On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.
South Sea dreams over Christmas and New Year's Eve
20 days | Hotel stay (2 nights in Cairns) • New Caledonia • Vanuatu • Fiji • Samoa • Bora Bora • TahitiWhy this trip?
- Get your South Seas adventure off to a relaxed start with two nights in a hotel in Cairns.
- Discover the beauty of the South Pacific not only above, but also under water. Numerous opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and diving contribute to this!
- With the firewalkers of Beqa, you will experience Polynesian traditions so directly that you will get hot.
- Far away from mass tourism, you will explore Fiji and gather lasting impressions that you will only share with very few people.
- Learn about the South Pacific way of life from the people who know it best: the Polynesians themselves.
Itinerary
Transfer from the airport to the hotel (4-star Hotel Riley by Crystalbrook (or comparable) in Cairns) and check in.
After breakfast at the hotel, you have the whole day at leisure in Cairns.
Cairns (Australia)
The world-famous Great Barrier Reef makes the diver's heart beat faster. Furthermore, a visit to the Tjapukai Cultural Park offers the opportunity to get to know the life of the Aborigines.
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the VASCO DA GAMA and embarkation.
Day 4
Recreation at sea.
Day 5
Recreation at sea
Day 6
Recreation at sea.
Lifou (New Caledonia)
Lifou is the largest and most populous island of the Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia. The crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming and offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. In addition to the beautiful beaches, the island's nature has a lot more to offer. Get to know the flora and fauna of the island on a hike through the rainforest or explore the stalactite caves.
Nouméa (New Caledonia)
Discover the Saint Tropez of the Pacific. Whether you stroll along the beach promenade with its beautiful colonial buildings, relax by Lemon Bay or discover the underwater world while snorkeling in the lagoon - this beautiful spot will captivate you.
Mystery Island (Vanuatu)
Christmas in paradise - that's exactly what awaits you today when you visit Mystery Island. The underwater world of coral reefs is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving. If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, you can walk around the entire island, stroll through the market and finish off with a drink on the beach.
Day 10
Recreation at sea.
Suva (Fiji)
From waterfalls in the jungle to the lively, historic city center - Suva is all about versatility. The city has much to offer for both nature and culture lovers. Especially the famous fire runners of Beqa will amaze you.
Suva (Fiji)
From waterfalls in the jungle to the lively, historic city center - Suva is all about versatility. The city has much to offer for both nature and culture lovers. Especially the famous fire runners of Beqa will amaze you.
Savusavu (Fiji)
Away from mass tourism, Savusavu captivates with an unspoiled beauty that is rarely found today. In addition to many bathing opportunities, the natural hot springs are also worth a visit, on which the locals stew typical dishes for hours.
Day 14
Recreation at sea.
Apia (Samoa)
Let the still traditional lifestyle of the Samoans in Apia take you to another world. Whether on an excursion to the rainforests in the outback of the island or in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson, there is something to be found for everyone here.
Day 16
To celebrate the turn of the year in style, we cross the International Date Line on December 31. This means you will experience this day twice and have the opportunity to celebrate the year 2025 in style.
Day 17
Recreation at sea.
Bora Bora (Society Islands)
Welcomed by the 727 meter high volcano Mount Otemanu, the dream island captivates with beautiful lagoons, coral reefs, snow-white beaches and decelerating natural world.
Raiatea (Society Islands)
Auf der Insel Raiatea erwartet Sie eine außergewöhnliche Natur. Insbesondere die Pflanzenwelt ist einzigartig. Die Blume "Tiare Apetahi" wächst ausschließlich auf dem Mount Temehani.
Papeete (Tahiti)
The capital of French Polynesia is located on Tahiti and convinces with its popular city market, historical buildings, various museums about Tahitian art as well as spacious parks and the harbor.
Disembarkation until 09:00.
Services
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel (please note that if you book your own flights for the pre- or post-program, you will not be entitled to this transfer).
- 2 nights with breakfast at the Hotel Riley by Crystalbrook 5* in Cairns (or comparable)
- Transfer from hotel to ship
- Cruise in the booked cabin category
- nicko cruises full board
- nicko cruises cruise management German-speaking
- German-speaking local tour guide during the excursions (this cannot be guaranteed in all destinations, in these cases English-speaking guide)
- English-speaking service on board
- Entertainment programme and lectures on the countries visited on board
- Loving, age-appropriate childcare and large children's area
- Convenient Whisper audio system for a variety of excursions
- Use of the fitness area, swimming pools, outdoor sports area and spa area with sauna
- Travel documents
- Luggage service between landing stage and cabin for embarkation and disembarkation
- All port and passenger fees
The services provided during your trip
- Arrival and departure
- Classic beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €594 p. P.
- Premium beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €954 p. P.
- Non-alcoholic beverage package for kids & teens on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €252 p. P.
- Insurance
- Complete insurance
- Travel cancellation insurance
- Travel health insurance
Additional services
Your ship: VASCO DA GAMA
On our VASCO DA GAMA, which was named Ship of the Year in April 2023, you can travel to your personal places of longing all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of the North Cape, the Mediterranean or even a trip around the world: You will indulge in pure cruise feeling on a comparatively small ship with a manageable number of guests of maximum 1,000 passengers. Enjoy the family atmosphere on board our charming ocean-going vessel VASCO DA GAMA and indulge in culinary delights in our five restaurants. Our attentive, German-speaking service staff will serve you top-class drinks in the seven bars and cafés on board, which have been furnished with great attention to detail. The heated swimming pool on the Lido Deck can be used all year round, regardless of the weather, thanks to the flexible sliding glass roof. Our on-board program is rounded off by first-class entertainment with on-board shows, varied live music and lectures on local history.