Nicko Cruises Expands Its 2028 European Summer Programme With New Northern Routes

Nicko Cruises, which is headquartered in Germany, has revealed details of its summer 2028 programmes on Vasco da Gama, which will include a selection of ocean cruise itineraries in the Western and Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia and the Arctic. The cruises range from 13 to 23 days and include a variety of destinations including Iceland, Spitsbergen, Norway’s North Cape and the British Isles.

The new announcement allows travellers an advance window to arrange longer European trips which include city exploration, coastline views, and smaller port stops. Nicko Cruises has opened reservations for the new departures and published the itineraries in its Ocean Voyages 2028 brochure.

The programme features Baltic departures from Kiel, Western European sailings and Norwegian fjord cruises from German ports. The company will also be revealing five more Mediterranean cruises in January 2027 for its 2028 deployment.

Baltic Sea Cruises Connect Germany With Historic Northern European Destinations

The Baltic Sea forms a major part of Nicko Cruises’ 2028 summer schedule, with two 13-night voyages departing from Kiel in June and July. These itineraries connect Germany with destinations in Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Poland, offering travellers opportunities to experience Northern Europe’s maritime heritage.

A third Baltic itinerary follows in August, featuring destinations including Gdańsk, Bornholm, Malmö and Copenhagen. These ports combine medieval architecture, Scandinavian waterfronts, historic trading centres and contemporary urban attractions.

Travellers visiting Copenhagen can explore the city’s harbour districts and cultural landmarks, while Gdańsk offers colourful historic streets and a rich maritime identity. Bornholm provides a quieter island experience, making the Baltic programme particularly attractive to passengers who prefer varied destinations rather than repeated calls at major cruise terminals.

Arctic Expedition Takes Travellers to Iceland, Spitsbergen and Norway’s North Cape

One of the programme’s highlights is a 23-day Northern European voyage from Kiel on 13 June 2028, concluding at Kiel on 5 July. The itinerary takes in the Shetland Islands, Iceland, Spitsbergen and Norway, providing a comprehensive exploration of Arctic and sub-Arctic environments.

Itinerary Longyearbyen Honningsvåg Alta Geiranger Bergen Travellers will enjoy volcanic landscapes, striking fjords, isolated villages and the midnight sun, which means the northern skies will be bright for parts of summer.

Nicko Cruises offers this cruise from around €4,499.10pp when cabin selection and availability are taken into account. For travellers hoping to see the midnight sun in Norway, which is the name given to the period in which the sun does not set at the North Cape, it runs from mid-May to late July.

Western European Voyages Bring British Isles and Atlantic Coastal Experiences

Vasco da Gama will operate three Western European itineraries in May, August and September 2028, expanding travel choices beyond Scandinavia and the Baltic.

The routes feature the British Isles, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal and Spain’s Atlantic coastline. They combine established maritime destinations with smaller coastal communities and opportunities for cultural sightseeing.

One confirmed 18-day voyage departs Hamburg on 15 August and returns on 1 September 2028. Its itinerary includes Amsterdam’s gateway at IJmuiden, London’s gateway at Tilbury, Cornwall, Ireland, Wales and several Scottish ports, including Stornoway and South Queensferry.

Vasco da Gama Offers Smaller-Ship Cruising With Extended Destination Experiences

The Vasco da Gama accommodates up to 1,000 passengers and operates with approximately 550 crew members, according to Nicko Cruises’ published vessel specifications.

The 219-metre ship features five restaurants, seven bars and cafés, entertainment facilities and a swimming pool with a retractable glass roof. These amenities support longer itineraries that combine several sea days with intensive destination exploration.

Nicko Cruises also emphasises smaller ports, varied excursions and longer opportunities ashore. This approach gives passengers more flexibility to explore local attractions rather than concentrating exclusively on major cruise destinations.

Essential Travel Guide for Booking Nicko Cruises’ 2028 Summer Sailings

Travelers looking for a 2028 Northern Europe cruise should weigh their options by comparing departure dates, cabin choices, trip and port excursions and travel documents to make sure they get the best experience.

Operator currently offer starting at selected 13-day Baltic departures from around €2,123 to €2,222 per person. Prices are subject to change depending on the itinerary, cabin and booking conditions.

Ensure you are aware of Schengen entry requirements for British citizens, such as the 90 days within a rolling 180 days period. Some borders will operate differently for cruise passengers depending on port of call and itinerary.

When travelling to the Arctic, all visitors should take waterproof jackets, warm clothing and appropriate footwear for walking, even in summer, and get the right travel insurance for you. They should check if there are any extra costs for excursions.

Travellers interested in Mediterranean cruises should look out for Nicko Cruises’ planned news in January 2027 when the operator will be unveiling a further five cruises sailing on Vasco da Gama. https://www.nicko-cruises.de/en