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Carnival Commemorates Anzac Day with Special Service in Sydney Harbour

Former Royal Australian Navy CommanderJohn Hodges will head back to sea for the first time since his retirement fromthe Navy in 1989 to lead a special Anzac Day service onboard Carnival Spirit inSydney Harbour on April 25.

After an illustrious career spanning morethan 20 years, the Vietnam War veteran and Submarine Captain will lead theAnzac Day dawn service onboard Carnival Cruise Line's Australia-basedsuperliner as it sails into Sydney following an eight-night cruise.

The service will be followed by a ‘GunfireBreakfast', while the cruise will also feature a special screening of Gallipoli.

Originally from Newcastle, John joinedthe Royal Australian Naval College at Jervis Bay in 1968 and served in Vietnamincluding transporting the Australian Army from the troop carrier HMAS SYDNEY tothe beach at Vung Tau as captain of one of the ship's Landing Craft. He wasawarded the Australian Active Service Medal and the Vietnam Logistic SupportMedal during his service in HMAS SYDNEY, as well as a later Australian ServiceMedal with Special Operations clasp during his service in HMAS ORION.

John went on to rise through the ranks,becoming a Commander in 1988. He left the Navy in 1989 and for the past tenyears has been the Returned and Services League of Australia National Veterans'Affairs Advisor. John retired from this position last month.

Carnival Cruise Line Vice PresidentAustralia Jennifer Vandekreeke said the cruise line was honoured to have John onboardto lead the special Anzac service.

"Carnival Spirit has called Australiahome for five years and we're proud to have someone of John Hodges standingjoin our guests onboard to commemorate this important day. Anzac Day is a time ofremembrance and reflection and this year's service, held as dawn breaks inSydney Harbour, is set to be especially poignant," she said.

AboutCarnival Cruise Line

CarnivalCruise Line is the largest cruise line in the world with more than four and ahalf million guests travelling every year. The cruise line has two shipsdeployed in Australia, Carnival Spirit – the largest and newest cruise ship tobe based in Sydney year round – and sister ship Carnival Legend, sailing fromSydney each summer. With 45 activities to enjoy each day, both ships offerfun-loving families and couples memorable and great value holidays.

MediaContact:

LibbyMoffet/Christine Allen MG Media Communications 029904 0011

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