Mystic Cruises acquired the Vasco da Gama in late 2020 following the bankruptcy of Cruise & Maritime Voyages. The ship was built in 1993 by Fincantieri for Holland America Line, which operated it until 2015.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 59 – December 2021
That year it passed into the hands of P&O Australia under the name Pacific Eden, but in March 2019 Cruise & Maritime Voyages acquired it and renamed it Vasco da Gama. Just a year and a half later, the coronavirus crisis brought down the British shipping company, and Mystic Cruises bought the ship at auction.
Once in Portugal, the vessel underwent an extensive refurbishment at the Lisnave shipyards, where five selective catalytic reduction systems were installed to reduce pollutant emissions below Tier III levels, enabling it to operate in sensitive areas such as the Norwegian Fjords and the Baltic Sea. In fact, a Norwegian observer was present during the post-installation tests to certify that the appropriate parameters were met.
In addition, a modern wastewater treatment system was installed to comply with current legislation, and the interior decor was renovated.
Selective catalytic reduction systems were installed to meet Tier III emission limits.
Shortly afterwards, it began operating under the Nicko Cruises brand, with cruises in both Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Azores.
The ship retains much of its original classic elegance, especially on passenger decks 6 and 7, but also in its outdoor amenities, such as the central pool and the beautiful Oasis Pool at the stern. Nicko Cruises' ethos is to offer a ship for "adventurers," a cruise in classic style on board, but with exclusive and unusual itineraries.
Vasco da Gama can accommodate up to 1,500 passengers in a wide variety of accommodations, from comfortable interior cabins to the sophisticated Penthouse Suite, a true "house at sea" with a table for eight, a living room, and a wonderful bedroom with all the amenities. The balcony cabins offer ample outdoor space and are located on the upper decks.
Vasco da Gama is a ship that reminds us of the true style of cruising in connection with the sea.
At Vasco da Gama, deck 11 is dedicated to the Lido, featuring a central swimming pool and two large jacuzzis. The area also has a retractable roof, allowing it to be used even in cold or inclement weather. At the Lido, you'll find the Alfresco Grill, open 12 hours a day, the Lido Bar, which serves the entire area, and Cappuccino's, a café that also serves excellent ice cream and pastries.
Continuing towards the bow, you'll find the Jade Spa, which is free to access by appointment, and the gym. The spa features a beauty salon, several massage and treatment rooms, an aromatic sauna, and a relaxation area with a tepidarium, Turkish bath, and jacuzzi.
Stepping out onto the Terrace, overlooking the stern of the ship, you'll find tables and sofas where you can enjoy your meals or simply sit and admire the sea. On the lower 10th deck, but easily accessible from the Terrace, is the Oasis Pool, the large aft Lido with a teak floor, served by the small Oasis Bar.
Its interior has been completely renovated.
Inside, on deck 7, you'll find the main services: the reception, the excursions office, Future Cruises, and the Auditorium. In The Cellar, wines are served by the glass while you wait for dinner, with a special focus on Portuguese labels. Towards the bow, you can access the first level of the Hollywood Theatre, passing through the interactive Photo Gallery, while towards the stern, you'll find a couple of conference rooms.
On deck 8, you'll also find various guest-oriented spaces. At the bow is the upper level of the theater, which is very spacious and elegant. From here, heading aft, on the right you'll find the first row of shops, the Galleria Shopping, with clothing and fashion items, souvenirs, and sweets. To the left is the popular Ocean Café, open all day and decorated with "tribal" items such as necklaces and amulets, as well as some exotic plants.
Less frequented routes and small ports of call are other attractions.
In the center of the ship, on deck 8, you'll find the Sports Lounge to the left, with comfortable high tables and a beautiful view of the sea; the Captain's Club, with live music and excellent cocktails; and a second set of shops, also called Galleria Shopping, dedicated to jewelry, tobacco, and spirits. A hidden gem is the Mix Bar, with pleasant piano music in the evenings and comfortable armchairs by the windows in the afternoons.
Blues lovers will find the Blue Bar a must-visit, an elegant space dedicated to this musical genre where excellent musicians perform every night. Also essential is the Blue Room's exquisite gin menu: specialties from around the world paired with the finest tonic waters. On the opposite side, continuing on Deck 8, you'll find the small but well-stocked Library and the wonderful reading room, The Study, which also houses a piano for occasional performances.
The renewal of critical systems will allow it to operate in sensitive areas such as the Norwegian Fjords or the Baltic Sea.
A dedicated children's area, Kinderland, occupies the aft end of Deck 12, offering a pleasant outdoor space for younger cruisers. At the bow of Deck 12 is Dome, the nightclub for the evening: with live music or a jukebox, it's the perfect place to stay up late. But it's also a great spot to read a book while cruising, with 270° views of the sea. The outdoor area serves as a smoking area on one side and a jogging path around the pool.
It has also received a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system.
Meals on Nicko Cruises revolve around the three main complimentary restaurants: The Waterfront, located at the stern of deck 7 and open for all meals, and two smaller restaurants open only during dinner: the Waterfront Fusion with oriental specialties and the Waterfront Mediterranean with dishes mainly inspired by France, Spain, Italy and Greece.
The Grill, on deck 8, is a specialty restaurant with a menu dedicated not only to grilled dishes but also to many other surf and turf specialties. The small Chef's Table is open only for events and tasting menus. On the Lido deck is the Club Bistro, a buffet restaurant open for all meals. The salad bars, wok station, and ice cream parlor are particularly charming. The decor here is very colorful and modern, creating a clear contrast with the classic style of other interiors.
Vasco da Gama is a ship that reminds us of the true style of cruising, based on enjoying the sea and the tranquility on board, knowing that we are traveling on a small gem with a long history. Entertainment is present but never intrusive, and always provides detailed explanations of the places visited during the itinerary. The style that Nicko Cruises brings to the ship adds a touch of informality and modernity and, above all, takes the ship along less frequented routes and to small ports of call that are not easily found on typical cruise programs.
