This essay opens with a discussion of the ways in which ships, especially galleys, were depicted in Venetian Renaissance painting, particularly in the art of Carpaccio. The physical layout of the galleys as marine architecture is analysed with reference to pilgrim narratives of the same period. Images of galleys in pilgrim chronicles, especially those of Reuwich and Grünemberg, provide visual details to amplify the evidence of the written texts. These sources help to reconstruct the rituals of life on the long voyage to the Holy Land. The article explores the role of religion in facing the perils of the voyage, especially storms, plague and piracy.