This cruise was special in that it was advertised down under as a celebration of the 100 year anniversary and remembrance of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) day. As a result, Americans were a clear minority as 1,200 Aussies and 300 Kiwi's patriotically made this pilgrimage aboard the Celebrity Celebration. We joined the standing room only throng in the theater at 5:30 AM, where you could hear a pin drop during the simulcast of the beautiful remembrance taking place less than 2 miles from the ship at the landing site of the ANZAC forces on that fateful day. Over 7,000 Australians and over 3,000 New Zealanders gave their lives trying to seize this peninsula from the Turks to control the strategic Dardanelle straits which connect the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. The Turks lost over 70,000 defending their homeland here and further up the coast against the British at Gallipoli. The ship's captain brought the ship within 1 mile of the landing site, slowly turning 180 degrees as a ceremony was held on deck. A former NZ rugby star performed the Haka (which I am now an expert), evoking goose bumps.
We later went into town exploring the narrow streets with many aggressive shop owners hawking their wares. The harbor featured small restaurants, British warships in observance of ANZAK day (Prince Charles was ferried to board the ship), and a replica of the Trojan Horse. We had a delicious late lunch at one of the little harbor front authentic Turkish café's. Two entrée's, 4 drinks and tip was $22 US.
We later went into town exploring the narrow streets with many aggressive shop owners hawking their wares. The harbor featured small restaurants, British warships in observance of ANZAK day (Prince Charles was ferried to board the ship), and a replica of the Trojan Horse. We had a delicious late lunch at one of the little harbor front authentic Turkish café's. Two entrée's, 4 drinks and tip was $22 US.
 British Navy intelligence ship receiving Prince Charles after he delivered a moving speech during the mornings' moving 100th year ANZAC day ceremony. The ship's next deployment was to take part in the international response to the Libyan refugee crisis in the Mediterranean. |  View from harbor front Turkish café. |
 A Turkish chicken dish delicately spiced red sauce and melted cheese. |  The best lamb Kabobs ever with grilled vegetables and a pita-like bread. The local beer was fine, especially refreshing at $1.60! |