The early morning air in Venice holds a unique kind of magic. On the 2nd of November, 2018, I found myself on the Riva degli Schiavoni, that iconic waterfront promenade stretching before the magnificent St. Mark's Square. My mission? To witness the legendary Venetian sunrise paint the city in hues of gold and rose. Alas, the capricious autumn skies had other plans, draping a soft blanket of cloud across the horizon.
While the sun remained stubbornly hidden, a different kind of spectacle began to unfold on the tranquil waters of the Venetian Lagoon. A hush fell over the early risers as a majestic form emerged in the distance – the unmistakable silhouette of a cruise ship. It was the MSC Lirica, gracefully making her way towards the heart of Venice, a floating city within a city.
Intrigued, I abandoned my sunrise vigil and instead focused my Nikon D3300 on this impressive arrival. The Lirica, a vessel that first graced the seas in 2003 at a cost of around $250 million, possesses a certain grandeur as she navigates these historic waterways. Capable of carrying up to 2,600 passengers, she's a testament to modern engineering against the timeless backdrop of Venice.
Watching her glide through the lagoon was a captivating experience. The gentle lapping of the water against her hull, the distant hum of her engines, and the sheer scale of the ship against the familiar landmarks of Venice created a striking juxtaposition. It sparked a sense of wonder, imagining the perspectives of the passengers on board as they approached this unique and enchanting city from the sea. Oh, how I wished I were on deck, capturing the intricate details of the Venetian skyline from that vantage point!
The MSC Lirica's journey into the port was a reminder of the constant interplay between Venice's rich history and its contemporary reality. While debates about the impact of large cruise ships on the delicate ecosystem and infrastructure of Venice continue, there's no denying the visual impact of these modern behemoths against the ancient stones.
This unexpected encounter transformed a cloudy morning into a memorable one. It served as a reminder that even when nature doesn't cooperate with our plans, there are always other wonders to behold, if only we remain open to them.
You can witness this gentle giant's arrival for yourself in the short video I captured that morning. It's available to view [here - insert your link] and also on my YouTube channel [insert your YouTube link]. I hope it offers you a glimpse into the unique beauty of Venice and the impressive sight of a cruise ship making its grand entrance.
