Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Amerigo Vespucci, the renowned training ship of the Italian Navy often hailed as the “most beautiful ship in the world,” is set to dock in Puerto Vallarta next June. This visit forms part of the second stage of its global voyage, which commenced in June 2023. The tour aims to blend traditional naval cadet training with cultural exchange and diplomacy.
The announcement was made by the Italian Ambassador to Mexico, Alessandro Modiano, during a meeting with the interim mayor of Puerto Vallarta, Francisco José Martínez Gil. The ambassador was accompanied by a diplomatic delegation that included Tommaso Coniglio, political advisor and deputy head of mission, and defense attaché Andrea Intermite. The meeting took place at the Municipal Administrative Unit (UMA) office.
The Amerigo Vespucci’s world tour will span 20 months, covering three oceans and stopping at 28 countries. Built in 1931 and named after the Florentine navigator Amerigo Vespucci, who is credited with recognizing that America was a new continent, the ship was designed by Francesco Rotundi in 1930. The vessel serves as a training platform for officers, non-commissioned officers, and sailors of the Italian Navy.
Measuring 101 meters in length and 15.5 meters in width, the Amerigo Vespucci displaces 4,000 tons and can deploy up to 26 sails across its three masts, the tallest of which rises 50 meters. Additionally, the ship is equipped with diesel engines and houses approximately 400 crew members.
In collaboration with the Mexican Navy Secretariat, the Italian embassy has organized a series of cultural activities to coincide with the ship’s arrival on Tuesday, June 18. The first two days will feature protocol events involving Mexican authorities from all government levels, with senior Italian officials expected to be in attendance.
Starting Thursday, June 20, the ship will open its doors to the public. The first day will be dedicated to student groups from various schools, while the following two days, June 21 and 22, will welcome the general public, with guided tours available for groups of up to 50 people starting at 10 AM. Ambassador Modiano emphasized that the primary objective is to allow thousands of visitors to experience the ship during its stay, which concludes on Sunday, June 23, when the Amerigo Vespucci departs for its next destination.
In addition to the public tours, a scientific conference is scheduled for June 20, featuring experts from the University of Guadalajara. There will also be a range of tourist activities organized for the Italian ship’s crew.
Interim Mayor Francisco José Martínez Gil highlighted the benefits Puerto Vallarta offers as one of Mexico’s safest cities, boasting a wide array of tourist attractions. He noted the city’s strong performance in various tourism segments and expressed a keen interest in fostering a tourist and cultural exchange with Italy, potentially through the Sister Cities program.
Joining the interim mayor at the announcement were Christian Preciado Cázares, Director of Tourism and Economic Development; councilor María Elena Curiel Preciado; and other advisors.
The visit of the Amerigo Vespucci promises to be a significant cultural event for Puerto Vallarta, enhancing its reputation as a key destination for international maritime and diplomatic activities.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Amerigo Vespucci, the renowned training ship of the Italian Navy often hailed as the “most beautiful ship in the world,” is set to dock in Puerto Vallarta next June. This visit forms part of the second stage of its global voyage, which commenced in June 2023. The tour aims to blend traditional naval cadet training with cultural exchange and diplomacy.
