Golf Cruise To Asia
Golfer Tees Off Near Spot Where Wounded As A Marine Over 40 Years Ago!
Now wouldn't that be an interesting headline and a passel of PR for Crystal Cruises? They could kick-off their first Golf-Themed cruise to Hong Kong and Singapore (with a stop in Vietnam) with a salute to Vietnam vets represented by yours truly. Be one of the fortunate few to sail on the luxurious Crystal Symphony accompanied by a former-marine, Vietnam vet, golfer and golf-oriented travel agent! An 11 day adventure by sea into Asia, transported in first-class style with a special group of people on a journey through Asia unlike any other. Pausing with a stop in a country that was once in turmoil, now on the list of places to see before you die, this cruise will be special. No doubt, the golf trip of a lifetime aboard the world's most luxurious floating caddy – the Crystal Symphony. Are you listening Crystal Cruises PR people?
More Like A Comfortable Small Town Than A Ship At Sea
A truly astounding ship, only 922 passengers and one of the most spacious cruise ships at sea. No worries of being hip-checked out of the desert que by an overeager youngster and the most spacious accommodations you will find at sea. First-class amenities are just too many to list but include: grand lounges, full-service fitness facility, Crystal casino, Feng Shui-inspired spa, 360° teak Promenade Deck, two pools, Jacuzzi®,award-winning cuisine and entertainment, in addition to, elegantly appointed staterooms most with private verandas. Make your reservation now and be one of the select few people to experience this once in a lifetime cruise aboard The Crystal Symphony – Departing April 20 – 11 Days, Hong Kong to Singapore, it's the "mother" of all golf cruises!
As a Vietnam veteran from the years 1969-70 I was blown away when I saw this golf cruise itinerary offered by Crystal Cruises. Memories of China Beach, DaNang, Marble Mountain all came flooding back – but I visualized them with all ravages of war removed, a peaceful scene with people leading normal lives, after that stupid war was long over. I would dearly love to see that very same area again – this time ducking only at the sound of some other golfer yelling FORE! while playing golf at the Montgomerie Links near DaNang!
Forty-three years ago – October 14th, 1969, somewhere near the city of Hue, Republic of S. Vietnam – A U.S. convoy of ammo and supplies is headed south on Hwy 1 when it is suddenly ambushed by regular NVA troops and this marine is suddenly caught in a deadly cross-fire. After a fierce, but brief, fire-fight, the attackers are driven back into the hills and I am more surprised than hurt when my buddy tells me I'm bleeding. Transported by medi-vac helicopter to a M.A.S.H. unit at China Beach to be treated for an extremely minor and embarassing wound I am never the less looking forward to seeing the "Beach" again.
This time my visit to China Beach, usually noted for it's popularity as an "in country" R&R Center, was just a bit different. I was about to experience what I can only describe as similar to what you might have seen on any episode of China Beach, a popular TV show about a M.A.S.H. unit serving at China Beach. (Dana Delaney looks as good to me now on Desperate Housewives as she did back in 1988 when the show debuted).
The real China Beach was a refreshing (safe) place to let go after the rigors of combat. Only on this visit instead of sipping beer on the beach and playing grab-ass with my squad buddies - I found myself playing checkers with my ward-mate while reclining on a cot under the flaps of a Mobile Army Tent (circa 1950 Korea). No matter, I had clean sheets and a clean body for once.
Back home safely after a 14 month tour I remember thinking that I would like to go back to Vietnam, not another tour as a combat engineer, (that would have been pushing my luck) but as a civilian coming to visit a peaceful and beautiful Vietnam. I realized that someday, after the memories of war and loss had faded I would need to go back, just like a lot of us already have. I would love to experience the new Vietnam, especially on an itinerary as awesome as this. But alas, it's not in the cards. It's not a particularly expensive trip and worth every penny considering what is included but…
Wait a sec! Maybe I could get Crystal Cruises to sponsor me! We could do this heart-warming human interest story about a marines' return to Vietnam – just like what's done with the WWII guys that go to Normandy. Emotional, but you gotta do it. This could be very good PR for Crystal Cruises and their Asian tour partners, hotels, golf courses, etc. As this is their maiden golf tour to Asia they could use the extra promotion a story like this might provide and it would cost them virtually nothing, for this one I could live on bread and water! I can see it now, a Crystal press release that reads: Disabled ex-marine, Vietnam vet and avid golfer returns to Vietnam on the maiden voyage of the Crystal Symphony's golf tour to Asia.
Maybe if I played my cards right I could sweet talk Crystal Cruises and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to invite me on this spectacular journey of Asia. They could easily do it, after all I am also an accredited travel agent with an affluent golfer following from all my years promoting golf packages to Scottsdale, Arizona where I am from. It would be a real treat to see a healed Vietnam, play a terrific Colin Montgomerie Links and enjoy the beauty of Vietnam without all the distractions of war.
I will keep you posted on my sponsorship efforts but don't hold your breath, I imagine it will be a sell-out sailing – it's just that good. But, you just never know, they might have a cot in the boiler room I could use. While I wait to hear about that here is the Crystal Symphony's golf itinerary to enjoy and salivate over.
If you like what you see (you will) call the cruise AND golf experts at AZ Trails Travel to reserve your spot on this awesome sailing with Crystal Cruises.
Laem Chabang International Country Club
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