Thursday, May 24, 2012

Crystal Cruises to Present Onboard Memorial Events for Veterans

Crystal Cruises is hosting onboard get-togethers for veterans on every luxury cruise. Activities planned for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend include a Crystal Adventure to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy. In addition, each ship will remember those who have died in service of their nation.

On Crystal Symphony, four-star Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, former commander-in-chief of U.S. Central Command, will host an open forum at sea on May 26. On Memorial Day itself, Crystal President Gregg Michel will escort guests to the French site of D-Day. The shore excursion includes visiting the former German fortification at Pointe du Hoc, historian-guided military truck transport to Omaha Beach, and a memorial ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, final resting place of more than 9,000 American soldiers. All attendees will receive a commemorative medallion for the day.

On Crystal Serenity, Memorial Day will begin with a morning veterans’ get-together in Palm Court, led by foreign policy author Dr. Robert Freedman, and featuring refreshments and a poetry dedication. The event will be open to anyone wishing to attend, with participant introductions, personal observances, and sharing of stories.

Regular veterans’ get-togethers, led variously by cruise directors and guest presenters, are a new staple onboard the fleet, providing opportunities to recognize soldiers’ sacrifices and share past experiences, no matter what role or country they served. "The relationship between vets, male and female, is a ‘brotherhood’ that spans generations and wars," said Paul McFarland, Crystal Symphony’s cruise director and a veteran himself. "Regardless of when or where someone was stationed, soldiers have something in common, sharing life-altering experiences and a unique bond, unlike any other family or friend relationship."

Both ships will be sailing the western coast of France over the holiday weekend, with Crystal Symphony spending the rest of the summer in the Baltic region, and Crystal Serenity cruising the Mediterranean area until December. For more information on booking a Crystal cruise contact TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884

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