Vasco da Gama Returns to Nicko Cruises Fleet After Two

The Vasco da Gama is back in action after a lengthy time away from sailing. Here’s what happened and what’s next for this classic cruise ship.

The Ship Is Back After a Long Repair Period

The Vasco da Gama has returned to service after spending more than 80 days out of commission. The ship welcomed guests back in Kiel, Germany, on July 16, 2026. Its comeback voyage is an 11-day roundtrip cruise to the Norwegian Fjords and Scandinavia.

The return is good news for passengers who had been waiting. Six sailings were canceled while the ship sat in drydock. That’s a significant disruption for a vessel that carries up to 1,270 guests.

What Caused the Long Repair?

Trouble started in late April when the ship ran into technical problems. This happened near the end of its annual world cruise. The issues were serious enough to pull the ship out of service early.

The Vasco da Gama was sent to a shipyard in Brest, France, for repairs. At first, the cruise line expected a short stay. But the repairs ended up taking much longer than planned.

What the CEO Had to Say

Mario Ferreira, CEO of Mystic Cruises — the parent company of Nicko Cruises — defended the decision to keep the ship in drydock longer. He called it the right call.

“Ships of this character and quality require continuous care, attention, and preventive technical maintenance to ensure they continue operating safely and reliably for many years to come,” he explained.

Ferreira said the team found issues that needed attention. Specifically, he noted “necessary preventive work on elements of the propulsion and engine systems.”

“We made the responsible decision to temporarily interrupt operations and carry out additional inspections and repairs,” he added.

Where Is the Ship Sailing Now?

The Vasco da Gama’s first post-repair itinerary visits several exciting Northern European destinations. The route includes stops in Poland, Sweden, and Denmark. Passengers can enjoy overnight stays in both Stockholm and Copenhagen.

The itinerary also includes calls to Gdynia, Mariehamn, Visby, and the island of Bornholm. These are some of the most scenic and historically rich ports in the Baltic region. It’s a strong comeback itinerary for a ship returning from a long absence.

What’s Next for the Vasco da Gama?

After this cruise, the ship will continue sailing in Northern Europe for the rest of the summer and fall. In early November, the 55,819-ton vessel is set to begin a new world cruise. That’s an exciting milestone for a ship that had such a rocky start to 2026.

The Vasco da Gama was originally built in 1994 for Holland America Line. It was later acquired by Mystic Cruises and brought into the Nicko fleet. Despite its age, the ship is clearly still a beloved part of the cruise world.