It appears that each time an intriguing ship or boat docks in the capital, I am assigned to conduct an exploration.

In the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to board the Nao Santa Maria, a faithful reproduction of the vessel that Christopher Columbus navigated during his initial journey to the Americas.

I captured footage of the Royal Navy’s HMS Sutherland as it cruised under Tower Bridge.

Around the time of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, I became quite familiar with HMS Belfast.

On a more humble note, I navigated the Limehouse Cut Canal in the rain alongside the cheerful members of an all-women boat club.

This time, my journey took me aboard the BAP Unión from Peru, which was docked for a week at West India Dock on the Isle of Dogs.

The charming Captain Juan Jose Roncagliolo Gomez proposed that we use a mix of languages for our conversations: “How about Spanglish?”

I happily agreed. It was time to see if my 600-day commitment to a language-learning app had any real-world application.

Captain Gomez shared that the BAP Unión, constructed in a Peruvian shipyard between 2012 and 2015, is the largest ship of its kind in Latin America.

However, he believes this designation doesn’t do the vessel justice. “It is the largest, the most beautiful, and the most modern.”

The BAP Unión serves two significant functions.

Firstly, it acts as a training ship for the Peruvian Navy, with 227 crew members aboard during my visit. Many were high in the rigging, stowing the sails.

Secondly, the ship serves as an ambassador for Peru.

Captain Gomez expressed his desire to learn about our culture and our “impressive history.”

He was particularly delighted that his midshipmen, who are also his friends, have the chance to “broaden their cultural experience in this magnificent city.”

The cadets spend six months serving aboard the ship.

Midshipman Juan Baca, 21, described the Atlantic crossing as “challenging,” but after the third day, he acclimated to the ship’s movements.

“It’s very enjoyable – you catch glimpses of various sea creatures – I’ve seen whales and dolphins.”

“So far, so good – I’m having an amazing time here.”

He hopes to visit the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament.

His shipmate, Matías Reyes, also 21, adds Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to their sightseeing goals, as well as a few football stadiums.

He admitted that he misses his mother and brothers, but his fellow crew members feel like “family.”

“I spend all day with them – for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

“We work out together and do everything as a group. I see them as my brothers.”

A tour of the vessel unveiled corridor walls adorned with plaques gifted from various places, framed maps detailing global voyages, and records of the numerous ports the BAP Unión has visited since its maiden voyage in 2016.

The midshipman mess hall also doubles as a classroom, while there are exclusive state rooms for honored visitors, including an elegant salon for hosting dignitaries.

I found the dentist’s cabin less appealing, imagining dental procedures on a rocky sea, and the doctor’s cabin, which can be converted into an operating room.

A stained glass window displayed the Peruvian coat of arms, while circular panels over portholes illustrated the country’s naval heritage.

At the center of the room stood a bust of Miguel Grau, the revered Peruvian naval hero, known as the Gentleman of the Sea.

Captain Gomez admitted that he breaks with tradition by not dining alone, which is believed to foster better decision-making during battles.

With a humorous remark, he said, “These days, I’d struggle if I were alone here.”

By this time, Cristian, the BBC London cameraman, was feeling the strain of a continuous 27-minute shot filmed on a gimbal, so I suggested we wrap up.

We were treated to delicate glasses of Pisco, and my third sip of the potent grape brandy caused me to cough, much to the amusement of the naval officers.

We then returned to solid ground, feeling as if we were old friends.

The BAP Unión has captured the attention of many in the capital, contributing to the tourism sector; according to a Port of London report, the River Thames generates over £2 billion for the economy through tourism and leisure.

Has this latest voyage enhanced my maritime knowledge or boosted my comfort at sea? Unfortunately, not really. I remain constantly perplexed about whether the stern is the front or back. And honestly, if my editor were to suggest covering a report from a moving ship, it would likely lead to rebellion.

But with so many vessels visiting the River Thames, perhaps I’ll eventually conquer my seasickness and earn my sailor’s credentials.