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Nicko Cruises has unveiled one of its most ambitious global cruise itineraries, placing Portugal at the heart of an extraordinary 172-day voyage that connects Europe with the Caribbean, Central America, the South Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Sailing aboard the Vasco da Gama, the 2027–2028 World Cruise will depart from Lisbon on November 4, 2027, before returning to the Portuguese capital on April 24, 2028 after visiting six continents and 41 countries. The extended itinerary reflects growing demand for immersive, long-duration voyages that allow travellers to explore multiple cultures, landscapes and heritage destinations in a single journey while enjoying the comfort of a boutique-style cruise experience.

The voyage has also been designed with flexibility in mind. In addition to the complete 172-day “Big World Tour,” travellers can choose a shorter 125-day “Small World Tour” from Panama City to Lisbon or select from nine individual cruise segments covering different regions of the world. This modular approach allows guests to experience destinations ranging from the Caribbean islands and French Polynesia to Australia’s east coast, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean and Southern Africa, making the programme attractive to both seasoned world cruisers and travellers seeking regional explorations.

Portugal Strengthens Its Position as the Gateway to a Global Cruise Adventure

Nicko Cruises has chosen Lisbon as both the departure and return port for its flagship 2027–2022028 World Cruise, reinforcing Portugal’s growing importance as a major European cruise hub. The Vasco da Gama will spend nearly six months circling the globe while connecting passengers with diverse destinations spanning Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Asia and Africa.

The itinerary has been structured to combine iconic ports, remote islands, UNESCO-recognised regions, wildlife destinations and culturally significant cities into one seamless global voyage.

Atlantic Crossing Introduces Caribbean Discovery

Following departure from Lisbon, guests will sail through the Azores, Canary Islands and Cape Verde before crossing the Atlantic Ocean toward the Caribbean. Ports including Bridgetown in Barbados and Fort-de-France in Martinique introduce travellers to tropical coastlines, colonial heritage and island cultures.

The opening section combines scenic ocean crossings with culturally rich island destinations, offering travellers a balanced start to one of the cruise industry’s longest voyages.

Caribbean Islands and Central America Expand the Journey

The Caribbean programme continues through Dominica, Antigua, St. Kitts, the British Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic before moving west toward Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Belize, Honduras and Costa Rica.

One of the voyage’s defining highlights is the transit through the Panama Canal, one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements, before arriving in Panama City to conclude this regional segment.

Pacific Islands Deliver an Extended South Seas Experience

After spending Christmas in Central America and celebrating New Year’s Eve in Cabo San Lucas, the Vasco da Gama heads into the Pacific Ocean.

The itinerary features French Polynesia, including the Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Moorea, Tahiti and Bora Bora before continuing through the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia on its journey toward Sydney.

This section focuses on idyllic lagoons, volcanic landscapes, coral reefs and some of the world’s most remote island destinations.

Australia and Asia Connect Diverse Travel Experiences

From Sydney, travellers explore Australia’s east coast through Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and Darwin before sailing toward Indonesia.

Destinations including Timor, Komodo Island, Bali, Java and Jakarta showcase Indonesia’s extraordinary cultural and natural diversity before the ship continues toward Singapore and Malaysia.

The voyage later visits the Maldives, Seychelles and Zanzibar, linking Southeast Asia with the Indian Ocean through a series of world-renowned island destinations.

Indian Ocean and Southern Africa Complete the Global Voyage

The final stages include Kenya, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, La Réunion and South Africa before the Vasco da Gama rounds the Cape of Good Hope.

Passengers then sail along Africa’s Atlantic coastline through Namibia, Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe before making a final stop in Tenerife and returning to Lisbon.

This closing section combines wildlife experiences, dramatic coastlines, island ecosystems and historic maritime routes that have shaped global exploration for centuries.

Flexible Booking Options Broaden Market Appeal

Nicko Cruises has introduced several booking options to accommodate varying travel preferences. Guests may reserve the complete 172-day World Cruise, opt for the 125-day Small World Tour from Panama City to Lisbon, or choose from nine standalone regional segments.

This strategy enables travellers to experience either an around-the-world expedition or shorter destination-focused cruises while maintaining access to the same premium vessel and carefully planned itineraries.

Growing Demand for Extended Global Cruise Holidays

The launch of the 2027–2028 World Cruise reflects increasing demand for immersive cruise experiences that combine luxury accommodation with extensive destination coverage. Long-duration voyages continue to attract travellers seeking slower, more meaningful exploration while avoiding repeated air travel between destinations.

By connecting six continents, dozens of countries and numerous iconic islands, the Vasco da Gama itinerary demonstrates how world cruises are evolving into comprehensive travel experiences that appeal to retirees, remote professionals and experienced international travellers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the Vasco da Gama 2027–2028 World Cruise depart?
The voyage departs from Lisbon on November 4, 2027.

2. How long is the complete World Cruise?
The full itinerary lasts 172 days.

3. How many countries are included in the itinerary?
The cruise visits 41 countries across six continents.

4. Where does the voyage begin and end?
Both departure and return take place in Lisbon, Portugal.

5. What ship will operate the World Cruise?
The cruise will be operated by the Vasco da Gama.

6. Is there a shorter version of the World Cruise?
Yes. Travellers can book the 125-day Small World Tour from Panama City to Lisbon.

7. Can passengers book only part of the itinerary?
Yes. Nine individual cruise segments are available and can also be combined.

8. Does the itinerary include the Panama Canal?
Yes. The voyage features a full Panama Canal transit.

9. Which major regions are included during the cruise?
The itinerary covers Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, the South Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean and Africa.

10. Why is this cruise significant for travellers?
It offers an extensive around-the-world journey combining iconic ports, remote islands, cultural experiences and diverse landscapes across six continents in one continuous voyage.