Military Reunion Cruises
Shipmates and comrades, together again at sea.
Get Free Reunion Cruise QuotesMilitary reunions — ship crews, units, squadrons and graduating classes — have a long tradition of meeting at sea, and a cruise suits them well.
Why Veterans’ Groups Choose Cruises
Reunion associations often bring together members from across the country, with spouses and sometimes children and widows. A cruise offers one price that includes lodging, meals and entertainment, hospitality for members of very different ages, and time to talk. Several cruise lines offer military rates for eligible service members and veterans; rules and eligibility vary, so check them with your advisor and do not assume they combine with group rates.
Memorial Ports and Meaningful Itineraries
| Destination | Why it matters | How cruises reach it |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl Harbor, Hawaii | USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, Pacific Aviation Museum | Before or after a Honolulu cruise, or on Hawaii itineraries calling at Honolulu |
| Normandy, France | D-Day beaches and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer | Ships calling at Le Havre or Cherbourg on Northern Europe cruises |
| Home waters | Naval ports such as Norfolk and San Diego | Cruises that begin or end in those ports |
Memorial visits often need advance reservations and have limited capacity, so plan them early and arrange group transport where possible. Tour ideas for many ports are on our sister site Shore Activities.
Planning for Every Member
- Ask about accessible cabins early; they are limited and sell out first.
- Choose ships and ports with easy walking or accessible tours.
- Plan a private gathering for the memorial service, roll call or recognition of fallen members.
- Arrange a group photo with any unit colors or ship flags your association carries.
- Keep a simple schedule with long breaks; reunions are about conversation.
For relatives with mobility needs, see Accessible Ocean Cruises.
Working With Your Reunion Association
Many ship and unit associations already have an officer who runs the yearly reunion. A cruise works best when that person has a single point of contact for the bookings, a clear deadline for members, and a short list of on-board events to request: a welcome reception, a memorial service or roll call, and a farewell dinner. Associations sometimes invite members who cannot travel to send a message or photo to be read or shown at the memorial service — a simple way to include everyone.
Bring copies of the association’s membership list and emergency contacts, and ask members to share any medical or mobility needs privately with the organizer and advisor before sailing.
Above all, keep the pace gentle. Members travel a long way to see each other, and the most valued time is often an unhurried afternoon of stories in a quiet lounge.
Plan a Military Reunion Cruise
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise work with reunion associations of every size. Tell us about your group and any memorial ports you would like to visit.
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