In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the National WWII Museum is organizing an 11-day cruise across Europe, culminating in the official commemoration event in Normandy on June 6, 2024. Departing on May 29th, guests will embark on the luxurious Seabourn Ovation, exclusively chartered for this occasion. This extraordinary journey, accompanied by renowned historians, will traverse four countries, offering a custom itinerary highlighting World War II's land, sea, and air campaigns. Participants will have the privilege of accessing top WWII sites and engaging in special events both on board and ashore, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience during this significant commemoration.

Stephen Watson, the president and CEO of the National WWII Museum, expressed the significance of honoring the sacrifices made by the courageous men and women who fought for freedom during World War II, especially as the last survivors sadly pass away. He emphasized that this voyage not only provides educational and inspirational opportunities through the exploration of historical sites but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the legacy of those who came before us.

The Seabourn Ovation will host nearly 550 guests and WWII veterans as they embark from Hamburg, Germany on May 29. The journey will include visits to sites connected to the Allied bombing campaign in Hamburg in July 1943, a stop in Amsterdam to learn about the Dutch Resistance, and a two-day stay in the East Anglia region of England, with a focus on the airmen and ground support pivotal to the success of D-Day.

Next, the cruise will make a stop in Dunkirk, France, allowing guests to delve into the Allied evacuation known as Operation Dynamo. Finally, a four-day stay in Normandy will offer tours of the rural countryside and historic beaches that witnessed the largest amphibious invasion in history. The voyage will conclude on June 8 in Dover, England. Expert historians, bestselling authors, and knowledgeable battlefield guides will lead the excursions at each port of call, providing rich historical context using the Museum's curated collection.

The D-Day Cruise: D-Day & The Bomber War will provide extraordinary opportunities for exploration, including shore excursions led by expert local battlefield guides, VIP access to exclusive sites not available on other tours, and a signature lecture series by notable historians such as Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, Ph.D., president & CEO Emeritus of the National WWII Museum, and featured tour historians Donald L. Miller, Alexandra Richie, John McManus, and Keith Lowe.

For those interested, there are optional pre-cruise and post-cruise tours available. The "Operation Gomorrah: The Devastation of Hamburg" tour, from May 26th to 29th, 2024, offers an in-depth exploration of the destruction of Hamburg, including visits to St. Nikolai Church, preserved in its state of wartime destruction, and Ohlsdorf Cemetery, one of the world's largest.

The "Battle of Britain" tour, from June 8th to 11th, 2024, delves into the Royal Air Force's defense against the Luftwaffe. Participants will visit the Imperial War Museum in London, the Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge, and Bentley Priory in Stanmore.

The cruise itinerary includes ports of call in Hamburg, Amsterdam, Great Yarmouth, Dunkirk, Le Havre, Cherbourg, and Dover.