Vasco da Gama prepares to set sail on her fourth World Cruise
On 3 November 2026, Vasco da Gama will depart from Hamburg, Germany, beginning a 193-day World Cruise operated by nicko cruises. Her journey will cross oceans, continents and cultures before returning to Hamburg on 15 May 2027.
Next week, Vasco da Gama, part of the Mystic Ocean fleet, will begin another major chapter in her international journey.
Over more than six months, she will connect destinations across Europe, the Americas, the South Pacific, Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean, giving guests the opportunity to experience different landscapes, cultures and traditions while making the ship their home along the way.
193
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11
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1,000
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193 days around the world
Departing Hamburg on 3 November, Vasco da Gama will begin with calls in Europe, including Vigo, Lisbon and Funchal, before crossing the Atlantic towards South America and the Caribbean.
The journey then continues through the Panama Canal and along the Pacific coast of South America before heading towards the South Pacific and French Polynesia.
Asia forms another major part of the itinerary, with destinations including the Philippines, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia. The final stages take Vasco da Gama across the Indian Ocean and back towards Europe, with her arrival in Hamburg scheduled for 15 May 2027.
The complete World Cruise is divided into 11 individual cruise segments, allowing guests to travel for the full journey or join selected sections.
A shorter option is also available from Hamburg to Tokyo, departing on the same date and arriving in Japan on 9 March 2027.
The route at a glance
- 3 Nov 2026HamburgDeparture
- 8–10 NovVigo, Lisbon and FunchalLisbon 8 Nov · Funchal 10 Nov
- Across the AtlanticSouth America and the Caribbean
- Panama Canaland the Pacific coast of South America
- South PacificFrench Polynesia
- AsiaPhilippines, Japan, South Korea and Southeast AsiaHamburg–Tokyo option ends on 9 Mar 2027
- Indian Oceanand back towards Europe
- 15 May 2027HamburgArrival
Portugal in the opening days
Although the journey begins and ends in Germany, Portugal has a special place in the first days of the itinerary.
Vasco da Gama is scheduled to call at Lisbon on 8 November, followed by Funchal, Madeira, on 10 November.
As part of the Mystic Ocean fleet, within the Portuguese MysticInvest Holding, these calls create an early connection with Portugal before the ship continues across the Atlantic.
A home for the months ahead
A World Cruise is more than a long itinerary. For guests spending several months at sea, the ship gradually becomes a familiar place: somewhere to return to between destinations, share experiences and establish a daily rhythm.
With capacity for around 1,000 guests, Vasco da Gama combines the scale of a world voyage with a more personal onboard environment.
Her restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and leisure facilities provide different ways to spend time on board, particularly during longer stretches at sea.
Behind all of this is the work of the crew. From the Bridge and Engine Room to the Galley, Housekeeping, Hospitality, Entertainment and the many other departments on board, around 550 crew members contribute to the ship’s daily operation.
Over a voyage of this length, coordination becomes especially important. Teams need to maintain consistency on board while adapting to changing destinations, operational requirements and the different stages of the journey.
At Mystic Ocean, this is also where Spread Happiness comes to life: through the people whose work shapes the guest experience every day.
Another chapter for Vasco da Gama
The 2026–2027 World Cruise marks another milestone in Vasco da Gama’s journey and in the collaboration between Mystic Ocean and nicko cruises.
From Hamburg to the Americas, across the Pacific and Asia and eventually back to Europe, the months ahead will bring together destinations, cultures and countless experiences on board and ashore.
As departure day approaches, we wish the Captain, officers and entire crew a successful voyage as they prepare to set sail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vasco da Gama departs from Hamburg on 3 November 2026.
The complete World Cruise is marketed as a 193-day journey, running from 3 November 2026 until 15 May 2027.
The complete voyage starts and ends in Hamburg, Germany.
Yes. At the beginning of the journey, Vasco da Gama is scheduled to call at Lisbon on 8 November 2026 and Funchal on 10 November 2026.
Yes. The complete World Cruise is divided into 11 individual segments, while nicko cruises also offers a shorter Hamburg-to-Tokyo itinerary ending on 9 March 2027.
Vasco da Gama has capacity for approximately 1,000 guests and a crew of around 550.
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