These facts about Vasco da Gama ship reveal a vessel with far more to tell than itineraries and ports of call. Some ships carry passengers. Others carry stories.

Vasco da Gama, operated by Mystic Ocean, belongs to the second group. With a distinctive identity, a long seafaring history and an atmosphere shaped by hospitality and closeness, she brings together qualities that make it truly special. Discover 10 facts that make Vasco da Gama a unique ship.

1. She has had three identities

Vasco da Gama was not always called that. It entered service in 1993 as Statendam, sailing for more than two decades under that name. In 2015, it became Pacific Eden and, in 2019, it finally received the name Vasco da Gama, beginning a new chapter in her story. She has reinvented herself without losing what has always set it apart: elegance and comfort.

2. Her name was chosen by guests

Few ships can say that their name was chosen through a public vote. Before entering service with Cruise & Maritime Voyages, guests were invited to choose between several names linked to great explorers, including Henry Hudson, Amerigo Vespucci and Pytheas. The winner was Vasco da Gama, a tribute to the Portuguese navigator whose story continues to inspire travellers around the world.

3. Her inaugural voyage was inspired by the Portuguese navigator’s routes

The first voyage under the name Vasco da Gama took place in April 2019. The itinerary sailed from Singapore to Tilbury, passing through countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, India, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco. More than a simple route, it was a tribute to the great voyages of exploration that shaped history.

4. She has already completed three world cruises

Few ships have accumulated so many nautical miles. Vasco da Gama has already completed three circumnavigation voyages, crossing oceans, cultures and continents. The most recent took place between 7 November 2025 and 1 May 2026, over 175 days, offering guests a truly unforgettable experience.

5. She sails under the Portuguese flag

Although she visits destinations around the world, Vasco da Gama sails under the Portuguese flag.

The ship is registered in Madeira, which is why the name of the region can be seen written on its hull. It is a detail that reinforces her connection to Portuguese maritime heritage.

6. She is almost as long as two football pitches

At around 219 metres long and 30.8 metres wide, Vasco da Gama is impressive in scale. Even so, when compared with many of today’s mega-ships, she retains a more human dimension, creating a calmer and more personal atmosphere on board.

7. There is almost one crew member for every two guests

One of the ship’s most valued characteristics is the quality of her service. Vasco da Gama welcomes around 1,000 guests and has approximately 550 crew members, a ratio that allows for attentive, close and personalised service. It is precisely this scale that helps create such a welcoming atmosphere on board.

8. One of her pools can be used all year round

The weather does not always cooperate, but that does not stop a swim. The Lido Deck pool is heated and protected by a retractable glass roof, allowing it to be used almost all year round, even when the ship sails in colder regions. In total, Vasco da Gama has two pools.

9. She is almost a small floating food city

Despite her intimate scale, the culinary offer on board is remarkably varied. The ship features five restaurants, seven bars and cafés and 15 different cabin categories, allowing each guest to find the space that best suits their travel style. From international cuisine to more relaxed moments, there is always a new experience to discover.

10. She can connect to shore power

Innovation is also part of Vasco da Gama’s story. Following an important intervention carried out in 2025, she became ready to use shore power. Whenever it docks in a port equipped with this technology, it can connect directly to the local electricity grid, shutting down the engines normally used to generate onboard power. This solution helps reduce emissions and noise while in port, reinforcing its commitment to an increasingly sustainable operation.

Extra fact: it is part of a Portuguese group

Vasco da Gama is part of the Mystic Ocean fleet and is marketed by Nicko Cruises. Both belong to MysticInvest Holding, a Portuguese group with a strong presence in tourism and cruise operations, which also includes brands such as Mystic Cruises, Atlas Ocean Voyages and DouroAzul.

A ship with history and many stories still to tell

Vasco da Gama has travelled thousands of nautical miles, visited some of the world’s most fascinating destinations and welcomed guests from many different countries. But more than the numbers, it is the combination of her history, human scale, personalised service and spirit of discovery that continues to make each voyage truly special. Those who step aboard Vasco da Gama do not simply discover a ship, they become part of her story.