VASCO DA GAMA: Event cruise “Spartacus Gay Cruise” launched from Piraeus

Von Bahnfrend - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the luxury cruise ship VASCO DA GAMA from Mystic Cruises moored in the port of Piraeus, near the Greek metropolis of Athens. The 32-year-old ship is normally used exclusively for the Stuttgart-based tour operator nicko cruises, which is also part of Mystic Cruises. But today marks the start of a very special event cruise: the Spartacus Gay Cruise, organized by mCruise GmbH in cooperation with nicko cruises. This unique trip is aimed specifically at homosexual men and is the only German-speaking gay cruise of its kind.

On this special trip, the crew of the VASCO DA GAMA remains unchanged, but the entertainment program on board has been specially adapted to the needs and wishes of the target group. Numerous DJs and guest artists
ensure a varied and entertaining on-board program that is very different from the normal cruise experience.

The Spartacus Gay Cruise lasts a total of one week and ends on October 16, 2024. The route includes some of the most fascinating destinations in the Mediterranean: from Piraeus, the VASCO DA GAMA calls at Mykonos in Greece, Larnaca in Cyprus, Alexandria in Egypt and Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete. Particularly noteworthy is the extended stay on Mykonos, which allows guests to enjoy the island's famous nightlife to the full. Another highlight of the trip is the stop in Alexandria, where the ship will remain in port for 30 hours, giving passengers plenty of time to explore Egypt's ancient treasures and historical sites. At sea, there will be many opportunities to take advantage of the luxurious amenities of the VASCO DA GAMA.

Originally, a stopover in Tel Aviv was also planned, but due to the ongoing conflicts and tensions in the Middle East, this stop was removed from the itinerary several months ago for security reasons. Alexandria was chosen as an alternative port instead.

After the end of the Spartacus Gay Cruise on October 16, 2024, the VASCO DA GAMA will once again be sailing regularly for nicko cruises. A one-week cruise through the Eastern Mediterranean will start immediately afterwards, before the ship's 146-day world tour begins from Heraklion on October 23, 2024.

There will also be a Spartacus Gay Cruise next year. This next event cruise will take place from May 20 to 27, 2025. The starting point this time will be Dubrovnik in Croatia, and the route will lead via Kotor in Montenegro, Saranda in Albania, Gallipoli, Taormina, Amalfi and Naples in Italy, ending in Civitavecchia near Rome.