Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is linking up with the Royal British Legion for a Voyage of Remembrance cruise to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
The Royal British Legion has chartered 880-guest ship Boudicca for the voyage, which will take up 300 veterans, plus relatives and carers, to a series of commemorative events in England and France.
The voyage will set sail from Dover on 2 June and will head to Dunkirk before calling into Poole and Portsmouth for commemorative events.
From there, Boudicca will follow the same route as those involved in the Battle of Normandy, travelling to Le Havre on 6 June exactly 75 years after the D-Day Landings.
Peter Deer, Olsen’s commercial director, said: “We feel honoured to be part of the Royal British Legion’s commemorations in what is set to be a very poignant and moving voyage for these veterans and their loved ones.
Boudicca will be carrying 300 D-Day veterans to Normandy
“The voyage will follow the same path as the ships involved on this momentous day, and Boudicca will provide a comfortable setting in which to retrace those important steps, which brought peace and reconciliation to mark the Second World War.”
Bob Gamble, The Royal British Legion’s Assistant Director for Commemorative Events, said: “Seventy five years ago, the largest seaborne invasion force in history set sail for France on a mission to liberate Europe.
“Alongside their American cousins, nearly 160,000 men from Britain and the Commonwealth landed on the beaches of Normandy.
“We invite any veterans who wish to attend the events to commemorate their achievements to get in touch”
“Today, we stand in awe of their achievement and salute their bravery and sacrifice. We invite any of them who wish to attend the events to commemorate their achievements to get in touch with the Legion and join our journey back to Normandy.”
The voyage will be free to veterans and their companions, funded by the Royal British Legion’s LIBOR grant, in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence and Arena Travel.
Anyone wishing to join the sailing should contact the Royal British Legion to request an application form, which must be completed and returned by 4 February.