AmaWaterways Features "D-Day Remembered" Excursions through Normandy, France in 2014

Top river cruise line commemorates 70th Anniversary of the WWII D-Day invasion

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Oct 01, 2013, 01:22 ET

CALABASAS, Calif., Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways will honor the 70^th Anniversary of the World War II D-Day landings with an enhanced Paris & Normandy itinerary. Starting at $2,599, the 7-night voyage offers an up-close view of the historical coast with a choice of two special "D-Day Remembered" excursions. Active and retired military personnel will receive an additional $200 savings per person.

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Travelers can experience the Paris & Normandy itinerary featuring the "D-Day Remembered" excursions from April 10, 2014 to November 27, 2014.

"We are pleased to offer special D-Day Remembered excursions as part of our Paris & Normandy cruises," said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways' Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. "Our knowledgeable tour guides bring the itinerary to life and we hope our guests will enjoy the in-depth historical perspective as they travel through some of Europe's most beautiful cities."

Guests may choose from one of two "D-Day Remembered" excursions. Both start with a visit to Arromanches, a village renowned for its artificial "Mulberry" harbor. This artificial harbor was used during the June 6, 1944 landings and served as a base for Allied troops. Today, the ghostly remains of large concrete structures are still visible off-shore. From there, guests will set forth on their preferred tour:

U.S. Sector: Guests will have the opportunity to visit the D-Day Museum before traveling on to St. Laurent-sur-Mer, home to Omaha Beach, the site of intense fighting during the invasion, and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, which was the first US cemetery on European soil. Guests can also see Point du Hoc on the Norman coast between Utah and Omaha Beaches. There, the Ranger Monument was erected by the French to honor the American Second Ranger Battalion that scaled the 100-foot cliff and stopped German artillery firing on troops on the shore below.

British and Canadian Sectors: Guests will visit the landing sites of the British 50th Division on Gold Beach and the Canadian 3rd Division on Juno Beach, where there is a museum dedicated to contributions made by Canadian soldiers during the war. There are opportunities to see the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, the Memorial Pegasus and the British Cemetery in Ranville, the first French village to be liberated on D-Day.

Back on board the AmaLegro, guests can enjoy specially selected WWII-themed movies on the Infotainment system in their spacious staterooms or suites. The ship offers a luxurious cruising experience with delectable culinary creations and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with every lunch and dinner, all served on a complimentary basis.

In addition to the "D-Day Remembered" tours, the 2014 Paris & Normandy itinerary includes other enticing excursions along the Seine River: the village of Giverny, home to Claude Monet's beautiful and iconic gardens; Honfleur, a charming seaside town beloved by Impressionist painters; Rouen, where Joan of Arc was martyred; and Chateau Gaillard in the town of Les Andelys. The voyage ends where it started, in the magical city of Paris, where guests can spend two nights.

To view detailed itineraries or to order a brochure, please visit www.amawaterways.com. To make a reservation, please contact your professional travel agent or call 800-626-0126.

About AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways' European fleet includes the AmaReina (2014); AmaSonata (2014); AmaPrima (2013); AmaCerto (2012); AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaLyra (2009); AmaDolce (2009); AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). The line's newest ships feature Twin Balcony Staterooms, multiple dining venues, complimentary in-room Internet and Infotainment, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool, plus many more unique design elements. The company's AmaVoyages division has a fleet of five ships that includes the AmaVida (2013) on the Douro River in Portugal; the AmaLotus (2011) and La Marguerite (2009) on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; the AmaKatarina (rebuilt 2011) on the Volga in Russia; and the Zambezi Queen (2009) on the Chobe in Botswana.