Alan with his daughters Erin and Fallon, and his wife Christine in Da Nang. Until a few years ago if someone had asked me to make a bucket list of countries to visit, Vietnam would have been at or near the bottom. I guess you could say, “been there, done that.” I served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from June 1969 until June 1970. I was part of a recon platoon called Fox Force. We operated in the Central Highlands of Vietnam – in the mountains and jungles of that area. Unlike any unit I’m aware of we wore red scarves – always – even on combat missions. We had a well-earned reputation, and our red scarves clearly set us apart from other soldiers in our division. We were told the enemy had a $10,000 bounty on each of us. It didn’t really matter because in the year I was part of Fox, the enemy never killed a single member of our team. We were in combat frequently but were never ambushed or surprised. If we were a baseball team, we would have ended our season with all wins and no losses, and with most games pitched as no hitters. I’m sure history books will say the U.S. lost that war, but we were ahead when I left.
Like a lot of Vietnam veterans, I don’t talk much about my experience “over there.” I have been blessed with the ability to compartmentalize my combat experiences. They are like a box of Christmas ornaments up in the attic; I still have them, but they don’t get in the way of daily life. Vietnam veterans were, for the most part, not welcomed home and often quite the opposite, so compartmentalization was a useful way to avoid unwelcome confrontation.
Alan at Firebase Lois on his 21st birthday wearing the red scarf of his Fox Force platoon.
In 2000 my old unit, Fox, held a reunion, and has every year since. The Fox team comes from every walk of life in America, making us quite an odd collection of souls, but we share a common bond that only other combat veterans can appreciate. We wear our red scarves when we are together, but also wear red wrist bands, specially inscribed, when we are not together. I’m proud to say my youngest daughter had the inspiration for the red wrist bands. Sadly, about 25 percent of the team have passed away since our first meeting – all from Agent Orange-related cancers.
In the last few years I’ve wanted to return to Vietnam. I’m not completely sure why, but it just felt like it was time for me to complete the journey that began almost 40 years ago. Being blessed in my occupation, I booked an Asian cruise that sailed in December 2009. Unfortunately due to timing, cost and other personal issues, none of my Fox Force teammates could join me and my family on the cruise. The cruise began in Shanghai and ended in Bangkok – truly a fantastic way to visit the highlights of Asia. The cruise had two stops in Vietnam: Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. I was excited to return to Vietnam, but also to share all of Asia with my family who had never traveled to this part of the world.
I was excited about our arrival in Da Nang, our first Vietnamese port of call. I awoke early to watch as the ship berthed. The port is not near the city, so all I could see was a small harbor and the surrounding countryside, which was at once familiar, but not the Vietnam I had experienced. Da Nang is a coastal city northeast of where I served. There are no jungles there, which is just as well, as no one would want to visit the areas where I served; they are too remote and densely vegetated.
After 40 years I found Vietnam, in many ways, much the way I had left it. I was surprised so little had changed, but my heart was gladdened to see the entrepreneurial spirit was still very much alive with little businesses flourishing everywhere. The people I met were glad to meet Americans, and were wonderful and friendly – something we never dared to find out as soldiers due to the threat of IEDs back then. The food was fantastic, the best we found in all of Asia. This too was a surprise as all I ate when in-country 40 years ago were C-rations.
We had a wonderful guide who showed us the sights of Da Nang and Hoi An. Vietnam is a poor country, nevertheless the people were generous and wonderful hosts. New infrastructure is being added everywhere, so it would appear that their future is a bright one.
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).
I really hadn’t thought about how I would react to my return to Vietnam. However, I had expected a flood of memories to overtake me. But that didn’t happen. Faces did come to mind, but they weren’t of the young men with whom I had fought. Rather, they were their current portraits. I wished all the Fox team could be with me, completing this long journey we had all begun so long ago.
The next day was a sea day and thankfully so. I hadn’t really thought about how I would react after returning to Vietnam, but I would never have expected the result I was experiencing. Because a Princess cruise provides plenty for everyone to do all day long, it was easy for me to keep to myself all day. I didn’t have an epiphany or a cathartic episode, the kind of experience one would see in a movie. I was just emotionally drained for a day.
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, (formerly Saigon) I was fine and enjoyed a day of touring the old capital of South Vietnam. I had been there once, but my memory of that time was pretty cloudy. It’s an exciting city that has a very vibrant texture; my whole family thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Vietnam’s southern center. I was just another tourist on that day, and that felt wonderful. If I had any doubts or demons about Vietnam, they were back in the attic.
I’m glad I went back, and I’m glad I took a cruise rather than a solitary visit to Vietnam. It was great to be back for a few days, but it was also great to see the rest of Asia and to be able to return to the familiarity of our ship each evening. I’m a little biased, but I can’t think of a better way to visit all of Asia, and for Vietnam veterans, a better way to tie-off the need to revisit the place where so many gave so much.
I still look forward to returning to the area where I served, but only if accompanied by some of my old Fox Force teammates.
My late husband served for 21 years. His last tour was on the US Boxer, He commaned a group of Helicopters. He flew everyplane the Navy had. How I wish he could have written this.
God Bless all our young men and women. Barbara Hagadorn.
Alan,
Let me add my WELCOME HOME and THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE. I was in-country from March 1970 to March 1971 with the 374th Radio Research (MI) Detachment headquartered in An Khe. I was a linguist and spent my time in the field, traveling from unit to unit gathering data and intel. My wife and I are platinum level cruisers with Princess and always enjoy our time onboard. I have often thought of ‘going back’ to rid myself of the compartmentalized demons but haven’t done so yet. How about Princess sponsoring a subsidized VietNam Vet cruise for those of us who can do some of the less expensive cruises but Asia is just out of reach?
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for your comments!
The military benefit applies to active military, retired military, and disabled military veterans. We unfortunately do not offer special cruise fares for veterans at this time, but will pass your feedback along to the appropriate department. For details of the military onboard credit please contact us directly at 800-421-1700.
Alan,
I certainly enjoyed reading your trip report.
I served in the USMC and was in Da Nang from October 1966-October 1967 flying the A6A.
I’ve been contemplating a trip back to SEA as a tourist, but could never figure how I was going to work it out.
Now, thanks to your report, I have a plan.
My wife and I have travelled on Princess Cruise Lines a number of times (6 to be exact) and have always had a positive experience.
We met after I got off of active duty and was flying with American Airlines, so she only knows of my active duty experiences second hand and after the fact. Now I have a great way of going back to renew the pleasant memories and, hopefully, put to rest the unpleasant ones once and for all and at the same time give her a glimpse of my life some 44 years ago.
Thanks again,
Jim Engstrom
Alan…..so glad you had the opportunity to go back. I did a similar curise about 5-years ago and it was a most rewarding experience. I was in Siagon with AFVN (The American Forces Vietnam Network) and did a morning show called Sunrise in Saigon on AFVN-FM. When our tour bus passed the old radio/tv station, I was surprised to see it had not changed very much, even to the point that Military guards were still stationed at the main entrance. Around the corner was the Post Office and Catholic Church, which were exactly the same as they were 40-years ago. Yes, the rest of Vietnam has not changed much, except for the main business areas. It was much as we left it. Seeing Vietnam on a Princess Cruise is probably the most affordable route to go. It may only get you in the cities for 10-12 hours, but for most of us………that’s enough to bring back the memories…….and for me those were significient, as my time in Vietnam was in the City of Saigon and it was so meaningful for me to return. Before I was assigned in Saigon, I spent 2 months in Nha Trang, which fortunatley was also a stop for my Princess Cruise. For those who haven’t returned, it would be a great addition to your ‘bucket list’. Welcome home Alan and Thank YOU for your service. You served in-country the same time I did, and I trust that we at AFVN provided you with a little ‘taste of home’ everytime you had a chance to listen to the radio or watch TV.
Very Impressive stories. I sure hope Princess lines gave these guys a free cruise back or at least a “very good deal”!! Where would we be now without our wonderful, dedicated Military Men and women?
Alan and the Board of Directors of Princess Cruises,
Alan – thank you for your service. Alan and Princess Cruises Directors – thank you for your thoughtful consideration of veterans.
Next February, Joyce, my bride of 43 years (and Commander-in-Chief (CinC) House; mother of our children; my “battle buddy”) and I, will return to Hawaii after 41 years, for the Royal Princess Hawaii-Tahiti cruise.
Late May 1969, we met there for “R&R”. (I refer to it as “I&I” (Intoxication and Intercourse))! The Vietnam Vets will relate.
“Essential Experience” (Bucket List) has us on future Princess Cruise to Southeast Asia. Nha Trang will be on the itinerary. Earlier in 1969, I went TDY from the Central Highlands (Hill 1028-Dragon Mtn.) to Nha Trang for instruction on new commo equipment. Remember the pristine white sand beaches and the beautiful blue hues of the South China Sea. Waikiki beach did not impress – but we had other things on our minds!
Princess Cruises is part of recapturing our memories.
Alan, what a great story. For veterans who often think about Vietnam, now is the time to return. After serving with the 25th Infantry Division in Cu Chi and Tay Ninh in 1969-70, I tried for years to let Vietnam go. I finally returned with the DOVE Fund in 2008 to an emotional but ultimately fulfilling experience. I’ve been back 2 more times and will go again soon. Helping to rebuild a country once ravaged by war not only helps the people but also heals the invisible wounds of many veterans. Check out how the DOVE Fund is making a difference in the lives of Vietnam’s children at http://www.dovefund.org Thanks again for your story. DJG
Alan, great to hear that your return to Vietnam was so worthwhile. I served with the Americal Division near Chu Lai from May 1969 to August of 1969 when I was wounded and sent back to the World. I have also had the good fortune to return to Vietnam 10 times in the past 10 years so I now have my year of service in Vietnam. Our group “D.O.V.E. Fund” has built schools, medical clinics, fresh water projects, micro financing for poor women and scholarships. I travel back to Vietnam to make sure that every dollar that we raise is being used properly for the poorest areas of Vietnam. What a beautiful country and the people are just awesome to work with. Thanks for serving and God Bless!
As a proud US Navy veteran who served on the USS Valley Forge CV45, the last of the Essex carriers from 1952 to 1995. A magnificent carrier that served in Korea and in Vietnam. I salute you and all veterans.
As a customer since 1991 and as an Elite member of Princess I thank you and Princess for recognizing our veterans. It is not so much the SBC but just to be recognized for what we are. Proud Flag Waving Veterans of this wonderful country by the CEO of Princess who is one also. Others should do the same.
Thank you
Jack Schrenk
Sorry didn’t see and edit on here the dates above should say 1952 to 1955. Enrolled at CSU in 1956 and graduated in 1960 GI bill. Thanks Navy.
I almost forgot…..“ WELCOME HOME” to you and the rest of the Vietnam Vets.
Alan, I have to commend you on having the courage to go back to Vietnam. I was there in 1966-67 with the 3rd Marines in Dung Ha, and I will never go back. My family and I will be taking the Grand Mediterranean cruise in June 2011 with Princes.
Thanks for your story Alan. I did the Grand Pacific Tour from Sydney in 2008. This was an opportunity to revisit many of the places i visited while in the Australian Navy from 1963 to 1974, but in a little more luxury. I served on the HMAS Sydney which was a Korean War vintage aircraft carrier converted as a troop carrier and nicknamed the Vung Tau Ferry – as well as the HMAS Melbourne (a real aircraft carrier at that time) during the Malaysian confrontation against the Indonesian communists as part of the Far East Strategic Reserve,
I enjoyed our time in both Hanoi and Saigon (the locals still call it Saigon with only the government building labeled as Ho Chi Minh City.)
As other Australian and British Veterans have mentioned It would be great if the Veterans’ concession could be extended to close allies.
Thanks, Errol
Hello to a Fellow Vietnam Veteran ,
I just read the comments posted regarding your return visit to Vietnam and was interested in the Veterans allowance. What is the current situation regarding extending this to Australian Vietnam Veterans ??
I served in Vietnam in the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS HOBART in 1968 as part of the US Navy Seventh Fleet then again aboard HMAS DERWENT IN 1971. You may not be aware of the fact that a US Air Force Phantom Jet attacked HOBART in the early hours of 17th June 1968 and fired three Sparrow Missiles into my ship killing two sailors and wounding many others and putting the ship out of action for 30 days whilst the battle damage was repaired in Subic Bay. The plane then attacked USS Boston.
I then served on three years Exchange Duty with the US Navy 1972-75 at NSC Oakland California. My Vietnam service was recognised by Disney Land extending the Vietnam veterans concession which provided entrance and ride tickets for four days for me, my wife and three children. Will Princess Cruises also recognise my Vietnam and US Navy service and extend the Veterans allowance to me ??
I’ve just received your Email welcoming me and my wife Freda to the Sun Princess sailing from Sydney 16 April 2011 destined for the Northern Australian Cruise … Gold Level Loyalty Level.
Please consider favorably,
Very Respectfully
Neil Henderson
Hello,
We are happy to let you know that we do intend to offer a military promotional feature in each market and are currently working through the details. Stay tuned!
Read your article with interest, and also additional comments. I am a Australian Ex-serviceman, having served in Vietnam 70-71 I am about to return on a Diamond Princess cruise in Mar- Apr 2011. It was interesting to hear of your undisclosed special offers to U.S vets & wonder if this “offer” could not be extended to include vets off all Nations who fought side by side. I have cruised previously with Princess, the last one being the first Cruise to sail around the world from Sydney to Sydney 2009. A truly wonderful trip & highly recommend it be placed on everyones “Bucket list”. Looking forward to my next trip, however, with some trepidation. Your comments have been re-assuring.
Hi Malcolm,
We are currently working to expand the program to other regions, including Australia and UK veterans. Stay tuned!
In early November, 2010, I signed up for a Crown Princess cruise for 7 days, from Nov20th to Nov 27th, voyage 3037, and received this Veteran’s notice of a $100 on board credit posted on the 11th of November. I opened it just the day before my cruise started, so I thought I could notify someone on board and everything would work — I am a retired US Army CW4 Warrant Officer, Vietnam Veteran, and a life member of VHPA. So, I went to the front desk on the first day of the tour. I was told I had to notify Princess Cruise 14 days in advance to get this “Veteran Credit” so I was denied this little benefit. This doesn’t have anything to do with traveling to Vietnam to relive my youth, but I am upset with the attitude of the “front desk” people and decided to try to voice my opinion.
Kim:
Sorry your Military credit didn’t apply on your November cruise. To make it up to you, on your next cruise we will give you an extra $100 Military onboard credit to try to make amends.
All my best
As a Vietnam Veteran and a first time Princess Cruise customer I was really touched by your Veteran’s Day email offering all veterans an onboard credit. I made the call and sent in my DD-214 only to find out later that your offer in fact does not apply to all veterans as you stated. This treatment brought back bad memories of how I and so many other Vietnam Veterans were treated when we returned from the war. I was looking forward to my Princess cruise, but this treatment has put a damper on my enthusiasm. Please do not make offers you don’t intend to keep. It is a cruel joke.
Hi Tom,
We are very sorry that you were not able to get the military onboard credit. There are specific criteria needed in order to receive this onboard credit. If you would like this to be looked into further, please contact us directly at 800-421-1700
Hi Alan,
Great article! So different for our military now than it was then. Never made it to Viet Nam , Guam with the B-52′s was the closest I got (71-72). But after 35 years in the Air Force and 40 years of marriage, my wife and I our headed out on your 10 day Eastern Caribbean cruise on 28 November (actually our anniversary date) looking forward to a great time!
Regards, Jim
I loved reading your story. When my husband and I cruised with the Carnival and Celebrity, it was wonderful getting a discount after he served 4 years in the Navy. Joy
Your writing and personal insights are brilliant. My husband served 2 years flying Wild Weasel missions in SE Asia before I met him. He never talked about the “war.” Being a teacher in San Jose, CA, meant that I had lots of Vietnamese students in my class. I’ve traveled the world and decided three years ago to explore Vietnam on my own for 10 days. When I called my husband from the Hanoi Hilton, he described things about Hanoi that he never told me in over 30 years of marriage. I’m glad I went to Vietnam to gain so many insights. Keep up the great work running Princess!!!
Hi! I’m traveling Asia for the first time and heading to Vietnam tomorrow. My Dad served his two years as a doctor in Saigon. He’s never returned and has always had a difficult time sharing his experiences with our family. Recently he cooincidentally met a soldier he had helped so many years ago…they both wound up living in Hawaii…what are the chances? It’s really been a blessing as he’s more open to talking about it and sharing some stories. This trip for me is going to be quite emotional and for my family as well. My dad would like me to visit the hospital he worked in, even though it may not be a hospital anymore. I’m hiring a private guide to take me there and around the sites. Anything in particular you recommend I see? Any war sites I shouldn’t miss? I’d like to bring back some momentos for my Dad as well…anything you recommend? Thanks so much!
Great article- so glad I ‘clicked on’ to read of Alan’s and so many other vets comments. The Asian cruise sounds like something I would like to do someday,having never seen the country firsthand. I’m going to send this on to my brother,Jeff who also served in Pleiku. Thank you ALL for your service.
Took a great cruise in Sept 2010 on the Splendor….sad to read about the recent events with the ship….Carnival was great in giving us a credit for my military time Oct 1970 – May 1972…..thanks for remembering those that have served….!!
Allan, i’m a Australian Vietnam Veteran, 67/68 & was a sapper in the Royal Australian Engineers. In November last year my wife & i, with a mate, who was also a Veteran with me in Vietnam, & his wife boarded the Diamond Princess in Thailand, visiting Cambodia, Saigon, Singapore, then ports from Darwin down the east coast of Australia, finishing up in Sydney. The cruise (our first)was a wonderfull experience, & we enjoyed it so much,booked another cruise, which leaves Sydney this coming sunday, again with Princess on a 13 day cruise around New Zealand. Our return, last year to Vietnam, for me, was the highlight of that cruise, which i;m sure you’d understand being a veteran also. We plan to travel back to Vietnam, this time on a extended stay.
I have a Princess tour booked for Canada/ Alaska next June, so am looking forward to the experience. But in talking about Vietnam, you need to spend more time than just two stops. I have spent three weeks travelling from the south to the north of Vietnam and only encountered helpful, wonderful people. The sights are amazing, the food unequaled, and the experiences second to none. I would recommend getting to know the people. We were very lucky as our tour group consisted of Myself, my husband, our guide and our driver. It is very sobering to visit the war museum and think of all the lives that were destroyed on both sides of the conflict.
Two calls and two Faxes to Princess and still no credit awarded to my 14 day Cruise on the Grand Princess begining Feb 28th, 2011
Can you help me
Richard,
To protect your booking and privacy, we’ve removed your booking number from your post. We can tell you that the folks handling the military credits have been very busy and are processing credits in chronological order by sailing date. February cruises will be some time yet. If you haven’t heard by about a month before your sailing, please contact 1-800-PRINCESS.
Alan thanks soooo much for this credit. This kind of expression of graditude from you and Princess is the reason we have sailed so many times with Princess Thanks again
Sad to see that no mention is made of the Veterans’ Discount offer being
made to British veterans !
I served my Queen and Country in the Malayan conflict in the Fifties .
I was based in RAF Changi which supplied the Commonwealth troops
fighting the Communist insurgents in the Malayan jungle . Then I was attatched to
a Royal Navy aircraft carrier which was also on active duty in the area . Then
I was on a roster for Korea but luckily the Peace Negotiations cancelled that !
I have already booked three cruises mid December through the Panama Canal
and return( two cabins ) then on Crown ( two cabins ) . We are going to book two
or three more on Princess in Jan and Feb 2011.
How about “The Special Relationship” that is so often quoted between our two countries ?
John McHugh
You are very correct in pointing this out. We are working on correcting this shortcoming and hope to have a solution in place shortly.
Sorry it had to brought to our attention.
Best wishes
Thank you very much for the ‘on board board credit’ program for military veterans.
Hi Alan, nice story. I was stationed at Bien Hoa from Feb. 70 to Feb. 71. with the 1st Cav. My wife and I just booked our first cruise to Alaska, of course on Princess. I was surprised your credit didn’t include DAV’s.
Hi John,
We are happy to hear that you booked your first cruise to Alaska! Alaska is amazing and we hope you have an amazing time!
We are very sorry, but at this time only US & Canadian military veterans. We will pass along your feedback for review to the applicable department.
I served in Vietnam from May ’69 to May ’70 as a member of the US Naval Advisory Group. Headquartered in Saigon at RVN Navy Headquarters, I helped the Vietnamese Navy develop craft maintenance and Seabee training and skills. I traveled the country regularly from north of Danang to Chu Lai, Cam Rahn Bay, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, Nha Be, My Tho, Can Tho, other delta cities, including Bihn Thuy and Long Xuyen, and down to Phu Quoc. I knew the beautiful country, great food with French/Oriental cooking influences, and good people could succeed someday as a tourist location. After completing a career in the Navy, and follow on careers, I became a travel agent 6 years ago. I’ve now been on 60 cruises, and look forward to a Southeast Asian cruise that visits Vietnam.
Dear Alan Buckelew,
I served in the USMC active duty for 6 months in the Korean War Era. There not being any action taking place, I served 81/2 years in the Marine Organized Reserve. I’m know a active member of the American Legion Post 52. I have sailed 6 times with Princess and enjoyed every moment. This will be our 7th cruise, to the Panama Canel. My wife and I are Captain Circle Members. I commend your jester on the cruise rewards to our Veterans and those who are activly serving at the present time, God Bless you and thank you for your service.
Robert T Beebe Sr.
USMC Reserve
Thanks for your giving back, Alan. I too was in-country from July ’69 to June ’70. I was with the 1st Cav at Phouc Vinh. We’re about to take our first Princess Cruise. Having cruised several times on other lines, we’re really looking forward to Princess. So far, what I’ve seen of Princess is far superior to the other lines. Thanks again, Bill Lee, U.S. Army (Ret)
Alan, Thanks to you and your fellow troopers. I was a Professional Soldier in the medical field of Orthopedic surgery. I was at a Mash in Phu Bi near Hue Jan- June of 70. We had lots of casualties, maybe some of your buddies. The last half of 70 I was the Surgeon and Med. Battalion Commander for the 1st Cav. Div. No welcome home. Just slipped in and rejoined my family. Love Princess and hope to get back to Vietnam. Quinn
Seems like we were in country about the same time, I too spent my time in the Centeral Highlands at Pleiku AB. We are about to go on our first cruise, and it is with Princess – to Hawaii in January, and my wife and I are looking forward to it very much. Thanks for your generosity, we will toast to your good health.
I just wanted to say thank you to Alan for sharing your great story with us. Glad your home and able to travel.
On a further note, I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank ALL of our military both past and present for your very much valued service. The response you got from some when you got home was shameful. Each and every one of you deserved to be honored.
Thanks Again, Linda Recotta………..and yes I’m ready to book another Princess trip right now
Spent nearly five years there working in signal intell, on special forces A teams, ran some recon for Macv-Sog, did time in II Corp mike force, advisor to Arvn Rangers,a year in the infantry with the 173d. we wore scarves in Mike force – lost a lot of guys scarf or no scarf, glad u got home OK.
Alan, Perfect timing as I read your articile on Vets day. I too spent time in the Central Highlands from April, 1969 – April, 1970. I was assigned to the 4th Inv. Div as a LRRP and like you have been able to keep my memory’s in the deep freezer and go on with my life. My plan is to return to Vietnam on my 70th birthday but to tour on a bicycle. I’d love to revisit Pleiku and other small hamlets in the Central Highlands. Thanks for the room credit. My wife and I have enjoyed 11 cruises, all with Princess, and plan on another one in March, 2011. Our plan is to enjoy dinner in the Crowne Grill for on behalf of my wife and I, thanks for dinner!
Regards and best wishes to you and your family
I hope you make your return trip to Pleiku — biking at 70 will be a great accomplishment. I hope Fox is able to make the trip before too long.
Best of luck
Thank You to All American Veterans everywhere for your heroic services in combat. I am a 100% combat connected disabled veteran. I just took the SE Asian cruise and revisited Vietnam. What a costly mistake that was, Hours of wasted time on buses that were paralyzed by miles and miles of torn up roadways the filth is the same as it was in the late 60′s just no land mines to contend with and a lot more people living in the squalor. I would not even consider eating the garbage they eat. I did revisit the area in Na Trang where I was engaged it a gunfight with Viet Cong and the old location of the USO club that Blew up just after I walked out into the street. It was good therapy and awakening to the fact that by getting out of that war was exactly what we needed to do. And how rewarding to realise how blessed we are that we don’t have to repatriate that country. Now can we just convince our present politicians that is exactly what we need to do in Iraq. Pull out lock stock and barrel and pass laws restricting American technology from commerce with Iraq. They too will succumb to their ignorance and godly laws of annihilation.. Oh yes anyone contemplating this cruise beware all ports with the exception of one are miles of long uncomfortable bus rides from the ship. My best advise is save your money and stear way clear of the DIAMOND PRINCES she is a horrible, worn out, and generally badly staffed Ship with the worst Chef possible
Hi Rodney,
We are very sorry if you had an unsatisfactory experience on the Diamond Princess. We definitely intend for all passengers to have a wonderful time during our cruises and wish you had a better experience.
I’ve also had thoughts of returning to “The Nam” but haven’t acted on it yet. Welcome home brother and thank you for your service. I did two tours,one with the 173rd Airborne as a grunt and primarily operated in the Central Highlands; the 2nd tour was with 17th Air Cav with a recon platoon,again boots on the ground. I was always impressed with the beauty of VIet Nam, just distracted by the war. Thanks for your article.
I want to salute you and all of our brothers and sisters who served and gave all for our country. In hopes as did our fathers who dreamed if we did all we could, maybe it would be a better world for the generations to come. I enlisted in the USAF in 1961. I served four years active duty at Rhine Main AFB and March AFB Calif. I was discharged and worked at JFK for 25 years. Enlisted in the NY Army National Guard. Moved to the Army Reserves. Went active as a recruiter and an instructor. I retired after TWENTY YEARS. I am a TRAVEL AGENT and own my agency. I have taken 80 cruises. I am proud to say I am a COMMODORE on Princess & CUNARD. I know the benefits of loyalty to Princess are the BEST in the entire cruise industry. Every cruise I take I set up a MILITARY VETERANS meeting. I am happy to say I have met the most fantastic veterans on all my cruises. As a Travel Agent I will ALWAYS try to get a MILITARY DISCOUNT for ALL VETERANS. Unfortunately until now Princess would not give us a discount. I was very happy to read your blog and I want to thank you on behalf of ALL the VETERANS for giving us a discount or on board credit.
I read a blog from someone just like me who owns Carnival stock and was refused our Veterans credit. I ask you to reconsider and let us have what we deserve as VETERANS and Share holders.
Thank You Again,
Fred Schecter
Schecter Travel Center
SchecterTravel@yahoo.com
The issue of combining our Military and Shareholder’s benefits was raised just yesterday and we have decided to change the current practice and make both combinable so Veterans who own Carnival stock can enjoy both benefits on the same cruise.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Regards
Nice article Alan, since I left in 1967, I’ve never felt the desire to return. Articles like yours may cause me to rethink my desire to return. I flew all over III Corp and understand that many of the places there have been attracting tourists. Thanks for your service.
As a Vietnam Veteran of 1962 – 1964, my dream is to return to Saigon, Danang & Hue again and expose my wife to the beautiful countryside & cities of Vietnam and the wonderful people. The few Princess Cruises we have researched have a day in Vung Tao and maybe another one in Hue or Danang. There is not enough time to travel to Saigon from Vung Tao or visit other places on the South China Sea.
I so enjoyed reading of your trip to Vietnam. My husband was in Vietnam during the period of 1969 – 1970. He was mostly on LZ’s and patrolling HWY 19. I have wanted to see the country where he served and where he left so many good friends. He has never wanted to return to Vietnam but maybe your story will inspire him to at least consider going back.
Thank you for your service to our country.
My army service was during the Korean war, so I am a bit older than you.
Thanks for 250.00 credit, but your staff will not give it to me.
I am a share holder in Carnival Cruises, so they say I can’t get in on the promotion. It was a nice gesture, but a shame that it doesn’t apply to those of us who support the Company by buying stock in it, and sailing with you for 12 or 13 weeks of the year.
We sail with you next week. It would have been a nice “extra”!
Daniel:
Can you have your travel agent call us as we have changed our policy in regard to Military and Shareholder benefits — you can now have both.
Sorry for the confusion.
Regards
Alan
Just returned from Panama trip with your company oct.2010 I also am a Viet Nam vet USMC 67/68 was there for chinese new year (tet). Welcome Home And thank you for your service.
Looking forward also to returning.
warm regards
mike keltner
Next Spring will be my first visit to Vietnam since I left there in 1970. Actually the first cruise I ever took was on a troop ship (11000 tons) to Vung Tau, Vietnam. A far cry from the Princess ships we have cruised on since then. Our cabin wasn’t much bigger than a mini-suite and there were 18 of us in it triple bunked. We are looking forward to our Asia Grand Adventure especially the Vietnam portion. The two stops coincide with my two tours so I will be aomewhat familiar with the areas although I saw it all from the air flying armed and later attack helicopters. Needless to say, we will opt out of the boat rdie on the Par Fum River near Hue. The last time I saw it, I was firing rockets at sampans on that river. Hopefully, it won’t be as dramatic this time. By the way, my cobra unit my second tour wore red scarves, too. Welcome home, Alan, and thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Alan:
You made our trip so special that my sister and I wrote and shared our story with you. How nice it was that you were able to share your story with us. it was very touching. Thanks to you and all for your service. I really hope you get back with your band of brothers one day for another visit.
Sincerely,
Lisa (and Leslie)
Was in Nam 1964/1965 on Market Time OP’s, Navy, USS Southerland DD743. Did Princess cruise to Panama Canal, GREAT trip. Well come home.
My great grandmother was Klara Hajny Bezvoda married to Antonin Bezvoda who lived in Baltimore at the turn of the last century. The Bezvodas came from the Czech Republic.
Thanks Alan for your service and your story. My brother Bob was in the Air Force in Vietnam Started in 1970 and served 2 tours. He loved the people there and learned how to cook from some of the old vietnamese women. He maded the best spring rolls I have ever eaten. He always wanted to go back but sadly, died from pancreatic cancer this fall at the age of 61. We only had 5 weeks once we had the diagnosis so no time for a cruise. My husband and I cruise with Princess often and we wish to thank you for making it more affordable for our veterans.
Great article Alan. Thanks for your service!
Hello, My husband served in Viet Nam in 69-70 also, Army infantry. So for his 50th birthday I started bugging him about how he wanted to celebrate. After many wks. he finally said he was “hungry” which meant another cruise, yippee. So after a few more wks finally got a destination out of him. Viet Nam!? ok so Princess I found out was the only one to go there with 2 stops Nha Trang and Saigon. We wound up in Saigon on Veterans Day 1999 with several other vets on board. Awesome adventure would go again. We love Princess have sailed several times love each and every destination. Thanks for your service & welcome home. We’d love to do another Princess cruise next summer with 3 of our grandsons we’re raising. Also to introduce Princess to some other friends. Thanks linda
Thanks Alan from a fellow Vietnam Vet having two tours in Vietnam flying C130,s Da Nang was where I got my DFC medal -do not know if I will go bck but would like my wife to see where we fighting