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Stepping Aboard the "World’s Most Beautiful Ship": My Visit to the Amerigo Vespucci at Jeddah Yacht Club

 I had the extraordinary opportunity to witness a piece of floating history right here in Saudi Arabia. From January 27th to the 30th, the luxurious Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina played host to a very special guest: the Amerigo Vespucci , the oldest active military vessel in the Italian Navy.

Often referred to as the "world's most beautiful ship," this 93-year-old nautical masterpiece was stopping in Jeddah as part of an epic 20-month world tour. I knew I couldn't miss the chance to see it for myself, and the experience was nothing short of breathtaking.

A Glimpse into Maritime History

As I approached the marina, the silhouette of the Amerigo Vespucci immediately stood out against the modern backdrop of the Jeddah Yacht Club. Launched in 1931 and named after the legendary 15th-century explorer, the ship is a majestic sight. Stretching 82 meters long with three towering masts, it genuinely feels like something pulled straight out of a history book. Walking toward the bow, I was greeted by the striking gilded bronze figurehead of Amerigo Vespucci himself—a beautiful touch of classic artistry.




Exploring the Decks

Stepping aboard felt like stepping back in time. We were given the freedom to roam the three majestic decks at our own pace. The craftsmanship of the ship is immaculate. From the polished wood and gleaming brass fixtures to the intricate rigging of the sails, you can see the deep pride the Italian Navy takes in preserving this historic vessel. It’s no wonder she is known as a "floating Italian Embassy."




Meeting the Italian Navy Team

What truly brought the visit to life, however, was the crew. The ship operates with a bustling team of around 264 military personnel alongside roughly 100 cadets from the Italian Naval Academy.

During my tour, I had the pleasure of interacting with several members of the Italian Navy team. Despite their demanding schedules and the discipline required to maintain such an intricate vessel, they were incredibly warm and welcoming. They were eager to share fascinating stories about their life at sea, the challenges of navigating a traditional tall ship in the modern age, and their adventures sailing to over 30 ports across the globe—from Mumbai to Tokyo, and finally to our beautiful shores in Jeddah.

Hearing their firsthand experiences gave me a profound appreciation for what it takes to keep this 93-year-old ship sailing smoothly across the world's oceans.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Amerigo Vespucci was a perfect blend of rich history, cultural exchange, and breathtaking maritime engineering. It was a privilege to walk the same decks as generations of Italian sailors and to welcome them to Jeddah.

If you ever get the chance to see this magnificent vessel as she continues her journey around the globe, I highly recommend it. It’s an experience you won't soon forget!

Have you ever visited a historic ship? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned to ishabil.com for more of my local adventures and travels!


About the Author

Ikbal Valiyathodi is the founder of Ishabil.com , a travel blog sharing budget-friendly travel stories, stopover hacks, and real experiences from around the world. He believes travel should be simple, honest, and possible for everyone.

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