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.
From the Orient to the Occident
16 days | Dubai • Oman • Saudi Arabia • Egypt • Rhodes • Crete • AthensWhy this trip?
- Discover the world together: With the my choice fare, the second person saves 50% of the cabin price
- Fjords in Oman? You read that right! You go on a discovery tour in the turquoise waters and keep an eye out for dolphins.
- You will sail through the breathtaking Suez Canal and reach the Mediterranean on the VASCO DA GAMA by the shortest possible route from the Red Sea. A dream for every cruise fan!
- Every day on this cruise, you will embark on a journey through time between the present, past and future.
- At the end of your trip on Rhodes and Crete, you will secure a large portion of Greek serenity for everyday life afterwards.
Itinerary
Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Dubai, capital of the emirate of the same name and the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, will captivate you with ultra-modern architecture. The Burj Khalifa, the world-famous 830-meter skyscraper, dominates the skyline. But also the Dubai Fountain, whose water jets show a choreography accompanied by music, or the artificial islands off the coast make the city unique. Shopping lovers are spoiled for choice thanks to the numerous malls.
Embarkation 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Kashab (Oman)
The idyllic fishing village of Kashab is known for its enchanting fjord landscape. Board a traditional dhow and embark on a discovery tour through the turquoise waters of the fjords. With a little luck, your trip will be accompanied by dolphins.
Muscat (Oman)
Walk along the promenade to the famous souk of Matrah and put your haggling skills to the test. Marvel at the ostentatiously designed capital of Oman, where the country's wealth is readily on display. From the gilded bus stop to the colossal royal palace, Muscat will leave you in awe.
Day 4
Recreation at sea.
Salalah (Oman)
Salalah forms an almost tropical oasis on the Arabian Peninsula. Besides steep cliffs and beaches like in the Caribbean, the lush vegetation shines, lined with numerous orchards. A visit to the historic district with the Al-Husn Palace, the birthplace of Sultan Qaboos, who is still very revered today, should not be missed during a visit to Salalah.
Day 6
Recreation at sea.
Day 7
Recreation at sea.
Day 8
Recreation at sea.
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
In Jeddah, a contrast of the modern and historical oriental world awaits you. Visit a traditional souk, stroll along the harbor promenade or visit unique architectural projects such as the Jeddah Tower, which is under construction. When completed, it will be the tallest building in the world.
Day 10
Recreation at sea.
Safaga (Luxor, Egypt)
Safaga has something to offer for everyone. Follow the falcon god Horus into the Valley of the Kings on an excursion to neighboring Luxor and visit the amazing Temple of the Dead of Hatshepsut, which will transport you to the realm of Osiris. Alternatively, the enchanting coral reefs at Soma Bay offer a true paradise for lovers of the underwater world.
Day 12
Passage through the Suez Canal
.Day 13
Recreation at sea.
Lindos (Rhodes)
High above the picturesque medieval village of Lindos towers the imposing ancient Acropolis. Let yourself be enchanted by the Greek flair on Rhodes with charming white houses and cobbled streets!
Heraklion (Crete)
In Heraklion, go back in time three thousand years on a visit to the Palace of Knossos and explore the legend of the Minotaur. Crete's gorgeous sandy beaches and azure waters also invite you to take a dip!
Piraeus (Athen)
Follow the footsteps of history in Athens during a visit to the imposing Acropolis and learn a lot of interesting facts about the impressive buildings in the Greek capital in the fascinating Acropolis Museum.
Disembarkation until 09:00 a.m.
Services
- 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: €525 p. P.
- Premium beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €825 p. P.
- Non-alcoholic beverage package for kids & teens on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €210 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.