Nicko Cruises is adjusting the itinerary of its 2026-27 world cruise due to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

The company’s world cruise will take place onboard the Vasco da Gama, sailing from Hamburg on November 3, 2026.

In a press release, Nicko said that the change combines “responsible planning with an appealing five-day stay in Egypt.”

The company will offer a complimentary overland program in the country, allowing the Vasco da Gama to transit part of the Red Sea with no guests onboard.

“World cruises are planned well in advance. Geopolitical developments that could not be foreseen at the time of route planning may necessitate adjustments later on,” Nicko stated.

“Consequently, Nicko Cruises continuously reviews its routes and aligns future travel planning with current conditions,” the company added, noting the safety and well-being of guests and crew are its priorities.

Passengers will disembark the vessel in Salalah on April 16, 2027, before boarding again for the remainder of the voyage in Safaga on April 21, 2027.

According to Nicko, guests will be flown to Hurghada on charter flights, where they will stay for five days with options to participate in shore excursions that focus on beach days, culture and sightseeing.

The German brand said that this will allow the Vasco da Gama to sail around Yemen with no passengers, avoiding the risk of an area “where conditions currently cannot be reliably assessed.”

Nicko made a similar change to its world cruise in 2025, offering a land program in Oman due to security concerns in the Red Sea.

“We already had a very positive experience with a multi-day overland program in Oman in 2025. Our guests received it extremely well and appreciated the chance to experience the country, its culture and its people firsthand,” said Guido Laukamp, ​​managing director of Nicko Cruises.

Vasco da Gama’s 193-night world cruise sails roundtrip from Germany, featuring visits to destinations in the Caribbean, Latin America, the South Pacific, Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa and the Mediterranean.