The Fascinating History of the Cruise Ship Vasco da Gama: A Vessel with Four Lives
While some cruise ships spend their entire operational lifespan sailing for a single brand, others evolve, adapt, and rewrite their stories across different oceans. The Vasco da Gama, currently operating for the German boutique brand nicko cruises, is a classic example of maritime resilience.
With a rich history spanning over three decades, this elegant mid-sized vessel has sailed under four different names, survived a high-profile cruise line bankruptcy, and emerged as a modern, eco-friendly favorite for global world cruises.
Here is the incredible journey of a ship that refuses to retire.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
Before diving into her history, let’s look at the baseline design that has allowed this ship to withstand the test of time:
| Feature | Specification |
| Year of Build | 1993 (Keel laid in 1991) |
| Shipyard | Fincantieri (Monfalcone, Italy) |
| Gross Tonnage | 55,451 GT |
| Length / Beam | 219 meters / 30.8 meters |
| Passenger Capacity | 1,260 to 1,512 guests |
| Crew Members | ~550 |
| Current Flag State | Madeira, Portugal |
The Holland America Era: MS Statendam (1993–2015)
The ship’s story began in November 1989 when Carnival Corporation ordered a new class of ships for its premium brand, Holland America Line. Built by the historic Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, she was launched as the MS Statendam, the lead vessel of the famous S-Class (Statendam-class).
When she embarked on her maiden voyage in January 1993, the Statendam represented the pinnacle of premium, traditional cruising. She spent more than two decades taking passengers to premium global destinations, including summer seasons in Alaska and winters down in Australia and New Zealand. Her classic layout—featuring a three-deck atrium and sweeping teak promenade decks—established a loyal following of cruisers who preferred intimacy over modern mega-ship gimmicks.
Going Down Under: Pacific Eden (2015–2019)
By 2015, Carnival Corporation decided to shift its fleet strategy. The Statendam was transferred to its sister brand, P&O Cruises Australia, to satisfy the booming demand for contemporary cruising in the South Pacific.
Following an extensive multi-million dollar drydock dry-dock in Singapore, she emerged as the Pacific Eden. Her classic old-world interiors were replaced with a bright, casual, and modern Australian aesthetic. For four years, she became a familiar and beloved sight in ports like Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns, offering island-hopping itineraries.
The Birth of Vasco da Gama & CMV Bankruptcy (2019–2020)
In 2018, the British independent line Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) purchased the ship to expand its presence in the German and British markets. CMV allowed its loyal past guests to vote on a name honoring a famous historical explorer, and Vasco da Gama won by a landslide.
The ship was officially christened as the Vasco da Gama in June 2019 in Bremerhaven, Germany. Sadly, this chapter was cut incredibly short. Just a year later, the global COVID-19 pandemic ground the cruise industry to a halt. Unable to bring in revenue, CMV unfortunately filed for bankruptcy in July 2020, and the Vasco da Gama was sent to auction alongside her fleetmates.
A Modern, Eco-Friendly Revival (2021–Present)
Many feared the ship would head to the scrapyard, but she found a savior. In October 2020, Portuguese entrepreneur Mário Ferreira—owner of Mystic Invest—purchased the ship at auction for US$10.2 million.
He assigned the vessel to Mystic’s German ocean-going brand, nicko cruises. Instead of operating her on the cheap, Mystic Invest poured immense capital into modernizing the ship technically and visually.
Green Tech Upgrades: During extensive shipyard overhauls (including a major five-week drydock in early 2025), the vessel was brought into the modern environmental era. All five engines were fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to cut nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 95%. Additionally, she was fitted with shore-power capabilities and a specialized non-toxic silicone hull coating.
Today, the Vasco da Gama operates as nicko cruises’ sole ocean-going liner, targeting English and German-speaking travelers who love deep-destination immersion. She routinely tackles mammoth, slow-paced 175-day World Cruises, taking guests across multiple continents while retaining the beloved layout and generous space-to-passenger ratio of a true 1990s masterpiece.