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D-Day, Normandy and Dunkirk (from Portsmouth)

Lest we forget. On the anniversary of D-Day this voyage promises an inspirational journey of remembrance and discovery - history revisited. Look beyond Hitler's Atlantic Wall and this cruise surprises with a wealth of historic cities, charming towns, beautiful landscapes and unique nature.

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Itinerary
Ship

D-Day Landing Beaches, Normandy
Guernsey coastline
St Peter Port, Guernsey
Half-timbered houses, Rouen
Rouen Cathedral
Amsterdam

DAY 1: Portsmouth.

Make your own way to Portsmouth where you will join MV Discovery for your nine day cruise. (D)

DAY 2: Cherbourg.

The gateway to Normandy, Cherbourg sits on a spectacular natural harbour, developed into a transatlantic port by Napoleon in the early 19th century. Set on the Cotentin peninsula, alongside a stunning coastline of wide sandy beaches, tranquil fishing villages and rocky cliffs, Cherbourg is home to a quaint old town, offering a maze of narrow streets packed with traditional brasseries and splendid food and gift shops, as well as a fascinating aquarium and planetarium. An important site in the Allies' battle for the Normandy coast during WWII, Cherbourg has a turbulent history and the town's Liberation Museum is a must-see for history buffs. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: St Peter Port.

Guernsey's capital is a captivating patchwork of Georgian and Regency architecture, terraced gardens and cobbled lanes tumbling down to a picturebook harbour. As the Channel Islands' oldest settlement, it boasts many historic sights including the medieval Castle Cornet, Candie Gardens and Hauteville House, once home to Victor Hugo, all fringed by a rugged coastline scalloped with beautiful bays. Enjoy an optional island tour or perhaps head across to the nearby island of Herm to admire its pretty coastline of wild flowers, sandy beaches and quaint harbours. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 to 5: Rouen.

Immerse yourself in the haunting beauty of this historic city, where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, tried and burnt at the stake in 1431. Admire its crooked cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses and impressive cathedral before visiting the old market place where Joan met her death. The ship stays overnight in Rouen. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Dunkirk.

Dunkirk - the setting in 1940 for the greatest evacuation operation in all military history. Code-named Operation Dynamo, the dramatic rescue of Allied soldiers from the beaches is remembered as the 'miracle of little ships'. Discover how ordinary people in extraordinary times achieved triumph in the face of adversity. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Heligoland.

Britain traded Heligoland for Zanzibar in 1890. She then bombed the important German naval base during World War II. Finally on April 18th, 1947, Britain's Royal Navy detonated 6,800 tonnes of explosives on the island. The 'British Big Bang' left a huge dent in the already crater-pitted landscape, a poignant reminder of Heligoland's turbulent past. Below Heligoland explore the bunkers that are a legacy of this 'hollow island's' fascinating past. Above ground the secrets of this rocky island of red sandstone with fringes of white dunes and rich vegetation cover lies in its myriad birdlife, flora and fauna. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Amsterdam (via Ijmuiden).

Take a day out in Amsterdam, Holland's historic capital with its lacework of treelined canals, countless gabled 17th and 18th century townhouses, thousands of bicycles and wonderful flower markets. The city was occupied during the Second World War and the home of Anne Frank and Dutch Resistance Museum paint vivid pictures of this time. Alternatively visit Arnhem, the Rhine-side town forever associated with 1944's Operation Market Garden and the defence of the 'bridge too far'. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Harwich.

Disembark your ship after breakfast. Please note that this cruise ends in Harwich and not Portsmouth where you embarked the ship. Suitable travel arrangements will need to be made to reflect this. (B)

ID Requirements

A full passport is required for this holiday and must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of your cruise.

MV Discovery
Seven Continents Restaurant, MV Discovery
Seven Continents Restaurant, MV Discovery
Category K twin outside cabin, MV Discovery
Superior twin outside cabin, MV Discovery
Deluxe twin outside cabin, MV Discovery
Discovery Bar, MV Discovery
Palm Court, MV Discovery
Palm Court, MV Discovery
Card room, MV Discovery
Library, MV Discovery

MV Discovery

Compact yet spacious, MV Discovery is designed to emulate traditional ocean cruise ships whilst being small enough to navigate smaller ports of call inaccessible to the classic cruise liners. Offering a good choice of amenities along with friendly, personal service and a home-away-from-home atmosphere, MV Discovery comfortably accommodates up to 500 guests in spacious, well-equipped cabins and offers a tranquil, tastefully furnished environment in which to enjoy the fascinating destinations visited en route.

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 swimming pools (one with retractable glass roof); 2 whirlpools; Seven Continents dining room with bar; Yacht Club à la carte restaurant with bar; Waves bar; Hideaway bar; Explorer Bar; Carousel Lounge Bar; Discovery Lounge; Palm Court lounge; Bridge Club lounge and games room; library; lecture theatre and cinema; internet centre; fitness centre; beauty salon; hairdresser; saunas; gift shop; photo gallery; medical centre.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Breakfast and lunch are open seating and are both buffet style, served in the Seven Continents dining room or al fresco on the sun deck. Dinner is usually served at two sittings, depending on excursion times, and your preference should be selected at the time of booking. Alternatively, the invitation only Yacht Club restaurant provides an intimate, a la carte dining option for at least one evening during your cruise. Guests will be sent an invite to enjoy the culinary delights of speciality theme menus such as Italian, Oriental, Polynesian or Mexican. 24-hour self-service tea and coffee and 24 hour room service are available and light snacks are available from some of the lounges and bars.

Cabins

All cabins have twin beds; air-conditioning; satellite TV; hairdryer; safety deposit box; telephone; and private bathroom. Your holiday price includes a category O inside cabin, or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

O Twin inside cabin

K Twin outside cabin

G Twin outside cabin

Superior and Deluxe twin outside cabins and Junior Suites available on request

Tipping

For your convenience, gratuities for cabin staff and waiters are included in your cruise price and a service charge is already included in beauty salon, spa service, and bar/wine prices.

Holiday Availability

Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices