Johann Lafer on the VASCO DA GAMA: Culinary Cruise through Scandinavia in May 2026

During the cruise from May 1st to 9th, 2026, which navigates through picturesque archipelagos and along the impressive Scandinavian coast, a culinary highlight awaits guests aboard the VASCO DA GAMA. An exclusive signature gala menu will be served in all the ship's restaurants, allowing guests to experience Johann Lafer's distinctive culinary artistry – a gastronomic event designed to be memorable. Travelers will have the opportunity to meet the Austrian top chef personally, ask him questions during an onboard Q&A session, and watch his cooking skills live in the ship's Hollywood’s Show Theatre. Furthermore, Johann Lafer will read from his publications and share his profound knowledge of nutrition and the fine art of cooking in expert lectures.

Johann Lafer: A Career Dedicated to Haute Cuisine

Johann Lafer's professional path is marked by positions in top international gastronomy. Born in Austria, he initially trained at Gösser-Bräu in Graz, followed by a position at Hamburg's Le Canard under the mentorship of culinary legend Joseph Viehhauser. In the 1980s, while working at the Müller brothers' Schweizer Stuben, he earned recognition as Germany's best pastry chef and later became head pastry chef at Eckart Witzigmann's Aubergine in Munich.

The TV chef gained further formative experience in Paris with dessert master Gaston Lenôtre, where he deepened his insights into French haute cuisine. For his restaurant Le Val d’Or, Lafer was awarded his first Michelin star in 1983; the second followed just four years later, marking a significant achievement in his career. Later ventures include the opening of Stromburg in Stromberg, the Turmstube inn, and the Stromburg Hotel. In 1996, he founded his own cooking school, Table d’Or, which also serves as a filming location for his television productions.

Over the course of Johann Lafer's career, the accolades from the Guide Michelin have been complemented by numerous other honors, including the "Chef of the Year" title from Gault&Millau, the Gold and Silver Medals from the Gastronomic Academy of Germany, and various tributes from his Austrian homeland. The star chef has long been an established figure in top-tier gastronomy and the German television landscape, also enjoying international acclaim. In addition to numerous world stars, high-ranking statesmen such as Helmut Kohl, Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Jacques Chirac have appreciated his culinary skills. He also had the honor of cooking for the UN General Assembly.

Experience Scandinavia in Its Full Splendor

The nine-day cruise through the heart of Scandinavia offers VASCO DA GAMA passengers the opportunity to comprehensively discover the region's scenic beauty. Departing from Hamburg, the "Pearl of the North," the elegant ocean liner sets sail for Sweden. Time at sea passes quickly as guests explore their "floating home": five restaurants, seven bars and lounges, an extensive fitness and wellness area, and two swimming pools are available.

Upon arrival in Gothenburg, travelers will find cobblestone streets, inviting cafés, and picturesque Dutch-style canals. The Haga district, in particular, is a delightful place to linger. In the afternoon, the VASCO DA GAMA navigates through the idyllic archipelagos off the city, where charming islets and sparkling waters create unforgettable cruise moments. The following day, the vibrant Norwegian capital, Oslo, is on the agenda. Entering and exiting through the famous Oslofjord offers spectacular panoramas along the Norwegian coast, both morning and evening. Oslo itself captivates with a diverse cultural scene, numerous museums, and charming trendy districts. Kristiansand, the next stop, surprises with a rarity: shade-providing palm trees, uncommon in the cool north, can be found here on a headland. The final Norwegian port on this journey is Mandal, the country's southernmost town, with its picturesque wooden houses inviting exploration. The Furulunden nature park, with its idyllic pine forest, offers a space for relaxing moments in nature. To conclude the journey, guests can marvel at the impressive expanse of the sandy beach in Skagen, Denmark, where the meeting of the North and Baltic Seas at Denmark's northernmost tip presents a unique natural spectacle.

VASCO DA GAMA – A Comfortable Home at Sea

The VASCO DA GAMA, designed with great attention to detail, is considered an exceptionally comfortable and pleasant floating hotel. With a capacity for around 1,000 passengers, it offers ample space for an individual holiday experience.

The gastronomic offerings include a total of five restaurants and seven bars and lounges, providing a wide selection for every taste. While the Club Bistro features buffets, show cooking, and themed culinary delights, service at the table is provided in the two Waterfront Restaurants and the Fusion Restaurant. This also applies to the exquisite The Grill restaurant, where fine menus are available for a small surcharge. In all restaurants, guests enjoy flexible dining times and open seating. Additionally, the Alfresco Grill offers a selection for a light snack outside of regular meal times.

Year-round swimming pleasure is ensured by the heated main pool with a panoramic glass sliding roof. Furthermore, the Oasis Pool at the stern on Deck 10 invites guests to relax. Outdoor sports courts, a jogging track, and a spacious fitness center with cardio equipment and fitness classes are available for sporting activities onboard. The VASCO DA GAMA also boasts a particularly generous wellness area with a sauna and steam bath. Passengers reside in high-quality equipped cabins, reaching the world's most beautiful places without the hassle of repeated packing and unpacking. Every guest will find suitable accommodation aboard the VASCO DA GAMA. There are 16 different cabin categories to choose from – from interior cabins to oceanview cabins with windows or balconies, and spacious suites. Cabin sizes range from 16 to 102 square meters in the Penthouse Suite.