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across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Vasco da Gama
Zuiderdam
Gross Tonnage
Vasco da Gama
55,877 GT
Zuiderdam
82,305 GT
Length
Vasco da Gama
219 m
Zuiderdam
285 m
Beam
Vasco da Gama
29 m
Zuiderdam
32 m
Passengers
Vasco da Gama
1,400
Zuiderdam
1,916
Crew
Vasco da Gama
550
Zuiderdam
817
Decks
Vasco da Gama
10
Zuiderdam
—
Year Built
Vasco da Gama
1,993
Zuiderdam
2,002
Space Ratio
Vasco da Gama
39.9 GT/pax
Zuiderdam
43.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Vasco da Gama
2.55 :1
Zuiderdam
2.35 :1
| Specification | Vasco da Gama | Zuiderdam |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | nicko cruises | Holland America Line |
| Class | Holiday Class | Vista Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,993 | 2,002Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 55,877 GT | 82,305 GTWinner |
| Length | 219 m | 285 mWinner |
| Beam | 29 m | 32 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,400 | 1,916Winner |
| Crew | 550 | 817Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.9 GT/pax | 43.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.55:1 | 2.35:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Netherlands |
| IMO Number | 8903946 | 9244728 |
Zuiderdam is the significantly larger vessel at 82,305 GT — 47% more than Vasco da Gama's 55,877 GT. Built in 2002, Zuiderdam is 9 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Zuiderdam edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.4:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Zuiderdam |
| Capacity | Zuiderdam |
| Modernity | Zuiderdam |
| Service | Zuiderdam |
| Spaciousness | Zuiderdam |
Bottom line: Zuiderdam wins more categories (5 vs 0), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Vasco da Gama
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Zuiderdam
43 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 13.6 mWinner | 8 m |
| Decks | 10 | — |
