MEDALS, MEMORY, & THE MISSION: A New Year’s Tribute at Sea #shorts #travel #cruise #cruiselife

MEDALS, MEMORY, & THE MISSION: A New Year’s Tribute at Sea History was made today, January 1, 2026, at the Wheelhouse Bar! Since Princess Cruises doesn't yet have a fleet-wide formal veterans ceremony, our group of veterans took the lead to ensure our heroes were honored the right way. The room fell into a powerful silence as MGySgt Terry Hall (USMC Retired), a recipient of the Legion of Merit, took the floor. He personally recognized our fellow passengers who are recipients of the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Legion of Merit. Before the New Year’s Day toast, Master Gunnery Hall led us in a profound moment of silence for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is because of them that we are free to enjoy the luxury of this 14-day Caribbean cruise. Standing in solidarity at the front was Captain Domagoj Cuculic, Master of the Coral Princess. A veteran himself, he shared that he served his compulsory service as an Infantry Officer in the Croatian Naval Force. Seeing a Master of the Vessel stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our veterans was a moment I won't forget. The Big Question: Captain Gennaro Arma of the Star Princess has acknowledged the need for a formal tribute fleet-wide. Should Princess Cruises implement a formal, standardized Veterans Tribute Ceremony instead of just casual meet-ups? Thank you, MGySgt Hall, for your leadership and for volunteering to lead this sacred moment. What do you think? Let’s get the conversation started in the comments! #cruise #travel #cruiselife #cruiseship #veterans #CoralPrincess #USMC #LegionOfMerit #MilitaryHonors #NewYear2026 #PrincessCruises