As new movie starring Michael Caine as WWII veteran Bernard ‘Bernie’ Jordan is released, Premium Value Cruise Line reveals details of two very special June 2024 itineraries

The Great Escaper, a new film based on the true adventures of Bernard ‘Bernie’ Jordan is coming to screens today, starring Sir Michael Caine in the title role and, in her last screen role, Glenda Jackson as his wife, Irene. Telling the story of the 89-year-old Royal Navy veteran who, in June 2014, sparked a frantic police search after disappearing from his nursing home – who was later found alongside fellow veterans in Normandy attending the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations.

A play inspired by these real-life events will feature on two very special itineraries from Ambassador Cruise Line that will offer great escapes of a different kind to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

In June 2024, both Ambassador ships – Ambition and Ambience – will sail in tandem to the Normandy coast to mark this historic event, and ‘Le Grand Retour’ is set to be a highlight of the entertainment offering that will feature on each ship’s itinerary. Written by award-winning playwright Alan Stockdill, ‘Le Grand Retour’ is set in 1994. With the 50th anniversary of D Day looming, this gentle comedy tells the story of three residents of a nursing home determined to break out and rejoin old comrades on the Normandy beaches. But how will they escape… and what will happen along the way?

Guests looking to find out what happens next to Tommy, Alf and Edwin can book a place now on one of the very special itineraries offered by the premium value, no fly operator. The six-day D-Day Anniversary Voyage on board Ambition, departing Bristol Royal Portbury on 2 June, will take in ports of call along Britain’s south coast and France (St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Le Havre, St. Mary’s off the coast of Cornwall). The 13-night Round Britain D-Day Anniversary Voyage on board Ambience departs on 4 June 2024 from London Tilbury, calling at Anglesey, the Isles of Scilly and Orkney, Honfleur and Cobh in Ireland.

Both ships will sail towards the coast of Normandy in tandem on June 6, home to the five beaches codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword, which played a pivotal role in the events that took place on that day in 1944. A day at anchor off the coast will allow guests on both ships to reflect and pay their respects exactly 80 years on from when almost 133,000 allied troops were deployed to free France from German occupation in WWII, marking the beginning of the end of the conflict.

In addition to Le Grand Retour, guests onboard both ships can look forward to enjoying Ambassador’s exceptional service, outstanding cuisine and amazing entertainment while onboard, and also get to hear from some very special guest speakers that will also join travellers on each of the sailings.

Additional features of each sailing include:

•       Special Lunch Menu

•       Themed Vignettes

•       Great British Deck Party with special afternoon Tea

•       Remembrance services

•       Information screens with facts & figures

•       Information sheets in the days leading up to D-Day

•       Special commemorative pin badge

ROUND BRITAIN D-DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY VOYAGE

SHIP: Ambience

DEPARTS: London Tilbury

SETS SAIL: 4 June, 2023

DURATION: 13 nights

Commemorate D-Day’s 80th anniversary by sailing to where it began.

From £1,339 per person including a 35% Saver discount + 50% OFF second guest*

D-DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY VOYAGE

SHIP: Ambition

DEPARTS: Bristol Royal Portbury

SETS SAIL: 2 June, 2024

DURATION: 6 nights

Commemorate D-Day with a shorter sail around Britain’s south coast and France.

From £799 per person including a 20% Saver discount + 50% OFF second guest*