Hornblower Cruises & Events announces once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to board popular John Wayne Birthday Cruises in Newport Beach

Hornblower Cruises & Events is once again hosting the successful annual series of John Wayne Birthday Dining Cruises aboard his famous yacht, the Wild Goose to commemorate Wayne’s May 26 birthday. In addition to the series of birthday cruises, Hornblower will also be hosting an exclusive “Show Your Grit” encounters on John Wayne Day in Newport Beach on Friday, May 26 (details below).

With three decks of gorgeous woodwork, priceless paintings, intricate carvings and unique amenities, the Wild Goose was once the private playground for the legendary actor and famous Newport Beach resident.

It was aboard this 136-foot former WWII Navy minesweeper from that Wayne would cruise the waters off Balboa Island or play bridge with famous friends that included Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Birthday Cruise Highlights: Passengers will be transported back in time as they enjoy a variety of cruises aboard the Wild Goose, between May 18 and June 18, meet Wayne’s Captain, 83-year-old Bert Minshall, who will be on board to share stories as well as autographing the book, On Board With Duke, and chat with other John Wayne fans. Guests will also have the opportunity to capture a picture with the wax version of John Wayne, the iconic figure on loan from Madame Tussauds Hollywood.

In addition, Hornblower will cruise-by the location that was formerly John Wayne’s 10-bedroom, 7-bath waterfront mansion where he and his family lived and Wild Goose was docked for many years. Passengers will enjoy their cocktail cruise, 4-course dinner or brunch in a historic setting and will have 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. Informal tours of the Wild Goose will be available by the Hornblower crew during the cruise. Guests can also enjoy drink specials made with “Duke Bourbon.” Additionally, 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 johnwayne.org.

More About The Wild Goose: For 15 years of John Wayne’s life, he spent leisure time 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 Hollywood’s “who’s who” of the time, including 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’ Newport Beach fleet of charter yachts located at 2431 W. Pacific Coast Highway.

Reservations Are Now Being Accepted:

EXCLUSIVE JOHN WAYNE DAY FUNDRAISER AND CONCERT CRUISE with RUNAWAY JUNE

On Friday, May 26, 2017, John Wayne enthusiasts are invited to book a very special cruise experience to celebrate the 110th anniversary of The Duke’s birthday aboard his former yacht The Wild Goose, which will include these exclusive opportunities:

• Meet Jennifer Wayne, Granddaughter of John Wayne, with a performance from her band Runaway June who recently toured with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill and Willy Nelson

• Snap pictures with the famous wax figure of John Wayne on loan from Madame Tussauds of Hollywood

• Meet John Wayne former Captain Bert Minshall, who will autograph copies of his book “On Board with the Duke” which are available for sale on board

• Enjoy special cocktails blended with Duke Bourbon

• Cruise by the Wayne family home location near Balboa Island

• Enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, carved meats and tray-passed delicacies

• Opportunity to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from John Wayne Enterprises, Wild Goose and Runaway June

Cost is $195 per person +++ This May 26 cruise will board at 6:00 pm – and cruise from 6:30 to 9:30pm. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.

JOHN WAYNE’S BIRTHDAY COCKTAIL CRUISE

Departs from Hornblower South, 2431 W PCH
Dates: Thursday, May 18; Wednesday, May 24; Thursday, May 25; and Wednesday, May 31; June 7; June 8; June 14; and June 15
Boards at 5:30pm and Cruises from 6:00-8:00pm
Price is $40 per person
What’s Included:
2-hour yacht cruise
Complimentary appetizers
Relaxing background music
Wine, beer and cocktails available for purchase

JOHN WAYNE’S BIRTHDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH CRUISE

Departs from Hornblower South, 2431 W PCH
Dates: Saturday, May 20; Saturday, May 27; Sunday, May 28; and Monday, May 29; June 3*; June 4*; June 10*; June 17*; and Father’s Day June 18
Boards at 11:30am and Cruises from Noon-2:00pm
*Boards at 11:00am and Cruises from 11:30am-1:30pm
Price is $69.95 per person
What’s Included:
2-hour yacht cruise
Brunch buffet
Free-flowing champagne or cider
Complimentary soda, coffee, tea and water
Wine and cocktails available for purchase
Relaxing background music
Private table

JOHN WAYNE’S BIRTHDAY DINNER CRUISE

Departs from Hornblower South, 2431 W PCH
Dates: Friday, May 19; Saturday, May 20; Sunday, May 21; Saturday, May 27; Sunday, May 28; June 2; June 3*; June 9*; June 10*; June 16*; June 17*; and Father’s Day June 18 (cruise from 5:00-7:00pm)
Boards at 7:00pm and Cruises from 7:30-10:30pm
*Boards at 6:30pm and Cruises from 7:00-10:00pm
Price is $92.95 per person
What’s Included:
3-hour yacht cruise
4-course dinner
Boarding glass of champagne or cider
Complimentary soda, coffee, tea and water
Wine and cocktails available for purchase
DJ entertainment and dancing
Private table

To purchase tickets: Call 888–Hornblower or visit hornblower.com on the Newport Beach Dining page. Taxes and service fees are additional. Discounts are available for children, groups, seniors and the military.