Sailing Beauty: The World’s Most Beautiful Ship Docks in Mumbai | Pictures
The iconic Italian naval training ship, Amerigo Vespucci, renowned as the “most beautiful ship in the world,” has docked at Mumbai’s Indira Dock, marking its maiden visit to India. This historic event strengthens diplomatic and cultural ties between Italy and India, as the vessel serves as both a symbol of maritime excellence and an ambassador of Italian heritage.
Built 93 years ago, the Amerigo Vespucci is a marvel of Italian seafaring tradition. With its striking masts rising against Mumbai’s bustling skyline, the ship has become a unique addition to the city’s port. This visit is part of its ambitious two-year global voyage, which began on July 1, 2023, in La Spezia, Italy. Over the course of this journey, the ship has traveled to 28 countries and five continents, making port calls in cities like Los Angeles, Tokyo, Darwin, and Singapore. Mumbai is the 28th stop on its itinerary, and the voyage will conclude this month after covering 30 destinations.
The Amerigo Vespucci offers visitors a rare opportunity to step aboard its historic decks until December 2. The ship’s meticulous craftsmanship—polished wooden decks and gleaming brass fixtures—has been preserved to perfection, blending functionality with timeless artistry.
Accompanying this maritime marvel is the Villaggio Italia, a vibrant mini-expo that showcases Italian culture, design, and technology. The expo includes displays of Italian music, art, photography, film, fashion, and advanced technological innovations. Visitors can also enjoy live performances by the Italian Air Force band and film screenings in collaboration with the Venice International Film Festival of La Biennale di Venezia. Talks and conferences further enrich the experience, offering insights into Italian creativity and innovation.
The Villaggio Italia initiative, a highlight of the ship’s tour, is supported by Italy’s Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, alongside 11 other ministries and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. This campaign integrates the Amerigo Vespucci’s traditional role as a training ship with its modern mission of naval diplomacy, promoting the “Made in Italy” brand at major global ports.
Deputy commanding officer Tomaso Ferrando aptly described the Amerigo Vespucci as “an Italian floating embassy,” emphasizing its role in fostering international goodwill and showcasing Italy’s rich heritage.
