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.
Culture & nature in the Atlantic and the Caribbean
27 days | Hamburg • Porto • Madeira • La Palma • Gran Canaria • Cape Verde • Barbados • St. Lucia • Dominica • St. Kitts • JamaicaWhy this trip?
- Porto is world famous for its sweet dessert wine. Of course, you will not leave without tasting it on the spot.
- During your hike on the Canary Island of La Palma, you will be amazed by the unspoiled nature.
- Enjoy that pure Caribbean feeling on the dream islands of Barbados and St. Kitts with their white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
- Discover breathtaking waterfalls and pure nature on the small island of Dominica.
Itinerary
Hamburg
Welcome to Hamburg! The pearl of the north inspires with its many facets. Stroll through the modern Hafencity, enjoy the beautiful parks along the Alster or pay a visit to the trendy district of St. Pauli.
Embarkation 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Day 2
Recreation at sea.
Day 3
Recreation at sea.
Day 4
Recreation at sea.
Day 5
Recreation at sea.
Leixões (Porto)
Walk in the footsteps of the great Portuguese explorers in Porto! The narrow streets and centuries-old buildings bear witness to times long past. Culinary delights await you during a port wine tasting - the fine wine got its name from the Portuguese port city in the 18th century.
Day 7
Recreation at sea.
Funchal (Madeira)
Exotic fruits and colorful flowers welcome you to Madeira! The imposing Sé Cathedral, culinary delights in the charming market hall, dreamlike views and the exotic variety of plants in the Jardim Botânico ensure that you will not forget your visit to the island's capital Funchal.
Day 9
Recreation at sea.
Santa Cruz de La Palma (Canary Islands)
Stroll through the narrow streets along the historic colonial houses, enjoy homemade tapas and delicious wines in the charming bars and restaurants in Santa Cruz de La Palma and convince yourself that the enchanting Canary Island of La Palma is also rightly called "La Isla Bonita" - the beautiful island!
Las Palmas (Gran Canaria)
Hike through the vineyards of Tafira up to the volcanic cauldron Caldera de Bandama and enjoy the wonderful panoramic view over Gran Canaria. Afterwards, indulge in culinary delights in the picturesque city of Las Palmas and marvel at the fascinating architecture of the Canary Island.
Day 12
Erholung auf See.
Day 13
Recreation at sea.
Mindelo (Cape Verde)
Stroll through the picturesque port city of Mindelo and visit small shops, the quaint fish market, charming cafes and unique museums. The magnificent Praça Nova district with its pastel-colored stucco villas and the beautiful city park invite you to relax in Cape Verde.
Day 15
Recreation at sea.
Day 16
Recreation at sea.
Day 17
Recreation at sea.
Day 18
Recreation at sea.
Day 19
Recreation at sea.
Bridgetown (Barbados)
Colonial architecture, historic buildings, Fort Savannah, culture, local gastronomy, beautiful beaches and art make the capital of Barbados special.
Castries (St. Lucia)
On St. Lucia, a jewel of the Caribbean, marvel at the Pitons, two majestic volcanic mountains that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax on the island's exotic black sand beaches and explore fascinating snorkeling and diving areas along the west coast. For the more adventurous, there are hiking trails inland through the rainforest that lead to spectacular waterfalls.
Roseau (Dominica)
On Dominica, the "nature island" of the Caribbean, you can discover an impressive landscape with black sand beaches, thundering waterfalls and boiling lakes. With the Kalinago Territory and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the island offers nature experiences that are not to be missed. Dominica is also a paradise for divers and hikers, who can explore the 365 rivers, countless lakes and the diverse flora and fauna in the dense, mountainous rainforests.
Little Bay (Montserrat)
On Montserrat, often referred to as the "shining emerald of the Caribbean", the Centre Hills offer you biodiversity and lush vegetation. Head to the ghost town of Plymouth, which was almost completely buried by volcanic eruptions and is now a fascinating excursion destination. For nature and bird lovers, Montserrat also offers the opportunity to observe the national bird, the Montserrat oriole, in the tropical forests.
Basseterre (Saint Kitts)
Visit the green volcanoes of St. Kitts, which are covered in dense tropical forest and offer an impressive backdrop. The islands are also known for their white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and diving. Those interested in history can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fort Brimstone Hill, a well-preserved fortress from the colonial era.
Day 25
Recreation at sea.
Day 26
Recreation at sea.
Port Royal (Jamaica)
In Jamaica, for example, you can dive into the crystal-clear water and explore the colorful underwater world while snorkeling.
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: €910 p. P.
- Premium beverage package on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €1,430 p. P.
- Non-alcoholic beverage package for kids & teens on sea voyages with VASCO DA GAMA: €364 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.