"Vasco da Gama" previously served as MS "Statendam" from 1993 to 2015, where she served as the lead member of Holland America Line's eponymous , otherwise known as S class. She was ordered in November 1989 alongside two sister ships of her class, and was designated Hull Number 5881. Her keel was laid by Fincantieri in 1991. From 1991 to 1993, the ship was completed and underwent sea trials, and on 25 January 1993, "Statendam" embarked on her maiden voyage. Upon her maiden voyage, she became the fifth Holland America Line ship to bear the name "Statendam", and during the summer of her inaugural season, she also became the first Holland America Line ship to sail a European itinerary in over twenty years.