By river cruise to the D-Day events
THIS time next year, all eyes will ill be on the D-Day landing beaches as we recall the courage and sacrifice of those who secured our freedom in the largest seaborne invasion of all time.
The 75th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2019 will be marked with numerous events and festivities, airdrops and re-enactments — and you could be there on the day by taking a river cruise into the heart of the commemorations.
But you’ll need to make plans now to follow in the footsteps of the brave troops who, as dawn broke, invaded the Normandy coast across five beaches along a 50-mile stretch.
Many struggled just to reach dry land, as recreated in the harrowing opening sequence of the film, Saving Private Ryan.
Winston Churchill informed the House of Commons about D-Day at midday, and three hours later the first sections of two artificial harbours, codenamed Mulberry, headed across the Channel.
By nightfall more than 150,000 Allied soldiers had been successfully landed, marking the first step on the road to victory and Europe’s liberation from occupation by Nazi Germany.
Scenic has designed an exclusive edition of its new eight-day Highlights Of Normandy And The Seine itinerary. Specially tailored to British guests, it is due to sail on June 4, 2019.
This incredible commemorative cruise will give passengers an extraordinary and unforgettable experience of the region’s revered WWII sites, including a visit to Arromanches Landing Museum, to see where one of the Mulberry harbours was erected. On June 6, there’s a chance to retrace the steps taken by British forces in 1944, at Sword, Juno and Gold beaches — and to honour the Battle of Normandy fallen with a visit to the Bayeux Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery.
And at a new, 50-acre memorial complex above Gold Beach, you’ll witness an anniversary parade and the unveiling of the glorious new £20m Normandy Memorial (subject to it being completed), with the names of each of the 22,000 British heroes who lost their lives engraved in polished stone. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be at this great occasion.
And what finer way to arrive in Normandy at this moving moment, than on a five-star all-inclusive river cruise aboard the sleek and luxurious Scenic Gem? This intimate ship, with room for just 128 guests, has been custom-built to sail Honfleur’s open waters and dock in the community’s heart.
With everything included, from finedining and complimentary drinks, to all flexible Scenic Freechoice excursions and exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences, this is a Seine-sational way to travel.
Combine all the joys of a Seine cruise on a fabulous ship with the poignant opportunity to be there on the day as one of the most daring military operations in history is commemorated, and you have a unique river cruise you are sure to remember for years to come.
EIGHT-DAY D-Day Seine cruise from £3,120pp including free private door-todoor transfers. Call 0808 231 9941.