Long layovers and intense experiences are essential for sustainable cruise travel experiences. And those who want to discover the world, should bring enough time. nicko cruises‘ third world cruise sets sail on November 7, 2025 in Hamburg for a 175-days voyage roundtrip from Hamburg on the classically elegant ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA. For those with less time to spare, a slightly shorter, but by no means less adventurous experience, the “small world cruise” from Hamburg to Bali in 112 days provides an exciting alternative.
Guido Laukamp, Managing Director of nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH, is looking forward to the upcoming world cruise with great anticipation: “Travelling the world with our VASCO DA GAMA allows our guests to explore destinations off the beaten tracks. For the third world cruise, this time starting and ending in Hamburg, the German cruise city par excellence, we will discover hidden treasures and make unforgettable memories. My personal highlight during our third trip around the world is the island of Komodo. Encountering monitor lizards in the wild is truly unique and absolutely magical.”
Around the world in 175 days
Guests aboard VASCO DA GAMA will visit 91 ports and 42 countries on their journey around the globe from November 7, 2025 to May 1, 2026. This world cruise starts and ends in the port of Hamburg representing a unique experience, not only for German crusaders. Unlike the two previous world cruises, the itinerary leads from the north of Germany to the west via the Cape Verde islands to gorgeous Caribbean islands such as St. Lucia and the somewhat lesser-known island of San Andrés, via Central America through the Panama Canal towards the South Pacific. From there, the travellers explore enchanting places in New Zealand and Australia before heading to multifaceted Asia. With a stay in Singapore, the city state of superlatives, and a stop at Haa Alif Atoll in the Maldives, the journey through Asia is characterized by countless impressions on the other side of the world. After traveling through the magical Orient, including a trip through Oman, and crossing the Mediterranean, the cruisers finally arrive back in Hamburg after having visited European dream destinations such as Sicily, Cádiz and Bilbao.
Unique archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean
Right at the beginning of the cruise, world travellers swap the mostly grey Hamburg autumn for the sun of the south. At the first stop in Leixões in Portugal, the cold season will quickly be forgotten when holding a glass of port wine in hands. Afterwards, the impressive botanical garden of Madeira, the so-called “flower island” in the Atlantic, brings travellers even closer to summer. The first long-distance journey ends on the beautiful Canary Islands in mid-November.
Gorgeous Caribbean and colourful Central America
From Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria, VASCO DA GAMA heads for São Vicente, the cultural and musical capital of the Cape Verde Islands. On this fantastic route, guests have the opportunity to extensively explore the islands of the Caribbean. Barbados is a true paradise on earth: Discovering exotic plants, taking long walks on the beach and exploring stunning caves make vacationers’ hearts beat faster. The majestic volcanic mountains on St. Lucia make the next destination a unique highlight of this cruise, and the neighbouring island of Dominica is a must-see for scuba divers and hikers. The elegant ocean-going vessel anchors for a whole day in Little Bay on Montserrat island. This means travellers have plenty of time to get to know the island, which is also known as the “shining emerald of the Caribbean” due to its lush vegetation. After a relaxing day of sunbathing on the white sandy beach of St. Kitts, the Christmas season begins in early December in Jamaica, the home of reggae and Bob Marley.
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Spending the advent season in a way that differs a lot from the European winter in Central America – a world cruise with VASCO DA GAMA includes snorkeling in Mexico’s Cozumel National Park, diving on the coral reef near Mahahual and a boat trip through the dense mangrove forests in Belize. Alternatively, a visit to Tulum and the world-famous Mayan site of Chichén Itzá or the World Heritage Site of Tikal may be booked as part of the overland programs. In Guatemala at the latest, all travellers will follow the footsteps of the Maya. The guests of VASCO DA GAMA spend two days in Santo Tomás de Castilla. Afterwards, visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour in Roatán and obtain fascinating insights into the Caribbean underwater world, whereas Colombian music and tradition come to life in San Andrés and Cartagena. After a stop in Costa Rica, this long-distance cruise will conclude with the spectacular passage through the Panama Canal – and make a cruiser’s dream come true.
The South Pacific paradise and fascinating Oceania
Starting from Panama City, travellers have the option of experiencing the fascinating Galapagos Islands as part of an overland program, while VASCO DA GAMA sets off for Ecuador. There, visitors will be enchanted by the extraordinarily colourful flora and fauna in Manta and the Malecon 2000 waterfront promenade in Guayaquil.
At the same time, the four-day overland program to the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu starts in Manta. After having celebrated Christmas together on board the VASCO DA GAMA, the guests will visit Easter Island and the Pitcairn Islands, two highlights that are reserved for only a few cruisers in the world. They will spend New Year’s Eve in the endless expanses of the South Seas. A visit to Fakarava Atoll and Papeete in beautiful French Polynesia are the perfect way to round off the cruise with a relaxed start to the New Year.
Travellers can also enjoy two days of dreamlike relaxation on the island of Bora Bora: When it comes to the destination of “Oceania”, coral reefs, deep blue water and a vibrant underwater world will exceed the guests‘ expectations by far. After two days filled with plenty of time to discover, this fantastic journey then continues in Moorea, located in the west of Tahiti. At first glance, the Cook Islands impress with their splendor and a spectacular view of the mountains of Rarotonga. Shortly afterwards, VASCO DA GAMA crosses the International Maritime Date Line on her way to Tonga. On Fiji, the vibrant “sugar city” of Lautoka welcomes the cruisaders with its colorful temples and bustling markets, while the Bay of Islands in New Zealand welcomes VASCO DA GAMA with untouched nature and the sparkling waters of the bay. After an exciting helicopter flight, a sailing trip in Tauranga and a dip in the hot springs, this journey comes to an end in Auckland, New Zealand.
World travellers explore the east coast of New Zealand on the cruise from Auckland to Sydney. At the end of January, the journey begins on the country’s northern island in the Art Deco city of Napier and continues via Wellington on Mount Victoria to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. With the beautifully picturesque harbour town of Port Chalmers, VASCO DA GAMA approaches Stewart Island at the southern tip of the country in the spirit of slow cruising. The classically elegant ocean-going vessel cruises through the breathtaking fjords of New Zealand on its journey to Australia. Once “down under”, Tasmania and Kangaroo Island will inspire their guests with a fascinating variety of wildlife, before heading owards the well-known coastal cities of Portland, Melbourne and Sydney.
Those who still have not had enough of Australia can stay aboard for the subsequent long-distance voyage. In addition to the world-famous Opera House, Sydney also impresses its visitors for example with Bondi Beach and Darling Harbour. For a very special experience, an excursion to the famous Ayers Rock can be taken as part of the overland program. Guests then explore sunny Townsville and, of course, Cairns with its colourful Great Barrier Reef. Following Cooktown and Darwin, VASCO DA GAMA leaves the continent and heads for Indonesia. On Komodo, the monitor lizards carrying the island’s name are a unique attraction. As another highlight, the world travellers spend the rest of their time in Bali. The “Island of the Gods” is considered the embodiment of vacation bliss.
Colourful Asia and the magical Orient
From Bali, VASCO DA GAMA remains in Indonesia for a while. Semarang impresses its guests with the huge Borobudur temple complex.
However, this majestic building is just the prelude to other highlights that will follow: Visitors are amazed by the gigantic skyscrapers with their glittering lights in the global metropolises of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. On Langkawi, guests will discover wild tropical forests and rushing waterfalls, while the old town of Phuket offers all kinds of historical treasures and culinary delights. In Colombo, picturesque colonial buildings will inspire culture lovers, while island adventurers and diving fans will get their money’s worth in the Maldives.
After a stop in magical Oman, the city of superlatives, Dubai impresses with the famous Burj Khalifa and the imposing Dubai Mall, the largest shopping complex in the world.
The start of the subsequent long-distance voyage represents a contrast between the dazzling megacity of Dubai and the idyllic fishing village of Kashab in Oman. With a little luck, travellers can even spot dolphins in the turquoise fjords. In the magnificently designed capital of Muscat and in Salalah, dreams of 1001 nights will come to life, while in the city of Jeddah modern style meets the historical oriental world. After a stop in Safaga, Egypt, the world travellers on board VASCO DA GAMA will pass the legendary Suez Canal – a truly unforgettable experience on this journey. Back in Europe, guests enjoy the Greek springtime on the island of Rhodes and visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to discover the enigmatic signs of the Phaistos Disc. The long-distance journey concludes in Athens, the historic capital city of Greece.
Experiencing Central and Western Europe
On the cruise from Athens to Málaga, the guests will visit the most beautiful coastal towns of the Mediterranean. In Olympia, the ancient site of the famous Olympic Games, guests immerse themselves in history. Corfu, the favorite island of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth, captivates with its Mediterranean charm. By midday on the following day, the Italian sun will already be shining over VASCO DA GAMA. The picturesque colourful houses of the coastal town of Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, an excursion to the Colosseum in Rome, a photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa and a stroll along Genoa’s boulevard or a shopping tour in the fashion metropolis of Milan leave nothing to be desired for the perfect Italian vacation. Once the guests have visited the dream destination of Marseille, the Spanish lifestyle and the lively markets in Barcelona and the Mediterranean flair of Valencia and Málaga will entice them.
The final leg of the world tour begins in the Picasso city of Málaga. The classically elegant ocean-going vessel seems almost small compared to the 430-metre-high limestone monolith that towers over the British peninsula of Gibraltar. Back on Spanish shores, the narrow streets and delicious tapas of the maritime city of Cádiz enchant travellers, as does the rich cultural landscape in Vigo. Guests discover beautiful Galicia in A Coruña before reaching Bilbao, the last Spanish port on this journey. In France, the marina of Port Médoc and the romantic historic city center of Saint-Malo and of course the impressive Mont Saint-Michel will await the visitors. In IJmuiden in the Netherlands, cruisers can either visit one of the region’s museums or alternatively pay a visit to the capital city of Amsterdam. After a final day at sea, the sun will rise again in Germany for the first time in 175 days on 01.05.2026 and the world cruise with the VASCO DA GAMA will reach its final destination in the port of Hamburg.
VASCO DA GAMA – a floating home on the water
The charming VASCO DA GAMA, with a capacity of approx. 1,000 passengers, offers plenty of room for an individual vacation experience. With a total of five restaurants and seven bars and lounges on board, guests will find something to suit any taste. While buffets, show cooking and themed cuisine are presented in the Club Bistro, the two Waterfront restaurants and the Fusion restaurant offer table service. This also applies to the fine restaurant The Grill, where excellent menus are offered with a small surcharge. In all restaurants, guests dine at extended, flexible table times with free choice of seating. In addition, the Alfresco Grill offers a selection of snacks outside meal times. The heated main pool with a panoramic sliding glass roof provides year-round bathing fun. In addition, the Oasis Pool situated at the stern on deck 10 invites guests to spend relaxing moments. For sporting activities on board, the outdoor sports courts, the jogging track and the spacious fitness center with cardio equipment and fitness classes are at the guests‘ disposal. VASCO DA GAMA also offers a particularly spacious wellness area with sauna and steam bath. Vacationers will stay in high-quality cabins and can travel to the most beautiful places in the world without having to pack their suitcases . Aboard VASCO DA GAMA, everyone will find a cabin to suit them. There are 15 different cabin categories to choose from – from inside cabins to outside cabins with windows or balconies and spacious suites. The cabin sizes vary between 16 square meters and 102 square meters in the penthouse suite.
Contact us for additional information and to book your voyage with nicko cruises.