An overnight stay in Zeebrugge offers a number of optional excursions to visit places associated with the First World War including Ypres’ poignant Menin Gate, or to visit Dunkirk from where the Allied Expeditionary Force was rescued in 1940 and the terrifying ‘doodle-bugs’ were launched.

Portsmouth was the nerve centre of ‘Operation Overlord’, the code name given to the Allied invasion of France. Visit the fascinating D-Day Museum or discover other highlights of this city’s great maritime history. On the 70^th anniversary of D-Day, Marco Polo cruises off the coast of Normandy in commemoration of the landings which took place on 6^th June 1944. A ceremony will be held on board in memory of those who lost their lives that day or in its aftermath.

The remainder of the day is spent in picturesque Honfleur with an optional visit to Pegasus Bridge, captured by British airborne troops, preventing the German advance over the river Orne.

A final call is made in Cherbourg with optional excursions to visit the Allied landing areas and the D-Day Museum at Arromanches, overlooking the remains of the famous Mulberry Harbour. Enjoy a last evening on board as you return to Tilbury at the end of this very special cruise.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages create a very relaxing atmosphere which is ideal for enjoying our extensive programme of Guest Speakers, entertainers and craft specialists. On this cruise we welcome guest speaker Bill McQuade.

Bill McQuade has a military background, having served his time in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. He has a long held interest in military history of all ages and has been guiding battlefield tours for a good number of years. As a result of his specialist global knowledge he has appeared in a number of TV documentaries.

 

D-DAY ANNIVERSARY CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Visit places associated with two World Wars on this special commemorative cruise at the time of the 70^th Anniversary of D-Day. Highlights include…
 

• An overnight stay in Zeebrugge presenting the chance to visit Ypres and the poignant Menin Gate, where in the evening ‘The Last Post’ commemorates the sacrifices of those who fought in WW1.
   
• Visit the Flanders battlefields, Passchendaele Memorial Museum and Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Cemetery in the world.
   
• The Combined Operations Headquarters in Portsmouth, was the nerve centre of Operation Overlord,  which co-ordinated and monitored the progress of the D-Day invasion fleet.
   
• On the morning of 6^th June, Marco Polo joins the fleet of craft sailing off the coast of Normandy. A ceremony will be held in memory of those who lost their lives on D-Day, 70 years ago.
   
• The invasion beaches themselves and the D-Day Museum at Arromanches.
  
   
Highlights may be subject to booking specific shore excursions and are subject to operation and weather conditions.