Hot on the heels of Azamara’s announcement of a Normandy Memorial Cruise marking the centenary of the First World War, fellow luxury line Crystal Cruises has recently announced that it plans to operate 2014 cruise which will explore some of the key historical sites of the Pacific Campaign during the Second World War.
The January 19 world cruise will take place on-board Crystal Serenity and has been specifically designed so that the first leg will encompass important battlegrounds and areas key to the conflict in the Pacific, namely Hilo, Honolulu, Guam, Okinawa, Saipan and Yokohama.
There’s a comprehensive programme of WWII-based Crystal land adventures planned for the cruise too, as Vice President of Land Programs John Stoll explained: “This cruise offers some of the most strategic islands that proved to be key battlefields for both sides during the Pacific Theatre. From the attack on Pearl Harbor which brought the US into WWII to the surrender of Emperor Hirohito and V-J Day in Tokyo Bay aboard the battleship Missouri, excursions span the entire Pacific Campaign. This fascinating collection of destinations and distinguished group of speakers is sure to invite hours of stimulating discussions.”
Among the experiences available on offer during excursions are lunch in the captain’s cabin of the USS Missouri, a visit to former Japanese WWII HQ Shuri Castle, a tour of the memorials and battlegrounds of Guam and of Pearl Harbor and a visit to the Japanese Navy’s underground HQ.
A number of guest speakers will also be present throughout the cruise, offering insights and context to the cruise, including Flags of our Fathers author James Bradley, veteran and historian Don Farrell and General Anthony Zinni, former Commander in Chief of US Central Command.
Guests will also have the opportunity to share their experiences and opinions with each other and members the crew by way of a veteran’s get-together and Ocean Views-themed panel discussions on world affairs.
By Simon Brotherton
Google