Africa Cruise with Vasco da Gama

nicko cruises is a German tour operator for ocean and river cruises. For over 30 years, nicko cruises' guests have been discovering a variety of European destinations as well as dream destinations worldwide. The exotic voyages include Myanmar and Vietnam. The comprehensive service and the relaxed, warm atmosphere are particularly popular with Best Agers who want to get to know the country and people of the regions they visit.

• Year of construction: 1993
• Renovation: 2021, 2024, 2025
• Home port: Madeira
• Length: 219 m
• Width: 31 m
• Tonnage: 55.820 GT
• Speed: 16 Knoten
• Decks: 9
• Number of passengers: 1.000
• Crew: ca. 550
• Languages on board: German, English
• Currency on board: €
• Internet: for a fee

The Vasco da Gama underwent extensive technical modernization and significant investment to increase the ship's efficiency and sustainability. State-of-the-art technology was installed in terms of fuels, engines, wastewater systems, and digitalization:

• The ship is equipped with a shore power system, which ensures low-emission energy supply during layovers in some ports.
• Use of biofuels and low-sulfur fuels
• Wastewater: Innovative wastewater system with membrane technology
• Underwater coating: Environmentally friendly silicone-based coating that prevents fouling, protects the oceans, and saves 6% fuel
• Engines with SCR catalytic converters reduce nitrogen oxides by up to 96%

The Vasco da Gama has a large selection of different interior, oceanview, family and balcony staterooms as well as suites for you to offer.

The stylish and comfortably furnished staterooms all have a closet, shower or bathtub, WC, safe, satellite TV and hairdryer. The beds can be arranged as a double bed or separate.

As on all nicko cruises ships, the atmosphere on board the Vasco da Gama is cozy, warm and familiar. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet moment to immerse yourself in a good book or attend a social event on board: everything is taken care of on this ship. Starting with an elegant wellness and fitness area up to lounges, two pools and five restaurants. Of course there is a lot of entertainment on board for you. The ship offers an evening show in the "Hollywood’s show theatre" with an onboard show for first-class entertainment. The dress code on board is casual, but neat for dinner. During the shore excursions, German-speaking tour guides impart exciting knowledge about regional culture and nature.

Five restaurants await you on board Vasco da Gama to round off your journey with culinary delights.

The following restaurants are included in the price:

• Waterfront Classic: Open for breakfast. Classic dishes and international delicacies, depending on the cruise destination.
• Fusion and Waterfront Mediterranean: Try the European-Asian fusion cuisine.
• Club Bistro: Buffet restaurant with live cooking stations, open from morning to evening.
• Alfresco Grill: Located directly by the Lido pool, it offers a changing range of snacks (e.g. burgers).

You pay a surcharge for the following speciality restaurant:

• The Grill: Delicious steakhouse treats await you here.

Seascanner Tip Chef's Table offer: Here, larger groups (up to 14 people) can meet for an extra charge and dine together on festive occasions.

Vasco da Gama also has various bars and lounges that are perfect for ending the day together with a delicious drink:

• Ocean Bar: The stylish bar, open during the day until late in the evening.
• Blue Room: Enjoy signature drinks & classic drinks while listening to live music. Particularly popular with night owls!
• Captain's Club: cosy atmosphere, e.g. whisky sour, old fashioned or fine red wine available.
• Lido Bar: Located directly by the Lido Pool, the path to soft drinks or coffee specialities from the pool lounger is particularly short.
• The Dome and Nightclub: From 10 PM onwards, The Dome becomes a nightclub where you can round off the evening with music and drinks.

The Vasco da Gama offers a large fitness area, sports areas and two pools. After a workout, you can enjoy in the elegant wellness and spa area. For the suite guests there is also the Neptune's Lounge where they can relax in a living room atmosphere with drinks and snacks. Comfortable seating options, first-class-service, high-class magazine and tv invite them to relax.

nicko cruises offers a wide range of optional shore excursions that are tailored to the respective layover time in port. An audio system is available on almost all excursions so that you can relax and follow the explanations of your knowledgeable local tour guide without missing any interesting highlights.

You can conveniently book your desired excursions via the nicko cruises customer portal and pay on board. If the available excursion places have not all been reserved in advance, places will also be available for booking on board.

If you want to travel comfortably through the oceans, then you have come to the right place on board of the Vasco da Gama. The entertainment options and a large selection of restaurants and freshly prepared dishes offer you an unforgettable holiday experience. In addition, the warm atmosphere on board ensures the perfect holiday mood!