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People wave goodbye as the MV Boudicca departs with D-Day veterans on an eight day journey to Normandy provided by the UK government.
People wave goodbye as the MV Boudicca departs with D-Day veterans on an eight-day journey to Normandy provided by the UK government.Getty Images
Veterans look out as the MV Boudicca sets sail to Normandy.
Veterans look out as the MV Boudicca sets sail to Normandy.Getty Images
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D-Day veterans can be seen on each floor of the MV Boudicca as they enjoy their eight day cruiseD-Day veterans can be seen on each floor of the MV Boudicca as they enjoy their complimentary eight day cruise
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A group photo of the D-Day veterans who are travelling on board the MV Boudicca to Normandy.
A group photo of the D-Day veterans who are traveling on board the MV Boudicca to Normandy.Getty Images
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Some 300 D-Day veterans are being treated to a free, luxurious eight-day cruise replete with jacuzzis, heated swimming pools, al fresco dining — and a special performance from Rod Stewart.

The 670-foot Boudicca, part of the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, set sail from Dover, England, on Sunday and headed to the coast of Normandy, France, for events marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Stewart performed his hit “Sailing” for the war heroes Sunday, Hello! Magazine reported.

“I have to tell you I’m truly delighted to be coming down to Dover today to send our wonderful, brave soldiers off to the beaches of Normandy,” the pop legend said in a video message. “Our heroes! It’s going to be a great day.”

The 462-room vessel boasts five restaurants, six bars and lounges and five swimming pools and jacuzzis, according to details online.

The exterior of the ship was decked out with Royal British Legion’s red remembrance poppies.

On Monday, it arrived in Dunkirk, France, before docking in Portsmouth on Wednesday for the first of two D-Day events. It transported the vets to Le Havre on Thursday for a memorial service at the Bayeux Cemetery, according to Travel Weekly.

The Boudicca will return to Portsmouth on Saturday and then sail back to Dover the next day.

“We are very proud that our cruise ship, Boudicca, will be following the same path as the ships involved on this momentous day, which brought peace and reconciliation to mark the Second World War,” said Peter Deer, the commercial director at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

Officials said the youngest vet on board is 92.

The cruise was funded by the UK government and the Ministry of Defense.

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