Cruise and Maritime Voyages - Vasco de Gama

Cruise Express

Australian owned and operated

Vasco de Gama

Reviewed by: Filippa Banfield 

Date: December 2019

Cruise line and ship: Cruise and Maritime Voyages – Vasco de Gama

Cruise name or itinerary: Cruise & Maritime East Coast Discovery (SYDto ADL) 

Size of ship: 55,877 GRT 

Passenger capacity: 1,220 pax 

Year built: 1993 

Year refurbished/revitalised: 2015 

Where the ship cruises: Worldwide 

Currency onboard: AUD for UK Southbound / Northbound plus Australian summer season 

Embarkation/disembarkation: On my arrival to White Bay, I was welcomed by friendly staff assisting me with my luggage, they put my bag tag on with the cabin number and asked me to go inside to the check-in counters. The cruise was not fully booked so the check-in process went very quick and smooth. I showed them my travel documents and they took an imprint of my credit card for onboard expenses and on we went. My bag was already waiting outside my cabin when I got onboard. 

Disembarkation in Adelaide was quick and problem-free. The night before, I got my bill delivered to my cabin for all onboard expenses which was all in order and that helped when getting off the next day. I had to get to the airport for my flight back to Sydney so I decided to take my bag off myself. 

Main features/highlights: Vasco da Gama is a beautiful ship offering an intimate and elegant style where you straight away feel like home. 

There are many cosy lounge areas to just relax, read a book, have a drink or catch up with friends or loved ones. One of my favorite areas would have to be the Blue Room with its luxurious blue velvet sitting area or the Dome Observatory on Deck 12 where you can choose to watch the world sail by or dance the night away. 

On sunny days enjoy the Oasis and pool area on the Navigators Deck, it really is stunning, relaxing and sophisticated. If the weather is not allowing you to do this, you can still swim, as on Deck 11, there is the retractable pool roof. 

Most suited to: The average age onboard is 60+. Families are welcome however there are no kids clubs or babysitting provided – so best to leave the littlies at home for this one. 

Atmosphere: The atmosphere onboard  is happy, friendly and relaxed. 

Encounters with service staff: We were very well looked after on our cruise. Our cabin steward cleaned our cabin twice daily and a high level of service was provided. 

When relaxing by the pool someone would always approach you within five minutes to take your drink order. Excellent and professional service in all dining rooms with very little waiting time. 

Staterooms: There is a wide choice of comfortable staterooms to choose from. Vasco da Gama has 120 balcony cabins and 29 spacious suites. 

I had a lovely ocean view cabin which was very spacious and offered a natural light from a large porthole. The stateroom had a queen bed that could be converted to two single beds, a sofa with a table and your private ensuite. My bathroom had a shower over the bath which can be tricky for some, so make sure you check this when making your booking. 

Dining options: There are three main Waterfront Restaurants

– Waterfront Restaurant to enjoy classic cuisine 

– Waterfront Mediterranean Restaurant offers Mediterranean classics in a modern surrounding 

– Waterfront Eurasia inspired menu serves up modern Pan-Asian cuisine with an air of eastern mystery. 

No set dining times. 

The Club Bistro is your buffet option open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Deck 11. You can also grab hot dogs, burgers or hot chips throughout the day from the Alfresco Grill on the Lido deck. 

Specialty dining options onboard are “The Chefs Table” and “The Grill” at an additional cost. 

Entertainment: The fabulous two-tiered show lounge “Hollywood’s” is very impressive and we were fortunate enough to enjoy some fantastic shows every night by the talented singers and dancers. 

The Ocean Bar offers classical music and The Blue Room has a piano and singer most days and nights. On some nights there was entertainment on the Lido deck and The Dome Observatory offers gameshows, cabarets and a disco at night. 

Activities: During the days at sea there are a lot of fun activities you can choose to participate in, or not, like any cruise holiday the choice is yours, but it’s always good to have options. Every night your cabin steward will deliver tomorrow’s agenda to you to make sure you don’t miss out on all the happenings of the following day. 

Usually, the day starts with a Fitness class in the gym which is included in your cruise fare. This cruise was an Australian Military History Cruise and every day offered interesting presentations from educated hosts with expertise in these areas. 

Bingo and quizzes seem to be a highlight for many onboard and family-friendly activities were always on the agenda. The Gym is open from early until late and has great equipment including machines and weights if you missed the morning class. There is also a jogging and walking track on Deck 12 or the promenade deck on Deck 6. 

If you feel like getting a little pampered, th Jade Wellness Centre is the place to visit. 

Family facilities: Essentially Cruise and Maritime Voyager ships are ‘child-free’, and although there are no dedicated children’s facilities they welcome guests of all ages onboard. 

Exclusions: Spa treatments, specialty dining, most beverages and gratuities. 

Self-service laundry: This can be found on Main Deck 5 and the Verandah Deck 9. The charge is $8 per wash and $3 per dry. Washing powder is included with the wash and tokens can be purchased at the ship reception desk. There is no charge for the use of an iron and ironing board. 

Insider tips: Don’t miss the Thermal Spa Suite hidden behind the gym. This was my absolute favourite place to rewind. There is a spa bath, steam room, sauna and the amazing thermal beds that heat your body lovely, relaxing you while watching the ocean sweep by. And the best thing, it’s included in your cruise fare!

 

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Vasco de Gama

Reviewed by: Filippa Banfield 

Date: December 2019

Cruise line and ship: Cruise and Maritime Voyages – Vasco de Gama

Cruise name or itinerary: Cruise & Maritime East Coast Discovery (SYDto ADL) 

Size of ship: 55,877 GRT 

Passenger capacity: 1,220 pax 

Year built: 1993 

Year refurbished/revitalised: 2015 

Where the ship cruises: Worldwide 

Currency onboard: AUD for UK Southbound / Northbound plus Australian summer season 

Embarkation/disembarkation: On my arrival to White Bay, I was welcomed by friendly staff assisting me with my luggage, they put my bag tag on with the cabin number and asked me to go inside to the check-in counters. The cruise was not fully booked so the check-in process went very quick and smooth. I showed them my travel documents and they took an imprint of my credit card for onboard expenses and on we went. My bag was already waiting outside my cabin when I got onboard. 

Disembarkation in Adelaide was quick and problem-free. The night before, I got my bill delivered to my cabin for all onboard expenses which was all in order and that helped when getting off the next day. I had to get to the airport for my flight back to Sydney so I decided to take my bag off myself. 

Main features/highlights: Vasco da Gama is a beautiful ship offering an intimate and elegant style where you straight away feel like home. 

There are many cosy lounge areas to just relax, read a book, have a drink or catch up with friends or loved ones. One of my favorite areas would have to be the Blue Room with its luxurious blue velvet sitting area or the Dome Observatory on Deck 12 where you can choose to watch the world sail by or dance the night away. 

On sunny days enjoy the Oasis and pool area on the Navigators Deck, it really is stunning, relaxing and sophisticated. If the weather is not allowing you to do this, you can still swim, as on Deck 11, there is the retractable pool roof. 

Most suited to: The average age onboard is 60+. Families are welcome however there are no kids clubs or babysitting provided – so best to leave the littlies at home for this one. 

Atmosphere: The atmosphere onboard  is happy, friendly and relaxed. 

Encounters with service staff: We were very well looked after on our cruise. Our cabin steward cleaned our cabin twice daily and a high level of service was provided. 

When relaxing by the pool someone would always approach you within five minutes to take your drink order. Excellent and professional service in all dining rooms with very little waiting time. 

Staterooms: There is a wide choice of comfortable staterooms to choose from. Vasco da Gama has 120 balcony cabins and 29 spacious suites. 

I had a lovely ocean view cabin which was very spacious and offered a natural light from a large porthole. The stateroom had a queen bed that could be converted to two single beds, a sofa with a table and your private ensuite. My bathroom had a shower over the bath which can be tricky for some, so make sure you check this when making your booking. 

Dining options: There are three main Waterfront Restaurants

– Waterfront Restaurant to enjoy classic cuisine 

– Waterfront Mediterranean Restaurant offers Mediterranean classics in a modern surrounding 

– Waterfront Eurasia inspired menu serves up modern Pan-Asian cuisine with an air of eastern mystery. 

No set dining times. 

The Club Bistro is your buffet option open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Deck 11. You can also grab hot dogs, burgers or hot chips throughout the day from the Alfresco Grill on the Lido deck. 

Specialty dining options onboard are “The Chefs Table” and “The Grill” at an additional cost. 

Entertainment: The fabulous two-tiered show lounge “Hollywood’s” is very impressive and we were fortunate enough to enjoy some fantastic shows every night by the talented singers and dancers. 

The Ocean Bar offers classical music and The Blue Room has a piano and singer most days and nights. On some nights there was entertainment on the Lido deck and The Dome Observatory offers gameshows, cabarets and a disco at night. 

Activities: During the days at sea there are a lot of fun activities you can choose to participate in, or not, like any cruise holiday the choice is yours, but it’s always good to have options. Every night your cabin steward will deliver tomorrow’s agenda to you to make sure you don’t miss out on all the happenings of the following day. 

Usually, the day starts with a Fitness class in the gym which is included in your cruise fare. This cruise was an Australian Military History Cruise and every day offered interesting presentations from educated hosts with expertise in these areas. 

Bingo and quizzes seem to be a highlight for many onboard and family-friendly activities were always on the agenda. The Gym is open from early until late and has great equipment including machines and weights if you missed the morning class. There is also a jogging and walking track on Deck 12 or the promenade deck on Deck 6. 

If you feel like getting a little pampered, th Jade Wellness Centre is the place to visit. 

Family facilities: Essentially Cruise and Maritime Voyager ships are ‘child-free’, and although there are no dedicated children’s facilities they welcome guests of all ages onboard. 

Exclusions: Spa treatments, specialty dining, most beverages and gratuities. 

Self-service laundry: This can be found on Main Deck 5 and the Verandah Deck 9. The charge is $8 per wash and $3 per dry. Washing powder is included with the wash and tokens can be purchased at the ship reception desk. There is no charge for the use of an iron and ironing board. 

Insider tips: Don’t miss the Thermal Spa Suite hidden behind the gym. This was my absolute favourite place to rewind. There is a spa bath, steam room, sauna and the amazing thermal beds that heat your body lovely, relaxing you while watching the ocean sweep by. And the best thing, it’s included in your cruise fare!

 

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