After completing her third round-the-world cruise in April 2026, Vasco da Gama begins a short Mediterranean transition before heading north. From May onwards, the ship enters a Northern Europe cruise season focused on coastline, latitude, and time at sea rather than fast-paced routing.

The 2026 programme connects Scandinavia, the British Isles, the Baltic Sea, Iceland, and the North Cape, combining major ports with smaller coastal destinations. Routes are designed to favour arrivals by sea, and itineraries that balance time on deck with time ashore.

The season opens in Scandinavia, with a compact itinerary through Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, designed for travellers with limited time who still want a clear sense of the region. Short sailing distances and long early-summer days create a balanced rhythm between Nordic cities and smaller coastal towns. This voyage also features guest chef Johann Lafer on board Vasco da Gama, adding a culinary dimension to a focused introduction to Scandinavia. As the season continues, the ship follows the western edge of Europe on a full circumnavigation of the British Isles, calling at island ports, Atlantic-facing towns, and northern Scottish archipelagos.

Later itineraries sail deeper into higher latitudes, navigating Norway’s fjords and continuing towards the North Cape, one of the northernmost points reachable by cruise ship. Here, the experience is shaped as much by distance and scale as by the destinations themselves.

During the summer months, the focus expands to the Baltic Sea and Nordic capitals, with extended stays and overnight calls in cities such as Copenhagen, Stockholm, Reykjavík, and Bergen. These longer port visits allow destinations to be experienced beyond standard daytime calls. The season concludes in southern Norway, combining well-known ports with quieter coastal locations.

Throughout 2026, Vasco da Gama serves as a consistent vantage point for observing Northern Europe by sea. The voyages are operated by our sister company, Nicko Cruises, while the overall approach reflects Mystic Ocean’s focus on destination-led, maritime travel.

For more information about the 2026 Northern Europe cruises aboard Vasco da Gama, explore the itineraries available through Nicko Cruises.