Vasco da Gama from Nicko Cruises, delivers a welcoming and family-friendly holiday with a touch of modern luxury. Launched in 1993 and modernised in 2021, this boutique ship accommodates up to 1,000 passengers across 10 decks, blending classic charm with modern amenities for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
The crew, with a 2:1 guest ratio, provides attentive service, particularly for German- and English-speaking guests. Suite guests enjoy exclusive access to Neptune’s Lounge, with complimentary drinks and evening culinary treats. The Jade Spa on Deck 11 offers saunas, steam baths, and massages, while the fitness centre features modern equipment and classes. Two pools, one with a retractable glass roof, ensure year-round swimming. Duty-free shops and a library add convenience, with the ship’s dialysis station supporting medical needs.
Visitors can expect a holiday blending relaxation and adventure. Families enjoy dedicated children’s areas and interconnected cabins, while adults unwind in stylish lounges like the Captain’s Club or Ocean Bar. The informal atmosphere encourages socialising, with flexible dining and activities like sports and spa treatments..
Reception Areas
Guests are greeted in the central atrium, a three-deck hub with an open, airy design. Featuring a shopping gallery, photo shop, and excursion office, the atrium serves as the ship’s information centre. Comfortable seating areas and a guest services desk ensure smooth assistance for bookings and queries, while tasteful decor and teak wood accents create a warm, elegant atmosphere.
Dining Options
The ship offers five restaurants with diverse culinary experiences. The Waterfront Restaurant on Deck 7 serves classic dishes with international influences, while Waterfront Eurasia and Waterfront Mediterranean on Deck 8 offer Asian-inspired and European fare. The Club Bistro on Deck 11 provides buffet-style dining with live cooking stations, open from morning to evening. The Alfresco Grill by the Lido pool serves casual snacks like burgers. For a refined experience, The Grill offers premium steakhouse dishes, and Chef’s Table caters to larger groups, both requiring a surcharge. Complimentary 24-hour room service is available.
Entertainment
Entertainment options cater to all ages with a two-deck Hollywood’s show lounge hosting Broadway-calibre performances, including music, drama, and comedy. The Dome on Deck 12 transforms from a scenic daytime lounge to a lively nightclub. The Blue Room offers live music and cocktails, while The Auditorium screens films and hosts lectures on local history. Families enjoy the children’s area across two decks, with activities like games and quizzes. Outdoor sports courts and a jogging track provide active fun, complemented by yoga and breathing exercises.
Accommodation
The ship’s 630 cabins are spacious, with 80% offering ocean views and 25% featuring private balconies. Inside cabins, at 16-17 square metres, include flat-screen TVs, safes, and air conditioning. Oceanview cabins on Decks 4 and 5 have portholes, while Superior and Premium cabins on Decks 9 and 10 offer balconies and whirlpool baths. The Royal Penthouse Suite on Deck 10, spanning over 100 square metres, includes a king bed, sofa bed, and large balcony. Deluxe suites and accessible cabins cater to specific needs, with generous storage throughout.
Standout Features
The retractable-roof Lido pool, Hollywood’s two-deck theatre, and the Royal Penthouse Suite are key attractions. Flexible dining across five restaurants, the unique Haunted Mansion Parlor-inspired lounge, and family-friendly cabins ensure comfort. The ship’s eco-friendly initiatives, like energy-efficient systems, add a modern touch to its classic design.
