Bobby and his wife Joy are avid travelers. Many of their vacations are on the Princess Cruise Line. While most passengers are eager to relax and unwind, Bobby uses his time aboard the ships to unite veterans through a special onboard tradition: the Princess Veterans Get Together.
Each time he boards a Princess cruise, Bobby connects with the ship’s Cruise Director and Events Coordinator to offer his time, leadership, and experience to help organize and facilitate the gathering. With the support of the Events Coordinator, who handles logistics like scheduling and venue arrangements, Bobby takes the lead in welcoming veterans from across the U.S. and around the world.
Typically drawing between 30 to 60 attendees per cruise, the event is a heartfelt opportunity for veterans to share war stories, life experiences, and sea tales. Bobby facilitates the gathering with a thoughtful PowerPoint presentation, setting the tone for open dialogue and connection.
One particularly moving moment occurred during a past Princess cruise when a Vietnamese couple lingered after the event. Though not military veterans themselves, they asked to personally shake hands with every veteran present—especially the Vietnam Veterans. With tears in their eyes, they expressed deep gratitude for the sacrifices made during what has often been remembered as a “thankless” war. Their words served as a touching reminder of the global impact of military service.
To conclude each event, Princess Cruise Line raises a glass in honor of those who served, offering a champagne toast to all veterans.
Thanks to Bobby’s dedication and leadership, what begins as a casual cruise transforms into a memorable moment of unity and reflection for veterans at sea. His efforts not only foster fellowship among those who served but also ensure that no veteran’s story goes unheard—even in the middle of the ocean.
