Nicko Cruises Revises Vasco da Gama World Voyage Amid Red Sea Security Concerns – 11 November 2025

Nicko Cruises has announced a significant itinerary revision for its 175-night world voyage aboard Vasco da Gama, which departed Hamburg on 7 November 2025. Due to persistent security risks in the Red Sea region, the operator has rerouted the voyage segment scheduled for 20 March 2026, between Dubai and Piraeus. Passengers will disembark at Salalah, Oman, for a 4-day overland journey across Oman and Saudi Arabia while the vessel repositions to Jeddah without passengers; re-embarkation will occur before the ship proceeds through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean as planned.

The decision reflects ongoing instability affecting Red Sea shipping lanes, particularly near Yemen and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Nicko Cruises stated that proactive rerouting was necessary to avoid potential disruption, even though conditions could improve before March 2026.

Instead of transiting the Red Sea and waters off Yemen, passengers will disembark at Salalah, Oman, on the scheduled date. The 4-day overland program will include guided cultural and natural tours across Oman and Saudi Arabia, with accommodations at a four-star hotel in Jeddah. Some excursions are included in the cruise fare; others will be available as optional pre-bookable experiences once onboard. The Vasco da Gama will reposition to Jeddah during this period without passengers, and all guests will re-embark before the vessel continues through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean on schedule.

The revision stems from ongoing instability and security threats affecting Red Sea shipping lanes, particularly in the vicinity of Yemen and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Nicko Cruises emphasized that passenger safety remains its highest priority and that the overland alternative blends caution with a rich travel experience, ensuring voyage continuity without compromising guest safety. The operator noted that while regional conditions could improve before March 2026, proactive rerouting was necessary to mitigate the risk of disruption.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• Not applicable — this is an itinerary revision, not an emergency evacuation.

Nicko Cruises' decision aligns with similar actions by other cruise operators, including Celestyal Cruises and several major ocean carriers, which have temporarily diverted or suspended routes through the Red Sea. Maritime operators continue to monitor geopolitical developments in the region, balancing route optimization with safety and operational awareness.