Viet Nam War Veteran

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 6

Review summary

The Southeast Asia cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore with stops in Hanoi, Da Nang/Hue, and Saigon (HCMC) was an outstanding experience for me, who served in Viet Nam back in 1970-1971 with the Marine Corps. I would recommend this cruise to any Viet Nam veteran who ever wanted to go back for a look-see as the best way to go back. It is easy, convenient, and the best bang for the buck. I was able to among other things, locate my old helicopter base at Marble Mountain. I was amazed at how much the entire area improved and how nice and friendly the people are. It is almost paradise compared to the war days. For Viet Nam war veterans, you can get to many areas of operations from this cruise. On the Hanoi stop, pilots and crew members who operated over the North can get a good look from the ground at what they had been flying over. From the Chan May stop, you can go for a day trip north from Hai Van Pass to Phu Bai and Hue and surrounding areas. This was mostly Marine areas of operations during the war. You can also go south for a day to Da Nang, Da Nang Air Base (now the Da Nang International Airport), Red Beach, China Beach, Marble Mountain helicipter base, Marble Mountain (you can go in and explore the one that housed a VC hospital during the war, etc.), Hoi An, and surrounding areas, then back via Hai Van Pass. This is what my wife and I did and we covered it all in a day. This was mostly Marine and 101 Airborne areas of operations during the war. At the Phu My stop, you can spend a day or two in old Saigon, Cu Chi, and surrounding areas. There is a lot to see and do relating to the Viet Nam war (mostly from the communist point of view--the winners get to tell the story I guess). For those who took R&R in Bangkok, there is a two day stop for Bangkok. Again, this is an outstanding cruise for U.S. Viet Nam war vets who always wanted to go back. I highly recommend it. Other than a communist form of government, I think that you will feel good about the state of affairs and the people of Viet Nam.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

Onboard Activities

Entertainment

Children's Programs

Service and Staff

Ship Quality

Cabin / Stateroom