A journey around the globe, crossing vast oceans and discovering some of the world‘s most fascinating natural landscapes and culturally rich destinations is an experience to treasure for a lifetime: Vasco Da Gama, operated by Stuttgart-based cruise specialist Nicko Cruises, will embark on another extraordinary world cruise in November 2027.
Departing from Lisbon, the journey takes travellers across six continents and 41 countries before returning to the Portuguese capital after 172 unforgettable days.
The new brochure World Cruises and Dream Ocean Cruises 2027/28 provides detailed information on the itineraries, the ship, and the destinations.
All voyages are now open for booking — either as the complete „Grand World Cruise“, the slightly shorter „Compact World Cruise“, or as individual long-haul segments that can be combined flexibly.
On 4 November 2027, Vasco Da Gama sets out on a voyage that captures the true spirit of exploration. Departing from Lisbon, the ship calls on an impressive variety of ports across nine distinctive routes offering authentic cultural pleasures and unforgettable adventures along the way.
While the complete world cruise lasts 172 days, travellers seeking a shorter adventure can choose the „Compact World Cruise“ (125 days from Panama City to Lisbon) or create their own itinerary by combining individual long-haul segments.
Breathtaking islands between the Atlantic and the Caribbean
For travellers choosing the complete world cruise, the great adventure begins in Lisbon, leading first to the impressive Azores, where dramatic volcanic scenery and emerald-green crater lakes captivate visitors.
In the Canary Islands, La Gomera and El Hierro reveal their natural beauty, from mystical laurel forests to striking lava landscapes.
Cape Verde adds yet another facet to the journey, with sweeping sand dunes, colourful coastal towns and the opportunity to float in the salt pools of Pedra de Lume.
The crossing of the Atlantic – a dream shared by many travellers – then becomes reality. There is something truly special about sailing across the seemingly endless ocean while enjoying the comfort and amenities aboard Vasco Da Gama.
Finally, Bridgetown in Barbados welcomes guests with its colonial charm and graceful sea turtles, before the voyage ends in Fort-de-France on Martinique – the perfect beginning to an extraordinary world cruise.
Discovering the Treasures of the Caribbean
The subsequent 14-day cruise takes cruise passengers deep into the Caribbean archipelago, from Martinique to the Dominican Republic.
Surrounded by powder-white beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical rainforests, guests uncover the remarkable diversity of this unique region.
On St. Lucia, the iconic Pitons rise dramatically above the coast, while Dominica impresses with its powerful waterfalls and untouched nature.
Over the following days, cruise guests can discover traditional distilleries on Marie-Galante, visit the renowned Fort Delgrès on Guadeloupe and take a ferry excursion from Saint-Martin to the enchanting Pinel Island.
Further highlights include the Soufrière Hills volcano on Montserrat, the historic landmarks of Antigua and St. Kitts, and the picturesque bays of the British Virgin Islands.
Thanks to the short distances between the islands, a new Caribbean paradise awaits passengers almost every day. The journey concludes spectacularly with the sandy beaches of the Dominican Republic before the cruise comes to an end in Santo Domingo.
Pure diversity across the Caribbean, Central America, and the Panama Canal
From Santo Domingo, Vasco Da Gama first sets course for Jamaica, where Bob Marley’s cultural legacy comes to life. At the museum in Kingston, visitors learn all about the King of Reggae.
Surrounding the Cayman Islands, the crystal-clear waters show an extraordinary underwater world, while Belize invites guests to step back in time at the ancient Maya sites of Lamanai and Altun Ha.
In Honduras, a glass-bottom boat excursion showcases the colourful marine life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Lush rainforests and abundant wildlife leave lasting impressions on the Caribbean island of San Andrés and in Costa Rica.
One of the most memorable moments of the voyage is the daytime transit through the legendary Panama Canal – a masterpiece of engineering and a lifelong dream for many travellers.
This 16-day cruise concludes in Panama City, where a visit to the Miraflores Locks and the canal’s visitor centre provides a perfect finale.
Christmas & New Year’s Eve under the palms: from Central America to the South Pacific
The fourth leg of the world cruise links the natural wonders of Central America with the idyllic islands of the South Pacific.
Cruise guests celebrate the Christmas holidays in Costa Rica and Guatemala, far from the bustle of everyday life.
The journey then continues along Mexico’s vibrant Pacific coast, where distinctive colonial towns such as Puerto Vallarta await, alongside the rare opportunity to observe humpback as well as grey whales in their natural habitat.
New Year’s Eve in Cabo San Lucas is a truly unforgettable moment, as spectacular fireworks illuminate the bay marking the start of the new year.
After several relaxing days at sea, Vasco Da Gama reaches the islands of French Polynesia. In the Marquesas, the Tuamotu Archipelago, Moorea and Tahiti, guests witness the incomparable beauty of the South Pacific, characterized by turquoise lagoons, warm hospitality and centuries-old traditions.
The South Seas: island paradises and unspoiled nature
From Tahiti, travellers continue to the idyllic islands of Moorea and Bora Bora, where palm-fringed beaches seem almost too beautiful to be real.
In the Cook Islands, guests indulge in the South Pacific’s laid-back way of life before crossing the International Date Line – a remarkable journey through time that skips 21 January entirely, taking the guests of Vasco Da Gama directly from 20 to 22 January.
The voyage then uncovers even more of the South Pacific’s diversity in the Kingdom of Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu, where traditional communities such as Lovoni Village offer authentic insights into local culture.
Off Mystery Island, vibrant coral reefs provide the perfect setting for amazing snorkelling adventures. Away from the well-known tourist sites, Nouméa charms visitors with the elegant colonial architecture of Lemon Bay.
After days spent among idyllic islands and the endless blue of the Pacific, Vasco Da Gama arrives in Sydney, Australia’s iconic harbour city, bringing this long-haul voyage to a fitting conclusion.
From Australia’s east coast to Indonesia
This voyage begins with an in-depth exploration of Australia’s east coast, from the cosmopolitan city of Sydney and relaxed atmosphere of Brisbane to the tropical landscapes surrounding Townsville, Cairns and Darwin.
Those wishing to venture further inland can join an overland excursion to the spiritual heart of the Australian Outback, Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Encounters with koalas, kangaroos and wombats are just as much a part of the discovery as the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.
The journey then continues to the fascinating islands of Indonesia. On Timor and Komodo, the cruise guests are rewarded with dramatic scenery and the chance to observe the legendary Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
Bali captivates with magnificent temples, a vibrant culture and lush tropical landscapes, while Java is home to Borobudur, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a remarkable testament to one of the world’s great civilisations.
By the time Vasco Da Gama reaches Jakarta, travellers can look back on 20 unforgettable days of discovery on the far side of the world.
Exotic Southeast Asia & Dream Islands in the Indian Ocean
From Indonesia, Vasco Da Gama sets course for Singapore and Malaysia, where striking modern architecture, including the legendary Twin Towers and Gardens by the Bay, meet centuries-old traditions.
From Thailand, guests have the opportunity to discover the many facets of India during an overland programme. The journey then leads to the picturesque Maldives, where sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters create unforgettable memories.
The Seychelles enchant visitors with their distinctive coastline, while the spectacular granite boulders of Anse Lazio rank among the archipelago’s most famous natural landmarks.
In Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town, Arab, Indian and European influences come together in a fascinating cultural tapestry. After 24 days, this exceptional voyage concludes in Mombasa, Kenya.
Unique natural wonders from Madagascar to South Africa
Stretching from Kenya to South Africa, this voyage combines tropical island escapes with the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of the African continent.
In the Comoros, colourful markets tempt visitors with local delicacies, fragrant spices and beautifully handwoven textiles.
Madagascar captivates with its extraordinary wildlife and lush national parks, while Mauritius and La Réunion embody the very essence of a tropical island paradise.
As the African coastline comes into view once again, South Africa shows its remarkable diversity.
Guests can immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the Zulu people before setting out on memorable safari adventures, where elephants, giraffes and zebras roam freely – and with a little luck, even other members of the legendary “Big Five“ may make an appearance.
Pure nature from Africa to Tenerife
The final leg of this world cruise marks the return to Europe along the African coastline.
In South Africa, travellers first soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Durban before exploring the Garden Route and encountering Africa’s famous wildlife in Addo Elephant National Park.
The Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope create a picture-perfect scenery.
Further north, Walvis Bay showcases dramatic desert scenery shaped by vast open spaces and peaceful tranquillity.
In Angola, the historic São Miguel Fortress stands in striking contrast to the lively waterfront promenade Marginal.
On the island of Ilhéu Bom Bom, cruise guests enjoy the pristine tropical nature and sweeping ocean views that provide another highlight.
After several relaxing days at sea and a final call on Tenerife, where an excursion explores the impressive National Park Caldera de Las Cañadas del Teide, this extraordinary world cruise comes to a close in Lisbon on 24 April 2028, returning to the port where the adventure aboard Vasco Da Gama began 172 days earlier.
Further information on the 2027/28 world cruises can be found here.
The brochure World Cruises and Dream Ocean Cruises 2027/28 can be ordered online and is available for delivery to EU countries and the UK. Furthermore, there is the option of leafing through the online flip brochure.
Source: Nicko Presse Team
Images: © 2021 nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH
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