2 June 2016
Seventy-two years after troops left Portsmouth for the Normandy Beaches, visitors continue to return to learn more about the military operation. On 6 June three cruise ships will arrive at Portsmouth International Port, with opportunities for passengers to visit key locations related to the D-Day landings.
Among those cruising to the Waterfront City will be first time visitor National Geographic Orion, an explorer ship with a largely American clientele. National Geographic has secured exclusive rights for its guests to visit the D-Day map room at Southwick House, the Allied Headquarters for the large-scale invasion. Passengers will be able to stand where military commanders stood on the same day 72 years before, as report came back across the channel from France.
Guests of NG Orion, Voyager and Hebridean Sky will all be able to visit the D-Day Museum in Southsea. The museum tells the story of the build up, planning and the day itself, an operation that helped bring war in Europe to an end. Passengers will also be able to visit the Historic Dockyard, with its rich collection of ships. Of particular interest to the history loving visitors will be the new exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland, known as the world’s greatest naval battle.
June will be a busy month for cruise ships at Portsmouth International Port, with six arrivals and departures for staff to handle along with regular summer ferry services and cargo operations.
Sea Cloud II is fast becoming a familiar sight at Portsmouth International Port. The beautiful vessel with its three masts and 23 billowing sails, makes two appearance on 9 and 12 June. On both occasions’ passengers will be finishing one cruise, with more passengers beginning another trip. Noble Caledonian, the operator that has chartered the vessel, is taking advantage of the dedicated facilities and flexible services offered to cruise ships of every shape and size. Minerva will also be making its fifth visit of the year on 10 June.