Discover the Vasco-Da-Gama: Ratings & Maritime News

**Title: ‘Vasco da Gama’ World Cruise to Conclude Prematurely in Lisbon** In a recent announcement to guests, the cruise ship 'Vasco da Gama' will be concluding its world cruise earlier than anticipated, with its final stop set for Lisbon on April 25, 2026. This change means that the voyage will not finish in Hamburg as initially scheduled on May 1. The Stuttgart-based tour operator is actively arranging return travel for all passengers affected by this change. As the world cruise progresses, the last destinations include the picturesque Canary Islands. On April 20, the ‘Vasco da Gama’ docked in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and it is expected to arrive at Las Palmas on Gran Canaria on April 21. Following its time in the Canary Islands, the vessel will navigate three days at sea at reduced speed before reaching Lisbon. Post the Lisbon stop, the 'Vasco da Gama' will undergo essential repairs in dry dock. The shipping company, in collaboration with partners, is currently addressing technical issues to expedite the ship's return to standard operations.

**Title: Technical Glitch Forces Vasco da Gama's World Cruise to Alter Its Course** In an unexpected turn of events, the world cruise on board the 'Vasco da Gama' has been interrupted due to a mechanical issue affecting the vessel's starboard CPP (controllable pitch propeller) system. The technical difficulties emerged during the cruise's transit from Angola to the Cape Verde Islands, resulting in a significant reduction in speed. Originally scheduled to dock in Praia, Santiago in the Cape Verde Islands on April 12, the ship's arrival was postponed by three days due to the malfunction. Upon reaching Praia, specialized technicians were brought on board to assist the local crew in troubleshooting the issue; however, their efforts did not yield successful results, and the cruise ship continued to operate at a diminished speed of around 11 knots as it headed towards Santa Cruz, Tenerife, with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) set for April 19. This unforeseen situation led nicko cruises to make the difficult decision to truncate the cruise segment, which initially spanned from Walvis Bay to Málaga. Passengers were provided with alternative travel arrangements from Praia, although some who had planned to experience the full world cruise, concluding in Hamburg on May 1, opted to remain on board. Meanwhile, Mystic Cruises, the operator of the 'Vasco da Gama,' has been collaborating with nicko cruises to evaluate the possibility of scheduling a dry dock visit to address the mechanical issues at the earliest opportunity. It has been confirmed that the world cruise will not conclude as initially planned in Hamburg on May 1, with the new final destination and timing yet to be determined based on shipyard availability. Those remaining guests on board were set to receive direct communications regarding the latest developments.

Title: Technical Glitch Delays Vasco da Gama's Voyage Across the Atlantic The 'Vasco da Gama,' a popular cruise ship, has encountered unexpected technical difficulties with its controllable pitch propeller (CPP) system, resulting in a significant reduction in cruising speed during its Atlantic crossing from Luanda to Praia, located on Santiago Island in Cape Verde. Although the ship was scheduled to make its next port of call on April 12, 2026, these issues have forced a postponement of several days. Currently, the 'Vasco da Gama' is only managing an average speed of below 12 knots, well below its normal cruising capability of 15 to 16 knots. This slowdown is set to affect its arrival in Malaga, originally planned for April 17, where a partial passenger exchange was supposed to take place. Furthermore, the vessel is expected to reach Praia on the island of Santiago on April 15, where a team of divers and maritime experts is prepared to conduct a thorough inspection of the partially malfunctioning CPP system. This incident highlights the importance of maintenance and technical reliability in ensuring smooth operations during cruise voyages. Travelers eagerly awaiting their turn aboard the 'Vasco da Gama' are advised to stay informed about further updates regarding their itinerary.

31 crew members of the ‘Vasco da Gama’ were engaged in a cleaning action on Maiata beach, in Porto da Cruz, on May 6, 2023. This was an initiative of the largest Portuguese cruise ship owner, Mystic Cruises, with Blandy Shipping, within the scope of the ‘Vasco da Gama – Together for a better world’ campaign. The initiative, which also has the collaboration of the Parish Council of Porto da Cruz, aimed at environmental protection and better quality for all visitors to that beach. The ship is completing a trip around the world, lasting 183 days and intends to carry out various actions of this nature in the ports it passes through, improving the environment and in order to “leave its footprint in building a sustainable future”. Report with photos: https://www.madeiraislandnews.com/2023/05/crew-members-of-the-ship-vasco-da-gama-clean-the-beach-in-porto-da-cruz.html

After the British CMV Cruise & Maritime Voyages filed for bankruptcy in July (we reported), the company’s five ships are now up for auction. Full article: https://www.cruisedeck.de/5-kreuzfahrtschiffe-zur-versteigerung/

The 'Vasco Da Gama', en route to Leixoes, has been held off Tilbury docks by the UK Maritime and Coastal Agency on June 20. During the inspection, surveyors found several expired and invalid Seafarers Employment Agreements, late payments of wages and crew members who had been on board for over 12 months. A preventive detention has been served to the passenger vessel in Tilbury until a complete assessment of the living conditions of the crew members has been carried out. The ship remained stationary at the East Branch Dock as of June 23.