.
For relaxation, the onboard spa includes a sauna and steam bath, while the ship’s range of facilities provides plenty of options between port calls.
The world cruise from nicko cruises is divided into nine segments, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and travelling through the Caribbean, along the coasts of Central and South America, and onwards to Australia, Southeast Asia and Africa. Travellers who do not have 172 days available can instead opt for the 125-day Compact World Cruise from Panama City to Lisbon or book individual long-haul segments.
Pictures courtesy of nicko cruises
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