Duca d'Aosta and Eugenio di Savoia began what was intended as a circumnavigation before the European crisis sharpened. They limited the voyage to the Caribbean and South America and returned to La Spezia in March 1939. Continuing around the world could have left both ships overseas when war began. They might then have faced internment or British capture rather than serving with the Regia Marina. The episode links prestige cruising to force availability on the eve of war.
Notable Point · 2:27:21-2:28:06
A curtailed world cruise keeps two cruisers near home
The Duca d'Aosta-class ships abandoned a planned circumnavigation in time to avoid being stranded abroad when Europe went to war.