It’s a great time to celebrate one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons, John Wayne. As his birthday approaches in May, Hornblower Cruises & Events is offering public dining cruises aboard Wayne’s former private yacht, the Wild Goose between May 19th and 29th.
As host of such famous celebrities as Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Sammy Davis, Jr., passengers will be treated to the decadence set forth by John Wayne when he was entertaining aboard the Wild Goose.
The yacht has three decks of gorgeous woodwork, priceless paintings, intricate carvings and unique amenities. The Wild Goose is also legendary as the private playground for the celebrated actor and famous Newport Beach resident.
As the second year of celebrating Wayne’s birthday aboard the Wild Goose, passengers can expect to be transported back in time as they enjoy dinner or brunch while cruising aboard the Wild Goose. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to chat with other John Wayne fans and meet Wayne’s Captain, Bert Minshall (age 82) who will be autographing and selling his book On Board With Duke.
And, that’s not all — great photo opportunities with Madame Tussaud’s wax figure of John Wayne will be available as well as a “cruise-by” the location that was formerly Wayne’s 10-bedroom, seven-bath waterfront mansion where he and his family lived and the Wild Goose was docked for many years.
Of course, as is customary of any Hornblower cruise, guests will enjoy a four-course dinner or brunch in this historic setting and an unforgettable front seat to the glorious sights and sounds of Newport Beach harbor, with views of beautiful beaches, towering luxury yachts and sprawling celebrity mansions.
Feeling charitable? A portion of the ticket sales will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation in support of John Wayne’s final wish – to find a cure for cancer. Learn more about the John Wayne Cancer Foundation at www.johnwayne.org.
More About the Wild Goose:
For 15 years John Wayne spent his life on board the Wild Goose, a 136-foot converted World War II US Navy mine-sweeper and sister ship to Jacques Cousteau’s Calypso. It was where he traveled the world, relaxed, entertained a list of “who’s who” from Hollywood of the time such as Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Sammy Davis Jr. The Wild Goose was Wayne’s most prized possession and is listed on the National U.S. Register of Historic Places. The ship is currently the star of Hornblower Cruises & Events, Newport Beach fleet of charter yachts located at 2431 W. Pacific Coast Highway.
Interested in taking part in the festivities? Reservations are now being accepted for the following cruises:
Thursday, May 19th: Sunset Cocktail Cruise, 5:45-8:15pm
Friday, May 20th: Dinner Cruise, 7:00-10:30pm
Saturday, May 21st: Brunch Cruise, 11:30am-2pm
Sunday, May 22nd: Brunch Cruise, 11:30am-2pm
Thursday, May 26th: Sunset Cocktail Cruise, 5:45-8:15pm (John Wayne’s actual birthdate.)
Friday, May 27th: Dinner Cruise, 7:00-10:30pm
Saturday, May 28th: Dinner Cruise, 7:00-10:30pm
Sunday, May 29th: Brunch Cruise, 11:30 am-2pm
Sunday, May 29th: Dinner Cruise, 7:00-10:30pm
Tickets: The Dinner Cruise starts at $89.95 per adult and $78.25 for seniors and the military. The Cocktail Cruise is $35.00 per adult. Brunch Cruises are $68.95 per adult and $60.25 for seniors. Taxes and service fees are additional. Discounts are available for children, groups, seniors and the military. To make reservations, call 888 – Hornblower or visit the site at https://hbdev.hornblower.com/port/category/nb+john-wayne-birthday-cruises.