Nicko Cruises cancelled a second cruise onboard the Vasco da Gama due to technical issues with the 1993-built vessel.
Currently undergoing a drydock at Damen, the ship will be unable to operate its upcoming sailing, which was scheduled to depart on May 9, 2026.
Sailing from Hamburg, the Vasco da Gama was set to offer an 18-night cruise to the British Islands, Ireland and the Netherlands.
According to a report by Schiffe und Kreuzfahrten, the voyage is no longer going ahead due to a delay in the vessel’s shipyard stay.
In late April, Nicko cancelled an eight-night cruise to make room for the drydock, which aimed at correcting an issue affecting the ship’s speed.
The problem was reportedly detected during the final leg of the vessel’s world cruise, leading to the cancellation of a section of the 175-night voyage.
“As you may know, our Vasco da Gama is currently in Brest, France, undergoing an unplanned, short-notice shipyard stay, which only became necessary towards the end of the current world cruise,” Nicko said in a statement.
“We received information from our partner shipping company that, despite their best efforts, the necessary work will take longer than originally anticipated,” the company continued.
Nicko explained that the drydock is essential to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive repair of the ship, noting that the Vasco da Gama will be unable to arrive in Hamburg in time for the cancelled sailing.
“However, all parties are working diligently to offer you a shortened alternative cruise from Bremerhaven to Hamburg from May 13 to May 26, 2026.”
The company added that the shortened sailing requires the completion of the shipyard work and other logistical details, which can only be confirmed on May 8, 2026, noting that guests will be advised in due course.
As a gesture of goodwill, passengers will receive a 30 percent discount on the cruise fare as well as partial refunds for beverage packages and fuel surcharges, Schiffe und Kreuzfahrten reported.
Nicko will also take care of adjusted travel arrangements to Hamburg, including free rail tickets and adapted parking solutions, the German website added.
