Anzac Cove and Gallipoli

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Today was quite special. We left the Dardanelles early in the morning and sailed slowly along Anzac Cove. By about 10am we were stationary just off the cove. One of our lecturers gave a commentary explaining about the events that had taken place there. The Australians and New Zealanders on board were familiar with the story, of course, but it was interesting to have all the places we'd heard about pointed out - Lone Pine, the no-man's land where Simpson had worked with the donkey, and so on.

It was a sunny day and the sea was balmy. It was hard to imagine the landing under such heavy fire and the months of fighting that had ensued taking place in such a peaceful place. It made it all the more poignant.

At 10.30 everyone gathered on Decks 12 and 14 by the pool. There is no Deck 13. It was crowded but special seating was provided for the veterans on board. All the officers were outfitted in their white dress uniforms and were lined up smartly to form an honour guard. The Dawn Princess choir was assembled, ready to perform. The choir is a group of passengers trained by one of the resident singers and they'd been practising for several weeks.

The captain led the ceremony and spoke of the bravery of the Anzacs. A couple of ex-Army and Navy passengers who had been officers in their respective forces also addressed the gathering. Considering that this is an American owned ship it was surprising that the ceremony was carried out so sympathetically and with such sincerity.

It was very moving imagining all those young men being injured or losing their lives so needlessly in that beautiful place. Such a terrible waste of young lives, on either side. Many people were teary, including yours truly.

The ceremony concluded with a wreath being dropped into the sea.

We sailed off towards Piraeus.