Boat Watch Venice – Oosterdam

There are many sights to see from the fondamenta at Giudecca whilst waiting for the Vaporetto to take you across the channel to Zattere. The 18th century church of Gesuati that resembles the Redentore church on Giudecca. The church of Santa Maria della Salute at the mouth of the Grand Canal. The Campanile and St Marks square. However, a new sight transfixed me as it passed through the Giudecca Canal. The mighty “Oosterdam”, a vista-class ship from the Holland America Line company.


Oosterdam.

Its quite something to see this monster of a ship pass by, dwarfing the iconic buildings and landmarks of Venice. This 82,000 tonne beast measures a massive 936 feet with room for nearly 2000 passengers and its 800 crew. The passengers lined the decks to take in the sights.


Officially launched in 2003 by Princess Margriet of Holland.


Dwarfs the church of Gesuati.

Roberto was not so impressed. Many Venetians don’t like the cruise liners. The pollution and ecological damage they inflict on Venice is often ignored as the bean counters look at the millions of euros in revenue that these boats bring to Venice. Also, according to Roberto, he had seen bigger ships pass through!


Max Speed 24 Knots.