Vessel Review: Vasco-Da-Gama Faces Challenges on World Cruise

The Vasco da Gama, a prominent cruise ship operated by Mystic Cruises, has encountered multiple technical challenges during its ongoing world cruise, prompting significant changes to its itinerary and affecting the travel plans of its guests. Initially, the vessel suffered issues with its controllable pitch propeller (CPP) system while sailing from Luanda, Angola, towards Praia on the Cape Verdean island of Santiago. This malfunction resulted in the ship operating at a reduced speed of approximately 11 knots, which is notably lower than its usual cruising speed of 15 to 16 knots. Consequently, the originally scheduled port of call in Praia on April 12, 2026, was postponed by three days, as the ship struggled to make headway across the Atlantic.

Technical specialists boarded the Vasco da Gama upon its delayed arrival in Praia, aiming to assist the crew in diagnosing and addressing the CPP malfunction. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, leaving the vessel still unable to operate at its full capacity. Following the extended stay in Praia, the cruise team at Nicko Cruises, in coordination with Mystic Cruises, decided to cut short the leg of the world cruise that was meant to run from Walvis Bay to Málaga, necessitating arrangements for return travel for the affected passengers. Only a small group of guests—those who had booked the complete world cruise ending in Hamburg on May 1—remained on board.

As the situation progressed, it was communicated to the guests via letter that the cruise would ultimately conclude in Lisbon on April 25, 2026, rather than Hamburg as initially planned. This adjustment was made as the ship was slated to make brief stops at Santa Cruz de Tenerife on April 20 and Las Palmas on Gran Canaria on April 21, before making a final journey to Lisbon at the reduced cruising speed. After its arrival in Lisbon, the Vasco da Gama is expected to enter dry dock for necessary repairs, with plans already in motion among Mystic Cruises and its partners to resolve the vessel's technical issues efficiently, aiming for a quick return to normal operations. Through these challenges, the resilience of the Vasco da Gama and the dedication of its crew continue to be tested, illustrating the unpredictability of maritime operations on world cruises.