Ferreira: Interrupting Vasco da Gama Operations Was a ‘Responsible Decision’

Taking Nicko’s Vasco da Gama out of service due to a series of technical problems was a responsible decision, according to Mario Ferreira, CEO of the brand’s parent company, Mystic Cruises.

After cutting short its world cruise in late April, the company cancelled three sailings onboard the 1994-built ship to make room for an unscheduled drydock.

In a statement shared on his social media profiles, he said that the Vasco da Gama is“a classic ocean vessel with a long and proud maritime history.

“Ships of this character and quality require continuous care, attention, and preventive technical maintenance to ensure they continue operating safely and reliably for many years to come,” Ferreira added.

“Following the identification of necessary preventive work on elements of the propulsion and engine systems, we made the responsible decision to temporarily interrupt operations and carry out additional inspections and repairs,” he continued.

Nicko first cut short the ship’s world cruise to make room for the repairs ahead of its summer season in Northern Europe.

The German brand later cancelled three cruises onboard the Vasco da Gama, including a 14-night voyage to Scandinavia and an 18-night itinerary to the British Isles.

“While such decisions are never easy, we firmly believe that acting proactively is the correct approach when it comes to the safety, comfort, and confidence of our guests,” Ferreira noted.

“We fully understand the inconvenience and disappointment this situation may have caused to some of our valued passengers, and we sincerely thank everyone for their patience, understanding and continued trust during this period.”

The Vasco da Gama is currently scheduled to welcome guests back on June 14, 2026, for an 18-night cruise to Iceland.

Sailing roundtrip from Kiel, Germany, the itinerary also features visits to destinations in Norway, Scotland and the Shetland Islands.

Ferreira said that the 1,270-passenger vessel “remains a very special ship, appreciated by so many guests for her classic elegance, warm atmosphere and unique cruising experience.”

“Our teams and technical partners are working with great dedication to ensure she returns to service in the best possible condition,” he added.

Originally built for Holland America Line, the Vasco da Gama also sailed for P&O Cruises Australia and Cruise & Maritime Voyages before being acquired by Nicko Cruises at an auction in late 2020.