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.
I just found out your company owns Costa Cruises. My husband and I will be going on a 14 day cruise to the Panama Canal with Princess and this fact causes some great concern and nervousness about this trip. How can you reassure us that we will be in safe hands and that our Captain won’t bail on us?
Hello Emily,
Princess Cruises and Costa are both apart of the Carnival Corporation & plc.
We would like to reassure you that in order to ensure a safe environment for our passengers and crew, all officers and crew undergo comprehensive safety training which meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements in order to fulfill their duties in case of emergency. Proficiencies are verified during drills and exercises, including periodic exercises with U.S. Coast Guard. Every ship undergoes periodic inspections as mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard which verifies safety processes and procedures. In addition, the classification society conducts annual inspections of the ship and our safety processes. Please keep in mind that passenger and crew safety is our number one priority and we have maintained an excellent safety record throughout our company’s history.
My wife and I completed the 20 day Ultimate Australia Land/Cruise Tour on Dec. 29th. It was a bucket list trip for both of us and we couldn’t have been more satisfied. Our tour guide and drivers on the land portion provided in depth knowledge of the history, culture and many little known facts about the vast area of Australia that we toured . Our cruise through New Zealands Fiordlands and shore excursions on our cruise stops convinced us that New Zealand must be one of the most beautiful places on earth. As usual, our shipboard experience was pleasant, relaxing and fun, Cruise Director Warren should be complemented for a job well done. We are now left with the decision ” Where will Princess take us next”?
I am also a Nam vet. My wife and I will be traveling to Nha Trang, on the Diamond Princess in early March. I have just recently thought about returning to Nam and this cruise will make it much easier since my wife didn’t want to take a land tour. I was stationed at Phan Rang Air Base for all of 1971. We plan on taking the train for the 1 hour trip down to Phan Rang. I will post my thoughts and emotions after we return home in mid-March.
What a delightful story Mr Bucklelew, thank you, I really enjoyed it!
I loved my travels on the Princess Line (I even have a Gold Card,) but unfortunately
due to ill-health I have had to curb my travelling for some time.
However I am now able to travel again, and am thrilled that my sister Jean Stoll will
accompany me on the Crown Princess from Ft Lauderdale February 18th-25th, and I
am very excited! But I do have a question for you…..
Although I use a wheelchair at the Airport because of the very long distances. I will
NOT be using one on board the ship as I love to walk, but a friend told me that she
was given what was called a “disability stateroom’ which sounded very comfortable. and
I wondered (and was asked if we would accept an upgrade if it was offered to us)
if we could qualify for one of those ….as we are both in our mid-eighties!
Mr Bucklelew, I look forward to your reply. Many thanks, Phyl Goldner
Hi Phyllis,
We look forward to welcoming you onboard!
After reviewing your booking I saw that currently there are currently no complimentary upgrades available to a wheelchair accessible cabin. In order to best assist you in booking wheelchair accessible cabin, please call us at 1-800-Princess.
We have sailed with Sitmar/Princess since 1977 and visited all continents. As aging elite members we are now forced to abandon air plane travel and are limited to cruising out of San Pedro, CA. In 2011 we have done three cruises on the Golden Princess and are booked again for three more in 2012. While Hawaii is a terrific destination and we know the excellent crew on the Golden Princess including their family details very well, we would like Princees to consider 14 day round trips to Panama City and Vancouver, Canada to provide variety for your aging fans in the Los Angeles area.
Ship Ahoi
Thank you for your loyalty and for your valuable feedback.
It’s always important for us to know where our passengers are interested in traveling. We will be sure to share your feedback with our itinerary development team.
My sister and I are platinum Princess travelers. Unfortunately after a Mexican Rivera cruise on the Sapphire Princess out of Long Beach I had an ugly encounter with a young man in customer’s service. He said he would loose two Platinum customers. I was so upset I even had my name taken off the mailing list. Since that time we have taken eleven cruises with Carnival, Celebrity and NCL. So you see Princess did loose some business. However, we have missed Princess so we booked a cruise for 3 March 2012 and I am very excited. The Grand is our favorite ship so I am anxious to get back on board.
Hi Myrtle,
We are sorry for the experience you had with a customer service team member. Our mission is to provide each of our passengers with a premium level of service, and we apologize you did not receive this. Thank you for reconsidering Princess and we look forward to welcoming you back onboard.
Dear Alan,
I appreciate your respect for those that have served in keeping Canada, USA and others from those who would take away our liberties and freedom of expression. In Canada we have a wonderful rememberance day for veterans all accross this land and know of the value of their love, service and sacrifice. Princess cruises has been a home away from home feeling that i have not felt on any other cruise line. My wife and myself have are long time cruisers with Princess and have enjoyed ever minute with the respectfull, helpful, professional and courteus staff at every post where Princess in involved.
we are booked on crown princess 4-12-2012, platium memb. you keep telling us we can get an up grade, but have never received one. how can we get this upgrade?
Hi Joseph,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. After reviewing your booking I see that a complimentary upgrade request has been made. Unfortunately, complimentary upgrades are not guaranteed and instead are based on a variety of factors such as the availability, promotion booked, category booked, etc. If you have any further questions please contact us at 1-800-Princess.
great story,from this we can’t burn bridges, both sides suffered
Thanks for caring! Husband was in Korea, than in Viet Nam..without coming home in between.
He came back changed for life.
Not only he, but myself as well, are taking Meds. for PTSD+. Our Son passed away 4+ years ago (42) and matters are so much worse now..of course.
We hope to be on the Princess to Hawaii in March..from Los Angeles.
My Respect, and Regards for Veterans who are still hurting. My best Regards to all who help.
Alan, I loved reading your bucket list story of your time seved in Viet Nam and your return. Princess is so generous to active duty and vetrans and I thank you. My daughter who just turned 21 is currently serving in the Army National Guard in Afghanistan. And when I chat with her on Facebook, all she can talk about is taking a Princess cruise when she returns in January 2012. We are both looking forward to a reunion cruise on Princess to relax and reconnect. The big decision is should we go to the Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, California Coastal or Hawaii. Looking forward to this cruise is what has kept her going through her year long deployment. Thank you Princess, we’ll be seeing you soon!
Great post. Also served in VN (I Corps area) in late 65-early 66. Retired from USMC in 1983. My wife and I have taken about 14 cruise’s (4 on Princess) and we love it. We are currently booked on two back to back 14 day Princess cruises. One leaves on 22 Nov. and the other on 6 December. We are taking advantage of the on board credit offer, and thank you Princess for that. Having cruised with a half dozen other lines, I can honestly say Princess is tops. Thanks again.
Alan
I served with the 44th medical brigade from June 1969-July 1970. We had 116 medexac hueys and 26 hospitals scattered from the DMZ to the Delta. One in particular was in Plekiu.
I returned 4 yrs ago with a rotary group and distributed 200 wheel chairs (100 in Hanoi, 80 in Saigon and 20 to Pleiku). One of our group served in the Special Forces in the Highlands and ended up marrying a Motanyard (sp?) woman he met in San Jose. He was instrumental in getting the chairs diverted from Saigon to Pleiku. It is certainly a different place than the one we visited in ’69. I was surprisingly pleased with what I experienced and the sheer beauty of the country. If you are up for it you should get yourself a copy of the book Matterhorn and its sequel ‘What it takes to go to war’. Written by one of your fellow combat veterans I think you would enjoy and relate.
My wife and I just returned from your Princess cruise from Venice to Rome through Croatia, Greece, and Turkey. Loved every minute…. Thanks Roger
I served with the 9th infintry division in viet nam 67 at bear cat my wife and i returned for 2 days in viet nam I am glad we took the tour with Princess Jim
Hi, We have been on nine cruises two on the Sun princess, we loved every minute of it, its a holiday of a lifetime, last year we took two of oour friends , we did the 17 days Asia cruise, and on the 28th August 2012 we are doing 14nights South Pacific cruise and taken three other friends with us that has never been on a cruise before we are so looking forward to show off the sun princess to them.
Thank you for producing such a beautiful ship.
Regards,
Rosemary and Maurie Schneider
Thank you for accommodating my friends & us….I wrote only a few days ago & already have results…I knew I LOVED Princess for a reason…again…Thank you so much,we look forward to our cruise.
Sincerely,
Carole & Larry Shamis
thank god for princess cruises ….
well i must frist say i enjoyed my princess cruiss i have lot of fun i can wait to go in it i love it so much princess cruises escape completely good food good every things .
I think what you are doing for the veterans of all countries is great. Other cruise lines give monetary recognition to retired police officers as well. Why not Princess ?.
Hi Ernie,
Thank you for the valuable feedback. As you know this is is not something that we currently offer, however we are always interested in the types of programs passengers are interested in.
I am very pleased to learn that if for some reason you have to change your cruise you no longer have to loose your deposit. or book a cabin at a higher price.In the past we have lost £300 for changing cruises at least 12 months before departurebut I understand that US citizens do not which is most disappointing. We were originally booked on the Diamond PrincessOctober 2012 but after a most enjoyable holiday ion the Ocean Princess we have changed our booking with no financial loss. The Captain is to be congratulaed for running such a friendly customer focused ship and it was so nice to see him walk the decks and speak to passengers and crew alike.
Another point Uk travel agents are not making UK veterans aware of the military benefit……..I mentioned this ti several of our fellow passengers who had no knowledge of this.
Finally will a future cruise letter issued in 2009 to a UK passenger still be valid?
Many thanks
Hi Maryan,
Thank you for your kind words.
We look forward to welcoming back onboard soon!
In order to best assist you, please call us at, 0845 3553 055. We will need to locate your future cruise credit in our systems in order to provide you with an accurate answer.
I just wanted to thank you for your service, Mr. Buckelew.
The VN stories are something else. My late husband was in VN. Actually, I have no desire to go there. I was on another cruise ship that stopped in Saigon. I refused to get off as the hawkers on the dock were selling American dog tags. Someone said they were fake; but I was disgusted. Anyway, just a fussy old lady, I guess
I do want to go to South Africa – especially to see the Victoria Falls. Any chance you will ever sail there
By the way, I have a gold card – whatever that means.
Thank you
Slightly off topic but I’m currently aboard Grand Princess where one of the passenger, Steve Eaton ran a Marathon of 80 laps round promenade deck in just over 5 and one quarter hours for help for heros foundation. I believe this is the first time this has ever been done on a cruise ship. I’ve already donated but would like to see many more donations. You can donate via http://www.marathonatsea.com Also please spread this link far and wide to support this organisation and the recepients.
From st-Bruno (suburb of Montreal-Canada),
Very pleased and proud to hear about those we dongt hear about when we’re on Princess ships.
Every single one: on the ship, behind a desk in his office, in administration offices, makes the difference.
We,ve cruised on 7 others cruises xcompanies, there’s something different with Princess.
is it because the itineraries, coulour of ships (!), team in charge,…or the spirit of someone (someones) behind the curtain?
Thanks Mr. Bucklelew for you do and things we don’t know you do.
Sorry for my english : not so fluent as in french.
Take care.
Best regards from Quebec,Canada
WE’LL BE ON YOUR SHIP MEXT NOVDEMBER 20th 2011 (Caribbean princess)
I am pleased to hear of the veteran discount that Princess offers…..my wife and I have sailed 6 times in the last 8 years on Princess, loved every experience, but were not aware of the VET CREDIT……
I served as a Navy Corpsman in Vietnam in 1967 on the USS Coral Sea ( CVA 43 Carrier ) …., and again with the Seabees ( MCB10 ) ……
We are taking the Coral Princess through the Panama canal next FEb, and I appreciate the opportunity to apply for the Vet Credits……
Thank you
Tim and Eileen Shakl
ooops…..sp error…..Tim and Eileen Shalk
thank you
Hey there your website url: http://50essentialexperiences.com/2010/10/18/a-soldier-returns-%E2%80%A6-as-a-tourist appears to be redirecting to a completely different web-site when I click the home-page link. You might want to have this checked.
Hi Susan,
The home page link seems to be working as well as the link you shared. When clicking on the home page link you will be redirected to our most resent Essential Experience blog.
Hi, as we have just booked our next trip with you and wanted to fill in the questions you asked for , you asked for a booking number whick you say is on the boarding pass, well it will be some time befor we see the boarding pass going on past cruises, we are booked on the december cruise to New Zeakand Brisbane to Brisbane /via Flight centre Mt Gravatt Garden city, can i receive that booking number aa.s.a.p, is that possible?
Also reference Military Service yes over four and a half years service 1957-1962 period
Service in Malaya/Boreno, my Battery also served in Veitnam.
For your interest DVA, DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN SERVICES once served and approved will grant a Gold Card, this is often regarded as proof of service, thought you would like to know.
Tanking you for all the fine services you suply on your Cruises, you are a much better service than others, and are looking forward to our now booked next trip, oh for the people traveling to New zealand watch out for people looking for tourests, they target there belongings, yes we lost all our cruise pictures once we left the ship(Dimond) took all our camera equipement when we were on a bus, please be carefull regards ray
Hi Raymond,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. Unfortunately, we would have to ask that you please contact your travel agent for your booking number. If you are unable to reach your travel agent please call our Reservations Department at: 13 24 88 for further assistance.
We look forward to welcoming you onboard!
My wife and I felt for our 50th Wedding Annaversary, Aprill 6,2012, we would like to take our kids with us to celebrate the occasion and now fortunatly we are able to do so. We can’t wait until march 28, 2012 to sail to Hawaii where we love so much.Wev’e sailed on Princess ship in the past and realy injoyed the experience.
Read your comments congrats on your 50th, you wouldn’t belive this we to have a plan just like yours, we were married in 1964, so we have a year or to to go, but we to love Princess Cruises, we would like to fly to New York and sail home this to is on our bucket list, have fun to you and you family regards Ray and Terina Heath
Unfortunately, we’ve had to cancel our cruise on the Pacific Princess, July 18, 2011 due to
medical problems with me AND my husband. I’m upset that we were not informed about Princess cancellation insurance. Really leaves a bad taste to have to swallow this payment. Even British Airways credited our credit card minus the usual penalties.
Hi Marilyn,
We are sorry to learn the circumstances for your cancellation. Your booking information has been forwarded to a Customer Relations Specialist so that your concerns can be addressed. If you would like to follow up on this matter please email customerrelations@princesscruises.com
I love to see Philippines back in Asia Cruise itineraries…
I was attached with 534th EBSR, US Army, during WWII, liberation of the Philippines. I am presently booked for Panama Cruise. What proof do I need of m militarsy service to enjoy the Military Discount offer?
Hi Socrates,
To learn about our Military Personnel onboard credit program please visit:
http://www.princess.com/learn/faq_answer/additional_faq/military_program.jsp
If you have any further questions please call 1-800-Princess.
We hope you have a wonderful Panama Canal cruise!
You will need to send Princess Cruises a copy of your DD214
Alan:
consider this your special invite to our annual Celebration of Honor, Sept 23-25, 2011, in Lincoln City, Oregon. We will have the traveling Vietnam Wall, Display of 1000 American flags, special events for all veterans and activie duty . We would be honored to have you here and speak at a big screen showing of Good Morning Vietnam. I am a veteran, travel agent and co-chair of Celebration of Honor.
Why is the veterans shipboard credit not allowed on a travel agent’s booking?
Hi Jean,
We appreciate your service to our country! Unfortunately, the Military Personnel onboard credit is combinable with most fares, but as you know there are some restrictions. These restrictions include travel agent, interline, and OneSource Academy bookings which are not combinable with most other promotional offers. For more information please call us at 800-Princess.
I am a travel agent and have gotten the ship board credit many times for veterans.
A few years ago Princess ran a “Battlefields of the Pacific” cruise from Hawaii to Japan. Is there any intention of repeating that itinerary?
Hi James,
Unfortunately, we do not have any similar routes planned through to Spring of 2013. However, we will certainly keep this request in mind for the future!
I loved reading this story. Thank you for your service to our country and for sharing this voyage. An Asia cruise just moved higher on my list.
Hello Alan,
Thank you for sharing your story and trip in such a profoundly moving way. You were very brave to serve in Vietnam and then go to back as a tourist where some of your attic memories could have made their way down the stairs. I am glad you and your family had a wonderful time.
Thank you and Fox Force for your service to our country. May God bless you!
Claire
Daughter of Two Vietnam Vets
All is well, Ryan from CSC has phoned to say I have been granted the OBC. Was given late last month, but the news, because of some “mixed up” calls, never got through to me. Thankyou so much Princess cruises, Ryan and Honi from King William Travel.
It is now mid April and I’m still in limbo – ringing the CSD and via my TA about six times just has not worked – the interpretation is veteran means only current serving members.
Hi Mr. Ciracovitch,
We apologize if you have not received any updates regarding the Military Personnel onboard credit in relation to your booking, but we do see the onboard credit has been added. If you have any further questions, please contact your travel agent who can review the credit with you.
Having booked a cruise mid year, and having active service with ADF in Vietnam i phoned Princess Cruises Aust re. this program, who suggested i ask my local travell agent. They phoned back to say they were told this program is discontinued. What is going on ? Discontinued the same month it’s announced it now includes Aust/NZ Vietnam Vets.!
Hello Mr. Ciracovitch,
We are very sorry for the confusion, but the Military Personnel onboard credit program has not been discontinued. We were able to locate your reservation in our system, and your comments have been passed to our Customer Service Department who will contact you to discuss this further. If you would like to follow up on this matter please call: 13 24 88.
Any veteran wanting to work with a veteran booking a Princess Cruise can call me anytime, 800 984 4968. All Ways Traveling, Lincoln City, OR.
I am a veteran and travel agent. Thank you Princess for giving a small reward to all of the vets that came back to less than honorable welcome. Our small town of Lincoln City, OR will have the traveling Vietnam Wall and a 1000 American flags on display starting Sept 23. I invite all veterans to our Celebration of Honor and will make it well known what Princess is doing for us.
First off.”Welcome home brother”Next thank you so much for the Veterans credit this is a very nice thing to do.We just got off the Sapphire Princess 29 Jan cruise to Hawaii and put it to good use. We also had 3 Veterans reunions hosted by the Cruise and had 51 attend. We covered WWii,Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. The largest number were from the Vietnam Era. We had 1 Navy pilot with over 100 missions mainly over N. Vietnam. I Cav Helo pilot and A Vet of the battle in the Ia Drang Valley. Myself and a former Officer in the Vietnamese Army Rangers do a guest lecture at area Highschools on the Vietnam War[what is not in the text books] and your comment about “not losing” was well recieved.
Now about your Cruise line. We always have a wonderful time,We also have cruised Celebrity they are good but we prefer Princess.The quality of service is beyond outstanding. I worked for years in Mgt of major Ski resorts [Park city,Big Sky and Mt Bachelor]The level of service you provide and the quality of expierence puts land resorts to shame. thanks for your service and thanks for Princess
Bob Dunning USAF Ret
Marge Dunning USAF Ret
Hi Chris, regarding your question if the Sun Princess would have an Anzac day service on Anzac Day, I was a passenger on the Pacific Princess on Anzac Day in 2008 and we had a full service including a march with full medals and the Captain threw a Reef overboard. As a Vietnam Veteran this was a great experience. I hope that you will have a similar experience.
Alan I also retirned to Vietnam last year and attended the Anzac Day Service at Long Tan That was also a great experience and I was amazed at how friendly the people are
I enjoyed reading Mr Alan Buckelew’s story about returning to Viet Nam. I to served in Viet
Nam in 1967-68 as the Chief Mortuary Officer & Executive Officer of the U.S. Army Mortuary
DaNang. I have not read the details of this OBC for Vietnam Viets. My wife and I are going to
Panama this May 4th on booking ******, this is our 4th Princes cruise. could you give me
info on this OBC, Thank you
Hi William,
We have removed your booking number for security purposes. Our U.S. military program is available to active military, retired military and disabled military veterans with proper identification. For more information please call Princess directly at 1-800-Princess.
I first wrote on Dec3 2010 reference extending your veterans allowance. The reply was we are currently working to expand the program to other regions. Stay tuned. As it is 3 months since your reply, one wonders how long must one “stay tuned” or is it just board room rhetoric
Hi Mr. Munn,
An Australia/New Zealand program was announced last month – I’m sorry you didn’t get any notification. If you call your local Princess office they can share the details.
Hi,
I am disappointed that this great idea to give OBC to veterans, is only for US and Canadian military. Where are the British military benefits? Surely Princess is intrinsically linked with the UK and so is the US. What is going on Princess?
Matthew
Hi Matthew,
We have appreciated everyone’s feedback and thank you for your patience while we review our program. We are currently working to expand the program to other regions, including our Australia and UK veterans.
That is really good news. I thank you for your reply. Just a shame I won’t get it on my May transatlantic.
I have just read Matthew Daniel’s comment regarding veteren”s onboard credit being restricted to only US vets. I am a former British army vet. This November I will be boarding the Diamond Princess in Beijing. This will be my return to Princess cruise line. after a few years absense. I previously made 5 cruises with Princess. While I was away I made 6 cruises with Holland America Line. This is the first time that I have heard about any credits for vets. Incidently this will be a return to asia. My last visit was as a British Merchant Navy electrical officer. My first. visit to Vietnam was after the French involvement, and before the US involvement.
Hi Roy,
I apologize you have not heard about this program before. For more information on our Military Onboard Credit program call our UK office at 0845 3553 055.
We look forward to welcoming you onboard. Have a wonderful cruise!
I found your comments interesting. My wife and I cruise regularly, mostly on Princess, and have a Carribian cuise on Carribian Princess this coming February 27th. As for your comments on the trip to VN I have another view. Port calls and excursions are good for a quick dip in some local culture and we take them in every port we have visited. However, for VN we went on a guided tour conducted by a company based in Hanoi. For about $3000 pre person we had two weeks in Vietnam, from CanTho to Hanoi with numberous stops in between, and one week in Cambodia with included flight between the two. I served in a combat unit in VN from ’66 to ’67 and then as a District Senior Advisor from ’70 to ’72. The latter tour made me comfortable to live among the natives and travel on my own without much fear. So, our guided tour was just right for my wife and I and another couple who had never been to VN. We had a guide, a passenger van with driver, and one internal flight from DaNang to Hanoi. Doing this on our own was great for us. We had the freedom to divert from the planned route and go places I wanted to go without loosing what was already planned. During our tour we had no bad encounters with the natives and were always treated well. One thing that influenced how we were treated was that the more than half of the population has been born since the end of the war. Anyway, it’s nice to hear from a CEO who admits to being a veteran and is proud of his service.
It sure is a shame that as a veteran yourself you allow your employees to talk to veterans so rudely! There is no excuse to talk to a paying customer in that manner, but someone who said they would shed their own blood for the freedom of your ships to cruises freely is disgusting. I had the WORST experience aboard the Golden Princess, and with the exception of a handful of people, your staff did nothing to try to rectify the problem. They wouldn’t even give the veterans credit to those that had booked and paid in full prior to the announcement, even if they had proper documentation. As a veteran yourselfMr Buckelew you should be ashamed, not just of the denial of the credit, but the way the vets were talked to!
Hi Anastasia,
We are very sorry for the negative experience you had while onboard. We always want passengers to experience only the best while sailing with us. We were able to locate your booking and saw that you are working with Princess regarding your concerns. If you would like to follow up regarding these matters please contact Princess directly at 800-421-1700.
Served with the 5th Division Special Forces from Jan. 68 – Dec. 69 in the Iron Triangle. I will be on board Caribbean Princess, July 10th,( 6th cruise). Great cruise line from top to bottom. I always wear a Vietnam Veterans hat as a tribute to my buddies who didn’t make it, and, on my previous cruises, I had to walk with the assistance of a cane. The entire Princess crew seeing both my hat and my handicap, over extended themselves to make me feel appreciated, maybe because you also served? I think not, since, everyone on board is made to feel important. Several operations and two hip replacements later, I am now able to get around at times without the cane.
Thank you, Mr. Buckelew, for the on board credit given by Princess to veterans, I as informed of this policy by one of your booking agents, great LADY! (Josie, I believe was her name).
Thank you for your service, and it is great to hear you all made it out safely! Semper Fi!
Hello from a more recent Veteran,
Like Neil, I am also a veteran, however from a more recent era. I’m an Australian veteran who spent his time in Iraq working in an Intensive Care Unit with the 332nd Air Force Theatre Hospital. Our role was to provide Intensive Care to American and coalition serviceman who had been wounded on the battle field. During my time with the unit, we cared for over 600 critically injured service men and women. There were many life changing experiences I will never forget. Many service men and women who were injured that have given far more than I have ever had to. It was a priviledge to be able to care for them.
The Australian service men and women who served with the 332nd, became integral to the unit, with many of us taking up key positions. We worked in the emergency department, Intensive Care Unit and operating theatres. During my time there, we were considered on an equal footing with our American counterparts. In fact such was the esteem we were held in, we were put in charge of the emergency department and Intensive Care Unit.
I’m therefore disheartened to find that many American companies do not recognise the service that Australian servicemen and women have given in aid of our coalition partners. We were gladly welcomed for the skills and care that we could bring to bear. Yet on a number of occasions when I have made approach to utilise programs promoted to veterans, I’ve been told that my service is not recognised. I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to serve, and will always count it a privilege to have done so. Nothing will take that away. I know that those we cared for, were thankful for our skills and dedication. It is disappointing that our service is not recognised by others today.
Maybe Princess Cruises could start the turn around on this issue?
Kind regards
Malcolm Evans
Hi Malcolm,
We appreciate the time you have taken to comment. Currently, plans are underway to finalize the details and announce a newly expanded program to include other regions, including Australia and UK veterans. We have appreciated everyone’s feedback and thank you for your patience while we review our program.
Neil Henderson says… December 9, 2010 | 6:08pm
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
Hi Neil,
We have appreciated everyone’s feedback and thank you for your patience while we review our program. We are currently working to expand the program to other regions, including our Australia and UK veterans.
Just wondering, as the Sun Princess will be somewhere off the West Australian coast on the 25th April, whether there are any plans for an Anzac Day service?
Cheers