nicko cruises - VASCO DA GAMA WORLD CRUISE 2023-2024

VASCO DA GAMA

TIME TO DISCOVER

Dear lovers of inspiring cruises,

Do you feel, as we do, that a cruise should be more than just a journey by sea? We at nicko cruises invite you on a cruise that is every bit as individual as yourself and that will take us to a wealth of destinations all over the globe. Come and travel the world with us on board the VASCO DA GAMA.

Time to discover the wonders of the world

Do you know what it feels like to stand at the rail of a ship watching dolphins dive elegantly in and out of the water as they escort you and your fellow voyagers for a short stretch of your journey? Have you ever had a front-row seat as the sun sinks slowly into the sea, bathing the water in glorious colour? Or do you had the chance to savour the symphony of scents found in the harbours of the world?

There is an endless supply of treasures like these. All wonders in their own right. Wonders that are waiting for you to discover them again and again. We at nicko cruises will take you there. Our round-the-world cruise will allow you the time you need to discover these wonders.

On board the VASCO DA GAMA, you will see the world in a way that most people never will. In the spirit of its namesake Portuguese explorer, our ship sets off for new destinations – where the name alone is enough to set your travelling heart racing: Marrakesh, the Namib Desert, Mauritius, La Réunion, the Maldives, the Taj Mahal, the Temple of Angkor Wat, the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, Tasmania, Bora Bora, the Panama Canal …

Needless to say, you will also find the finest amenities on the VASCO DA GAMA. After all, nicko cruises has been a byword for on-board comfort and ambience for decades. We will be celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2022 – 30 years during which we have been continually raising the bar for first-class service. This is because we believe that it is all about the journey – and that the journey should be something to savour as well.

We can whisk you away to faraway places on a discovery cruise that will allow you to discover yourself as well. A round-the-world cruise on the VASCO DA GAMA means indescribable views, fascinating insights, invaluable experiences, and many moments and memories that will last a lifetime … in short, a time that you will never forget.

We very much hope to see you on board.

Managing Director

Managing Director

Guido Laukamp

/ CCO (left)

Carsten Keil

/ CFO (right)

OUR PHILOSOPHY WORLD CRUISE 20

8 | Far away from the hustle and bustle

Slow cruising

10 | Relax in comfort and style

Maximum comfort on the waves – welcome aboard!

12 | It is the wanderlust that drives us

Almost too good to be true ...

14 | Preserving moments for all time

“All the hustle and bustle was suddenly worlds away.”

16 | Relaxing travel in comfort

Time to discover the world: excursions, city tours, culture, nature, people and history –so much to discover!

18 | It is no secret that anticipation is half the pleasure

Immerse yourself in new worlds.

THE SHIP –VASCO DA GAMA

20 | No better way to see the world The ship for exploring the world

22 | Included for you

· nicko cruises full board

· Your floating hotel room

24 | Unforgettable experiences

· Wellness and fitness

· On-board fun for kids

· A touch of Broadway

· The cream of local culture

26 | My favourite place on board? All of it!

Varied, versatile and of the highest quality, our ship is designed to allow you to make the most of your cruise.

32 | Set the stage for pure fascination

First-class entertainment: exhilarating moments that will be with you forever.

34 | On-board dining at its most authentic Luxurious beverage packages.

38 | Feeling at home in your comfort zone

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this cruise could go on forever?”

40 | Happy? Family!

Little explorers, big discoveries

42 | Individual. But not alone. Many special offers for passengers travelling alone.

44 | Because we only have one planet

Sustainability and respect for the environment are among our core principles.

46 | In the best of hands

The health and safety of our on-board guests is our number one priority at all times.

50 | A passion for discovering the world

52 | Mapping the round-the-world cruise

54 | Every day a new experience

Your travel itinerary at a glance

58 | Special benefits for world cruise guests

60 | LEG 1

Lisbon to Mauritius

72 | LEG 2

Mauritius to Manila

86 | LEG 3

Manila to Puerto Vallarta

100 | LEG 4

Puerto Vallarta to Lisbon

THE WORLD CRUISE IN DETAIL

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· Pre-/Post-cruise programme: Stellenbosch wine region

· Post-cruise programme: Botlierskop

· Post-cruise programme:

· Pre-/Post-cruise programme:

· Pre-cruise programme:

Top service quality (consumer survey)

Germany’s fairest shipping lines and tourism 2021 (Provider reputation)

FAR AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE

TO APPRECIATE THE MOST WONDROUS PLACES ON EARTH, YOU NEED TO SLOW DOWN TO YOUR PACE.

Which means fewer passengers. This allows us to give our guests the space they need for maximum comfort.

What could be more thrilling than discovering new worlds at first hand?

Faster is not always better. Sometimes you need to take things nice and slowly if you want to experience them in full. Travel is a perfect example of this. There are places where you need to spend a little more time to discover what is truly unique or authentic about them.

This is why time is one of the most important ingredients in our discovery cruise. Join us on board the VASCO DA GAMA as we set sail for the most fascinating places on the planet. And let us give you the gift of time: time to experience this adventure in full. Why? Because we know that this time is particularly precious.

Slow cruising – making the most of every moment

We believe in the slow cruising philosophy. The VASCO DA GAMA is a relatively small cruise ship by today’s standards.

We at nicko cruises believe in creating more out of less. A less hectic pace – and more time for on-board relaxation and onshore excursions. Less hustle and bustle – and more authentic holiday feeling. Less mainstream – and more individuality. Of course, this also means more comfort and ambience on board. Because you are our guest. And it is your voyage of discovery. Let the VASCO DA GAMA spirit you away to new shores that will leave a lasting impression. And you will find that the slower pace makes for an even more intensive experience.

Maximum comfort on the waves –welcome aboard!

When the VASCO DA GAMA sets sail for the most beautiful destinations in the world, on-board quality and comfort will be your constant companions. You will have a choice of spacious cabins and suites measuring between 16 and 102 m2 and there are no fewer than seven individually designed bars and lounges, five restaurants, a chic wellness area with sauna and steam bath, and a large fitness centre and sports area … What more could you possibly need?

Attentive, relaxed and perfectly organised –you will be in the best of hands here.

With a capacity of no more than 1,000 guests –attended to by a crew of 550 – the VASCO DA GAMA is one of the smaller cruise ships. This allows us to provide our guests with an even more individual experience, including extended layover times, perfectly organised onshore excursions and English-speaking staff on the ship and ashore. A relaxed atmosphere where you feel right at home.

RELAX IN COMFORT AND STYLE: YOU DESERVE IT

There is no more relaxing way to see the world.

Leave behind the stress of daily life and dive into a world of fantastic discoveries – and of on-board life at its finest. We have two pool decks, one of which has a glass panorama roof and a heatable pool. With flexible dining times in five restaurants –including free choice of seating. And of course there is our experienced service staff, who are committed to making your stay as comfortable as possible. All of this and much more awaits you on board the VASCO DA GAMA.

In our experience, enjoyment and relaxation have far more to do with personal attitude than with a fixed schedule. enjoyment and relaxation have far more to do with personal attitude than with a fixed schedule.

IT IS THE WANDERLUST THAT DRIVES US

Names that sound like music to our ears: the Great Barrier Reef, Saint Helena, Casablanca, the Seychelles, Bora Bora and many other places that have become symbols of our urge to travel. Of our desire for open spaces, for freedom, for authenticity. We only have to hear these names to conjure up all sorts of colourful worlds in our mind’s eye. Does that happen to you too?

We invite you to discover these worlds together with us. Authentic, unique and utterly enchanting: When travelling the world with VASCO DA GAMA, you will set sail for new shores, broaden your horizons and experience moments that will be with you forever – in places that you have only ever dreamt of.

Almost too good to be true

The natural treasures that the world has to offer, the breathtaking diversity of animals and plants on our planet – a humbling experience that words alone are not enough to describe. You have to see it with your own eyes. On a voyage of discovery with VASCO DA GAMA, you will drop anchor at many destinations like this – places that will fascinate you, enthral you and often touch you deeply.

And believe us, this feeling never ends. It takes hold of us every time we set eyes on the infinite beauty of nature.

Testaments to human achievement

When we talk about places of longing, we do not just mean natural treasures. After all, our fellow humans have also created countless impressive structures and monuments. The Taj Mahal, the ruins of Tikal, the great Buddha of Nha Trang, the Angkor temples, the Singapore skyline or Sydney Opera House …

Testaments to human achievement that showed courage and vision – some relatively new, others thousands of years old. In some cases, we have no idea how these came about, which of course makes them all the more fascinating.

Where time and space merge into one

Let nicko cruises whisk you away to your own personal dream destinations, with the most wondrous sights the natural world has to offer and the most awe-inspiring buildings that humankind has created. In places where time and space seem to merge into one. And where precious moments are preserved for all time.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Many of our destinations have been singled out by UNESCO as world heritage sites: Experience these fascinating sights at first hand.

PRESERVING MOMENTS FOR ALL TIME

“It must have been around one in the morning”, recalls Werner Lauthagen. “We were just off the coast of Casablanca and due to set sail again the following day.”

An amiable sanitary industry executive in his mid-fifties, Werner had been gifted the cruise as a birthday present from his children and grandchildren. “We had put it off several times – in my line of work, there is always so much happening.” The original plan had been to go on a tour through the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, but his wife “felt that would have been a little too cold”. Instead, they opted for a voyage of discovery to warmer climes with nicko cruises. As well as sunshine and pleasant temperatures, the cruise promised no end of cultural jewels and breathtaking landscapes.

“WE WERE ON OUR SECOND DAY IN ARGUABLY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITY IN MOROCCO, SAW THE FAMOUS MOSQUE, THE MARKET STALLS, THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLEANOTHER WORLD ENTIRELY!

Back on the ship, my wife and I had a nightcap and laid down on the soft bed, tired out from the eventful day. All of a sudden – I cannot remember when exactly – I woke up and could not get back to sleep. So I got up again and went up on deck. I saw the lights of Casablanca, the silhouette of the city. And I heard someone on the port strike up an oriental melody on a flute. All the hustle and bustle was suddenly worlds away. I will never forget that moment.”

Sounds like a wonderful time: with the nicko cruises Vibes, you can take the sounds of your holiday home with you – an inspirational round-the-world journey for your ears at any time.

“All the hustle and bustle was suddenly worlds away.”

Relaxing travel in comfort

Hospitality and a tradition of discovery under the Portuguese flag, on a classically elegant cruise ship with ample space both inside and out

Expansive teak-wood decks and two pool decks, with a sliding glass roof and heatable pool

Visit destinations off the beaten track with a ship designed for 1,000 passengers

Travel at a leisurely pace – more time in ports with extended layovers or overnight stays

Flexible dining times and free choice of seats in five restaurants

Life on board the ship in English and German

Special prices available for

- Early bookers thanks to the Ultra Early Booking Discount of 10%

- People travelling alone thanks to the single supplement of just 15%

- Families with good-value family cabins or free upper/additional beds

- Single travellers with a child thanks to the 50% child discount in a double cabin

Extensive hygiene measures before and during the entire cruise

Adequate distancing on excursions thanks to the comfortable whisper audio system

Worry-free booking thanks to our optional travel insurance (including coronavirus coverage)

Medical care on board, English-language personnel

Needless to say, feeling at home has a lot to do with safety. Being far from home also means leaving behind familiar structures and routines for a time. Which is why it is all the more important for you to have nicko cruises at your side – a partner that pulls out all the stops to make sure you have a carefree, rewarding and expertly organised journey. You can count on that.

Hong Kong · Route R5

TIME TO DISCOVER THE WORLD

Excursions*, city tours, culture, nature, people and history –so much to discover!

In 1497, Portuguese seafarer Vasco da Gama set off to establish trading routes and find a direct source of spices.

Guests travelling with nicko cruises today might not have their sights set on pepper or cardamom but they are looking for something every bit as valuable – time. Time to make their own discoveries, for unforgettable experiences, for moments that will stay with them all their lives. Which is exactly what a world cruise with the VASCO DA GAMA will offer them. In other words, to find riches for the Portuguese king.

Skilled, motivated and with a personal touch: our team is always there for you and will see to your every need. So that nothing interferes with your complete enjoyment of the cruise.

South Africa · Route R2

WHAT IS THE OF AN

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE BEGINNING AND THE END OF A JOURNEY? AT WHAT POINT HAVE YOU SET OFF? AND AT WHAT POINT IS THE JOURNEY OVER? THE TRUTH IS THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SAY FOR SURE.

It is no secret that anticipation is half the pleasure and this is especially true of travel. But there is also a hint of excitement … what will the journey be like and what can we expect to see when we get there? The more options we leave open, the more enjoyable it is to make discoveries. A wonderfully fitting outlook for a cruise, don’t you think?

LIES AHEAD BEGINNING ADVENTURE.

Immerse yourself in new worlds, get acquainted with faraway lands, places, people and their customs. Find out what you always wanted to know. Experience the treasures of the world, great and small, right up close. VASCO DA GAMA will take you there: All you have to do is say the word.

THE SHIP - VASCO DA GAMA

No better way to see the world

If you have your sights set on new shores where you can discover the destinations of your dreams, VASCO DA GAMA will take you there on a safe, comfortable and wonderfully varied cruise.

The ship for exploring the world

What better name for our ship than that of the famous Portuguese seafarer? And the name VASCO DA GAMA will define your mission – to discover new lands!

NICKO CRUISES FULL BOARD

The best of everything. Our full board offers you a wideranging culinary experience. After all, you deserve it.

Generous breakfast at flexible meal times with free choice of seating: Club Bistro, Waterfront Restaurant

Extensive breakfast buffet with evergreen classics like our home-made Bircher muesli and eggs cooked to order in the Club Bistro – when the weather is fine, you can also eat outside on the Lido Deck instead

In the Waterfront Restaurant, a daily breakfast menu is served at the table

Coffee, tea and juices

Varied lunch at flexible meal times with free choice of seating: Club Bistro, Waterfront Restaurant

Creative buffets with show cooking in the Club Bistro –for example, individual dishes are prepared in a wok based on your chosen ingredients

A wide range of options – including vegetarian and vegan – are served at the Waterfront Restaurant, with different specials available every day

Stylish dinner at flexible meal times with free choice of seating: Waterfront Mediterranean, Fusion, Club Bistro, Waterfront Restaurant, Alfresco Grill

Choice of four stylish all-inclusive restaurants with different culinary specialities: Mediterranean cuisine, Asian-European fusion, international cuisine with local dishes from the destination countries

From the afternoon to the evening, a different selection of snacks – including pizzas, sandwiches and curried sausage – is available every day in the Alfresco Grill on the Lido Deck

Not to mention ...

A wide range of home-made ice cream at Cappuccino’s throughout the day

Coffee time at Club Bistro with a daily selection of biscuits, cakes and tarts, including classics like Sachertorte and Black Forest gateau, but also delicious muffins, brownies and New York cheesecake

Of course, with so much to choose from, it will not always be easy. But every day will be a new experience.

INCLUDED FOR YOU

YOUR FLOATING HOTEL ROOM

On board the VASCO DA GAMA, we offer you a choice of cabin categories depending on your individual holiday needs. The best views are found in our outside cabins, our cabins with balconies and our suites. But you will also travel in great comfort in our inside cabins.

The balcony cabin option also includes:

A welcome fruit bowl, one bottle of wine and water

Preferential check-in and check-out (wherever possible)

Binoculars, atlas, umbrella, bathroom and towelling slippers (for the duration of the cruise)

The suite option also includes:

All extras from the balcony cabin option

Culinary delight at turndown service

Laundry service

Ironing service (penthouse suite only)

The price for all cabin categories also includes:

· Luggage service for embarkation and disembarkation

· All port and passenger fees

WELLNESS AND FITNESSA HEALTHY BALANCE

A healthy balance between exercise and relaxation is ideal for bringing your body and mind in perfect harmony. And you will find plenty of both on board our cruise ship.

Relax in style

Spacious wellness area with a ladies’ and a gentlemen’s sauna, as well as a steam bath, aromatherapy steam bath, heated recliners and a small pool

A heated swimming pool with a sliding glass roof that can be used all year round – and two whirlpools on the Lido Deck

Coffee, tea and juices

Active enjoyment

Fitness area with state-of-the-art sporting equipment and a professional trainer

Extensive programme of courses: Yoga, Pilates, stretching and relaxation exercises and a wide range of other activities

Running track on the outside deck, jogging track, volleyball and basketball court

ON-BOARD FUN FOR KIDS

At nicko cruises, we know that happy children mean relaxed parents:

We provide childcare for individual age groups all year around – and in English too

A spacious children’s area with indoor and outdoor spaces with no end of activities for kids of all ages, including teens

A TOUCH OF BROADWAY

Our on-board entertainment includes fascinating shows and dazzling moments from the world’s stages.

Our own first-class programme consists of six major performances in our show theatre, Hollywood’s. You can also enjoy a wide range of live music in various bars, e.g. jazz in the Blue Room, piano music in the Ocean Bar, performances by our singers on the Lido Deck, or party and dance music in The Dome & Night-Club.

On-stage magic: our wide-ranging programme of first-class performances.

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

THE CREAM OF LOCAL CULTURE

A treat for your eyes, ears and heart: as well as whisking you away to the most beautiful destinations in the world, we give you a taste of local culture – a wide range of experiences that are included in the price of the cruise.

Life on board the ship in English and German Informative and entertaining lectures during the cruise

Exploring our destinations

Comfortable whisper audio system for all excursions, giving you maximum flexibility and allowing you to maintain sufficient distance

On board the VASCO DA GAMA

7

Hollywood’s

We feel that live entertainment is an integral part of any cruise. The VASCO DA GAMA brings a little Broadway on board – with a wide range of top shows. Over two decks, this theatre offers an unforgettable range of music, drama and artistry.

You can find more information on our VASCO DA GAMA ship here:

Ocean Bar

If you have an eye for design and love stylish surroundings, you simply must pay a visit to our Ocean Bar and see its superb blend of colonial style and orangery. Open during the day and late into the evening, its captivating charm is hard to resist.

Hollywood’s

MY FAVOURITE PLACE ON BOARD? ALL OF IT!

VARIED, VERSATILE AND OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY, OUR SHIP IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW YOU TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CRUISE

Restaurant

Always a treat for your taste buds – if you have ever visited our Waterfront Restaurant, you will be back for more. The menu combines a wealth of ideas with international culinary delicacies and timeless classics. Not to mention the personal service that you can expect here. Many of our guests come here for breakfast as well – after all, what better way is there to start the day?

Magic moments call for a very special atmosphere.

Waterfront

7

Waterfront Restaurant

Ocean Bar

Club 8 8

Blue Room

A treat for your eyes and ears. The wholly unique character of the Blue Room has already won it no end of admirers. It is particularly popular among night owls, serving a wide range of signature and classic drinks to a background of live music. Now how about a nightcap …?

Captain’s Club

What better way to wind down after an eventful day than with a relaxing drink? The Captain’s Club is the venue of choice for a Whisky Sour, an Old Fashioned or a fine red wine. The ideal place for good conversation and meeting new people.

Blue

The Grill

If you want to experience the finer pleasures of life, you have to be willing to treat yourself. Our restaurant, The Grill, is the ideal place to do so – with a wholly intimate atmosphere and real steakhouse delicacies that your taste buds will remember forever.

Fusion and Waterfront Mediterranean

European-Asian fusion cuisine: a fascinating journey for your palate. At our Fusion and Waterfront Mediterranean restaurants, you can steer a culinary course of your own. An unforgettable taste experience awaits you.

Oasis Pool

Sometimes the best view is right at the back. Like in our Oasis Pool at the rear of Deck 10. After taking a refreshing dip, you can sit back, enjoy the view and let your mind wander. And what could be more relaxing than that?

Club Bistro

For you. And you alone. In our stylish buffet restaurant, the Club Bistro, we serve up individuality all day long at various live cooking stations, complete with exquisite views.

Waterfront Mediterranean The Grill

Oasis Pool Club Bistro

Pool with sliding glass roof

VASCO DA GAMA has not one but two glorious pools on board. The heatable main pool on the Lido Deck is the right choice whatever the weather. With the flexible sliding glass roof, you can let in the sunshine and keep out the wind and rain.

Bar and Cappuccino’s

Fancy a refreshing soft drink or a coffee speciality while sitting outside and enjoying the view? Or how about a tempting ice cream? It is only a short step from your pool lounger to our wide range of tasty options. All you need for a relaxing day on deck.

Lido

Lido Bar and Cappuccino’s

Pool with sliding glass roof

Fitness centre and wellness area

Want to keep fit while on board? Or to relax in our wellness area? Or both together? You can exercise to your heart’s content on the cardio machines in our fitness centre. And what better way to wind down than in our wellness area, completed with sauna, steam bath and a wide range of massages and treatments? Perfect relaxation for your body and your mind.

The Dome and nightclub

In The Dome, you can enjoy world-class drinks and cocktails while savouring the view from the top of the ship. And when the clock strikes ten, you can round off an eventful cruise day with beats, drinks and vibes when The Dome transforms into a nightclub.

Outdoor sports areas

If you are looking for some fresh air and exercise, our separate outdoor sports areas offer plenty to choose from. For instance, you can organise a game of volleyball, shoot some hoops on our basketball court or run a few laps on our jogging track.

Children’s area

We provide childcare for our younger guests all year round. The children’s area on VASCO DA GAMA extends over two decks, including an outside area with plenty of room for fun and discoveries. Just the thing for a wonderful family holiday.

Wellness area

The Dome and nightclub

Outside deck and jogging track

Children’s area

SET THE STAGE FOR PURE FASCINATION

FIRST-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT: EXHILARATING MOMENTS THAT WILL BE WITH YOU FOREVER.

One theatre. Two decks. Endless passion.

When we talk about discovering the world with VASCO DA GAMA, we do not just mean the unforgettable days. The evenings on board are something special too.

Curtain up for pure emotion

As soon as our on-board show ensemble takes the stage at Hollywood’s, an emotional roller-coaster is sure to follow. Here, you can expect music, singing, drama, dancing and artistry – entertainment of the highest order, with elaborate on-board productions, creative guest appearances and performances by wellknown artists, magicians, etc.

As diverse as these are, they all have one thing in common: they conjure up personal memories that are truly unforgettable. In the very real sense of the word.

What is unique about Hollywood’s, our show theatre, is not just that it extends to two decks. It also brings together artistic disciplines from all ends of the spectrum to form an overall concept that has to be seen to be believed.

It is abundantly clear that our artists love what they do. And that they love the part they play in a world in which sound, light and movement merge into pure passion –thrilling performances that never fail to leave a lasting impression. Treat yourself to a show that packs a powerful emotional punch. And to evenings that you never want to end.

No chance of missing out

Thanks to our diverse programme and spacious theatre, guests will always find a seat. And we even have two performances of our main show every evening. All of which means that the first-class show programme is sure to fit with your individual schedule.

Treating your taste buds every night

A sumptuous dinner in the evening is one of the highlights of any holiday and is a wonderful way to bring the day to a close. You will find no fewer than five restaurants on VASCO DA GAMA. Here, our experienced kitchen team serves up fresh and creative culinary delights. Such as international specialities, Mediterranean dishes, Portuguese delicacies or fusion creations inspired by the finest Asian cuisine.

The perfect drinks for any occasion

An aperitif that stimulates the appetite and sets the tone for the whole evening? A sundowner or a nightcap? Whenever the mood takes you, you will find the finest drinks and an atmosphere to match in any of our bars, cafés and lounges. The spectrum ranges from classic to modern, hot to cold, non-alcoholic beverages to highproof spirits – or whatever fits best with your discovery cruise.

Restaurant Fusion

ON-BOARD DINING AT ITS MOST AUTHENTIC

Needless to say, the taste of Portugal is all around. How about cod prepared in the traditional Portuguese style? It is said that there are more Portuguese recipes for bacalao – dried and salted cod – than there are days in the year.

Our favourite ingredients: freshness and passion.

Every day a joy to discover – that is the culinary credo on board VASCO DA GAMA. From breakfast and lunch to evening dinner, diversity and finesse are the order of the day. Our team of chefs work with fresh ingredients from all over the world but what truly sets them apart is their loving attention to detail and their passion for food. A passion you can taste with every bite.

Premium beverage package

All beverages in the Classic package and additionally:

Crémant by the glass

All cocktails

Premium Armagnac, cognac, scotch (e.g. Chivas Regal 12 years), whiskey (e.g. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7), Calvados, Hennessy VSOP, Armagnac Clés des Ducs

Premium gin, vodka, tequila and rum (e.g. Tanqueray, Hendrick’s, Absolut Vodka, Belvedere, Ketel One, Grey Goose, Havana Club Añejo, Pyrat XO Reserve, Jose Cuervo Silver/Gold, Don Julio Añejo)

Premium bitters, vermouth and noble brandies (e.g. raspberry brandies, cherry brandy, apricot schnapps, pear brandy, Alexander Cru Grappa, Fernet Branca, Dubonnet, Aquavit)

Premium liqueurs (e.g. Amaretto, Bailey’s, Frangelico, Galliano, Kahlua and Limoncello)

All coffee specialities (available at: The Dome, Cappuccino’s, Blue Room and Ocean Bar)

Price: €53 per person per night

Kids & Teens beverage package

Includes all open non-alcoholic beverages (juices, soft drinks, natural mineral water, hot chocolate and tea).

Price: €14 per child per night

When you are on holiday, it does not matter what time it is.

CHEERS!

OUR THREE PACKAGES OFFER YOU AN EXCELLENT SELECTION OF BEVERAGES, CONTAINING EVERYTHING YOU COULD POSSIBLY WISH FOR.

Classic beverage package

House wine by the glass (white, red and rosé)

House sparkling wine by the glass

Port, Madeira wine and sherry

Draught and bottled beers, non-alcoholic beer

All non-alcoholic cocktails

Aperitifs (e.g. Aperol Spritz/orange, Campari soda/orange)

All open non-alcoholic beverages

Natural mineral water

Filter coffee, cappuccino, espresso, hot chocolate and tea (available at: The Dome, Cappuccino’s, Blue Room and Ocean Bar)

Price: €33 per person per night

Please note that beverage packages can only be booked for the entire duration of the cruise and for all persons sharing the cabin. They can be booked in advance or on board. They cannot be transferred to other people. Our beverage packages are only valid during the cruise. Packages are non-refundable and it is not possible to book parts of packages. Persons under 18 years of age may only book our non-alcoholic beverage package.

FEELING AT HOME IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Is feeling at home a question of attitude? Of course it is. But our surroundings play an important role as well, would not you say? VASCO DA GAMA gives you the space you need to relax and feel at home.

LOOKS GREAT. AND FEELS GREAT TOO.

Elegant, modern colours, sophisticated interior design and choice accessories: when travelling with VASCO DA GAMA, your time on board will be a treat for all the senses. And our cabins will meet your every need.

When you wake up in these stylish, comfortable surroundings, you will be in no hurry to get up.

And why should you be? After all, the stress of everyday life is many nautical miles away. And your discovery cruise is also your own personal journey into the realms of relaxation.

A hotel on the high seas: maximum personal comfort and well-being.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this cruise could go on forever?”

Little explorers, big discoveries

Pioneering spirit can be found in adventurers of all ages. Which is why guests from the age of two are welcome on board VASCO DA GAMA. There is also a wide range of family-friendly excursions to choose from, such as leisure parks, wildlife observations or child-friendly adventures in the world’s most beautiful cities. Endless fun for all the family.

A treat for kids and teens

Parents have a more relaxing time of it when their children enjoy the food on offer. This is why our restaurants have special children’s menus. And, needless to say, we have high chairs and nappy-changing areas for our littlest guests. Most of the bar areas are ideal for playing cards while sipping delicious non-alcoholic cocktails. With a non-alcoholic beverage package for kids and teens, you can keep track of your costs while your kids can help themselves during their time on board.

HAPPY? FAMILY!

Lots of fun – and excellent childcare all year round

On VASCO DA GAMA, children aged three and over have a realm of their own. Spread over two decks, the children’s area has plenty of room for fun and adventure under the watchful eyes of our attendants. The interior is split up into several well-lit rooms so that kids of similar ages can play together to their hearts’ content. As well as a veritable paradise for small children, there is a multimedia area for teenagers with plenty of video game stations and a table football table. Not to mention their own private disco area.

The wind-protected and supervised outdoor area is ideal for all sorts of games – and there are even two stages where budding entertainers can give free rein to their creativity. All of which leaves the adults free to enjoy a drink or a massage.

Your advantages:

Children under 16 travel free when accompanied by two full-paying adults. Most of the cabins have room for additional or upper beds. There is also a limited number of family cabins with a connecting door. Here, too, you get the connecting cabin free of charge for at least one child under 16 when you pay full price for at least two adults. Older children and adults pay just €80 per person per night for the connecting cabin. All our departures also have attractive offers for people travelling alone with children.

INDIVIDUAL. BUT NOT ALONE.

Your personal dream holiday

Eager to explore the world with VASCO DA GAMA but do not have anyone to travel with? No problem: we have many different offers tailored specially for people travelling alone, allowing them to discover the finest travel destinations on their own terms. Maybe you have a passion for culture and history? Or enjoy action and adventure? Or want to immerse yourself in natural surroundings or explore exciting cities? Whatever a holiday means for you, you will find it here. VASCO DA GAMA will take you away on your personal dream holiday.

Exploring the world with kindred spirits

As soon as your discovery cruise begins, you will have the chance to attend one of our informal meet-ups and get to know other people travelling alone over a relaxing coffee or a cocktail. This has often proved to be the beginning of long-lasting friendships between people who have been travelling together ever since. Or sometimes even more.

Attractive offers

We also offer excellent value for money for people travelling alone. A certain number of cabins are available with a supplement of just 15% for people using them on their own. There is a large range of cabin categories from which you can choose your ideal accommodation on the ship.

BECAUSE WE ONLY HAVE ONE PLANET

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ARE AMONG OUR CORE PRINCIPLES.

Hardly anyone knows the wondrous natural beauty of the world like nicko cruises. Because we sail our guests to the most fascinating places on Earth, it is all the more important to protect and preserve these natural wonders for future generations.

For the love of our planet.

Protecting the environment is an ongoing responsibility that we all share. With this in mind, we at nicko cruises have developed a wide range of measures.

These include using biodegradable substances wherever possible, while avoiding waste and disposable products. We have also invested in an innovative, highly effective waste water treatment system that reduces suspended solids to zero without using chemicals. This leads to clarified waste water of bathing water quality – which even meets the strict standards necessary for it to be discharged into the Baltic Sea.

We believe that green talk should always be matched by green actions. And we are willing to invest in this. For example in converting to lower-emission fuels and catalytic converters – measures that help us to reduce sulphur oxides by 85% and nitrogen oxides by as much as 95%. This exceeds the standards set by the International Maritime Organization substantially.

The underwater paint used on VASCO DA GAMA is an especially environmentally friendly, long-lasting and robust siliconebased coating that does not release any toxic substances into the sea. This paint also prevents vegetation and deposits from forming on the bottom of the ship –these can increase fuel consumption because of the additional water resistance. We are able to reduce fuel consumption by around six per cent by using this innovative paint.

For today, tomorrow and well beyond.

You can count on that. You can rest assured that we will continue to look for further potential for improving and optimising our environmental performance – today, tomorrow and in the future. So that we will be able to discover the fascinating beauty of the world together for many years to come.

Travelling and dialysis: no problem

At nicko cruises, you can still discover the world even if you need regular dialysis treatment. We work together with DiaCare AG, which has been providing on-board dialysis for 40 years. It has installed a haemodialysis unit on VASCO DA GAMA complete with a separate water treatment system and its own emergency power supply.

The treatment times are planned around the scheduled excursions. This means that you can enjoy your dream cruise while we attend to your dialysis needs at all times.

All-round care at its best

Our service for guests with dialysis needs begins before the cruise, when a dialysis doctor helps you to plan your on-board treatment. We are also at hand to provide a personal service throughout the entire cruise.

Please call DiaCare (+49 (0)40 6077 33820) to find out whether there are dialysis places still available. If you would like to book your dream cruise or ask for advice on cruises with dialysis services, please get in touch with your travel agent or contact us directly.

IN THE BEST OF HANDS

So that you can relax and enjoy your discovery cruise, we have developed an extensive hygiene concept that we can implement both on board and during onshore excursions.

There is always an on-board doctor on VASCO DA GAMA cruises. And our ship’s hospital is equipped to provide first-class medical care. So you can rest assured that you will always be in the best of hands.

There is also a fully equipped haemodialysis unit on board. All designed to ensure that dialysis patients will have the same unforgettable holiday experience as everyone else. This service is available on all cruises.

Thorough hygiene and disinfection is standard on all nicko cruises ships. We have also aligned our hygiene regulations with the needs of the current situation.

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR ON-BOARD GUESTS IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY AT ALL TIMES.

Safe travels Withnickocruises, ourhygieneconcept ensures safe and healthytravels.

183 DAYS, 90 PORTS, 40 COUNTRIES AND FIVE CONTINENTS - WITH VASCO DA GAMA, YOU WILL CIRCLE THE GLOBE AND EXPERIENCE THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME, TAKING IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH.

A PASSION DISCO THE WO

Are there so many dream destinations that you have always wanted to visit? If so, then you now have a unique opportunity to book a leisurely round-the-world voyage with nicko cruises that will take you from Lisbon to all the wonders of the world. On 10 October 2023, VASCO DA GAMA will be leaving Old Europe and setting sail for fascinating destinations in the wilds of Africa. Via Madagascar, the Seychelles and the Maldives, the ship will head for Southeast Asia, home to spectacular wonders like the Taj Mahal in India or Halong Bay in Vietnam. Not to mention glittering megacities and white sand beaches. Later on, you will cross the equator, visit the wild Australian outback, marvel at the unspoilt beauty of New Zealand and swim in the South Sea.

FOR VERING RLD

From the Pacific coast of fiery Central America, your captain will head for the Caribbean via the Panama Canal. And you are sure to fall in love with one of the ABC islands! Next, VASCO DA GAMA will sail right across the Atlantic Ocean, stopping in on the Cape Verde, Madeira and Canary islands before heading back to the Old World. The cruise will end on 8 April 2024 right where it began: in the Port of Lisbon.

Want to get into the holiday mood already?

If so, then download our Spotify playlist:

MAPPING THE ROUND-THE-WORLD

Legs

VASCO DA GAMA will be exploring the wonders of this world in four legs, each of which can be booked individually.

R1–R10:

Ten routes of varying lengths will take you to exquisite destinations that you will never forget. Each route can be booked separately. All routes can be combined (even spanning different legs).

Leg 1

Page 60

Lisbon to Mauritius

Page 100

Leg 4

Puerto Vallarta to Lisbon

Legend

Start / destination of world cruise

Port of embarkation and disembarkation

You can find more information on our world cruise here:

CRUISE

Lisbon

LEG 1 Lisbon to Mauritius 40 days 10.10.2023–18.11.2023

R1 Lisbon to Cape Town 25 days 10.10. –03.11.2023

R2 Cape Town to Mauritius 16 days 03.11. –18.11.2023

LEG 2 Mauritius to Manila 50 days 18.11.2023–06.01.2024

R3 Mauritius to the Maldives 15 days 18.11. –02.12.2023

R4 Maldives to Singapore 19 days 02.12. –20.12.2023

R5 Singapore to Manila 18 days 20.12.2023–06.01.2024

Page

LEG 3 Manila to Puerto Vallarta 66 days 06.01.2024–10.03.2024

R6 Manila to Sydney 23 days 06.01. –28.01.2024

R7 Sydney to Auckland 21 days 28.01. –17.02.2024

R8 Auckland to Puerto Vallarta 24 days 17.02. –10.03.2024

LEG 4 Puerto Vallarta to Lisbon 30 days 10.03.2024–08.04.2024

R9 Puerto Vallarta to Curaçao 14 days 10.03. –23.03.2024

R10 Curaçao to Lisbon 17 days 23.03. –08.04.2024

Leg 3

Page 86

EVERY DAY A NEW EXPERIENCE

Route R5 • Singapore to Manila

Route R6 • Manila to Sydney

Experience time in a whole new way

Seconds, weeks, months, years ... Measuring time as a linear unit is one of the central structural principles of our culture – and practically every other culture in the world. A day has 24 hours, each of which has 60 minutes ...

But what if we were to see time not only as something linear but as something spatial as well? As a corridor of possibilities, a treasure trove of lasting impressions. This is exactly what VASCO DA GAMA has to offer. Travelling to the most beautiful places in the world gives time a whole new quality and preserves moments for eternity.

Route R9 • Puerto Vallarta to Curaçao

SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR WORLD CR

You will find more detailed information on special conditions, savings opportunities and other benefits in our price table on page 165.

Beverage service

Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided free of charge with all main meals. A service that literally leaves nothing to be desired.

The benefits of making up your mind early

If you book by 31 October 2022, you can take advantage of an Ultra Early Booking Discount of 10% on both our Compact and Grand World Cruise and on the individual routes on our journey. And guests travelling alone can also book a double cabin for themselves with a supplement of just 15% (limited number of rooms; does not apply for suites).

Laundry service

You will not have to worry about looking after your wardrobe during your dream cruise – a laundry and ironing service will be provided for you free of charge.

Onshore excursions

On the Grand World Cruise, you will receive a half-day excursion free of charge at every port where passengers leave or join the ship. An ideal opportunity to get better acquainted with the places where we drop anchor.

Embarkation and disembarkation

Whether you opt for the Grand or the Compact World Cruise, you will always have priority when embarking and disembarking.

Voucher for photo gallery

The package also includes a voucher for our photo gallery: €150 per person on the Grand World Cruise and €80 on the Compact World Cruise.

Wellness voucher

The perfect way to unwind! With a wellness voucher of €350 per person (€150 for the Compact World Cruise), you can treat your body and soul to the ultimate relaxation.

UISE GUESTS

ON THE COMPACT WORLD CRUISE WITH VASCO

DA GAMA

Singapore–Manila–Sydney–Auckland–Puerto Vallarta–Curaçao–Lisbon

112 DAYS · 111 NIGHTS

20.12.2023–08.04.2024

Total price for Compact World Cruise from €18,567* p. p.***

ON THE GRAND WORLD CRUISE WITH VASCO DA

GAMA

Lisbon–Cape Town–Mauritius–Maldives–Singapore–Manila–Sydney–Auckland–Puerto Vallarta–Curaçao–Lisbon

183 DAYS · 182 NIGHTS

10.10.2023–08.04.2024

Total price for Grand World Cruise from €28,566* p. p.***

Invite your nearest and dearest**

Get your family and friends on board!

On the Grand World Cruise, you will be given two extra cabins free of charge on a selected route (one cabin in the case of the Compact World Cruise).

* Already includes 10% Ultra Early Booking Discount if you book by 31 October 2022.

** On request and according to availability. This is a very limited offer. Family members and friends can join you on board VASCO DA GAMA free of charge during a selected route. This invitation is for the cruise from port to port. All other services (arrival, excursions, beverage packages, etc.) can be booked for your guests on request. They will be accommodated in a guarantee cabin either inside or outside. The deck and cabin number will be made known by nicko cruises shortly before departure. We will inform you about the available routes around 2 months before your trip begins so that you can register your family members or friends. This is a strictly limited offer and there is no guarantee of being given a free cabin after registration. *** per person

Chef’s Table

As a Grand World Cruise participant, you will enjoy a gourmet evening at our Chef’s Table, with a 9-course menu and accompanying beverages.

Internet package

So that you can stay reachable and informed at all times, the Grand World Cruise includes an internet package with 1 GB per person per route.

World cruise – Leg 1

Morocco

40 days

10.10.2023 – 18.11.2023

Leg 1

Route R1 | 25 days: Lisbon–Cape Town

Travel details beginning on page 114

Route R2 | 16 days: Cape Town–Mauritius

Travel details beginning on page 116

Walvis Bay

South Africa

The choice of seafarers for generations, Lisbon is the ideal starting point for a round-the-world voyage that you will never forget. Here, the worldfamous Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument pays tribute to adventurous souls like Ferdinand Magellan and, of course, our ship’s namesake Vasco da Gama. And it is where you too will set sail for new worlds and far-flung paradises. Starting from here, VASCO DA GAMA will take you on a spectacular voyage along the African coast all the way to Cape Town. After this, our destination is Mauritius, hundreds of nautical miles across the open sea.

La Réunion

Mossel Bay

Port Elizabeth

Richards Bay

Tôlanaro

Port Louis Durban

Madagascar

Atlantic Ocean

Gulf of Guinea Equator

St. Helena 60

Indian Ocean

R2 R3

Straight from the Arabian Nights

Upon leaving Portugal, the first stop is Morocco On an excursion to Marrakech, you can lose yourself in a tale from the Arabian Nights. Walk through the winding alleys and sample the national Moroccan drink – a sweet green mint tea called thé à la menthe – and you are already there! Marrakech is often known as the “Red City” or “Ochre City” on account of its red fortress walls and clay houses. This led its medina quarter – the old part of the town – to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985.

DID YOU KNOW?

Marrakech was designed by city planners on a drawing board almost a thousand years ago. Its structure has remained virtually unchanged to this day and the city still functions based on the same principles.

Kutubiyya Mosque · Marrakech · Morocco · Route

The heart of the second-oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, Marrakech, beats loudest in its medieval market square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, which the locals refer to simply as “la place” – the square. Here, on just a few square metres, visitors can experience much of what makes Morocco so unique: cookshops, hawkers, freshly squeezed orange juice, snake charmers, acrobats and drummers. And, of course, merchants who are prepared to swear that their carpets really can fly. Just a few steps away are the world-famous souks. And the 12-kilometre city wall that dates from the 12th century and has over 200 bastions and eleven gates is worth taking the time to explore in its full glory. The same goes for the Jardin Majorelle, into which fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent breathed new life back in 1980.

New impressions await us in the Moroccan capital Rabat, one of the four imperial cities together with Marrakech, Fez and Meknes. Over the centuries, the country’s rulers took up residence in each of these cities in turn so that they could all grow and prosper. And it is not without reason that Rabat has been singled out as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Kasbah of the Udayas is a fortress built on a hill high above the mouth of the Bou Regreg river. It contains a small palace, a mosque and an enchanting garden.

Between two worlds

We follow up on these unforgettable experiences by exploring the western coast of Africa. Here, we immerse ourselves in a geographic and cultural diversity of stunning proportions. We visit Dakar and its erstwhile slave island Île de Gorée in Senegal and Banjul in Gambia, the smallest state on the continent. We visit St Helena, the main island of the British overseas territory 1,200 miles off the west coast of Angola, and Lüderitz in Namibia. The environment here is rich in flora and fauna, with breathtaking landscapes as far as the eye can see. We also have the chance to get

acquainted with the history of the region. As a former colony, the German influence is very prominent in Namibia, particularly in the port of Swakopmund. Since colonial times, this has been referred to – with tongue firmly in cheek –as the southernmost coastal resort in Germany. Not all that far from this bathing idyll is the Namib Desert, where day and night temperatures can vary by as much as 50 degrees. The first route culminates in Cape Town, South Africa – the leg ends in Mauritius, which can also be booked as a separate trip.

Namibia · Namib Desert · Route R1

In search of the Big Five

This extraordinary journey gives you numerous opportunities to fulfil lifelong dreams. For instance, are you one of those people who want to witness the “Big Five” in person? If so, then South Africa is the place for you! On the southernmost tip of Africa, not far from the vibrant city of Cape Town, you can see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhinos – the Big Five – right up close. The term comes from a time when European and American big game hunters were

looking for the five most dangerous animals that they could hunt on foot armed with a single gun. Today, the animals are protected as endangered species in the National Park, where visitors are armed only with cameras. And if you are concerned that you might be missing out on the delights of Cape Town if you spend too much time on nature reserves, do not worry: our leisurely layover will leave you with plenty of time to get acquainted with the pearl of South Africa.

The world-famous Garden Route, stretching from Mossel Bay along the Indian Ocean, is a perfect blend of land and sea. As well as the breathtaking plant life, this includes the miles of sandy beaches and other natural attractions. Speaking of plants, there is spectacular diversity to be found on Table Mountain, the iconic landmark that towers over Cape Town at a height of a thousand metres. Here, some 1,400 species have been identified – more than in the whole of Great Britain, for example. The same floral diversity holds sway in the Cape of Good Hope, which is found in Table Mountain National Park.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Back in the 15th century, Europeans did not know whether the oceans were connected or if the world ended at the bottom of Africa. In spite of this, Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias ventured south along the west coast of Africa in 1487 – and was the first person ever to sail around the Cape of Good Hope.

It is always hard to leave Cape Town behind. But it is easier when you know that your next destination is Mauritius. The second route first takes us further along the African coast. Water sport enthusiasts in particular love the protected coves and lagoons in Richards Bay, between Naval Island and North Headland. And so do dolphins! But just wait till you go ashore and discover Zululand, the home of the Zulu people.

We also make a stop in the relaxed city of Durban, known for its sun coast and exotic flair. Truly, there is no better word to describe it than “cosmopolitan”. After all, African, Indian and colonial-era influences have melded together here to form a unique mix. A fascinating contrast to the coastal cities of Richards Bay, Port Elizabeth and Durban are the safaris in South Africa’s various national parks, which can be discovered from here.

Leaving South Africa with a lifetime’s supply of memories, we then take to the open seas again. Our next destination is the land where the pepper grows: Madagascar. This vast island is home to a unique world of plants and animals, which can be experienced in all their glory in a number of national parks. Wide-eyed lemurs and perfectly camouflaged chameleons live here in the wild –it is worth keeping an eye out for them in

Nahampoana Reserve in particular. Even though these ancient botanic gardens are a veritable jewel of nature, visitors are few and far between –so it will remain our little secret!

La Réunion: Where nature meets urbanity

Following this, we head east directly for some 500 nautical miles across the open sea towards La Réunion. Do not be surprised if some things here – the currency, for example – have a distinctly European feel: the tropical island in the middle of the Indian Ocean is a French overseas department. Particularly in the capital city of Saint-Denis, the European influences meld with those of Africa and Asia. And if you are looking for untamed nature rather than urbanity, you will find plenty of it here on La Réunion. In the Wild South, which lives up to its name entirely, the wind and ocean come together in an enthralling display of natural forces.

The first leg of our round-the-world cruise ends in Mauritius, 2,400 kilometres from the African coast as the crow flies. With its craggy volcanic rock and white sand beaches, the scenic island offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and discovery. Incidentally, you can also book this second route separately.

Mauritius · Route R2

Cirque de Salazie · La Réunion · Route R2

The call of the wild

What’s that cute little monkey leaping from tree to tree? Ever since the Disney film Madagascar, ring-tailed lemurs – with their cat-like meows and long, striped black-and-white tails – have been the ambassadors for the giant East African island. Join us as we go in search of these adorable primates, who are so friendly that they have even been known to land on visitors’ shoulders!

Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar – as, indeed, are most of the animals on the Great Red Island. In other words, this is the only place in the world where you will find them. Flying foxes, chameleons, iguanas, crocodiles, snakes, parrots – a unique animal kingdom that we can discover together, venturing into wholly new territory in one of the many national parks and nature reserves. It soon becomes clear why this island is often referred to as the “sixth continent”: Madagascar is a natural wonderland! And when it comes to relaxing afterwards, the Madagascans themselves are happy to help. As the friendly East Africans like to say: “mora, mora” – take it easy.

Madagascar · Route R3

A visit to the Avenue of the Baobabs – in the Menabe region on the western part of the island –is quite an experience. Standing at the foot of one of the majestic baobab trees will make you feel very small indeed. With a trunk that can be up to nine metres thick, these typically African trees can grow to a height of 30 metres. Particularly when the sun is going down, the 800-year-old Avenue of the Baobabs at Morondava is always a sight to behold – and never fails to make for a stunning photo. According to local legend, the “reniala” –the “mother of the forest” – has such a unique shape because the tree was planted with its roots pointing towards the sky.

If you want to see the most blissful beaches on the planet, you will find them on the Seychelles.

Coves surrounded by granite boulders, with palm trees, fine white sand and warm, turquoise water – every beach has its own unique charm. The island of La Digue will make you feel like you have been transported to another time where people still travel by ox cart and bicycle. You will feel like Robinson Crusoe when you are relaxing on one of the heavenly beaches – such as Anse Source d’Argent or Anse Severe – and snorkellers can explore the fascinating underwater world of the lagoons. A leisurely cycle through the old coconut plantation L’Union Estate will take to you isolated, unspoilt beaches and coves. And what better way to sample the “joie de vivre” of the Creole culture than to crack open a “coco de mer” – one of the islands’ famous coconuts – and drink the sweet coconut water through a straw?

Mauritius · Route R3

Our discovery tour of Madagascar ends with an excursion to “perfume island” Nosy Be, where the scent of vanilla, spices and ylang-ylang trees are always in the air. Stroll through the covered market in the capital city of Hell-Ville, which was built in the French colonial style, and smell the black pepper, vanilla and sweet, floral scents.

We will show you the most beautiful beaches on the planet

Seychelles or Maldives? On our cruise, you do not have to choose between them, because you will get to discover them both. The next stop after the Seychelles is the archipelago with over 1,200 islands and 26 atolls – the Maldives. As 99 per cent of the surface area is water, it is a veritable paradise for diving and snorkelling. After swimming just a few strokes in the warm waters of the North Malé Atoll off the island of Helengeli, snorkellers will discover an exotic underwater world with coral reefs in all imaginable colours –not to mention manta rays, morays, clownfish and other tropical fish. And there are plenty of wrecks for divers to explore at the bottom of the sea. Wait, was that a shark?! Do not worry, many types of sharks found in the Maldives – for instance zebra sharks and nurse sharks – are perfectly harmless. And if water sports sound like too much action, you can simply lie back and relax on the exquisite beaches of the flattest country in the world.

The unforgettable Indian Ocean voyage from Madagascar – the largest of Africa’s islands –to the Maldives archipelago can also be booked separately as a route. This offers a varied mix of breathtaking natural sights and a relaxing beach holiday.

Maldives · Route R3

Seychelles · Route R3

“A tear of marble still on the cheek of time.”

Rabindranath Tagore (Indian poet)

Loud and hectic in the northern cities and relaxed hippy flair in the southern region of Goa – India is a country of many opposites, which is exactly what makes it so endlessly fascinating. Our overland programme takes in the city of Delhi and the Taj Mahal – UNESCO world heritage site – and is designed to give you an authentic taste of India. Not far from the Himalayan peaks, India’s capital city Delhi has a 5,000-year history and countless famous sights such as the Red Fort, the Sikh temple and the Jama Masjid mosque. A tour in an auto rickshaw – or “tuk tuk” – is the perfect way to experience the vibrant city life with all your senses. Our tip: be sure to try “aloo chaat”, fried potatoes with spices, washed down with a fresh mango lassi.

There is no place where the magic of India is as palpable as at the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum enthroned majestically atop a small hill. Here, you can admire the intricate ornaments in ivory-coloured marble and fall under the spell of a place that seems to have transported itself from the “Thousand and One Nights”. Consisting of 24 million marble stones, the Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Sultan Shah Jahan had it built in 1871 in memory of his deceased second wife. Legend has it that, on her deathbed, she whispered in his ear that he should build a unique monument in her honour. Ever since, the Taj Mahal has been a symbol for eternal love – this day, newly-weds still travel here as an expression of their love.

Taj Mahal

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Taj Mahal

Temple of the Tooth · Kandy · Sri Lanka · Route R4

Chinatown · Singapore · Route R4

South of India is Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, a country with a rich cultural heritage. In fact, there is no other country in the world that has so many UNESCO world heritage sites per square metre. Following the path taken by Buddha, you will be visiting the Cultural Triangle between Anuradhapura in the north, Polonnaruwa in the east and Kandy in the south while soaking up inspiration from these ancient royal cities. Did you know that the tree under which Siddhartha – who would go on to become Buddha – experienced his epiphany was planted as far back as 249 BC and is still standing?

Nowhere else in the world is the contrast between the past and the present day as striking as in the city-state of Singapore, a global financial centre. Discover the multicoloured Hindu temple, magnificent Buddha sites, mosques and bustling markets. And we will round off our day with a magical cocktail in Singapore’s best-known sky bar: CÉ LA VI in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The view of the skyline will take your break away – especially during the “blue hour”. Incidentally, the routes from India to Singapore can all be booked separately as well.

Mystic ruins tell the story of the Khmer

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine an enchanted forest glade. Ancient ruins overgrown by thick plants in the heart of the jungle. You will hardly believe your eyes when you see the size of this ruined city in a deep slumber. Welcome to Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world, which had remained swallowed up by the Cambodian jungle for centuries until it was rediscovered in 1860 by French explorer Henri Mouhot. We will take you on an excursion to the tropical rainforest to explore the heart of the ancient Khmer kingdom, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE Temple of Angkor

On leaving Cambodia, we head on towards Vietnam, making stops at two vibrant metropolises: Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and the capital city Hanoi, with its narrow lanes and famous street food markets. One of the high points of your cruise comes at the very end of the year: New Year’s Eve at the famous Halong Bay. Here, you will find spectacular rock formations emerging from the shimmering green seawater, covered in jungle vegetation and often enveloped in a delicate misty veil. A mystical place of such surreal beauty that it is almost otherworldly –and the perfect place to begin 2024.

Halong Bay · Cambodia · Route R5

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE Halong Bay

LEG 3

MANILA TO PUERTO VALLARTA

66 days

06.01.2024 – 10.03.2024

Leg 3

Route R6 | 23 days: Manila–Sydney

Travel details beginning on page 140

Route R7 | 21 days: Sydney–Auckland

Travel details beginning on page 142

Route R8 | 24 days: Auckland–Puerto Vallarta

Travel details beginning on page 144

Where island dreams come true

Our third leg whisks you away to dream destinations at the other end of the world. Steering clear of mass tourist centres, we head for the fabled island worlds of the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and French Polynesia Awaiting us here are lush greenery, turquoise water, snow-white beaches and the colourful local life and culture. But we will also be paying a visit to famous cities – places that everyone should have seen at least once in their lives. Join us on a journey where dreams come true!

A slice of Europe in Asia

Our starting point for this leg, Manila, is a truly unique city. This is because the influence of European culture looms large here in the heart of Southeast Asia. Did you know that more than 80 per cent of Filipinos are Catholic? And that, because of this, Catholic churches can be found in all major towns and cities? This has its roots in the country’s colonial past: one of the aims of the Spanish conquerors was to convert the formerly Buddhist and Islamic residents to Catholicism. In fact, the first diocese was established here in the 16th century.

Puerto Vallarta

Bora Bora Moorea

Mexico

South Pacific Society Islands

Tahiti

R9 World cruise – Leg 3

Chocolate Hills · Bohol Island ·

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Chocolate Hills

Needless to say, our visit to the Philippines will take in far more than just places of worship. Other attractions here include the Chocolate Hills on the island of Bohol. This unusual geological formation consists of 1,268 hemispherical or conical hills. Their name comes from their colour: when the grass that covers the hills turns brown during the dry season, they look – with a little imagination – like little hills of chocolate.

Another UNESCO world heritage site awaits us on the Palawan peninsula: the longest underground river in the world. The Sabang River flows for more than eight kilometres beneath the 1,000-metre high Mount St. Paul before flowing into the South China Sea. Which means that visitors can travel through underground caves that are 23 million years old, through halls and domes and past giant stalagmites and stalactites.

And if that were not enough, we will be seeking out the Komodo dragon on an island that bears its name. These lizards – the largest anywhere in the world – also feed on large animals like deer and water buffalo. So we will be sure to keep a safe distance from these creatures, who can grow up to three metres long and weigh as much as 80 kilos. Komodo National Park consists of mountain slopes, tropical rainforests, savannas and unspoilt white beaches. Its sea is richer in flora and fauna than almost any in the world yet is still quite a well-kept secret. So we will certainly be in no hurry to leave.

Bali is another destination that you need plenty of time to appreciate in full. The “Island of Gods”, which many Europeans dream of visiting, is one of the undisputed pearls of Indonesia. It combines everything that makes up a dream holiday: tropical landscapes, rugged volcanoes and crystal-clear waters. Even just being in the presence of such beauty is sure to restore harmony to body and soul. Simply spectacular!

Dive into fabulous underwater worlds

Speaking of spectacular, our next stop on this leg is Australia, which has more than its fair share of wondrous sights. The world-famous Great Barrier Reef can only be truly experienced from the water. So it is quite likely that your time at the world’s largest coral reef, off the east coast of the fifth continent, will remain with you for the rest of your days. So many impressions to take on board! Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island will captivate you with its pristine sand and glassclear, aquamarine blue water. It is no accident that globetrotters invariably single this beach out as the most beautiful on the planet. Made from 98 per cent silica, its sand is whiter than almost any other beach anywhere in the world.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 18th-century English criminal law, convicts were sent to penal colonies instead of being sentenced to death. This meant that, from 1787 onwards, ships regularly sailed to Australia laden with convicts. By 1857, an estimated 162,000 men and women had been brought to the fifth continent on a total of 806 ships.

Great Barrier Reef · Route R6

Bali · Route R6

Heading for the shore once again, we will drop anchor in Sydney, our first destination “down under”. Even before you arrive, you will by captivated by this cosmopolitan and laid-back city and its impressive skyline. Which is why we have set aside plenty of time for you to explore the city at your leisure. After all, there are many world-famous attractions here, such as Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach –to name but a few.

Leaving behind the big city for more natural surroundings, we head for Lone Pine Park, not far from Brisbane. Here, you can experience the unique animal life right up close, with koalas, kangaroos, dingos and many other animals that you will not find in Europe. Want a photo with a koala on your arm? If so, all you need to do is buy a ticket at the general store at the entrance.

Sydney · Route R6

The city of Cairns, in the tropical north of Queensland, is the ideal place to delve deep into the history of the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. Here, you can find out at first hand everything about the two very different cultures and the spiritual connection that their people have with the land and the sea. Australia marks the end of this route, which you can also book separately.

A whole new world down under

We will be spending three leisurely weeks exploring Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand with VASCO DA GAMA. Take our word for it: it is well worth slowing down the pace here on the other end of the world. After all, it is the only way you will be able to take on board all the experiences and remember them for the rest of your life.

Take for example the mystical tour to the heart of the Australian continent. From Sydney, we make our way through the dusty outback to Uluru, formerly known to us as Ayers Rock. “Uluru” is the name that the Aborigines give to the giant sandstone formation at the heart of the Red Centre in the Northern Territory. Dating back some 550 million years, it is seen as a sacred place

of great spiritual importance. During sunrise and sunset, the isolated mountain – three kilometres long and up to two kilometres wide – is bathed in hundreds of different shades of red. If you get the chance to walk around the stone in the early morning or late evening, you will be able to experience its mystic feel for yourself.

Leaving the barren but enchanting centre of the continent, we set our sights on Melbourne. Less mystical but endearingly vibrant and colourful, the city is a welcome contrast to the loneliness and emptiness of the desert. As anyone who has ever been there will readily confirm, Melbourne is creative and exciting with a wonderfully diverse mix of cultures.

Bowen Falls · Fiordland National Park · Milford Sound · Route R7

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE Fiordland National Park

100 per cent natural

In Tasmania, the unspoilt nature and diverse fauna will take centre stage. Animal life thrives there owing to the many intact natural habitats and the very small number of predators. Which means that the island – located in the Indian Ocean some 240 kilometres from the Australian mainland – is a safe haven for many species. So it is quite likely that you will see Bennett’s tree-kangaroos, wallabies, seals, penguins and wedge-tailed eagles – not forgetting of course the Tasmanian devil. While these have been wiped out by dingos in Australia, they can still be found here in Tasmania.

Some 1,000 nautical miles from Tasmania is New Zealand, yet another dream location on this unique world cruise. The two main islands are well known for their untamed beauty and their rich culture – as the famous marketing slogan has it, this is all “100% pure”. Here, you will find mighty mountains, misty fiords like the Milford Sound, golden coves and towns with a laid-back charm. However, even a big city like Auckland fits in harmoniously as a multicultural centre for cuisine, music, art and culture. With a sunny climate, Polynesian zest for life and a great passion for outstanding food and wine. What else does New Zealand have to offer? How about arguably the world’s cutest bird?! The kiwi is the national symbol of the country and makes its home in hollow trees and burrows. But it is just one of many endemic animal species that are found nowhere else on Earth. The route between Sydney and Auckland can also be booked separately.

Tasmanian devil · Tasmania · Route R7

Heavenly islands as far as the eye can see

Before we leave New Zealand behind us and head through the South Pacific en route for the Cook Islands, we will of course take the opportunity to make a stop in the Bay of Islands. As its name suggests, this bay consists of 144 islands and is a paradise for anyone who loves the water. To explore this island world in its full splendour, it is best to swap VASCO DA GAMA for a more suitably sized catamaran for a few hours.

Bora Bora Lagoon· Route R8

After this, we will be setting sail for the glorious surroundings of the Cook Islands. Even though we have covered more than 1,800 nautical miles, it still feels that we have never left New Zealand: in fact, the people who live here have New Zealand citizenship. Here, you will find palm trees swaying in the wind on white sand beaches against a backdrop of turquoise South Sea waters. Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? Then just wait until we explore the tropical paradise of Rarotonga together! Even though there is not a traffic light in sight and no building is higher than a coconut palm, this is the heart of the archipelago. And then comes the difficult choice: Do you want to hike on the majestic volcanic summit? Or observe the tropical fish in the crystal-clear water in a glass-bottom boat? Actually, let’s just do both! After all, this is what slow cruising is all about.

Incidentally, we will be taking the same leisured approach for our stops at Bora Bora and Moorea in French Polynesia. Just a stone’s throw away from Tahiti – and far from the tourist crowd – is an exotic wonderland like something from a picture book. No less extraordinary are the Marquesas Islands, although they may look a little familiar at times. There is a ready explanation for this: the Hiva Oa island was the inspiration for the South Sea works of French painter Paul Gauguin. On this remote island, you will delve deep into a culture that is shaped by tropical mountain landscapes, legendary Maori artefacts and fabulous beaches. Three weeks after setting sail, we come to the end of this third leg of our world cruise, dropping anchor at Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. This route can be booked separately as well.

Bora Bora Island · Route R8

LEG 4

PUERTO VALLARTA TO LISBON

30 days

Leg 4

Route R9 | 14 days: Puerto Vallarta–Curaçao

Travel details beginning on page 156

Route R10 | 17 days: Curaçao–Lisbon

Travel details beginning on page 158

Magical nature, Mayan shrines and pristine waters

Snow-white beaches in Mexico and in the Caribbean, magical Mayan shrines in Guatemala and San Salvador, unique nature reserves in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, a breathtaking daytime passage through the Panama Canal and luxurious days cruising across the Atlantic – the final leg of our world cruise is one of many contrasts. Discover the stunning natural wonders of Central America and the ruined cities from thousand of years ago. And with so much adventure, you will need to unwind occasionally – and what better place to do so than on the fine sand beaches of the Caribbean, where it is always summer? In keeping with the old seafaring tradition, we will sail across the wide Atlantic from the New World back to the Old. This feeling of boundless freedom is one that you will never forget. This journey of a lifetime will come to a fitting finale on the Cape Verde islands, where you will join the ranks of voyagers like Magellan and da Gama.

São

Coral reefs in the morning and fiesta mexicana in the evening!

Head for the hammocks! The fourth leg of our world cruise begins on a relaxing note in Puerto Vallarta on the Mexican Pacific coast. The glorious beaches here are nowhere near as full as Cancún or Acapulco yet are perfect for snorkelling and diving. And to round off the day with a little Mexican zest for life, you cannot beat a mariachi band complete with pointed-toe cowboy boots and broad-brimmed sombreros! With, of course, plenty of tacos and tequila to go round.

Mariachi band · Mexico · Route R9

Retracing the steps of the legendary Mayans

Having recharged our batteries in Mexico, we are ready for one of the cultural highlights of Central America. Following in the ancient footsteps of the Mayans, we visit the ruins of Quiriguá in Guatemala. The fabled Mayan city at Rio Montagna has long had UNESCO world heritage site status. With its monumental columns, it bears witness to a time before America was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Even the entrance to the erstwhile temple city through the giant banana plantation is a sight to behold. One of the most important Mayan archaeological site is Tazumal in El Salvador, where there is a unique relic of Mayan culture: temple pyramids reaching a height of up to 23 metres. The oldest finds in Tazumal date from 5000 BC.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE Ruins of Quiriguá

Beautiful bays at the edge of the rainforest

Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, which lies directly on the Pacific coast, is a positively magical combination of sea and rainforest. Here, the thick palm forests are full of sloths, coatis, capuchins and armadillos. With a little luck, you may even catch a glimpse of a spiny-tailed iguana. But remember not to touch any animals or plants during your time in Costa Rica. Many of these are poisonous, like the

manchineel tree – one of the most toxic trees in the world – with their enticing green fruits known locally as the “little apple of death”. And after an action-packed excursion with spectacular flora and fauna, there is no better place to unwind than on a white sandy Costa Rican beach. After all, the national park is not only home to countless animal and plant species but also magnificent bays with colourful coral reefs.

Costa Rica · Route R9

Adventure ride through the Panama Canal

Oh, how beautiful Panama is! , exclaimed the “Little Bear” and “Little Tiger” in the German picture book classic The Trip to Panama. On board VASCO DA GAMA, you will have a far more comfortable ride than the two furry friends but it will be no less of an adventure nonetheless! Starting in Panama City, we will set off on a daytime passage through the world-famous Panama Canal, the longest artificial waterway in the world. It stretches up for 82 kilometres

from Panama City on the Pacific to Colón on the Atlantic. You are sure to be captivated by the engineering ingenuity, the wild nature and the lock cruises. The canal was built between 1903 and 1914 and it may surprise you to learn that its natural surroundings have remained virtually unspoilt all this time. At three locks, the ships are lifted up to a height of 26 metres and lowered again – a truly unique experience! In the north, the canal flows through Gatun Lake with many islands that are home to iguanas, apes and sloths, while crocodiles and turtles can be found in surrounding waters.

Willemstad · Curaçao · Route R9

After a daytime passage through the Panama Canal, which takes around twelve hours, we will set sail for the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaçao, just off the Atlantic coast of Venezuela. Here, you can relax once again on pristine beaches, soaking up the Caribbean flair. The colourful colonial houses in the towns, particularly in Willemstad, call to mind the rows of houses along the canals in Amsterdam. Except, of course, that the sun is always shining here! Willemstad is the gateway to the west of Curaçao, an island with the most popular diving spots, notably the renowned Blue Bay. The route from Puerto Vallarta in Mexico (including an exciting trip through the Panama Canal) to Curaçao in the Caribbean can also be booked as a separate route.

Rolling waves as far as the eye can see: On our transatlantic journey from the Caribbean back to Europe, the sense of space and freedom is quite exhilarating. Just like the seafarers of old, you will cross the Atlantic Ocean and return from the New World to the Old. Here, it is all about the journey itself – and VASCO DA GAMA will provide you with every comfort along the way. As you will see, the days on the open sea will just fly by – and you may well remember them as among the most relaxing of the whole cruise.

Returning from the New World to the Old

The past weeks and months have been a heady mix of experiences in many different parts of the world. You have visited the most fascinating places on the planet, met new people and new cultures and have a wealth of experiences that are sure to remain with you for a lifetime. The days spent at sea are a perfect opportunity for you to digest all that you have experienced since you first came on board. So sit back and enjoy the comfort

of the cruise ship and its culinary delicacies and relax to your heart’s content. After taking in all the wonders of the world, we are now finally heading back from the New World to the Old. With, needless to say, a traditional stopover at the Cape Verde island of São Vicente. The port of Mindelo was once the most important supply station for transatlantic seafarers – and a meeting place for everyone who had sailed around the world.

Cape Verde islands · Route R10

Today, you can still hear the ship’s horns and see people waving, laughing and shedding happy tears – and talking about their latest adventures. Voyagers like Ferdinand Magellan and Vasco da Gama are immortalised in the colourful port town of Mindelo – and you are now ready to join their ranks!

With a little luck, you might even catch sight of a few whales on our journey back to Portugal from the Cape Verde islands. But one thing you will definitely be able to see from afar through your binoculars is Madeira – a green oasis in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean known as the Island of Eternal Spring. At this point, we are still closer to Africa than to the Old World, as the Portuguese island is 1,200 kilometres from Lisbon. A detour to Madeira is always a must. Here, you will find a veritable natural paradise – with lush, unspoilt nature, rugged cliffs and plenty of glorious walks. We will finally drop anchor in Lisbon on 8 April. The transatlantic journey from Willemstad (Caribbean) in the New World to Lisbon in the Old World can also be booked as a separate route.

Pico Ruivo · Madeira · Route R10

Nutmeg· Grenada · Route R10

YOUR WORLD CRUISE IS JUST AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU ARE. WHEREVER YOUR HEART IS DRAWN TO: YOU WILL ALWAYS MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION!

LIVE THE

On the previous pages we whet your appetite for a world cruise, the likes of which you have never experienced. Now it is time to make dreams come true. The following pages include all the details of the individual legs and routes, as well as valuable information about the places where we call into port. Look forward to creating your own personal programme that exactly reflects your preferences and needs!

DREAM

Do you dream of spending six months experiencing the world’s fascinating abundance and uniqueness? Then our Grand World Cruise is perfect for you!

Do you prefer to do your own thing? Then compile your own personal travel programme! All of the legs and routes can be booked individually and combined with each other to make your world cruise the trip of a lifetime!

Cruise details

LEG 1

LISBON TO MAURITIUS

40 days

10.10.2023 – 18.11.2023

In Lisbon we will embark on a journey that opens up brand new worlds to you! Our round-the-world adventure starts out at the exact same place where famous historical seafarers once set sail. In fact, we will also be tracing the route of those brave explorers along the western coast of Africa on our way to new shores! The first port of call is Morocco’s legendary coastal city of Casablanca. In Namibia the agenda includes whale watching and exploring the breathtaking Namib desert. We will also visit UNESCO world cultural heritage site Île-de-Gorée in Senegal,

Click

Leg 1

Route R1 | 25 days: Lisbon – Cape Town

Route R2 | 16 days: Cape Town – Mauritius

as well as the paradisical island of St. Helena, where Napoleon lived in exile. In Cape Town there are excursions to Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope before we set course for Mauritius. On the way there we will make a few more stops in South Africa, tracking the “Big Five” on diverse safaris, before navigating towards Madagascar and La Réunion, and then on to the end of the leg in Mauritius. Every day is an adventure filled with captivating new impressions and experiences. The 40-day-long leg is divided into two routes which can be booked separately.

Cruise details – Leg 1

R1 LISBON TO CAPE TOWN

25 days | Lisbon • Morocco

Senegal • Gambia • St. Helena • Namibia

South Africa • Cape Town

10.10. – 03.11.2023

Our world cruise begins in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, also known as City of Seven Hills. It marks the beginning of our globe-spanning adventure. During the journey we will do everything possible to make sure you are inspired by the endlessly diverse and breathtakingly captivating west coast of Africa. Look forward to seeing fascinating cities, beautiful and stunning flora – underscored by the eternal roar of the Atlantic Ocean. We will explore the diversity of African capitals and countries on our way down to Cape Town to enjoy this internationally famous city’s unique combination of metropolitan flair and spectacular natural landscapes!

Why choose this cruise?

• Embrace the sounds, aromas and flavours of Africa in brand new and unimagined ways.

• Immerse yourself into the unique culture of Africa’s coastal states, where you will encounter both the land and the locals.

• Experience a unique combination of bustling cities, luxurious vegetation and miles-long beaches first hand.

• Climb up high into the sky on St. Helena’s Jacob’s Ladder to enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Take advantage of the opportunity to see the lions, zebras and giraffes roaming free in Senegal’s Bandia Nature Reserve.

• Feel the buzz of Cape Town, with its famous Table Mountain, and find out what it is like to stand on the “end of the world” at the Cape of Good Hope.

Time to discover.

Back to the past? Discover how the miners once lived in the former German diamond mining town of Kolmanskop in Namibia! The last family moved away in 1956 and now the ghost town is gradually being reclaimed by the desert.

From EUR 3,599

p p.** for bookings until 31.10.2022

Save 10% with our Ultra Early Booking Discount

Itinerary

EXCURSION TIP

What you can discover on this cruise*

Enjoy relaxing or participating in on-board activities during these days at sea.

In Casablanca we will indulge in our memories of the namesake Hollywood movie. An overland excursion takes us to Marrakesh, pearl of the south.

In

we will embrace the Arabian Nights experience during an evening tour with dinner and show in the Moroccan desert.

Enjoy relaxing or participating in on-board activities during these days at sea.

In Dakar we will explore the bustling and fascinating historical city with its magnificent colonial buildings. Then, an unforgettable encounter with wild animals awaits us at the Bandia Nature Reserve.

Garments, crafts and local specialities are the things to buy at one of the markets in the Gambian town of Banjul. Do not forget to haggle!

Enjoy relaxing or participating in on-board activities during these days at sea.

Enjoy relaxing or participating in on-board activities during these days at sea.

Do you want to know what it was like to be Napoleon? Find out on a visit to St. Helena, the island where he lived in exile! He spent six years at Longwood House in the capital of Jamestown, which is also on our visit programme.

Enjoy relaxing or participating in on-board activities during these days at sea.

Walvis Bay is the perfect place for an awesome whale watching experience. A land excursion to the world-famous Namib Desert gives you the opportunity to see Namibia’s fascinating animal kingdom.

In Lüderitz we will take a journey back in time to see how the diamond prospectors in Namibia lived.

Enjoy relaxing or participating in on-board activities during these days at sea.

Visit to Table Mountain. Check out the penguins and feel what it is like to stand on the “end of the world” at the Cape of Good Hope.

by 09:00.

On Route R1 you can take advantage of the opportunity to its people better in our Marrakesh Overland Programme Further information is provided on page 119.

* The featured excursions only represent a selection of the shore activities portfolio. You will receive further details of the full excursion programme in good time before the cruise begins. Binding bookings for all excursions will be accepted up to 6 weeks before the cruise begins. They are paid for on board. The arrival and departure times are approximate guide times. It may be necessary to change the route during the journey. The decision on the optimal route will be made at the captain’s discretion. We reserve the right to change times, itineraries and excursion programmes. Shore excursions are usually accompanied by either German or English speaking tour guides. For our English clients we offer a selection of English excursions, these are subject to availability and minimum numbers. **per person

Cruise details – Leg 1

R2 CAPE TOWN TO MAURITIUS

16 days | Cape Town • Mossel Bay

Port Elizabeth • Richards Bay • Durban

Madagascar • La Réunion • Mauritius

03.11. – 18.11.2023

South Africa is famous for Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, so we will obviously be visiting all three. Then we will set out to explore the country. The saying, “A world in one country” is actually true here in South Africa. We will watch whales in Mossel Bay. In Port Elizabeth we will enjoy the endless and beautiful beaches. And in Richards Bay we will immerse ourselves into Zulu culture. In Durban we will see antelopes, hippopotami and other wild animals at the Gwahumbe Game Reserve. Then relax at sea on the VASCO DA GAMA as we cruise to Madagascar, and then on to La Réunion. On La Réunion we will visit hidden beaches, the Piton de la Fournaise volcano and meet the welcoming islanders before our journey comes to an end on the beautiful island of Mauritius.

Why choose this cruise?

• Enjoy the fragrances and colours of the breathtaking scenery along the legendary Garden Route.

• Look forward to seeing antelopes, elephants, hippopotami, giraffes, zebras and many other fascinating animals live and in colour.

• Gain exclusive insights into the traditional lifestyle of the Zulu tribe, which has remained unchanged over the centuries.

• Discover the biodiversity of the island of Madagascar and the volcanic island of La Réunion before taking a stroll along the paradisical white beaches.

Mossel Bay

Port Elizabeth

Richards Bay

Tôlanaro Durban Cape Town

Madagascar

Indian Ocean South Atlantic

Mauritius 116

R3

• Wander in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela! Visit Robben Island, where the African anti-apartheid revolutionary spent more than 20 years as a prisoner.

Itinerary

From EUR 2,807

p p.** for bookings until 31.10.2022

Save 10% with our Ultra Early Booking Discount

Get a captivating experience of South Africa in Cape

Be inspired by the sights and its people.

We sail around the Cape of Good Hope. From Mossel Bay you set out on a trip along the beautiful Garden Route. The biodiversity here, both on land and in the ocean, is unparalleled.

Port Elizabeth is famous for its endlessly beautiful beaches and the Addo Elephant Park, not only home to elephants but also the other “Big Five” species.

Enjoy relaxing or participating in on-board activities during these days at sea.

Immerse yourself into the fascinating world of the Zulu in Richards Bay. Cultural villages provide in-depth insights into this traditional African tribe’s way of life.

When a stretch of beaches in the South African town is called the “Golden Mile” it can only mean good things! They extend for almost four miles along the Indian Ocean. Gwahumbe Game Reserve with its hippopotami and giraffes, or Tala Nature Reserve with its 380 different species of birds, are waiting for you to be discovered.

Enjoy relaxing or participating in on-board activities during these days at sea.

Have you seen the film “Madagascar” and laughed out loud at Lemur King Julian? Then you will love meeting the real thing on Madagascar!

Enjoy relaxing or participating in on-board activities during these days at sea.

You think you have left Europe far behind you? Then you are wrong! Explore the French island of La Réunion to experience the creole way of life and virgin natural landscapes.

Time to discover.

Paradisical Île aux Cerfs off Mauritius may still be called Deer Island, but you will not find any deer on it. At one time they were released into the wild there as a source of meat for the Dutch settlers. Today, the fine white sandy beaches are only populated by people.

* The

excursions mentioned only represent a selection of the shore excursion portfolio. You will receive further details of the full excursion programme in good time before the cruise begins. Binding bookings for all excursions will be accepted up to 6 weeks before the cruise begins. They are paid for on board. The arrival and departure times are approximate guide times.

It may be necessary to change the route during the journey. The decision on the optimal route will be made at the captain’s discretion. We reserve the right to change times, itineraries and excursion programmes. Shore excursions are usually accompanied by either German or English speaking tour guides. For our English clients we offer a selection of English excursions, these are subject to availability and minimum numbers.

**per person

Port of embarkation VASCO DA GAMA lying at anchor

OVERLAND PROGRAMME MARRAKESH*

Day 1 | Marrakesh

Re-embarkation: Agadir

12.10. – 13.10.2023

An Arabian Nights fairytale in Morocco

On our excursion you will be able to see with your own eyes how Marrakesh embodies the spirit of the Arabian Nights fairy tales! The tour starts in Casablanca and takes you to Morocco’s most beautiful city with its typical oriental character and centuries-old traditions.

Experience the “pearl of the south” first hand. On the first day you will dine with the locals in a restaurant and visit the city’s most impressive sights, such as the Bahia Palace and the Medina. In the evening you will take in a typical Moroccan show. The next day’s programme includes the Majorelle gardens and the Dar El Batcha Museum. Afterwards we will take you to Agadir for re-embarkation.

This overland programme can be booked additionally. Detailed prices and descriptions will be published at least 3 months before departure on www.nicko-cruises.com

Traditional Moroccan mint tea is a wonderfully refreshing way to revive the senses.

Koutoubia mosque in Marrakesh

Marrakesh

*Min. no. of participants 20. Please keep an eye out for our bilingual English speaking departures. Other dates may offer the excursion programmes primarily in German language.

PRE- AND POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME*

08.10. – 10.10.2023 Lisbon

03.11. – 05.11.2023 Stellenbosch wine country

03.11. – 06.11.2023 Botlierskop Game Reserve

Get in the mood for adventure!

Start out your journey around the world by exploring one of the world’s most exciting cities: Lisbon! After a good night’s sleep at the hotel and a delicious breakfast it’s time for an interesting city tour. You can spend the afternoon doing whatever you like. Travel back in time at Burg Castelo de São Jorge.

Shop in the fascinating Alfama district. Take the elevator from Baixa up to Santa Justa and hop onto the legendary route 28 tram for a few stations at least. And do not forget to try a Pastel de Belém, a heavenly Portuguese custard tart!

Stellenbosch wine country · South Africa

Get to know South Africa even better!

How long would you like to continue your exciting journey along the west coast of Africa? You have the choice of two equally attractive post-cruise programmes! One extends your trip by three days so that you can spend time with us in the Stellenbosch wine region and learn about the wines, land and people.

The other extends your trip by four days and includes two unforgettable days at the Botlierskop Game Reserve! Four of the Big Five can be found here: lion, buffalo, rhino and elephant. And the chances of spotting them are good with a total of four safaris. Your accommodation is a luxury tented suite with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area and an unobstructed vista of the stunning starry South African sky! On the third day you will have plenty of time to experience Cape Town with all your senses before setting off back home on day four.

Leg 1 · R1 · Lisbon to Cape Town

PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME LISBON

POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME SOUTH AFRICA

Safari · South Africa

PRE- AND POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME*

01.11. – 03.11.2023

18.11. – 21.11.2023

Stellenbosch wine region

Mauritius

PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME SOUTH AFRICA:

Explore South Africa’s most beautiful wine region!

Your cruise is a feast for all the senses, so what could be better than giving those senses a few shore-side treats before you set sail? We will take you to see the Stellenbosch wine region. It is South Africa’s most well-known wine region and famous the whole world over for its excellent red wines. The French Huguenots were the first people to plant vines here in the 1690s. Since then, the region has seen many changes! One of its modern-day specialities is a Bordeaux blend created from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. A whole day and a half-day excursion offer you plenty of time to learn about the region’s wine-making history, meet the people who keep the traditions alive and sample some of the best wines it has to offer.

POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME MAURITIUS: Get ready for sun, beaches and more!

Mauritius is one of the most beautiful places on earth, so why not extend your stay! Our post-cruise programme gives you two additional days to spend doing whatever makes you happy on the beach and in the water. We will take care of your transfers and accommodation. All you have to do is decide whether you would like to swim, snorkel, dive or simply chill on the beach. Look forward to white sands, crystal clear water and a ring-shaped coral reef that encircles the island. It is directly accessible from some beaches, and a little more difficult from others. In all of the waters surrounding the island you will see colourful fish and sometimes even rays and sharks at close proximity. We recommend the west coast for diving: the government has deliberately scuttled wrecks there to create artificial reefs that protect the marine life. Wreck diving is the perfect unforgettable experience to end your journey with!

Detailed prices and descriptions will be published at least 3 months before departure on www.nicko-cruises.com

Lisbon to Mauritius Leg

Leg 1 · R2 · Cape Town to Mauritius

Underwater world · Mauritius

Stellenbosch wine region · South Africa

Travel price per person in Euro

* Family cabin: with at least 2 full-paying adults, you will be given a connected cabin for children under 16 years of age free of charge. For more information, please see pages 41 and 178.

** Limited number available. Note on sole occupancy: Once the limited quota of cabins has been reached, the surcharge will increase from +15% to +30%. *** Discount applies when you book at least two successive cruises.

Important travel information

Route R1 You will not be able to join the cruise without valid identification documents. Every passenger is responsible to inform himself about the actual entry requirements and necessary travel documents. Notice Senegal, Gambia, St. Helena, Namibia and South Africa: for the entry a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.

Route R2: You will not be able to join the cruise without valid identification documents. Every passenger is responsible to inform himself about the actual entry requirements and necessary travel documents. Notice South Africa, Madagascar and La Réunion: for the entry a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Notice Mauritius: Passengers need to have a health insurance, which includes the handling of COVID-19.

Minimum number of participants for this trip to be reached up to 30 days before departure: 900 people, for overland, pre- and after-cruise programme: 20 people (see section 8.1 of our travel terms).

Cruise details

LEG 2

MAURITIUS TO MANILA

50 days

18.11.2023 – 06.01.2024

Whether a jungle expedition on Mauritius, the pristine beaches of the Seychelles and the Maldives – and the rich cultures of India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Vietnam – the second leg of this dream cruise takes you to all the places you have always longed to see in the Indian Ocean. This Advent and Christmas season is one you will never forget. Discover exotic animal and plant species on Madagascar, relax under palm trees on beautiful white sandy beaches and enjoy some Southeast Asian hospitality. Get to know vibrant, bustling India and magical places like the Taj Mahal, visit an elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka and take a plunge into Singapore’s glittering nightlife.

Offers & Advantages

Please

Leg 2

Route R3 | 15 days: Mauritius–Maldives

Route R4 | 19 days: Maldives–Singapore

Route R5 | 18 days: Singapore–Manila

Just in time for Christmas Eve, the VASCO DA GAMA will anchor off the exotic Thai island of Ko Kut. With its crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches and dense jungle, this island is sheer paradise and still a real insider tip. Fully refreshed, you will then depart for Cambodia, where you will have the opportunity to visit the “eighth wonder of the world” – the jungle city of Angkor. You will spend New Year’s Eve in a mystical place in Vietnam – in the middle of Halong Bay – where you will see in the New Year 2024 with a spectacular fireworks display. After a stopover in Hong Kong, China, the second leg ends in Manila on 6 January. The 50-day cruise can also be booked as three separate routes.

Services included in the cruise fare

Please turn to page 168 for more information on services that are included in the cruise fare.

Click here for further information about Leg 2.

Equator

Digue

Mauritius to Manila

Cruise details · Leg 2

R3 MAURITIUS TO THE MALDIVES

15 days | Mauritius • Madagascar Comoros • Seychelles • Maldives

18.11. – 02.12.2023

If you want to explore the most beautiful beaches on the planet, come with us to a tropical paradise where you can forget about everyday life and simply relax and dream! Our voyage will begin with a visit to the Madagascan islands of Nosy Boraha and Nosy Nato with their fascinating fauna and flora. After a stop on the French overseas island of Mayotte, we will dive into the romantic island world of the Seychelles with its powdery white sandy beaches and stunning lagoons. That is pure relaxation! At the end of the route, the amazing, multicoloured underwater world of the Maldives with its magnificent coral reefs awaits you.

Why choose this cruise?

• Watch humpback whales and lemurs on the Madagascan islands of Nosy Nato and Nosy Boraha.

• Go snorkelling in the world’s largest lagoon – on the Comoros!

• We will take you to deserted snow-white sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Experience a piece of paradise in the Seychelles.

• Discover the colourful underwater world of the Maldives –on a dive, snorkelling or in a submarine.

• Relaxation and adventure – the perfect mixture in 15 days.

The heart-shaped coconuts of the Seychelles Coco de Mer palm may only be harvested and eaten at special festivals, as this rare species is threatened with extinction.

Equator

Nosy Boraha

Nosy Nato

La Digue Praslin

Adaaran Hudhuranfushi Mahé

Mayotte Madagascar Mauritius

Comoros

Maldives Seychelles

Indian Ocean

Port Louis

Malé R4

Itinerary

COMBINATION TIP

Combine the routes R3 and R4 –the perfect cruise with beautiful beaches and Asiatic cultural highlights

What you can discover on this cruise*

Enjoy some relaxing time out at

Twin paradise: we will explore the dream islands of Nosy Boraha and Nosy Nato off Madagascar, watch humpback whales, stroll through the exotic island market and visit a pirate graveyard.

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

Enjoy an unforgettable day on Mayotte! Comoros Island is surrounded by a 140-kilometre coral reef – the largest enclosed lagoon in the world.

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

Mahé is the largest of the 115 islands of the Seychelles. A stroll through Victoria Market, where locals sell fresh seafood, fruits and spices, is a must!

White, often deserted, gorgeous beaches, free-roaming giant tortoises and hardly a car in sight – time on the Seychelles island of La Digue really does move at a different pace.

Mmh, can you smell it? The pretty island of Praslin is fragrant with vanilla, as we will be there just in time for the blossoming season. The famous Coco de Mer palm tree also grows here – a real delicacy!

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

Crossing the equator.

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

After three relaxing days at sea, we will anchor off the North Malé Atoll, where you can enjoy a swim in crystal-clear water and a stroll along the snow-white sandy beach.

Pre- and post-cruise programme

Mauritius and the Maldives Page134

Port of embarkation

VASCO DA GAMA lies at anchor

* The excursions listed are just a few of the possible activities on shore. You will be given further details of the entire excursion itinerary in good time before the cruise begins. All excursions can be booked (binding reservation) at least 6 weeks before the start of the trip. The excursions can only be paid for on board. Arrival and departure times are approximate and given as a guide. This cruise may require schedule changes. The captain will decide on the best possible implementation of the schedule, depending on the prevailing conditions. We reserve the right to make changes to times, itineraries and excursion programmes. Shore excursions are usually accompanied by either German- or English-speaking tour guides. For our English clients we offer a selection of English excursions, these are subject to availability and minimum numbers. **per person

R4 MALDIVES TO SINGAPORE

19 days | Maldives • India • Sri Lanka

Indonesia • Thailand • Malaysia • Singapore

02.12. – 20.12.2023

Whether hippie flair in Goa, magic in India, culture in Sri Lanka, incredible beaches in Thailand or spectacular views in some of the world’s major cities – the fourth route of our unique world tour is both varied and breathtaking at the same time. Get to know the scenic and cultural highlights of Southeast Asia off the beaten track and embark on an adventure that is tailored to suit your individual needs. For example, do you feel like getting to know the interior of India a bit better? Then why not join our multi-day overland tour to the Taj Mahal! Or would you rather go diving and snorkelling in the warm Indian Ocean? No problem, there will be plenty of opportunities to discover some fabulous beaches and colourful diving spots.

Why choose this cruise?

• Seven countries in 19 days – plenty of variety and adventure!

• Relax on the amazing natural beaches of Southeast Asia –from Goa to Thailand.

• Experience the magic of India with all your senses, for example at a spice bazaar or the Taj Mahal (overland programme).

• Off to the mangrove jungles of Malaysia, where wild monkeys live and mysterious caves are just waiting to be discovered.

• Experience the luxury of the capital cities Kuala Lumpur and Singapore – and be enchanted by their breathtaking skylines.

• Be impressed by the atmosphere at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Goa

India

Gulf of Bengal Andaman

Sea

Thailand

Kochi

Colombo

Maldives

Trincomalee

Sri Lanka

Laccadive Sea

Malé

Phuket

Sabang

Indonesia

Gulf of Thailand

Langkawi

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Port Kelang

R5

Singapore

Indian Ocean

Time to discover.

The famous Portuguese seafarer Vasco da Gama is not only the namesake of a major port city in Goa, but also of our classic cruise ship!

Cruise details · Leg 2

Itinerary

From EUR 3,365

p p.** if you book by 31.10.2022

Save 10% with our Ultra Early Booking Discount

What you can discover on this cruise*

Enjoy

Goa was once the place to go for the hippie generation – and you will immediately understand why. The dream enclave in India has some truly amazing beaches and colourful colonial towns with bustling traditional markets.

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

Discover the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, the ancient Indian port city of Kochi (formerly Cochin) and be enchanted by the aroma of foreign spices.

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

Picturesque colonial buildings, ancient temples and traditional markets – that is Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. You can even visit an elephant orphanage in Pinnawela.

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

Trincomalee features some enchanting golden sandy bays –we recommend a side trip to Pigeon Island with its magnificent coral reefs – a must if you love snorkelling!

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

The Indonesian island of Weh near the town of Sabang has plenty of sandy beaches and some great diving spots.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand – and very well-known. We will take you to places away from mainstream tourism that you absolutely have to see.

Mountains, waterfalls and mangrove forests inhabited by wild monkeys – Langkawi, a limestone island off the coast of Malaysia, is the place for adventure. A cable car will take you up to the 700-metre-high sky bridge above the jungle.

Today you can enjoy some breathtaking views in Kuala Lumpur, the exotic capital of Malaysia with its many skyscrapers.

Singapore by night – you will never forget the glitter and sparkle of this cosmopolitan city. Let yourself be enchanted by the impressive skyline while sipping on a cocktail in one of the city’s exclusive rooftop bars. 20.12.2023

Singapore - - Disembarkation by 09:00

EXCURSION TIP

With Route R4 you will have the opportunity to see the famous Taj Mahal on our overland trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal See page 132 for more information.

Pre-cruise programme

The MaldivesPage135

Port of embarkation VASCO DA GAMA lies at anchor Overland programme

* The featured excursions only represent a selection of the shore activities portfolio. You will receive further details of the full excursion programme in good time before the cruise begins. Binding bookings for all excursions will be accepted up to 6 weeks before the cruise begins. They are paid for on board. The arrival and departure times are approximate guide times. It  may be necessary to change the route during the journey. The decision on the optimal route will be made at the captain’s discretion. We reserve the right to change times, itineraries and excursion programmes. Shore excursions are usually accompanied by either German- or English-speaking tour guides. For our English clients we offer a selection of English excursions, these are subject to availability and minimum numbers.

**per person

Cruise details · Leg 2

R5 SINGAPORE TO MANILA

18 days | Singapore • Thailand • Cambodia

Vietnam • Hong Kong • Manila

20.12.2023 – 06.01.2024

Steeped in history and yet very lively – the first does not exclude the second on this voyage of discovery to the great destinations of Southeast Asia. Flashing tuk tuks, floating markets, fantastic temple complexes, fascinating museums and beautiful bays with amazing beaches – you will never experience a Christmas season more exciting than on this trip!

The VASCO DA GAMA will bring you from Singapore to the Philippines. You will spend Christmas Eve in paradise on the beautiful island of Ko Kut, a genuine insider tip. The next stop takes you to Cambodia and Angkor – deep in the jungle. You will celebrate New Year’s Eve in the legendary Halong Bay. This fifth route finishes in Manila, the Philippines on 6 January.

Cambodia

China

Hong Kong

Why choose this cruise?

• Discover the great destinations of Southeast Asia with their turbulent history.

• Experience Christmas Eve like Robinson Crusoe on the fabulous Thai island of Ko Kut.

• Take an overland tour to the temple complex of Angkor deep in the jungle – a real must!

• Explore pulsating cities like Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong.

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a difference in the magical Halong Bay – with an unforgettable fireworks display.

• Savour the exotic delicacies of Southeast Asian cuisine –and simply unwind!

Hanoi

Thailand South China Sea

Bangkok

Vietnam

Halong Bay R6

Ho Chi Minh City

Gulf of Thailand

Malaysia

Singapore

Philippines

Manila

From EUR 3,185

Itinerary

–

What you can discover on this cruise*

Enjoy

Ancient Buddhist temples, futuristic skyscrapers, floating markets and luxury restaurants – in Bangkok, the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, where the past and the future come together.

Ko Kut – this island is a real insider tip in the Gulf of Thailand. With its fine white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and dense jungle – you might just feel a bit like Robinson Crusoe on Christmas Eve.

From the Kingdom of Thailand, the next stop is the Kingdom of Cambodia, where you can visit the lively capital Phnom Penh or take a three-day overland tour to the temples of Angkor.

Enjoy

Ho Chi Minh City is still better known as Saigon – and as Vietnam’s capital. Not far from the Mekong Delta, the former village in the swamp has grown into a modern conurbation with millions of inhabitants – dazzling, colourful and lively.

Do you fancy trying some traditional Vietnamese rolls or bird’s nest soup? The port city of Nha Trang has some excellent restaurants. In Nha Trang, you may also discover the impressive Po Nagar temple complex and the Baho waterfall.

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

Just in time for New Year’s Eve, we will drop anchor in Halong Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin. Limestone islands overgrown with jungle, each one more beautiful than the last, lie amidst emerald green waters. On New Year’s Day you can relax on the snow-white sands of Ti Top beach in a magnificent setting.

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

Hong Kong by night – a sight you will never forget! Huge, brightly lit skyscrapers tower into the sky – this cosmopolitan city is simply ablaze with colour. Hong Kong never sleeps!

Enjoy some relaxing time out at sea with a wide variety of activities.

On 6 January we will set sail for the final destination on the second leg of our cruise – Manila, the capital of the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Time to discover.

Did you know that Vietnam’s Halong Bay, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was formed by a dragon, according to legend? He wanted to save the bay from enemy ships and made deep furrows in the sea during his attack.

* The excursions listed are just a few of the possible activities on shore. You will be given further details of the entire excursion itinerary in good time before the cruise begins. All excursions can be booked (binding reservation) at least 6 weeks before the start of the trip. The excursions can only be paid for on board. The arrival and departure times are approximate and given as a guide. This cruise may require schedule changes. The captain will decide on the best possible implementation of the schedule, depending on the prevailing conditions. We reserve the right to make changes to times, itineraries and excursion programmes. Shore excursions are usually accompanied by either German- or English-speaking tour guides. For our English clients we offer a selection of English excursions, these are subject to availability and minimum numbers. **per person

Port of embarkation VASCO DA GAMA lies at anchor Overland programme

OVERLAND PROGRAMME AGRA AND TAJ MAHAL*

3 days | Agra and Taj Mahal

Re-embarkation: Kochi

05.12. – 08.12.2023

The Taj Mahal in all its facets

India without the Taj Mahal? Not with nicko cruises! Our overland tour will first take you by plane to Delhi, where you can visit the many sights of India’s sprawling capital on a fascinating sightseeing tour before taking the bus to Agra the following day.

First you will visit the Red Fort, a fortress and palace complex built during the era of the Mogul emperors, followed by a spectacular sunset at the Taj Mahal. And because the sunrise there is no less mystical, you will be on the spot in time to begin the following day in this magical place. After an afternoon in Delhi, you will fly to Kochi where you will re-board the VASCO DA GAMA.

This overland programme can be additionally booked. Detailed prices and descriptions will be published at least 3 months before departure on www.nicko-cruises.com

In India, elephants are dressed up in beautiful costumes and decorated with fabrics, painted motifs and ornaments.

Taj Mahal · India

OVERLAND PROGRAMME THE ANGKOR TEMPLE COMPLEX*

2 days | Angkor temple complex

Re-embarkation: Ho Chi Minh City

25.12. – 27.12.2023

The unforgettable highlights of Cambodia

You will travel by plane to Siem Reap to visit the Hindu temple ruins of Banteay Srei. The next day, first you will see the amazing south gate of Angkor Thom with its two rows of huge statues of demons and gods. Then you will pay a visit to the temple mountain Baphuon, the pyramidshaped temple Phimeanaka and the Elephant Terrace. The Bayon Temple and its huge stonecarved heads will take you straight back to the 12th century, when King Jayavarman VII had the complex built in a classical Khmer art style. But the highlight of your tour is still ahead of you at this point: the ruins of Angkor Wat. After these unforgettable impressions, you will fly to Ho Chi Minh City, where you will go back on board the VASCO DA GAMA.

This overlandp rogramme can be additionally booked. Detailed prices and descriptions will be published at least 3 months before departure on www.nicko-cruises.com

Apart from tourists, Buddhist monks are among the daily visitors to the Angkor Wat temple complex.

Angkor Wat temple complex · Cambodia

Mauritius to Manila

PRE- AND POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME*

15.11. – 18.11.2023 Mauritius

02.12. – 05.12.2023 Maldives

MAURITIUS PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME:

Get in the mood for an unforgettable voyage!

Before you get on board, we will get you in the mood for sun, sand and more with our Mauritius pre-cruise programme! And what better way to do that than with two days of swimming and beach that you can spend according to your own taste? You will be spoilt for choice: Do you want to go swimming? Scuba diving? Underwater diving, perhaps? Or just relax on the beach?

Needless to say, you can also combine them as you like. But one thing is certain, the fabulous coral reef, which forms a ring around the entire island, is far too beautiful for just a swim. The underwater world with its 1,000 species of fish, which you can experience here while snorkelling or diving, is something you really should see with your own eyes!

Maldives

MALDIVES POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME:

Experience the Maldives in all their beauty!

With Mauritius, we began our voyage at a dream destination and ended it in a no less magnificent setting: the Maldives Treat yourself to some extra time in the middle of the Indian Ocean and extend your stay with our post-cruise programme. We will arrange two days for you, during which all you have to worry about is regularly turning from your tummy to your back to avoid a sunburn, so you can enjoy the beach and a few days of bathing to the max! And do not forget to leave the beautiful beaches behind and go diving. Exhilarating experiences await you here in these reef landscapes!

The protagonists: turtles, rays, sharks and dolphins. And when you feel a bit peckish, you can enjoy the variety of delicious fruits such as papayas, coconuts and mangoes that grow here. And of course, fish is always at the top of the menu, which is why fish lovers really get their money’s worth here in the Maldives.

Leg 2 · R3 · Mauritius to the Maldives

Market · Maldives

Treat yourself to a little bit of paradise!

Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are known as one of the most beautiful beach holiday resorts in the world. See for yourself before you set off on your exciting cruise! With our pre-cruise programme, you will spend two relaxing days on the beach and bathing in this island state, which comes pretty close to our idea of paradise. You can look forward to white sandy beaches, azure blue waters and lush green rainforest, all three of which combine to create the extraordinary flair of these islands.

Whether you choose to relax on the beach under coconut trees or prefer to put on your diving goggles and plunge into the ocean to explore the underwater world: every choice is the right one!

Discover superlatives wherever you look!

Singapore, the Lion City, is a city state of superlatives. You can see that for yourself with our pre-cruise programme! Treat yourself to two extra days and experience this amazing city of 6 million people at first hand. We will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel so you can arrive relaxed.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we will head out on a tour to the most important sights of this fascinating city-state. You can spend the afternoon at your leisure. Return to Marina Bay, for example, and enjoy a captivating view of the entire bay from the Helix Bridge, which offers a spectacular view that is second to none, especially at night.

29.11. – 02.12.2023 Maldives

18.12. – 20.12.2023 Singapore

PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME MALDIVES: SINGAPORE PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME:

Parrot · Maldives

Singapore

Mauritius to Manila

Leg 2 · R5 · Singapore to Manila

Leg 2 · R4 · Maldives to Singapore

Travel price per person in Euro

* Family cabin: with at least 2 full-paying adults, you will be given a connected cabin for children under 16 years of age free of charge. For more information, please see pages 41 and 178.

** Limited number available. Note on sole occupancy: Once the limited quota of cabins has been reached, the surcharge will increase from +15% to +30%. *** Discount applies when you book at least two successive cruises.

Important travel information

Route R3: You will not be able to join the cruise without valid identification documents. Every passenger is responsible to inform himself about the actual entry requirements and necessary travel documents. Notice Comoros and Maldives: For the entry at Comoros a visa is mandatory. As well for the Maldives, the tourist visa you will get with your entry. Notice Maldives and Madagascar: A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Notice Seychelles: Residence permit will be issued with arrival. Notice Mauritius: Passengers need to have a health insurance, which includes the handling of COVID-19.

Route R4: You will not be able to join the cruise without valid identification documents. Every passenger is responsible to inform himself about the actual entry requirements and necessary travel documents. Notice Maldives: For the entry a visa is mandatory, you will get with your entry. Notice Sri Lanka: A visa is mandatory and can be applied online: https://www.indianimmigration.org/ Notice India: A Visa is mandatory. This can be applied online: https://www. indienimmigration.org Notice Singapore: Residence permit will be automatically issued with arrival. Notice Maldives: A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.

Route R5: You will not be able to join the cruise without valid identification documents. Every passenger is responsible to inform himself about the actual entry requirements and necessary travel documents. Notice Cambodia: For the entry a visa is mandatory and can be applied at the Consulate or online: https://www.evisa. gov.kh Notice Vietnam: A visa is mandatory and can be applied at the consulate or online: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn Notice Singapore: Residence permit will be automatically issued with arrival. Notice Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia: A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.

Minimum number of participants for this trip to be reached up to 30 days before departure: 900 people, for overland, pre- and after-cruise programme: 20 people (see section 8.1 of our travel terms).

Mauritius to Manila

Cruise details

LEG 3

MANILA TO PUERTO VALLARTA

66 days

06.01.2024 – 10.03.2024

All sense of space and time will be lost on the third leg of our world tour as we explore the magical world of South East Asia, Australia and the South Pacific. As we glide calmly over the oceans, nautical mile by nautical mile, we will visit places that are destined to take your breath away. We begin in Manila, capital city of the Philippines. From here, our cruise ship VASCO

DA GAMA sets sail to visit some of the most beautiful islands of the Philippines. Care for a swim? Scuba diving? Underwater diving, perhaps? Tropical beaches and spellbinding underwater worlds are waiting to be explored and discovered. We will stay at a respectful distance when we visit the up to three-meters-long Komodo dragons in Indonesia, and get up close to

Click here for further information about Leg 3.

Route R6 | 23 days: Manila–Sydney

Route R7 | 21 days: Sydney–Auckland

Leg 3

Route R8 | 24 days: Auckland–Puerto Vallarta

Special offers and extras

Please turn to page 58 for more information on our special offers and extras.

koalas and kangaroos in Australia. We will be taking plenty of time to explore the land “down under” before sailing on to New Zealand via Tasmania. Here on the other side of the world, you will soon discover that life moves at a more gentle and relaxed pace. Just like our voyage through the South Pacific Ocean. We will be exploring the jungles on the Cook Islands and the volcanoes on Bora Bora. On Tahiti we will find ourselves irresistibly enraptured by the local joie de vivre, and on the Marquesas Islands we will wander the paths once trod by Paul Gaugin. This leg ends in Mexico and is split into three routes, each of which can be booked separately.

Puerto Vallarta

Bora Bora Moorea

Mexico South Pacific Society Islands Tahiti

Tuamotu Archipelago Marquesas

R9

Manila to Puerto Vallarta

Cruise details · Leg 3

R6 MANILA TO SYDNEY

23 days | Manila • Philippines • Bali

Indonesia • Timor • Australia • Sydney

06.01. – 28.01.2024

You will board the VASCO DA GAMA in Manila on 6 January 2024. We will then spend several days exploring and discovering the amazing diversity of the Philippine islands. For example, we will visit the “tastiest” mountains in the world – the Chocolate Hills on Bohol Island! Next we move on to Bali, where you can discover for yourself how this island came to earn itself a reputation as the “Island of the Gods”. In Indonesia you will encounter giant lizards, whilst in Australia you will meet kangaroos and koalas, and enjoy glimpses into the colourful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Magical moments await you at Uluru – the correct Aboriginal name for the monolith formerly known to us as Ayers Rock.

Why choose this cruise?

• A ship is the most logical means of transportation for exploring the colourful world of the archipelagic Philippines.

• Along the way, you can discover the fascinating underwater world of South-East Asia by participating in our scuba diving or underwater diving excursions.

• On Bohol, you can admire tropical beaches, lush green mountains, dense jungle landscapes and picturesque villages – all within the space of just a few hours.

• After enjoying the flora and fauna on land, why not dive down into the unique underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef?

• In Sydney, you can look out over the water and admire the distinctive skyline with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

Time to discover.

Philippine cuisine has been influenced by Spanish/Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Japanese and American flavours, making it one of the most diverse cuisines in the world. The menus here are dominated by fish, seafood and rice dishes –unsurprisingly, for an archipelago state.

from EUR 3,824

p

Go scuba diving, join an underwater diving excursion to explore a Japanese shipwreck dating from the 1940s, or slip into a kayak and paddle through the lime green water of the mangroves!

Did you know that the Philippines are one of the best places in the world to see glow worms? In Puerto Princesa, the evening sky in the jungle is illuminated by the magical light of these tiny insects.

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at

Tropical beaches, lush green mountains and dense jungle landscapes await you on Bohol. Not to mention the Chocolate Hills! This natural phenomenon is well worth seeing (even if the hills do not look quite as tasty as their namesake!).

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea. We cross the equator on 12 January 2024.

Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Fancy an excursion to the “Gates of Heaven”? Or would you prefer to swim with dolphins? Perhaps you would like to visit Besakih Temple? The choice is yours!

When we reach Komodo, we will be admiring the Komodo dragons from a respectful distance. These monitor lizards can grow up to three metres long! We will also pay a visit to one of the most beautiful pink beaches in the world. Please note that because the Komodo dragons live in the wild here, you will only be able to go ashore on Komodo if you join an organised tour.

Enjoy a few hours relaxation on the idyllic Kupang Beach on Timor before we set sail for Australia.

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea.

We first set foot down under in the coastal city of Darwin. Watch saltwater crocodiles living in the wild or join a full-day excursion to beautiful places where you can swim to your heart’s content.

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea.

Cooktown is named after the British explorer James Cook. Travel back in time to explore his world in the James Cook Museum, or enjoy a relaxing trip to Finch Bay.

The Great Outdoors beckons us in Cairns. Here, the Great Barrier Reef competes for your attention with the nearby rainforest, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the vibrant city centre. Another must-see is Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Back aboard the VASCO DA GAMA, we will take you on to Townsville. This is one of the nicest stops on the continent, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year.

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea.

In Brisbane, the capital city of Australia’s Sunshine State, you will experience the typical laid-back Aussie vibe. Cuddle a koala in the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or snatch a selfie with a kangaroo!

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea.

by 09:00.

The excursions described here represent a small selection of our shore tours. Before your trip begins, we will send you a full list of all the excursions we offer. You must book any excursions you wish to join at least six weeks before the start of your trip. Payment is due on board. Arrival and departure times are scheduled target times. It may become necessary to change the timetable. The captain will decide on the best course depending on circumstances and weather conditions. Times, itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Shore excursions are usually accompanied by either German or English-speaking tour guides. For our English clients we offer a selection of English excursions, these are subject to availability and minimum numbers.

Port

R7 SYDNEY TO AUCKLAND

21 days | Sydney • Australia • Tasmania

New Zealand (South and North Island)

Auckland

28.01. – 17.02.2024

Our journey begins in Sydney. From here, we set sail on an exciting voyage of discovery along the coasts of mainland Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. First stop: Paradise! The coastal town of Eden on the Sapphire Coast fully deserves its name – an opinion that is shared by the whales who swim near to the shore! Passing Melbourne, we head for Tasmania. Here we will meet the world’s smallest penguins as well as Tasmanian devils and many other species that are only found here. Reaching New Zealand, we will pay leisurely visits to both the South and North Islands where you can take your time to enjoy the enchanting landscapes and friendly locals.

Why choose this cruise?

• Book an extra overland programme to Uluru (formerly also known as Ayers Rock) to immerse yourself in the magic of this special location and the history of the Aboriginal people that hold it sacred.

• We allow plenty of time for you to relax and soak up the natural beauty of Tasmania and New Zealand.

• Our arrival in Tasmania coincides with the hatching season for the world’s smallest penguins, so you should be able to admire their chicks up close in Burnie.

• One breathtaking natural spectacle follows the next on this leg of the journey. You will discover lush green national parks, turquoise blue lagoons, spectacular fjords and many other highlights along this scenic stretch of the cruise.

• Climbing, kayaking, hiking, swimming, scuba diving and so much more: the sky is your limit!

• Follow the trail of Gandalf, Bilbo and Gollum and visit some of the spectacular locations where Lord of the Rings was filmed.

Australia

Eden

Tasmanian Sea

Doubtful Sound

New Zealand

Tauranga

Port Chalmers Timaru

Time to discover.

In New Zealand, “kiwi” refers not only to the world’s smallest (and definitely cutest!) flightless bird. Here on these two islands on the other side of the world, “Kiwi” also refers to the local population, their style of barbecuing and their currency – to name just a few of the uses for the word.

Cruise details · Leg 3

Itinerary

Embarkation from 15:00 to 17:00. This is the starting point for our spectacular and highly memorable inland tour to Uluru.

Throughout the 18th century, Eden in Australia was famous for its whaling. Today you can stand on the beach and watch these fascinating sea creatures.

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea.

Melbourne is a colourful concoction of everything we Europeans associate with Australian culture. A vibrant art community, plenty of cultural life, finest cuisine, snug wine bars and people that smile as warmly as the sunshine!

In Burnie, in the north-west of Tasmania, you will meet the world’s smallest penguins. Keep your eyes peeled for the baby penguins that will be hatching right at this time of year!

In Port Arthur, you can visit one of Tasmania’s best-known attractions: the Open Air Museum, located in a former prison.

Prepare to be enchanted by the small town of Hobart with its many nature attractions. Here you will also encounter gutsy little Tasmanian devils!

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea.

Cruise through the fjords of New Zealand. (Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound or Thompson Sound – Captain’s choice).

On arrival on Stewart Island, you will have the chance to explore New Zealand’s largest National Park. Look out for kiwis, the iconic national symbol of New Zealand!

Port Chalmers will enchant you with its magical atmosphere. Soak up the charisma of this picturesque seaport with its galleries, cafés and shops.

During our stop in Timaru, you can relax on the beach at Caroline Bay or explore the town with its botanical gardens, bird park and museum.

We will take the 111-year old tram to visit Christchurch, the largest town on South Island. Enjoy a leisurely English-style shopping spree and relax on a canal cruise up the River Avon.

Wellington is famous for its restaurants and bars. And do not forget to enjoy the views from Mount Victoria!

The city of Napier is a perfect example of finest Art Deco style. Soak up the atmosphere and allow the architecture to whisk you back in time to the 1930s!

Cruise past White Island.

The name says it all in the Bay of Plenty: Tauranga beckons with a whole host of coastal adventures, from sailing boat trips to dolphin watching excursions.

Compiled of no fewer than 144 different islands, the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most appealing destinations.

by 09:00.

RECOMMENDED EXCURSION

We highly recommend Route R7 with the Sydney & Uluru overland programme For more information, please see page 147.

Pre-and post-cruise programme

Sydneyor Auckland Page149

Port of embarkation

VASCO DA GAMA lies at anchor Overland programme

* The excursions described here represent a small selection of our shore tours. Before your trip begins, we will send you a full list of all the excursions we offer. You must book any excursions you wish to join at least six weeks before the start of your trip. Payment is due on board. Arrival and departure times are scheduled target times. It may become necessary to change the timetable. The captain will decide on the best course depending on circumstances and weather conditions. Times, itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Shore excursions are usually accompanied by either German or English-speaking tour guides. For our English clients we offer a selection of English excursions, these are subject to availability and minimum numbers.

**per person

R8 AUCKLAND TO PUERTO VALLARTA

24 days | Auckland • Cook Islands Society Islands • Tahiti • Tuamotu Archipelago • Marquesas Islands

Puerto Vallarta

17.02. – 10.03.2024

We set sail to cross the endless expanses of the South Pacific. The Cook Islands are a place where dreams come true! We will visit one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons in Arutanga and then relax on surpassingly beautiful beaches to process the many memorable moments of this spectacular voyage. Be sure to enjoy a little snorkelling on Aitutaki and discover the amazing underwater world! You will recognise the Bora Bora island group from afar by its distinctive volcano, Mount Otemanu. You would rather stay on land? No problem! There is plenty to discover here too! After a relaxing sea voyage, we arrive on the heavenly Pacific coast in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Why choose this cruise?

• Here we pass the International Date Line – and you can live twice through the 20 February 2024!

• As we sail the high seas, you can relax and enjoy the many pleasant services we offer on board the VASCO DA GAMA

• In addition to visiting the best-known dream destinations in the South Pacific, we will also be taking you to more remote and less explored places.

• Here you will be able to watch parrotfishes, turtles, sharks, dolphins, rays and other sea creatures dancing just below the ocean’s surface.

• South Sea dreams come true in Tiki Village on Tahiti, where the local Polynesians will introduce you to their culture and history.

• Enjoy tropical fruits such as coconuts, mangos, bananas and many other, plucked ripe from the gardens on the Marquesas Islands.

Time to discover.

“Motu” is the Polynesian word for “little island”. The word is used for the reefs of an atoll, a phenomenon that can only be found in tropical waters. A picnic on a lonely “Motu” will definitely be one of the most memorable experiences of your cruise with the VASCO DA GAMA!

Equator

Puerto Vallarta

Bora Bora Moorea

Mexico

Cook Islands Rarotonga

Tahiti

South Pacific

Society Islands

Tuamotu Archipelago

Marquesas Aitutaki

Cruise details · Leg 3

Itinerary

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea. We pass the International Date Line on 20 February 2024 – so you will get to experience this day twice!

Welcome to paradise! Choose between bewitchingly beautiful beaches or a hike through the jungle. Or both!

In Arutanga you will encounter one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Here you can enjoy underwater diving, scuba diving and swimming.

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea.

You will recognise the Bora Bora island group from afar by the 727 m high volcano Mount Otemanu. The small coral reefs offer fantastic glimpses into the underwater world.

Moorea in the west of Tahiti will delight you with its picturesque beaches. And be sure to visit Tiki village!

Always follow your nose in Papeete. It will lead you unswervingly to the market with its many regional delicacies and fresh fruits.

Rangiroa on the Tuamotu Archipelago is a world-famous destination for diving. Do not miss this opportunity to explore the underwater world!

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea.

In Atouna on the Marquesas Islands, we will encounter familiar old friends from Europe: Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel fell in love with this island, and the same fate awaits you too when you come here!

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea.

Crossing the equator.

Look forward to an exciting and entertaining time at sea.

– Disembarkation by 09:00.

RECOMMENDED COMBINATION PACKAGES

Combine Route R8 with our preliminary Auckland package or our follow-up Puerto Vallarta package. For more information, please see page 151.

Port of embarkation

VASCO DA GAMA lies at anchor

* The excursions described here represent a small selection of our shore tours. Before your trip begins, we will send you a full list of all the excursions we offer. You must book any excursions you wish to join at least six weeks before the start of your trip. Payment is due on board. Arrival and departure times are scheduled target times. It may become necessary to change the timetable. The captain will decide on the best course depending on circumstances and weather conditions. Times, itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Shore excursions are usually accompanied by either German or English-speaking tour guides. For our English clients we offer a selection of English excursions, these are subject to availability and minimum numbers.

**per person

OVERLAND PROGRAMME SYDNEY AND ULURU*

3 days | Sydney & Uluru

Re-embarkation: Melbourne

28.01. – 31.01.2024

The mystical magic of Uluru

Australia as you have never experienced it before! Departing Sydney, we make our way to Uluru, the magical sacred site formerly also known as Ayers Rock. The very next morning will find you standing on the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku lookout point, watching the monolith shimmer in a thousand shades of red as the sun rises over it. We will then spend the day immersing ourselves in the culture and mysticism of this exceptional natural monument until the sun disappears once again behind it.

This tour also stops at the mystical Kata Tjuta rock formations, Walpa Gorge and the impressive “Field of Lights” art installation. By the time we leave to travel on to Melbourne, you will have experienced the full mystical magic of Uluru!

This overland programme is an optional extra that you can book in advance.

We will publish a detailed list of prices and descriptions at least three months before the start of the trip. This information will be available on www.nicko-cruises.com

The Indigenous people of Australia cultivate their traditions with care. The didgeridoo is a traditional Aboriginal wind instrument that is used as rhythmic percussion for songs and dances.

Manila to Puerto Vallarta

Kangaroo · Australia

FOLLOW-UP PACKAGE*

28.01. – 30.01.2024 Sydney

28.01. – 01.02.2024 Sydney & Uluru

Metropolis or outback – it is your choice!

Now that you have finally arrived on the other side of the world, we understand that you will not want to rush on immediately. So what is the answer? Easy – let’s just stay here for a while! Our follow-up package allows you to choose between two exciting options. One is to become an inveterate expert on Sydney! We will stroll through the city together, explore the inside of the Opera House and dine with you at lunchtime on the breath-taking Bondi Beach. In the afternoon, we will leave you to enjoy Darling Harbour by yourselves before welcoming you back in the evening for a meal in the famous Doyles Restaurant in Watson Bay. On Day Two, we will take you out on the water in a yacht. Here we can promise spectacular views over the metropolis! Thanks to 360° panorama views, our evening meal in Centerpoint Towers’ Infinity Restaurant is guaranteed to be equally spectacular.

Perhaps you would prefer to travel inland to visit Uluru and experience Central Australia live and in colour? In that case, our second option is perfect for you! Without doubt, the highlights of this trip include the sunrise and sunset over Uluru, both of which bathe the monolith in a breath-taking kaleidoscope of colours. But that is not all: To ensure this trip remains an unforgettable experience, we also visit the mystical Kata Tjuta rock formations, Walpa Gorge and the impressive “Field of Lights” art installation.

Leg 3 · R6 · Manila to Sydney

* Minimum group size: 20 people

FOLLOW-UP PACKAGE SYDNEY OR SYDNEY & ULURU:

Uluru · Australia

Traditional didgeridoos · Australia

PRELIMINARY AND FOLLOW-UP PACKAGE*

24.01. – 28.01.2024

26.01. – 28.01.2024

17.02. – 19.02.2024

Sydney & Uluru

Sydney

Auckland

PRELIMINARY PACKAGE

SYDNEY & ULURU OR SYDNEY:

Immerse yourself in the magic of Australia!

Welcome down under! Treat yourself to a few relaxing days when you arrive on the other side of the world, and benefit from our preliminary package! The choice is yours: you can either focus on the vibrant metropolis of Sydney, or experience the fascinating appeal of Uluru in all its glory. Those who stay in the city can look forward to a guided tour crammed full with insider information and advice, and will also have the opportunity to explore the interior of the Opera House. Bondi Beach and Darling Harbour are on the agenda for Day One, on which we will not only eat in the famous Doyles restaurant in Watson Bay, but also enjoy 360°-panorama views while dining in the spectacular Infinity restaurant in Sydney Tower. Those who opt for the outback option will be able to experience the mystical Uluru in all its fascinating glory. From sunrise to sunset, we will get to grips with this sacred Aboriginal place and admire it from many different perspectives. We will also take time to show you the Kata Tjuta rock formations and Walpa Gorge.

Allow us to introduce you to the colourful world of Auckland!

The chances are high that you will fall head over heels in love with New Zealand. So why not make sure in advance that your holiday does not end the moment you disembark? Our follow-up package will give you unique glimpses into the city of Auckland and all it has to offer. We begin by taking you on a sightseeing tour where we visit the foremost tourist attractions and explore the most picturesque parts of the city. You will discover (and see for yourself!) that the city is built on a volcanic field, with the main roads through the city following the lava flow. After so much heat, it is time to cool down: we recommend you to use your free afternoon to visit Waitemata Harbour, board a sailing boat and sail out onto the water to admire the skyline of the city!

Leg 3 · R7 · Sydney to Auckland

FOLLOW-UP PACKAGE AUCKLAND:

Manila to Puerto Vallarta

Leg

Auckland · New Zealand

Parrot · Australia

PRELIMINARY AND FOLLOW-UP PACKAGE*

15.02. – 17.02.2024 Auckland

10.03. – 12.03.2024 Puerto Vallarta

PRELIMINARY PACKAGE AUCKLAND:

Take time to acclimatise when you arrive on the other side of the world!

New Zealand is spectacular – not just on board the VASCO DA GAMA. Book our preliminary package and allow yourself to be drawn into the magic of this island state before your cruise even begins. Because once you have seen Auckland, you will have seen the very best of New Zealand and all it has to offer. The kiwis, for example – in human and in animal form – or City Tower, which is the highest building in the southern hemisphere, or Albert Park, or Harbour Bridge ... and so much more. Take a break on Aotea Square, the largest marketplace in the city, and tuck into a portion of fish & chips as you soak up the unique flair that pervades the air. By the end of they day, we are convinced you will have reached the same conclusion as everyone else: Auckland is the best city in the whole wide world!

FOLLOW-UP PUERTO VALLARTA PACKAGE:

Stay awhile in paradise!

Having finally arrived in the paradise that is Puerto Vallarta, why not linger awhile to enjoy it in full? With its beautiful beaches, this city has a reputation for being Mexico’s gem on the Pacific coast. A reputation it most decidedly deserves! Our follow-up package allows you to enjoy an extra day on the beach as the perfect end to your holiday. White sandy beaches, crystal clear water and gentle waves are the hallmarks of this stretch of coastline. Relax in a hammock under palm trees, swim in the warm ocean and enjoy Mexican cuisine as you sunbathe on the beach. The world is your oyster in Puerto Vallarta! To make sure you can focus all your energy on relaxing and having a good time, we organise your transfers and your hotel.

We will publish a detailed list of prices and descriptions at least three months before the start of the trip. This information will be available on www.nicko-cruises.com

Leg 3 · R8 · Auckland to Puerto Vallarta

Manila to Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta · Mexico

Māori cave paintings · New Zealand

Travel price per person in Euro

* Family cabin: with at least 2 full-paying adults, you will be given a connected cabin for children under 16 years of age free of charge. For more information, please see pages 41 and 178.

** Limited number available. Note on sole occupancy: Once the limited quota of cabins has been reached, the surcharge will increase from +15% to +30%.

*** Discount applies when you book at least two successive cruises.

Important travel information

Route R6: You will not be able to join the cruise without valid identification documents. Every passenger is responsible to inform himself about the actual entry requirements and necessary travel documents. Notice Australia: A visa is mandatory and can be applied online: https://e-visa.co.uk/australia

Route R7: You will not be able to join the cruise without valid identification documents. Every passenger is responsible to inform himself about the actual entry requirements and necessary travel documents. Notice Australia: A visa is mandatory and can be applied online: https://e-visa.co.uk/australia. Notice New Zeeland: A visa is mandatory and can be applied online: http://immigration.govt. nz/nzeta

Route R8: You will not be able to join the cruise without valid identification documents. Every passenger is responsible to inform himself about the actual entry requirements and necessary travel documents. Notice New Zeeland: A visa is mandatory and can be applied online: http://immigration.govt.nz/nzeta. Notice Cook Islands: a visa is mandatory and will be issued with arrival. Notice Mexico: There is no visa required. Passengers will get a touristcard with arrival, which has to be shown with departure. Notice Polynesia: a yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.

Minimum number of participants for this trip to be reached up to 30 days before departure: 900 people, for overland, pre- and afterprogramm: 20 people (see section 8.1 of our travel terms).

Cruise details

LEG 4

PUERTO VALLARTA TO LISBON

30 days

10.03.2024 – 08.04.2024

A fiery potpourri of experiences – on the fourth and last leg of our unique world cruise you will experience Central and South America at their most authentic. Explore the sunken Maya places of worship in Guatemala and El Salvador and embrace the mysticism of the indigenous advanced civilisations. You will be fascinated by the diversity of nature and species in Costa Rica’s jungle. And nothing can prepare you for the startling lush green of the misty rainforests! Another adventure awaits you as you pass during daylight hours through the Panama Canal, which connects the Pacific with the Atlantic, taking you from the “New World” back to the “Old”. Having immersed yourself in all these exciting exotic worlds, you will also want to relax.

Click Services included in the cruise fare Further information on the services included is to be found from Page 168.

Route R9 | 14 days: Puerto Vallarta–Curaçao

And where better to do that than on the beautiful white beaches of the Caribbean? You can snorkel, dive and simply relax during stops on Aruba, Curaçao, Grenada and Barbados. One special feature of this fourth leg is several days spent at sea, where you can enjoy a feeling of boundless freedom while you allow yourself to be thoroughly spoiled on board the VASCO DA GAMA! The ports of call towards the end of the voyage are the Cape Verde islands, Tenerife and Madeira – three wild and breathtakingly beautiful islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This world cruise of a lifetime ends on 8 April in Lisbon, where globetrotters like Vasco da Gama once also disembarked – and were greeted with thunderous applause.

Leg 4. Can be sold for English speaking clients and there will be an international hostess onboard.

Puerto Vallarta to Lisbon

Cruise details – Leg 4

R9 PUERTO VALLARTA TO CURAÇAO

14 days | Puerto Vallarta • Mexico

Guatemala • El Salvador • Nicaragua

Costa Rica • Panama • Colombia

Aruba • Curaçao

10.03. – 23.03.2024

Vibrantly colourful, joyful, and a little wild – on this cruise you will discover the fascinating beauty of nature in Central and South America, retrace the steps of pre-Columbian peoples and immerse yourself literally in the Caribbean paradise. Starting in Mexico, you will explore Mayan cult sites, dense rain forests and brightly coloured colonial settlements. Have you ever watched turtles breeding or snorkelled among seahorses? No? Then now is your chance! One absolute highlight of the cruise is your passage during daylight hours through the famous Panama Canal, which links two great oceans. This route packed with experiences ends on the ABC islands in the Caribbean in the heart of paradise.

Why choose this cruise?

• Eight countries in 14 days – experience Central and South America and the Caribbean up close.

• Retrace the steps of the Mayas and discover some of the mystical sites of the indigenous peoples.

• Breeding turtles, crocodiles, humpback whales, seahorses and dense jungles – experience the fascinating flora and fauna of Central America for yourself.

• Daylight passage through the 82 km long Panama Canal – an experience you will never forget!

• And then relax in paradise – on the ABC islands in the Caribbean.

Time to discover.

In the mystical cloud forests of Costa Rica, the air is never clear. And why? Because it rains continually and the atmospheric humidity is always above 90%. Here there are beautiful rainbows and even fungi that light up in the dark.

From EUR 2,429

p p.** when booking by 31.10.2022

Save 10% with our Ultra-Early Booking Discount

Itinerary

Viva Mexico! We dock in the port city of Zihuatanejo, once a fishing village, now thanks to its beautiful white sandy beach a popular holiday resort.

Setting off from the large harbour at Puerto Quetzal, we head for the ancestral homeland of the Mayas and into the land of fire and vibrant colours –Guatemala. Retrace the steps of this ancient indigenous people, on an excursion to the ruins of Tikal, for example – the largest ancient Mayan city.

Colourful and joyful – El Salvador is another real insiders’ tip! Here the impressive Mayan ruins of Tazumal or Joya de Cerén (UNESCO World Heritage) are set in a spectacular volcanic landscape. A must-do: Do try a cup of coffee made from the Arabica beans grown on local plantations!

San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua is a surfing paradise. High waves, always windy – young people from all over the world meet at this surf spot. Away from the wild waves, the La Flor Wildlife Reserve is teeming with turtles.

Puntarenas is the “pearl of the Pacific” and the gateway to Costa Rica’s wonderful bays and National Parks. Relax on the idyllic beaches of Mal Pais, Santa Teresa, Cabo Blanco and Jacó! An excursion into the dense rainforest in Manuel Antonio National Park or the magical cloud forest of Monteverde is guaranteed to be an adventure!

Time to relax or enjoy diverse activities out at sea.

Cobbles, pretty squares, colourful colonial-era houses – Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast is one of South America’s most beautiful cities.

Time to relax or enjoy diverse activities out at sea.

We begin with the A of the ABC islands – Aruba. Enjoy a tour around the island and discover the colourful underwater world of this Caribbean dream destination.

COMBINATION TIP

Why not combine the fascinating beauty of Central and South America on our R9 route with the Caribbean flair of our R10 route? For further information, please see Page 158.

Port of embarkation VASCO DA GAMA lies at anchor

Pre-and post-cruise programme

PuertoVallarta and Curaçao

Page160

* The excursions listed are a selection of the many land activities possible. You will receive further information on the entire programme of excursions before your cruise begins. All excursions can be booked (binding reservation) at least 6 weeks before the start of the trip. The excursions can only be paid for on board. Docking and casting off times are approximate and given as a guide. This cruise may require schedule changes. The captain will decide on the best possible implementation of the schedule, depending on the prevailing conditions. We reserve the right to make changes to times, itineraries and excursion programmes. Shore excursions are usually accompanied by either German- or English-speaking tour guides. For our English clients we offer a selection of English excursions, these are subject to availability and minimum numbers. **per person

R10 CURAÇAO TO LISBON

17 days | Curaçao • Grenada • Barbados

Cape Verde • Tenerife • Madeira • Lisbon

23.03. – 08.04.2024

Snow white sands, turquoise waters and sun all year round – the Caribbean is an absolute dream destination. Starting from the ABC Island of Curaçao, the cruise heads for Grenada and Barbados, where you can explore idyllic bays and the colourful underwater world of some fantastic snorkelling areas. You can also sample the many spices that grow on Grenada and take part in a rum-tasting. You will soak up and enjoy those Caribbean vibes with all of your senses! A rainforest tour is the obvious choice for the adventurous, with the world of flora and fauna guaranteed to offer all sorts of surprises.

Barbados

Grenada

On the archipelago of Cape Verde you will explore the island of São Vincente – where you cannot fail to be impressed by the wonderful people and fascinating nature. The wonders of nature are also to be experienced on the Atlantic islands of Tenerife and Madeira. On Tenerife, the largest Canary Island, you will visit the island’s volcanic Mount Teide. Flower lovers are sure to get their money’s worth in the Botanic Garden on Madeira, home to all sorts of exotic plants and birds. This trip of a lifetime ends where it began: in Lisbon, the home of Vasco da Gama. Full of impressions and memories, you will return to the mainland of the “Old World” on 08 April.

Why choose this cruise?

Madeira

Tenerife

Canary Islands

Lisbon

São Vicente

Cape Verde Islands

• Adventure and relaxation are never as easy to combine as on this cruise through the Caribbean and Atlantic.

• Enjoy those Caribbean vibes on the dream islands of Curaçao and Barbados, with their white sands and turquoise waters.

• Savour the scents of the “Isle of Spice” Grenada.

• Conquer the colourful underwater world of the islands and explore dense rainforests and sugar cane plantations.

• You will be fascinated by the Cape Verde archipelago, the Canary Islands and Madeira with their spectacular nature and fantastic views.

• Relax during several days at sea and enjoy the luxury of our comfortable cruise ship.

Cruise details – Leg 4

Itinerary

Time

From EUR 2,384

you can discover on this cruise*

Cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg – if these are the fragrant aromas you can detect wafting around your nose, then we have arrived in Grenada, the “Isle of Spice” in the heart of the Caribbean. Visit a nutmeg production plant, a chocolate factory and a rum distillery.

Bridgetown on Barbados is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and well worth a visit with its wonderful old town from the British colonial era and its historic Fort Savannah.

Time to relax or enjoy diverse activities out at sea.

We set anchor in the port of Mindelo, the “Cultural and musical capital” of the Cape Verde island of São Vicente. Allow yourself to be carried away by the islanders’ joie de vivre, take a stroll through the vibrant fish market and colourful market hall, and experience the breathtaking view over the harbour and city from the Torre Belém tower for yourself. 02.04.2024–03.04.2024

Time to relax or enjoy diverse activities out at sea.

A great day on Tenerife awaits you! Starting from Santa Cruz in the north, you will head for the El Teide volcano in Las Cañadas National Park. You will also visit the university town of La Laguna, where you must stop at one of the local bodegas to try the traditional “papas arrugadas” – small pieces of salted, wrinkled potatoes with red and green mojo sauce. Be careful: they can be addictive!

Green and sunny – that is Madeira, the “Island of Flowers” in the middle of the Atlantic. This Portuguese island is still more than 1,200 kilometres away from Lisbon. In the Jardim Botanico (Botanic Garden) you will discover all sorts of exotic plants. Its Loro Park aviary is also an experience not to be missed.

Time to relax or enjoy diverse activities out at sea.

Pre-and post-cruise programme CuraçaoandLisbon

Time to discover.

Barbados rum is considered to be the finest in the Caribbean. It has been produced in the Mount Gay Distillery since 1703 and has thus also been declared to be the “oldest rum” in the world. Many rum varieties are aged for up to 12 years in oak casks. Your very good health!

Port of embarkation

* The excursions listed are a selection of the many land activities possible. You will receive further information on the entire programme of excursions before your cruise begins. All excursions can be booked (binding reservation) at least 6 weeks before the start of the trip. The excursions can only be paid for on board. Docking and casting off times are approximate and given as a guide. This cruise may require schedule changes. The captain will decide on the best possible implementation of the schedule, depending on the prevailing conditions. We reserve the right to make changes to times, itineraries and excursion programmes. Shore excursions are usually accompanied by either German- or English-speaking tour guides. For our English clients we offer a selection of English excursions, these are subject to availability and minimum numbers. **per person

08.03. – 10.03.2024 Puerto Vallarta

23.03. – 25.03.2024 Curaçao

Viva la Siesta!

Enjoy some great time out in Mexico!

Why not arrive on the VASCO DA GAMA completely relaxed and wonderfully rested? With our pre-cruise programme, we have just the right thing for you! Enjoy a day’s swimming at the beach in Puerto Vallarta before you go on board! We warmly recommend the Majahuitas Beach in particular for this. Whether you are a sunseeker, a sports fan, or an animal-lover: here you are going to get your money’s worth! You will immediately be captivated by the stunning emerald green water and untouched golden sands. And you are not alone in that! Many travellers consider this beach to be one of the most beautiful in the country – and yet it remains an insider tip. Relax on the beech, paddle a kayak out on to the water or go looking for parrots inland – whatever takes your fancy!

Immerse yourself in the Caribbean flair of Curaçao!

Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, looks as though it has been designed by children making their colourful dream of life come true. That is how vibrantly colourful the buildings here are with their decorative colonial-era façades. Anyone who has been here once will be reluctant to leave again. And so our post-cruise programme allows you to lengthen your stay here and add an extra unforgettable day of swimming at the beach.

The island’s beautiful beaches are not only ideal for sunbathing and swimming, but also for snorkelling. Waiting to be discovered is an underwater world full of intact corals and fish that flash in all colours of the rainbow. Whether you plump for Mambo Beach, Jan-Thiel Beach, Baya Beach with its shipwreck, or any other beach is entirely up to you. They are all equally idyllic.

Leg 4 · R9 · Puerto Vallarta to Curaçao

PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME PUERTO VALLARTA:

POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME CURAÇAO:

Puerto Vallarta–Mexico

Puerto Vallarta–Mexico

PRE- AND POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME*

21.03. – 23.03.2024

08.04. – 10.04.2024

PRE-CRUISE PROGRAMME CURAÇAO:

Make the most of the beauty of the Caribbean!

Which is the most beautiful island in the Caribbean? That is surely open to question. But one thing is certain: Curaçao is somewhere up there at the top of the rankings! And that is something you can see for yourself when you join our pre-cruise programme. Because before you embark, you will have the chance to explore the capital Willemstad and some of the wonderful beaches the island has to o ffer. And in case some things here seem very European: the island is in fact an autonomous region of the Kingdom of the Netherlands! But what is different here to the Dutch North Sea beaches is that here you will lie under palm trees on white sandy beaches, and swim in turquoise blue water at pleasantly warm temperatures that range between 25 and 28 degrees all year round. Make sure you do not miss the chance to taste the local cuisine, because in culinary terms, Curaçao is a few steps ahead of its mother state.

POST-CRUISE PROGRAMME LISBON: Retrace the steps of the seafarers of old!

Our journey around the world ends in Lisbon. But that is no reason to leave immediately! On the contrary! With our post-cruise programme, you can explore the Portuguese capital with all its many facets – and in doing so, retrace the steps of those who set off for distant lands from here many centuries ago. On our tour of the city you will learn all sorts of exciting facts about the city, country and its people, before setting off to explore the city under your own steam in the afternoon. The means of transport: your own two feet or the city’s famous trams. Either will allow you to explore the city of the seven hills at your own pace. At the end of the day, you will have collected all sorts of impressions that you will remember in your heart long after you have returned home.

Price details and more detailed descriptions will be published at the latest 3 months before your departure at www.nicko-cruises.com

Puerto Vallarta to Lisbon

Leg 4 · R10 · Curaçao to Lisbon

Curaçao · Caribbean

Monument of the Discoveries· Lisbon

Travel price per person in Euro

* Family cabin: with at least 2 full-paying adults, you will be given a connected cabin for children under 16 years of age free of charge. For more information, please see pages 41 and 178.

** Limited number available. Note on sole occupancy: Once the limited quota of cabins has been reached, the surcharge will increase from +15% to +30%. *** Discount applies when you book at least two successive cruises.

Important travel information

Route R9: You will not be able to join the cruise without valid identificaton documents. Every passenger is responsible to inform himself about the actual entry requirements and necessary travel documents. Notice Aruba and Curaçao: passport may not be older than 10 years. Notice Mexico and Nicaragua: passengers will get a touristcard with arrival, which has to be shown on arrival and departure. Notice Curaçao: passengers need to fill out an entry card online: https://edcardcuracao.com/default.aspx.

Route R10: You will not be able to join the cruise without valid identificaton documents. Every passenger is responsible to inform himself about the actual entry requirements and necessary travel documents. Notice Curaçao: passport may not be older than 10 years. Passengers need to fill out an entry card online: https://edcardcuracao.com/default.aspx.

Minimum number of participants for this trip to be reached up to 30 days before departure: 900 people, for overland, pre- and postprogramm: 20 people (see section 8.1 of our travel terms).

EXPLORE THE WORLD IN 183 OR 112 DAYS - OUR GRAND AND COMPACT WORLD CRUISES.

Travel price per person in Euro

Route Route R1 to Route R10: Lisbon–Cape Town–Mauritius–Maldives–Singapore–Manila–Sydney–Auckland–Puerto Vallarta–Curaçao–Lisbon

Route R5 to Route R10: Singapore–Manila–Sydney–Auckland–Puerto Vallarta–Curaçao–Lisbon

* Family cabin: with at least 2 full-paying adults, you will be given a connected cabin for children under 16 years of age free of charge. For more information, please see pages 41 and 178.

** Limited number available. Note on sole occupancy: Once the limited quota of cabins has been reached, the surcharge will increase from +15% to +30%.

Information on entry and visa requirements can be found at the end of the price table for each leg.

Further information on special conditions and other benefits when you book our Compact or Grand World Tours is to be found on Pages 58/59.

SIMPLY

OUR PROMISE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY. GOODBYE BUSTLE, HELLO PURE HOLIDAY ENJOYMENT.

Embark on a cruise with the VASCO DA GAMA and step into a world of never-to-be-forgotten moments that you will long cherish as wonderful memories.

At nicko cruises our team is dedicated to making your holiday as pleasant and relaxing as possible. On board the VASCO DA GAMA, on fascinating shore excursions, and in pleasurable anticipation when planning your voyage. We always aspire to excel, to always exceed your expectations.

MORE HOLIDAY

Our cruises not only take you to the faraway destinations of your dreams, but also far away from the bustle and stress of daily life. Your perfect relaxation is ensured by our extensive range of services on board including cuisine and enjoyment, sport and spa, adventure and entertainment. Various categories of cabins and suites are available to suit your personal preferences and needs. Your hotel on the high seas. Perfectly organised escorted shore excursions. Not to mention tailored planning of your pre and post-cruise travel on which we will be happy to advise you personally. More relaxation, more comfort, more enjoyment. Simply more holiday.

OUR SERVICE

Cruise in the cabin category of your choice

nicko cruises full board:

Services included in the cruise fare

· Wholesome varied breakfast with coffee, tea and fruit juices in various restaurants

· Buffets, show cooking or à la carte menus served at your table, depending on the restaurant

· Flexible mealtimes with a free choice of seating

· Coffee and cakes depending on daily programme

nicko cruises director and English-speaking local guide accompany excursions

English and German-speaking service crew on board

First-class entertainment programme with on-board shows, live music and lectures about the culture and civilisation of the destinations

Devoted, age-appropriate childcare and large children’s area over two decks with indoor and outdoor spaces

Convenient whisper audio system on all excursions

Use of the gym, swimming pools, outdoor sports facilities and spa with sauna (a fee is charged for massages and cosmetic treatments)

Luggage service between landing stage and cabin on embarkation and debarkation

All port and passenger fees

Rooms brimming with possibilities

What does a cruise day look like on the VASCO DA GAMA? Any way you want. Would you like to enjoy some culinary delights? Five restaurants, the Alfresco Grill, various bars and lounges look forward to welcoming you. Or some entertainment perhaps? You will love our Hollywood’s theatre. Spa, sauna, workouts a holiday for body and soul. A holiday for you.

Good to know

The currency on board is the euro. At the end of your cruise, you can settle your account and any excursions booked on board in cash, by EC or credit card (Mastercard, VISA): easily, as you prefer.

You can find more information on our VASCO DA GAMA ship here:

Suite with balcony

SIMPLY WONDERFUL

SLEEP AND RELAX, REST AND SAVOUR THE PEACE. THIS IS YOUR HOLIDAY.

Made for you

Feel at home far from home, or even better. The cabins on board the VASCO DA GAMA fulfil every wish. No matter the deck or category, you will be captivated by their quality. Elegant furnishings, air conditioning, SAT-TV, loving attention to detail, and the wonderful feeling of voyaging across the seas of the world in your own hotel room.

Outside cabin with balcony

Comfort as companion

Would you like to sleep longer, enjoy quality time as a couple, read a good book, sip a glass of wine or simply let your thoughts roam with the ocean waves? The cabins and suites on the board the VASCO DA GAMA provide the perfect setting.

Many different categories impress with their individuality and comfort. Your very own dream island as base to enjoy your voyage on the high seas. Look forward to it, treasure the moments.

Outside cabin with window and double bed

STEP INTO A DREAM

ROOMS FOR RELAXATION AND REVERIE: OUR CABINS AND SUITES.

Detailed information on the cabins can be found on page 178/179.

Suite with balcony

Penthouse suite with balcony

Suite with balcony

Atlantic Deck (Deck 4)

Main Deck (Deck 5)

Promenade Deck (Deck 6)

Upper Deck (Deck 8)

VASCO DA GAMA

DECK PLAN

DECK 4-8 OVERVIEW OF CATEGORIES

Technical details

Language on board: English, German

Passengers/crew: 1,000/approximately 550

Construction year: 1993

Conversion 2015, renovation 2017 and 2021

Length/width/draught: 219 m/31 m/7.8 m

Sockets: 110/220/56 volts

WiFi: chargeable

STERN

Veranda Deck (Deck 9)

Navigator Deck (Deck 10)

Lido Deck (Deck 11)

Sports Deck (Deck 12)

PLAN

DECK 9-12

OVERVIEW OF CATEGORIES

Lift

Partially restricted view

Additional upper bed

Additional single sofa bed (cat. 15 and 16: double sofa bed)

Family cabin with liaison door

Lower beds arranged as king-size bed

Cabin with shower (specially designed for wheelchair users)

Cabin with shower (no wheelchair access)

Technical details

Language on board: English, German

Passengers/crew: 1,000/approximately 550

Construction year: 1993

Conversion 2015, renovation 2017 and 2021

Length/width/draught: 219 m/31 m/7.8 m

Sockets: 110/220/56 volts

WiFi: chargeable

DECK 10 Penthouse suite with balcony

101.7 m², maximum occupancy: 4 persons

• Large balcony with seating furniture

• King-size double bed

• Seating area with sofa bed, can be arranged as a double bed

Bathroom with shower, large whirlpool bathtub and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone, safe

• Coffee and tea making facilities

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

Mini bar/refrigerator in the cabin

• Complimentary extras for guests in the penthouse suite:

- welcome fruit platter, a bottle of wine and water

- culinary gem in the evening from the chef

- telescope, atlas and umbrella for passenger’s use during the cruise

- bathing robe and terry towelling slippers

- laundry and ironing service

- preferred check-in and check-out time (if possible)

• 34.7 m², maximum occupancy: 4 persons

• Balcony with seating furniture

• King-size double bed (can be separated into single beds on request)

• Seating area with sofa bed, can be arranged as a double bed

• Bathroom with level-access, walk-in shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone, safe

• Coffee and tea making facilities

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

• Mini bar/refrigerator in the cabin

• Complimentary extras for suite guests (category 15):

- welcome fruit platter, a bottle of wine and water

- culinary gem in the evening from the chef

- telescope, atlas and umbrella for passenger’s use during the cruise

- bathing robe and terry towelling slippers

- laundry service

- preferred check-in and check-out (if possible)

DECK

• 20.9 m², maximum occupancy: 3 persons

• Balcony with seating furniture

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request)

• Sofa, can be arranged as a bed in some cases

• Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone, safe

• Coffee and tea making facilities

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

• Mini bar/refrigerator in the cabin

• Complimentary extras for guests in all cabins with balconies – category 13 and 14

- welcome fruit platter, a bottle of wine and water

- telescope, atlas and umbrella for passenger’s use during the cruise

- bathing robe and terry towelling slippers

- preferred check-in and check-out time (if possible)

DECK

20.9 m², maximum occupancy: 3 persons

• Balcony with seating furniture

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request)

• Sofa, can be arranged as a bed in some cases

Bathroom with whirlpool bathtub and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone, safe

• Coffee and tea making facilities

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

Mini bar/refrigerator in the cabin

• Complimentary extras for guests in all cabins with balconies –see category 14

• 17.5 m² with window, maximum occupancy: 2 persons

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request) and seating area

• Bathroom with small bathtub/shower and hair dryer

Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

• 17.7 m² with window, maximum occupancy: 2 persons

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request) and seating area

• Bathroom with small bathtub/shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

• 17.6 m² with window, max. occupancy of two cabins with liaison door: 7 persons

• Family cabin with liaison door: on booking cabin numbers 4066, 4067, 4074, 4075, 4078, 4079, 4090, 4091, 4154, 4155, 4162, 4163, 4170, 4171, 4178, 4179, 4186 or 4187 with at least three persons (of whom at least two are full-fare guests) the connecting cabin for children under 16 years of age is free of charge.

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request)

• Sofa, can be arranged as a bed/additional upper bed in some cases

• Bathroom with small bathtub/shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

• 16.8 m² with window, maximum occupancy: 2 persons

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request) and seating area

• Bathroom with small bathtub/shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

DECK 4 Outside cabin with window

DECK 6 Outside cabin with window

DECK 4 Outside cabin with window andliaison door (family)

DECK 5 Outside cabin with window

9/10 Outside cabin with balcony, front/aft

9/10 Outside cabin with balcony

DECK 10 Suite with balcony

VASCO DA GAMA

CABIN CATEGORIES

YOUR MODERN HOTEL ROOM ON THE HIGH SEAS

DECK 5/9 Outside cabin with window, front/aft

17.1–17.7 m² with window (cab. 5250, 5251, 5254 and 5255: 16.4 m²), maximum occupancy: 3 persons

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request)

• Sofa, can be arranged as a bed in some cases

Bathroom with small bathtub/shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

DECK 4

Outside cabin with window, front/aft

• 17.3–17.9 m² with window, maximum occupancy: 3 persons

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request)

• Sofa, can be arranged as a bed in some cases

• Bathroom with small bathtub/shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

DECK 6 Outside cabin with window, front/aft 6

• 16.8–18.3 m² with window (cab. 6182 and 6183: 22 m²), maximum occupancy: 2 persons

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request) and seating area

• Bathroom with small bathtub/shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

DECK 6 Outside cabin with window (partially restricted view)

• 16.8 m² with window (partially restricted view), maximum occupancy: 2 persons

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request) and seating area

• Bathroom with small bathtub/shower and hair dryer

Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

DECK 4/5 Outside cabin with porthole, front/aft

16.0–18.5 m² with porthole (cab. 4010 and 4011: 23.7 m²; cab. 5010 and 5011: 15.3 m²), maximum occupancy: 2 persons

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request) and seating area

Bathroom with small bathtub/shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

DECK 5/6/9/10

Inside cabin

• 16.4–17.0 m² (cab. 5081 and 5085: 20.2 m²), maximum occupancy: 4 persons

• Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request)

04

• Sofa, can be arranged as bed/additional upper bed in some cases

• Bathroom with shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

• Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

DECK 5/6/9 Inside cabin, front/aft

02

• 16.4–17.1 m² (cab. 5002: 21 m²; cab. 5053 and 5056: 20.2 m²; cab. 9020 and 9024: 13.1 m²), maximum occupancy: 4 persons

Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request)

• Sofa, can be arranged as bed/additional upper bed in some cases

• Bathroom with shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

DECK 4 Inside cabin

• 16.4–16.9 m², maximum occupancy: 3 persons

Double bed (can be separated into single beds on request)

• Sofa, can be arranged as a bed in some cases

• Bathroom with shower and hair dryer

• Flat-screen TV set, telephone and safe

Air conditioning, can be regulated individually

01

EXCURSIONS

On every cruise, we offer a variety of excursions for which you can make binding reservations on our website at least 3 weeks before the trip starts, in rare exceptional cases even at shorter notice. Please note that you must first enter your boarding manifest details before you can book the excursions in your personal log-in area. The reserved excursions are paid for on board. The excursions often require a minimum or maximum number of participants. If you do not participate in an excursion you have booked, it is not possible to refund the costs. The arrival and departure times are planned target times. Any trip may require timetable changes. Depending on the conditions, the captain decides on the best possible implementation. Times, itineraries, excursion programmes and prices are subject to change.

DIALYSIS

There is a dialysis station on board the VASCO DA GAMA which can be used by dialysis patients for an occupancy fee. If you are a dialysis patient, please reserve your dialysis spot directly with our partner DiaCare before booking (DiaCare Tel. +49 (0)40 6077 33820).

EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION

With your travel documents you will receive detailed embarkation instructions with the exact berth at the embarkation point as well as the exact embarkation times. Despite officially confirmed berths, ships occasionally have to change them at short notice. Should you arrive on your own, we recommend that you arrive at the pier at least 3 hours before the ship departs. The flight-based arrival/ departure packages we organize bring you straight to your ship. Please be sure to note the exact embarkation times. Even if the ship docks earlier, the crew must use the time to “clear the ship”. Please understand that it is not possible to board the ship until the specified time. Disembarkation on the day of departure usually takes place by 9:00 am.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

For safety reasons, irons, straighteners, immersion heaters and similar electrical appliances may not be used in the cabins. The electrical voltage in your cabin is 220 volts. German plugs can be used without a country adapter. A hairdryer is available in the cabin free of charge. Please remember – if necessary – to bring an appropriate adapter for your devices.

FIRST AID AND MEDICAL CARE ON BOARD

A doctor is available on board the VASCO DA GAMA to provide first aid in case of emergency. The services of the ship’s doctor and any medication administered will be invoiced on site. Our on-board staff (for example at the reception) are not allowed to dispense any medication. Please remember to carry sufficient supplies of any medication that you need constantly in your hand luggage. You should also have sufficient quantities of common medicines, such as painkillers, with you. Narcotics prescribed by a doctor must be declared along with the medical certificate upon embarkation, kept separately on board and secured against unauthorised removal. No liability is accepted for medication and urgently needed medical utensils carried in the suitcase. We strongly recommend that you take out an international health insurance policy that also covers the costs of medically reasonable return transport to your home country. Our VASCO DA GAMA is subject to strict hygiene requirements, which are constantly monitored by the captain and his team. For your own safety, we have placed hand sanitizers on board in many different locations, which every guest should use as often as possible to prevent the accidental spread of pathogens on the ship. Medical electrical equipment may be taken on board upon request. Please note, however, that there may be temporary

power fluctuations on board. Carrying oxygen cylinders in coaches is generally not permitted.

GUESTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

Your ship offers you the greatest possible comfort, but you will of course find stairs and narrow doors and corridors. Even getting in or out via the mostly narrow gangways is not always at ground level and, depending on the tidal range, can be very steep. If you cannot overcome these obstacles independently, a sea cruise on our ships is not recommended. We ask for your understanding if, in some cases, tendering or shore leave may be refused for safety reasons. The captain is responsible for making this decision. Our crew is of course willing to help, but please bear in mind that the staff on board are not trained carers and are not allowed to carry out any nursing duties. If you have a disability that prevents you from taking part in the sea rescue exercise, please also inform us before the trip begins. If you need special assistance, you must travel with a carer. Our seagoing vessel is not accessible. Guests who are dependent on a wheelchair must bring their own folding wheelchair. Please note that the number of guests per trip who are dependent on a wheelchair is limited for safety reasons and embarkation may be refused if the passenger does not notify us in advance. For safety reasons and to check requirements, please inform us of any special needs, limited mobility or other physical limitations before booking.

LUGGAGE

There are no restrictions on the amount and weight of baggage brought on board. If travelling by air, the baggage allowance rules of each airline apply. Please note that your empty luggage must be stowed in your cabin. The storage space provided for this purpose under the beds is suitable for suitcases with a maximum height of 23 centimetres. Your luggage may only contain personal belongings. Bringing weapons, knives, alcohol or intoxicants on board is prohibited. For safety reasons, it is not permitted to take drinks and food on board. This also applies to anything purchased for consumption during shore excursions. The hotel management will gladly store until disembarkation any local products/souvenirs that you would like to take home with you. According to the rules of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS), every piece of luggage – including hand luggage –is screened at embarkation.

INTERNET ON BOARD

VASCO DA GAMA is equipped with a satellite reception system and offers internet reception in the form of WLAN for a fee (please refer to the ship’s information). Continuous reception cannot always be guaranteed; on the high seas there may be interruptions in network coverage. We ask for your understanding that there is no possibility for reimbursement of costs due to interruptions. To ensure the most stable internet service possible, there are restrictions on certain streaming providers and internet services. For more information, please refer to the on-board ABC in your cabin. If you have any questions, the staff at reception will be happy to help you.

CABINS

You will usually receive your cabin number with your booking confirmation. We will gladly accept your non-binding cabin request when you book. However, information on cabin numbers is expressly not part of the contract. Typical ship noises, e.g. from the ship’s propulsion, air conditioning/ventilation, etc., can be heard in almost all rooms. Outside cabins with an obstruction of view due to the ship’s construction are marked accordingly in the deck plan in this catalogue. The standard cabins and the suites are equipped with a double bed with separate mattresses. If desired, the beds can also

be made up separately. The Royal Penthouse Suite has a king-size double bed. VASCO DA GAMA has double cabins with connecting doors as well as suites that can be occupied by up to 4 people. For occupancy by 3–4 persons, the ship has double cabins with a sofa bed and/or a single upper bed. These cabins are particularly suitable for travellers with children. Cabins for guests with mobility impairments are also marked on the deck plan. Detailed features of the cabin categories offered can be found in the ship and cabin description on page 178 and in the deck plan on pages 174–177. We ask for your understanding that the suites can only be occupied by at least 2 people.

CHILDREN ON BOARD

Children under 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by two full-paying adults. When accompanied by a full-paying adult, children under 16 receive a 50% discount on the cruise fare. For information on our family cabins and discounts on bookable additional services, please refer to the price tables and arrival pages at the end of each chapter. The minimum age for children on board is 24 months. Children from the age of 3 have access to a spacious supervised play area on board the VASCO DA GAMA with indoor and outdoor areas extending over two decks. Only children who have been vaccinated against measles are permitted to use the children’s area. Proof must be provided by presenting the vaccination certificate.

CLOTHING

On board we recommend sporty-casual clothing. You should wear non-slip shoes on the outside decks. You can wear swimwear and sportswear in the designated pool, wellness and sports areas. In the restaurants, neat clothing is desired. For the shore excursions we recommend that you wear clothes suitable for the weather conditions. For cruises to cold regions, we recommend warm clothing even in the summer months, as well as waterproof and comfortable footwear for shore excursions. A laundry and ironing service is available on board the VASCO DA GAMA for a fee.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Shore excursions, which nicko cruises has organised and put together for you, will take you to the most beautiful landscapes and most important sights along your itinerary. Of course, you can also discover your holiday destination on your own. Should the regulations change due to a pandemic declaration or local regulations, excursions can only be carried out with groups organised by us. Please enquire about the respective entry and visa regulations of your destination in good time before starting your trip. Leaving your ship is always possible when the authorities as well as the captain have officially cleared the ship and the corresponding announcement has been made. Please refer to the daily programme to find out when you have to be back on board. Due to the registered berthing times in the port, your ship cannot wait for late passengers. Any additional costs incurred (such as hotel or additional transfer costs) will not be covered. If your ship is at anchor, landings will be made by the ship’s own or local tender boats.

SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE FARE

Please note that the following services are not included in our cruise fare: Individual arrival and departure, excursions – if not explicitly included in the cruise fare – insurance, drinks, tips (recommendation €13–17 per day/person), other personal expenses.

PASSPORT/VISA/ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Please check well in advance of your trip that all necessary travel documents and papers are properly valid. We hereby inform you that you are responsible for your own required travel documents, visas and compliance with health regulations at your holiday

IMPORTANT NOTESA FRANK TALK

Dear passengers,

We are delighted that you want to go on a cruise with nicko cruises and are now starting to plan your holiday. We would like to give you a few tips for your preparation. There are a few special features and useful tips that are worth knowing. We have picked out the most important ones – in our opinion –so that you can travel in comfort.

destination. Please refer to the “Important Travel Information” in this catalogue following each price table or the information in your travel confirmation. Please note that minors require their own valid travel document. For travel outside the European Union, child ID cards are not accepted in most countries. Here, presenting a machinereadable passport with photo is required for entry. If children are not travelling in the company of their legal guardian, they must bring along written confirmation from the legal guardian, which may be certified by a notary public. In addition, a copy of the parent or guardian’s passport must be attached to the confirmation. You will find detailed information on this at www.auswaertiges-amt.de under the heading “Travel and safety information” for the countries on your booked itinerary. Failure to comply with passport, visa and health regulations may result in refusal of carriage or considerable costs for the passenger concerned. If a trip cannot be started due to missing documents, the cruise fare will not be refunded. Further general information on entry and visa requirements: In addition to the period of validity, the passport must have two opposite free pages per country for entry and exit in many countries outside Europe. Please check your passport for the necessary requirements. Several countries have established import regulations for certain medicines. Please inform yourself in good time about the current entry requirements of the destination countries of your trip. Possible entry and visa fees are not included in the cruise fare. If necessary, a (group) visa will be applied for upon the ship’s arrival in individual countries. Should this be subject to a charge, the fees incurred will be debited from your on-board account. Your travel agency will be happy to assist you in obtaining individual visas. Please note that in addition to the entry, health and visa requirements listed here, there may be further requirements to be taken into account. You will find them on our website at www.nicko-cruises.de/en/importantinformation approximately six months before the start of your trip.

PASSENGER MANIFEST

For all trips with the VASCO DA GAMA, we require certain information from you before the start of the trip in order to prepare a passenger manifest. It contributes to faster official clearance of the vessel in the various ports and shortens waiting times for you. The information on this passenger manifest is subject to data protection. You will receive a booking confirmation containing a link to your login area for entering the manifest data online.

MAIL

You can drop off your mail on board. Usually the mail is dispatched at the next port. Postcards as well as stamps can be purchased at the reception on board, but note that prices on board can usually be more expensive than on land.

PRICE AND SERVICE CHANGES BETWEEN CATALOGUE PRINTING AND BOOKING

1. The offers for the contractual travel services in this catalogue correspond to the position at the time of going to press in February 2022. However, please understand that until your booking request has been transmitted, there are likely to be factual reasons for changes to the services, which we therefore expressly reserve the right to make. We will of course inform you about these before the conclusion of the contract.

2. The prices stated in this catalogue also correspond to the status at the time of printing and are binding for us as the travel operator. However, we expressly reserve the right – especially for the following reasons – to declare a change in the cruise fare before conclusion of the contract; we will of course inform you of any such change before booking:

• After publication of the catalogue, a corresponding adjustment of the price stated in the catalogue is permissible in the event of an increase in transport costs (especially fuel costs), charges for certain services such as port, airport or entry fees, air traffic security costs, air traffic or value added tax, so-called “bed tax” or a change in the exchange rates applicable to the trip in question.

• A price adjustment is also permissible if the package trip requested by the customer and offered in the catalogue is only available through the purchase of additional tourist services (contingents) after publication of the catalogue. For price changes after conclusion of the travel contract, the provisions on price changes in our terms and conditions of travel shall apply, insofar as they are validly agreed, to which we expressly refer in addition.

SMOKING

Smoking is only permitted in the designated areas of the outside deck. Please only use the ashtrays provided. All interior areas such as restaurants, lounges, cabins, cabin balconies, corridors etc. are non-smoking areas. This also applies to the use of e-cigarettes of any kind.

ROADSTEAD/SHIP BERTHS

Every ship has a berth in every port, which can also be changed at short notice by the authorities. It does not always have to be in the centre. You will find an anchor symbol in front of some moorings in the itineraries on the travel pages; this means that your ship is not mooring at a pier, but is anchored in a designated, safe place or, in nautical parlance, is “in the roads”. Please note that the port authorities may at any time assign our vessel another berth in the roadstead at short notice; this is beyond the control of the shipping company. In these cases, a regular shuttle service between the ship and port will be arranged, using either the ship’s own or local tender boats. This disembarkation is dependent on weather. For safety reasons, customers with limited mobility are unfortunately not able to use this service. This also applies to guests with a pronounced form of visual impairment.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

The travel documents are ready for dispatch approx. 14 days before departure and will be sent immediately by e-mail, provided we have received the data for the on-board manifest and the final payment has been made. In addition to the vouchers for booked services, the travel documents contain important information, such

as embarkation instructions. In individual cases, the arrival of the documents may be delayed until a few days before departure.

CHANGES TO ROUTES AND SERVICES

Cruises are subject to special shipping conditions which we cannot influence. The shipping company therefore reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary without prior notice should these become necessary for safety reasons or due to sea, weather or ice conditions or due to travel warnings issued by the German Foreign Office.

SHIP’S FACILITIES

On board the VASCO DA GAMA, a wide range of public facilities are available for your well-being. In addition to the wellness area with steam bath and sauna, this includes a fitness area with various cardio machines. Table tennis, shuffleboard and darts complete the facilities. The outdoor sports area includes a paddle tennis hard court and a jogging track. In addition, VASCO DA GAMA has an outdoor pool with two whirlpools and a covered indoor pool. You can use all these facilities free of charge. Use is at the passenger’s own risk. In the beauty area, massage and cosmetic treatments are available for a fee. You can also arrange for a session with a hairdresser. You will find opening times and price lists for these services in your cabin. In the various on-board shops you will find a range of clothing, costume jewellery, cosmetics and a selection of articles for daily use. Please note that due to customs regulations, the shops are only allowed to open outside the 12 mile zone. In our theatre “Hollywood’s” a variety of shows and entertainment programmes are performed.

VACCINATIONS

You should ask your family doctor for information about infection and vaccination protection as well as other prophylactic measures in good time before you start your trip. If special vaccinations are mandatory on your itinerary, we will explicitly point this out in the “important travel information” at the end of each stage. Each passenger is responsible for meeting the requirements of the entry regulations of each destination. Only children who have been vaccinated against measles are permitted to use the children’s area. Proof must be provided by presenting the vaccination certificate. Pandemics, especially corona virus variants: For participation in our cruises all travellers aged 12 and over, must present a valid vaccination certificate against COVID-19 or a valid recovery certificate. Please note that the rules of the respective port/country of call may be stricter and thus our regulations may lapse.

PREGNANT GUESTS

Pregnant guests must present a medical certificate at the start of the trip confirming that there are no medical reservations against taking part in the trip. Please note that it is not possible to take part in the trip if you are already in the 24th week of pregnancy or have a high-risk pregnancy.

SECURED PAYMENT CERTIFICATE

Your cruise fare is insured in accordance with EU directives. You will receive the cruise fare secured payment certificate with your nicko cruises travel confirmation.

TELEPHONE ON BOARD (COMMUNICATION)

On board you can make telephone calls from cabin to cabin. It is also possible to make telephone calls to land via a satellite connection. However, the costs are quite high and we recommend that you use your own mobile phone instead. Mobile reception is generally only possible near land. Please check with your provider before you travel to find out about any roaming charges that may apply.

PETS/BIKES/SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Due to space restrictions, we regret that we are unable to allow pets or bulky sports equipment such as bicycles, surfboards etc. on board. We ask for your understanding.

TRANSFERS

If you have booked a cruise with an arrival package (by flight) via nicko cruises, transfer to the ship and back to the airport at the end of the trip is included in the cruise fare. If arriving by air, our tour guide will be waiting for you in the airport building behind the baggage claim. As we sometimes transfer guests from several flights landing in quick succession, there may be waiting times before the transfer bus departs. Your local tour guide will be happy to inform you.

TIPS

It is internationally customary for a satisfied guest to reward the services of the service staff accordingly. The amount of the tip is of course up to each guest and should be an acknowledgement of good service. On board, we recommend €13–17 per guest and per night for the ship’s crew. The nicko cruises cruise management, local tour guides and bus drivers are not included. However, you are also welcome to thank them with a tip.

DRINKING WATER

As fresh water is always stored in tanks on board ships, we recommend that you do not drink the tap water and get mineral water in the bars or restaurant if necessary. Tap water is unreservedly suitable for brushing teeth.

TV

Your ship has flat-screen TVs that work with a satellite system, ensuring TV reception for much of the journey. The on-board television provides you with access to feature films and selected travel magazines.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

VASCO DA GAMA runs on reduced-sulphur MGO (marine gas oil) and has an SCR catalytic converter that reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 95 per cent. VASCO DA GAMA thus clearly exceeds the exhaust gas regulations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). A new purification system with state-of-the-art membrane technology enables waste water purification to bathing water quality without the use of chemicals. Please do your part to protect the environment by using resources considerately and thus helping to preserve our wonderful destinations for future generations.

CATERING

On board the VASCO DA GAMA you have five restaurants to choose from, with free seating. Breakfast is served à la carte or buffet style, and for lunch and dinner you can choose from different menus. Depending on the itinerary, the meals are always enriched with local elements. In the “Club Bistro” you can expect worldwide culinary delights as well as theme evenings in buffet form. For dinner you have the option of dining in any restaurant on-board from 5.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. (last admission approx. 8.15 p.m.). Exclusive menus await you at “The Grill” restaurant at an extra charge. Here, please reserve your place early enough directly with the maître. The “Alfresco Grill” offers you light meals outside the normal meal times. At the time of booking, please notify us of dietary food and special meals you may require. Usually, appropriate catering can be prepared for you. We ask for your understanding should this not be possible on flights in exceptional cases.

VALUABLES

There is a small safe box in all cabins where you can lock up your valuables. Nevertheless, we do not recommend taking things

of value, such as expensive jewellery etc., with you on your trip in the first place. In some cases, you are visiting regions of the world where, by our standards, even modest wealth is considered opulence, and so showing off supposedly precious things could arouse greediness. Please note that valuables such as cameras, jewellery, cash and other valuables must be carried in your hand luggage. Liability is precluded for lost valuables in unattended checked baggage.

MEANS OF PAYMENT ON BOARD

The currency on board is the Euro. At the end of your trip, you can pay in cash for drinks consumed on board and excursions booked on board. Of course, you can also pay your on-board bill with your credit card (Mastercard, VISA or EC card). Under certain circumstances, foreign fees may be charged by your bank or credit card company for card payments, as the VASCO DA GAMA sails under the Portuguese flag. Please note: Currency exchange is not possible on board.

Do you still have questions? Contact us or the travel agency that booked your trip. We are happy to help you!

1.

Conclusion of the package travel contract, obligations of the customer

1.1. All booking channels are subject to the following provisions:

a) The basis of the offer by nc and the booking by the customer are the travel description and the supplementary information provided by nc for each trip, insofar as they are available to the customer at the time of booking.

b) Travel agents and booking offices are not authorised by nc, to make agreements, provide information or make assurances that amend the agreed content of the package travel contract, go beyond the travel description or the services contractually agreed by nc or contradict them.

c) Information in hotel guides and similar directories not published by nc are not binding for nc and the performance obligation of nc unless they become the content of nc’s performance obligation by express agreement with the customer.

d) If the content of nc’s travel confirmation differs from the content of the booking, this shall constitute a new offer by nc to which nc shall be bound for a period of 3 working days. The contract shall be concluded on the basis of this new offer insofar as nc has pointed out the change with regard to the new offer and has fulfilled its pre-contractual information obligations and the customer declares acceptance to nc by means of an express declaration or down payment within the commitment period.

e) The information nc provides about essential characteristics of the travel services, the cruise fare and all additional costs, the payment modalities, the minimum number of participants and the cancellation fees (pursuant to Article 250 section 3 no. 1, 3 to 5 and 7 of the Introductory Act to the German Civil Code (EGBGB)) shall not become part of the package travel contract only if this has been expressly agreed between the Parties.

f) The customer is liable for all contractual obligations of fellow travellers for whom he/she makes the booking as for his/her own, insofar as he/she has assumed a corresponding obligation by express and separate declaration.

1.2. Bookings made orally, by telephone, in writing, by e-mail or by fax shall be subject to the following provisions:

a) With the booking the customer makes a binding offer to nc for the conclusion of the package travel contract. The customer is bound to the booking for 3 working days

b) The contract comes into effect upon receipt of the travel confirmation (declaration of acceptance) by nc. On or immediately after conclusion of the contract nc shall send the customer a travel confirmation in accordance with statutory requirements on a durable storage medium (which enables the customer to keep or store the declaration unchanged in such a way that it is accessible to him/her within a reasonable period of time, e.g. on paper or by e-mail), unless the traveller is entitled to a travel confirmation in paper form pursuant to Art. 250 section 6 (1) sentence 2 EGBGB because the contract was concluded in the simultaneous physical presence of both parties or outside business premises.

1.3. For bookings in electronic business transactions (e.g. internet, app, telemedia) conclusion of the contract shall be subject to the following provisions:

a) The customer will receive an explanation of the electronic booking procedure in the corresponding nc application.

b) In order to correct his/her entries, to delete or to reset the entire booking form a corresponding correction option is provided for the customer, with its use being explained.

c) The contract languages offered for performing the online booking are indicated. Only the English language is legally authoritative.

d) Insofar as the contract text is stored by nc in the online booking system, the customer will be

informed of this and of the option of retrieving the contract text at a later date.

e) By pressing the button “book with obligation to pay” the customer offers nc the binding conclusion of the package travel contract. The customer shall be bound by this contractual offer for three working days after the electronic declaration is sent.

f) The customer will promptly receive an electronic confirmation of the booking being received.

g) The transmission of the booking by pressing the button “book with obligation to pay” does not constitute a claim of the customer to the conclusion of a package travel contract in accordance with his/her booking details nc is instead free to decide whether or not to accept the customer’s contract offer.

h) The contract comes into effect by the customer receiving the travel confirmation from nc

i) If immediately after the customer has made the booking by pressing the button “book with obligation to pay” the travel confirmation occurs by corresponding immediate display of the travel confirmation on the screen (booking in real time), the package travel contract shall be concluded upon receipt and display of this travel confirmation by the customer on the screen, without the need for any intermediate notification of receipt of the customer’s booking pursuant to f), insofar as the customer is offered the option to store the travel confirmation on a durable storage medium and to print it out. However, the binding nature of the package travel contract is not dependent on the customer actually using these storage or printing options. nc will also send the customer a copy of the travel confirmation in text form.

1.4. nc points out that in accordance with statutory provisions (sections 312 (7), 312g (2) sentence 1 no. 9 of the German Civil Code (BGB)), there is no right of cancellation for package travel contracts pursuant to section 651a and section 651c BGB that have been concluded at a distance (letters, catalogues, telephone calls, telecopies, e-mails, messages sent via mobile phone service (SMS) as well as broadcasting, telemedia and online services), but only the statutory rights of withdrawal and termination, in particular the right of withdrawal in accordance with section 651h BGB (see also section 5). However, there is a right of withdrawal if the contract for travel services has been concluded outside business premises in accordance with section 651a BGB, unless the oral negotiations on which the conclusion of the contract is based have been conducted based on the consumer’s prior order; in the latter case, there is also no right of cancellation.

2. Payment

2.1. nc and travel agents may only demand or accept payment of the cruise fare before the end of the package trip if a valid insurance contract exists and the customer has been given the insurance certificate with the name and contact details of the insurer in a clear, comprehensible and prominent manner. After conclusion of the contract, a deposit of 20% of the cruise fare is due for payment in exchange for the insurance certificate being handed over. The remaining payment is due 30 days before the start of the trip, provided that the insurance certificate has been handed over and the trip can no longer be cancelled for the reason stated in section 8. For bookings made less than 30 days before the start of the trip, the entire cruise fare is payable immediately.

2.2. If the customer does not make the down payment and/or the final payment in accordance with the agreed payment due dates, although nc is ready and able to duly provide the contractual services, has fulfilled its statutory information obligations and no legal or contractual right of setoff or retention exists on the part of the customer, and if the customer is responsible for the default in payment, then nc is entitled to withdraw from the

package travel contract after issuing a reminder with a deadline and to charge the customer withdrawal costs in accordance with section 5.

3. Changes to the contents of the contract before the start of the trip that do not affect the cruise fare

3.1. Deviations of essential characteristics of travel services from the agreed content of the package travel contract, which become necessary after conclusion of the contract and which nc has not brought about in bad faith, shall be allowed to nc before the start of the trip, insofar as the deviations are insignificant and do not affect the overall nature of the trip.

3.2. nc is obligated to inform the customer of changes to services immediately after becoming aware of the reason for the change on a durable storage medium (e.g. also by e-mail, SMS or voice message) in a clear, comprehensible and prominent manner.

3.3. In the event of a significant change to an essential characteristic of a travel service or a deviation from special requirements of the customer which have become part of the package travel contract, the customer is entitled to either accept the change or withdraw from the contract free of charge within a period specified by nc at the same time as the notification of the change. If the customer does not expressly declare withdrawal from the package travel contract to nc within the period stipulated by nc, the change is deemed to have been accepted.

3.4. Any warranty claims shall remain unaffected insofar as the modified services are defective. Should nc incur lower costs for carrying out the modified trip or any substitute trip that may be offered at the same quality at the same price, the customer is to be reimbursed the difference in accordance with section 651m (2) BGB.

4. Price increase; price reduction

4.1. nc reserves the right, in accordance with section 651f, 651g BGB and the following provisions, to increase the cruise fare agreed in the package travel contract, insofar as

a) an increase in the price of passenger transport due to higher costs for fuel or other energy sources,

b) an increase in taxes and other charges for agreed travel services, such as tourist taxes, port or airport charges, or

c) a change in the exchange rates applicable to the package trip in question directly affects the cruise fare.

4.2. An increase in the cruise fare is only permissible insofar as nc informs the traveller clearly and comprehensibly in text form about the price increase and the reasons for it, while communicating the calculation of the price increase.

4.3. The price increase is calculated as follows:

a) In the event of an increase in the price for the carriage of passengers in accordance with 4.1a), nc may increase the cruise fare in accordance with the following calculation:

In the case of an increase related to the seat, nc may demand the amount of the increase from the customer. Otherwise, the increased cost of fuel or other energy sources claimed by the carrier per means of transportation on a pro rata basis by nc shall be divided by the number of persons transported. nc may thus request that the customer pay the amount of the increase thus resulting for each person transported.

b) In the event of an increase in taxes and other charges pursuant to 4.1b), the cruise fare may be increased by the corresponding pro rata amount.

c) In the event of an increase in exchange rates pursuant to 4.1c), the cruise fare may be increased to the extent that the trip has thus become more expensive for nc

4.4. nc is obligated to grant the customer/traveller a reduction in the cruise fare at his/her request if and insofar as the prices, charges or exchange rates mentioned in 4.1 a)–c) have changed after conclusion of the contract and before the start of the trip and this results in lower costs for nc. If the customer/traveller has paid more than the amount due under this provision, the excess amount shall be refunded by nc nc may, however, deduct from the excess amount to be refunded the administrative expenses actually incurred by nc nc must prove to the customer/traveller at the latter’s request the amount of administrative expenses incurred.

4.5. Price increases are only permissible if the customer receives such notification by the 20th day prior to the start of the trip.

4.6. In the event of price increases of more than 8%, the customer is entitled to either accept the change or withdraw from the package travel contract free of charge within a reasonable period of time set by nc at the same time as the notification of the price increase. If the customer does not expressly declare withdrawal from the package travel contract to nc within the period stipulated by nc, the change is deemed to have been accepted.

5. Withdrawal by the customer before the start of the trip/cancellation costs

5.1. The customer may withdraw from the package travel contract at any time before the start of the trip. The withdrawal is to be declared to nc at the address given below; if the trip was booked through a travel agent, the withdrawal can also be declared to the agent. The customer is advised to declare the withdrawal in text form.

5.2. If the customer withdraws before the start of the trip or if the customer does not take part in the trip, then nc shall lose the claim to the cruise fare. Instead nc can demand reasonable compensation, insofar as nc is not responsible for the withdrawal. nc may not claim compensation to the extent that unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances arise at the destination or in its immediate vicinity which substantially affect the performance of the package trip or the carriage of persons to the destination; circumstances are unavoidable and extraordinary if they are beyond the control of the party invoking them and their consequences could not have been avoided even if all reasonable precautions had been taken.

5.3. nc has set the following flat-rate compensation charges, taking into account the period between the withdrawal declaration and the start of the trip, as well as expected savings on expenses and the expected acquisition through other uses of the travel services. Based on the date the withdrawal declaration was received, the compensation shall be calculated as follows with the respective cancellation scale:

a) Trips from the main catalogue, trips without special designation

up to 90 days 50% from 89 to 45 days 75% from 44 days to 10 days 90% from 9 days to the day of arrival or in case of no-show 95% of the agreed cruise fare.

d) Cancellation of single beds (single travellers) in double or multi-bed cabins (promotional trips) up to 90 days 60% from 89 to 45 days 90% from 44 days until the day of arrival or in case of no-show 95% of the agreed cruise fare.

5.4. In any case, the customer is at liberty to prove to nc that nc has not suffered any damage at all or that the damage is significantly lower than the flat-rate compensation charge requested by nc

5.5. A flat-rate compensation charge pursuant to clause 5.3. shall be deemed not to have been fixed and agreed insofar as nc proves that nc has incurred significantly higher expenses than the calculated amount of the flat-rate charge that would have been applied in the event of an agreement. In this case nc is obligated to specifically quantify and justify the compensation demanded, taking into account the expenses saved and the acquisition of any other use of the travel services.

5.6. If nc is obligated to refund the cruise fare as a result of a cancellation, section 651 h (5) BGB shall remain unaffected.

5.7. The customer’s statutory right pursuant to section 651 e BGB to send a message to nc on a durable storage medium stating that a third party intends to assume the rights and obligations arising from the package travel contract in place of the customer, shall remain unaffected by the above conditions. Such a declaration shall be deemed to have been sent on time if nc receives it 7 days before the start of the trip.

5.8. It is strongly recommended that you take out travel cancellation insurance and insurance to cover repatriation costs in the event of accident or illness.

6. Transfers

6.1. After conclusion of the contract the customer has no right to change the booking (changes with regard to the travel date, the travel destination, the place of departure, the accommodation, the type of catering, the mode of transport or other services). This shall not apply if the rebooking is necessary because nc has provided no, insufficient or incorrect pre-contractual information to the traveller pursuant to Art. 250 section 3 EGBGB; in this case, the rebooking is possible free of charge.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL of nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH for sea and expedition cruises

Dear customers and travellers, The following provisions, insofar as they are validly agreed, shall become a component of the package travel contract coming into effect upon conclusion of the contract between the customer and nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH, hereinafter abbreviated to “nc”. They supplement and fill out the statutory provisions of sections 651a–y BGB (German Civil Code) and Articles 250 and 252 of the EGBGB (Introductory Act to the German Civil Code). Therefore, please read these terms and conditions of travel carefully before booking! Although the utmost care was exercised in translating these Conditions of Travel into English, attention is expressly drawn to the fact that only and exclusively the German version entitled “Reisebedingungen nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH” is legally binding.

b) Promotional trips at special prices (special designation: “promotional trip”

departure

to 10 days before departure 85% up to one day before departure 90% and on the day of arrival or in case of no-show 95% of the agreed cruise fare

c) Cancellation of single beds (individual travellers) in double or multi-bed cabins (trips from the main catalogue)

6.2. At the customer’s request nc can check rebooking options. If nc performs rebooking, nc may charge the customer a rebooking fee per traveller affected by the rebooking, provided that the following deadline is met. Unless otherwise agreed in individual cases prior to the rebooking being confirmed, the rebooking fee is €200 per person up to 150 days before the start of the trip. Rebooking requests made by the customer after the deadline as well as rebooking requests concerning specially designated promotional trips at special prices can only be carried out, if their implementation is possible at all, after withdrawal from the travel contract in accordance with section 5 under the terms and conditions and simultaneous re-registration. This shall not apply to rebooking requests that only incur minor costs. Previously confirmed cabin numbers cannot be taken into account for rebookings.

7. Service not used

If the traveller does not make use of individual travel services, which nc was willing and able to provide in accordance with the contract, for reasons for which the traveller is responsible, the traveller shall not be entitled to a pro rata refund of the cruise fare, insofar as such reasons

would not have entitled the traveller to withdraw from or terminate the travel contract free of charge in accordance with statutory provisions. nc will endeavour to obtain a refund for the saved expenses from the service providers. This obligation shall not apply if the services are completely negligible.

8. Withdrawal due to failure to reach the minimum number of participants

8.1 nc may withdraw if the minimum number of participants is not reached in accordance with the following provisions:

a) The minimum number of participants and the latest date of receipt of the withdrawal declaration by nc must be stated in the respective precontractual information documents

b) nc must state the minimum number of participants and the latest withdrawal deadline in the travel confirmation

c) nc is obligated to immediately declare the cancellation of the trip to the customer if it is determined that the trip will not be carried out due to the minimum number of participants not being reached.

d) It shall be impermissible for nc to withdraw later than 30 days before the start of the trip.

8.2. If the trip is not carried out for this reason, the customer will be refunded any payments made on the cruise fare without delay; section 5.6 applies accordingly.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL

9. Obligations of the customer/traveller

9.1. Travel documents

The customer must inform nc or the travel agent through whom the customer has booked the package trip, if the customer does not receive the necessary travel documents (e.g. flight ticket, hotel voucher) within the period communicated by nc

9.2. Notification of defects/seeking redress

a) If the trip is not provided free of travel defects, the traveller may seek redress.

b) Insofar as nc was not able to provide redress as a result of a culpable failure to report the defect, the traveller cannot assert claims for a reduction in price in accordance with section 651m BGB or claims for damages in accordance with section 651n BGB

c) The traveller is obligated to immediately report the defect to the local nc representative. If a representative of nc is not available on site and there is no contractual obligation to provide such a representative, any travel defects are to be reported to nc at nc’s designated contact point; the availability of nc’s representative or its local contact point will be stated in the travel confirmation. However, the traveller may also bring the notice of defects to the attention of his/her travel agent through whom he/she booked the package trip.

d) The representative of nc is instructed to take remedial action, insofar as this is possible. However, he/she is not authorised to recognise claims.

9.3. Setting a deadline before termination

If the customer/traveller wishes to terminate the package travel contract due to a travel defect of the type described in section 651i (2) BGB, insofar as it is substantial, in accordance with section 651l BGB, the customer shall give nc a reasonable period of time to remedy the situation. This shall only not apply if nc refuses to provide a remedy or if immediate remedy is necessary.

9.4. Damaged and delayed baggage when travelling by air; special rules & deadlines for seeking redress

a) The passenger is advised that lost, damaged and delayed baggage in connection with air travel must immediately be reported by the passenger to the relevant airline on the spot by means of a claim form (“P.I.R.”) in accordance with the provisions of aviation law. Airlines and nc may refuse refunds based on international agreements if the claim form has not been completed. In the event of damage to baggage, the claim must be filed within 7 days, in the event of delay within 21 days of delivery.

b) In addition, loss, damage or misrouting of baggage must immediately be communicated to nc, its representative or contact point or the travel agent. This shall not release the passenger from the obligation to notify the airline of the damage in accordance with a) within the above deadlines.

10. Limitation of liability

10.1. The contractual liability of nc for non-culpable damage not resulting from injury to life, limb or health is limited to three times the cruise fare. Any further claims under the Montreal Convention or the German Air Transport Act remain unaffected by this limitation of liability.

10.2. nc is not liable for disruptions to services, personal injury or damage to property in connection with services that are merely arranged as third-party services (e.g. arranged excursions, sporting events, theatre visits, exhibitions) if these services have been expressly identified as thirdparty services in the travel brochure and travel

confirmation, stating the identity and address of the third-party contractual partner, in such a clear manner that the traveller can see that they are not part of the package trip of nc and have been selected separately. Sections 651b, 651c, 651w and 651y BGB remain unaffected by this. 10.3. nc is liable, however, if and to the extent that a breach of information, explanation or organisational obligations on the part of nc has become the cause of the damage suffered by the traveller.

11. Assertion of claims, addressee

The customer/traveller must assert claims pursuant to section 651i (3) no. 2, 4–7 BGB against nc. The claim can also be asserted via the travel agent if the package trip was booked via this travel agent. The contractual claims listed in section 651 i (3) BGB are subject to a limitation period of two years. The limitation period begins on the day on which the trip should end according to the contract. Asserting the claims in text form is recommended.

12. Information requirements on the identity of the operating airline

12.1. Before or at the latest at the time of booking, nc shall inform the customer in accordance with the EU Regulation on information for passengers on the identity of the operating air carrier about the identity of the operating airline(s) with regard to all air transport services to be provided as part of the booked trip.

12.2. If the operating airline(s) has/have not yet been determined at the time of booking, then nc is obligated to inform the customer of the airline or airlines that will probably operate the flight. As soon as nc knows which airline will be operating the flight, nc will inform the customer.

12.3. If the airline named to the customer as the operating airline changes, then nc will inform the customer of the change without delay and as soon as reasonably practicable.

12.4. The “Black List” (airlines banned from using the airspace above the Member States.), drawn up in accordance with the EC Regulation, is available on nc’s website or directly at https://transport. ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/eu-air-safetylist_de and is available at nc’s offices.

13. Passport, visa and health requirements

13.1. nc will inform the customer/traveller about general passport and visa requirements as well as health formalities of the destination country including the approximate periods for obtaining any necessary visas before conclusion of the contract as well as about any changes to these requirements before the start of the trip.

13.2. The customer is responsible for obtaining and carrying officially mandated travel documents, taking any necessary vaccinations and complying with customs and foreign exchange regulations. Disadvantages arising from non-compliance with these regulations, e.g. payment of withdrawal costs, shall be borne by the customer/traveller. This shall not apply if nc has not provided information or has done so insufficiently or incorrectly.

13.3. nc shall not be liable for the timely issuance and receipt of necessary visas by the respective diplomatic mission if the customer has commissioned nc with the procurement of such visas, unless nc has culpably violated its own obligations.

14. Special regulations related to pandemics (esp. coronavirus)

14.1. The Parties agree that nc will always provide the agreed travel services in cooperation with the service providers in compliance with and in accordance with the official requirements and conditions applicable at the time of travel.

14.2. The traveller agrees to observe reasonable usage regulations or restrictions of the service providers when using travel services and to notify the tour guide and the service provider immediately in the event of typical symptoms of illness occurring.

15. Data processing; alternative dispute resolution; choice of law and legal venue

15.1. The data provided by the customer in the travel registration form shall be used by nc to book and process the trip and to send information and offers to the customer. In the case of travel abroad, the processing includes in particular the transmission of customer data to the service partners abroad. Customers can find out more about processing and storage as well as their rights as data subjects (in particular the right of access and the right to object) in nc’s privacy policy which is available at any time at www.nicko-cruises.de/ en/data-protection or at the business premises of nc or which nc will gladly send to the customer.

15.2. nc points out with regard to the German Consumer Dispute Resolution Act that nc shall not participate in voluntary consumer dispute resolution. If a consumer dispute resolution procedure becomes obligatory for nc after these terms and conditions of travel go to print, nc will inform consumers of this in an appropriate form. nc refers to the European online dispute resolution platform https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/ for all travel contracts concluded in electronic legal transactions.

15.3. For customers/travellers who are not citizens of a Member State of the European Union or Switzerland, it is hereby agreed that the entire legal and contractual relationship between the customer/traveller and nc shall be governed exclusively by German law. Such customers/ travellers can sue nc exclusively at nc’s domicile.

15.4. For lawsuits filed by nc against customers or contractual partners of the package travel contract who are merchants, public-law or private-law legal entities or persons whose place of residence or habitual abode is abroad, or whose place of residence or habitual abode is unknown at the time of filing suit, it is agreed that the legal venue shall be nc’s domicile.

© Protected by copyright:

Noll | Hütten | Dukic Attorneys at Law, Munich | Stuttgart, 2023–2024

Travel operator is:

nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH

Mittlerer Pfad 2

70499 Stuttgart, Germany

Tel. +49 (0)711 2489 8033

Fax +49 (0)711 2489 8077

international@nicko-cruises.de www.nicko-cruises.com

Stuttgart Local Court

HRB 753521

Managing Director: Guido Laukamp, Carsten Keil

These terms and conditions of travel apply to ocean and expedition cruises with nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH and supersede all previous ones.

As of October 2021

Separate conditions apply to our river cruises.

HOLIDAY AHOY!

With the right travel protection, you can relax and start packing.

Travel Cancellation - / Travel Curtailment Insurance Deductible (only for rates with a deductible): 20 % of the reimbursable loss (at least 25.00 € per person)

Mode of travel: valid for all types of travel

Area of application: worldwide

Insured cost of travel: A maximum travel price of 25,000 € per person or per family is possible. Please contact our service team for longer travel periods and travel fees exceeding 25,000 €.

Sums insured:

Travel Delay Insurance: 1,500 € per person, 3,000 € per family

Baggage Insurance: 3,000 € per person, 6,000 € per family

Baggage Delay Insurance: 150 € per person, 300 € per family per insured event

Travel Health Insurance incl. Medical Return Transport: unlimited for medical / dental emergency treatment, unlimited for Medical Return Transport. Maximum benefit for search, rescue and recovery costs: 10,000 €

Travel Liability Insurance: 500,000 € per person, 1,000,000 € per family for personal injury and property damage

Travel Accident Insurance: up to 30,000 € per person in the event of disability, 10,000 € in the event of death

Cruise Insurance: Compensation due to medically recommended cabin stay or non-attendance of separately booked shore excursions: 500 € per person / family. Compensation per missed port of call: 100 € per person / family, maximum 500 € per person / family. Denied boarding because of suspected contagious disease: 150 € per person / family

Sports & Activity Insurance: Missed activities: 500 € per person / family.

Sporting Equipment Insurance: 500 € per person, 1,000 € per family

Insured duration of travel: The insurance policies are valid for the duration of the trip (from commencement of the trip to the time of return).

Cancellation Full Protection: a maximum of 999 days per trip is possible. Complete Protection for Cruises: a maximum of 56 days per trip is possible.

Travel Health Protection: a maximum of 90 days per trip is possible.

Insurance premium for families: Valid for up to two adults (irrespective of the family relationship and common place of residence) and children up to their 21st birthday. Any number of own children can be insured. Otherwise a maximum of six children may be insured. All insured persons must be listed by name.

Notes on arranging insurance: All travel protection with Travel Cancellation Insurance should be taken out when booking travel.

It is possible to take this out later up to 30 days before commencement of travel. If travel is booked 29 days or less before commencement of travel, travel cover must be taken out immediately, but within the following three workdays at the latest.

Important information: The Terms and Conditions of Insurance of AWP P&C S.A. are relevant for insurance cover. The complete Terms and Conditions of Insurance are available from your travel agent. They are also available for inspection under www.allianz-reiseversicherung.de. Services and premiums are subject to amendments.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Always including cover against late arrival and rebooking.

OUR NEW TRAVEL INSURANCE OFFER ESPECIALLY FOR CRUISES AND BOAT TRIPS: Including special benefits for cruises and boat trips: Compensation due to medically recommended cabin stay, non-attendance of separately booked shore excursions, missed port of call or denied boarding because of suspected contagious disease.

FORM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION TO THE TRAVELLER IN THE CASE OF A PACKAGE HOLIDAY IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 651A OF THE GERMAN CIVIL CODE

The combination of travel services offered to you is a package trip within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2015/2302. Therefore, you can benefit from all the EU rights that apply to package trips. The company nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH, Mittlerer Pfad 2, 70499 Stuttgart, Germany bears full responsibility for the proper performance of the entire package trip. In addition, the company nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH, Mittlerer Pfad 2, 70499 Stuttgart, Germany has the legally required coverage for refunding your payments and, if transport is included in the package trip, to secure your repatriation in the event of its insolvency.

MAIN RIGHTS UNDER DIRECTIVE (EU) 2015/2302

· Travellers shall receive all essential information about the package trip before concluding the package travel contract.

· At least one entrepreneur is always liable for the proper provision of all travel services included in the contract.

· Travellers shall receive an emergency telephone number or details of a contact point through which they can get in touch with the travel operator or travel agency.

· Travellers may transfer the package trip to another person – within a reasonable period of time and possibly at additional cost.

· The price of the package trip may only be increased if certain costs (for example fuel prices) increase and if this is expressly provided for in the contract, and in any case no later than 20 days before the start of the package trip. If the price increase exceeds 8% of the package price, the traveller may withdraw from the contract. If a travel operator reserves the right to a price increase, the traveller has the right to a price reduction if the corresponding costs decrease.

· Travellers may withdraw from the contract without paying a cancellation fee and receive a full refund of all payments if any of the essential elements of the package trip, other than the price, are substantially altered. If the entrepreneur responsible for the package trip cancels the package trip before it starts, travellers are entitled to a refund and possibly compensation.

· Travellers may withdraw from the contract without paying a withdrawal fee if exceptional circumstances arise before the start of the package trip, for example if there are serious security problems at the destination which are likely to affect the package trip.

· In addition, travellers may withdraw from the contract at any time before the start of the package trip in exchange for paying a reasonable and justifiable withdrawal fee.

PACKAGE TRIP FORM

· If, after the start of the package trip, essential elements of the package trip cannot be carried out as agreed, reasonable alternative arrangements shall be offered to the traveller at no extra cost. The traveller may withdraw from the contract without paying a withdrawal fee (in the Federal Republic of Germany this right is called “cancellation”) if services are not provided in accordance with the contract and this has a significant impact on the provision of the contractual package travel services and the travel operator fails to provide redress.

· The traveller is entitled to a price reduction and/or compensation if the travel services are not provided or not provided properly.

· The travel operator shall assist the traveller if the traveller is in difficulty.

· In the event of the insolvency of the travel operator or – in some Member States – the travel agent, payments shall be refunded. If the insolvency of the travel operator or, where relevant, the travel agent occurs after the start of the package trip and if transport is part of the package trip, return transport of passengers shall be guaranteed. nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH, Mittlerer Pfad 2, 70499 Stuttgart, Germany has taken out insolvency insurance with Deutscher Reiseversicherungsfond GmbH. Travellers can contact Deutscher Reiseversicherungsfond GmbH

(Sächsische Straße 1, 10707 Berlin; Tel.: +49 (0)30 7895 4770; e-mail: schadenmeldung@drsf.reise; website: schadenmeldung. drsf.reise) if they have been denied services due to the insolvency of nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH, Mittlerer Pfad 2, 70499 Stuttgart, Germany

Website where the complete edition of the German Civil Code can be found: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/

First-class medical care with DiaCare

40 years of vacation dialysis on ships

Enjoy your dream trip to the fullest, while we make sure that the care of an experienced doctor and additional dialysis specialists is guaranteed at all times.

Treatment times are always planned around the offered excursions. This means you don‘t have to miss out on any of the cruise experiences and can enjoy the highlights as well as the excursions before and after your treatment. Enjoy the highlights of the cruise as well as the amenities and the special atmosphere aboard the VASCO DA GAMA.

As a first step, please coordinate directly with us (DiaCare) as a cooperation partner of nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH, so that we can confirm your dialysis station before your actual cruise reservation.

Email: info@diacare.ch

| Reserve your dialysis slot | Welcome aboard the VASCO DA GAMA |

TRAVELINGOF comes true!

PUBLICATION CREDITS

Publisher nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH

Mittlerer Pfad 2, 70499 Stuttgart, Germany

Tel. +49 (0)711 2489 800

Fax +49 (0)711 2489 8077

info@nicko-cruises.de www.nicko-cruises.de

Editorial team

nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH, GRUPPE DREI® GmbH

Concept & design

GRUPPE DREI® GmbH

78048 Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany www.gruppedrei.com

Printing & processing

Druckerei Raisch GmbH & Co. KG Auchtertstraße 14 72770 Reutlingen

Photo credit

nicko cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH, Holger Leue Photography, Getty Images, iStock, Adobe Stock, Unsplash