Crystal Cruises has announced that NASA Astronaut Captains Scott Kelly and Mark Kelly, along with Mark’s wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, will act as guest lecturers onboard Crystal Serenity’s June 26 sailing from Anchorage to Vancouver. The cruise will mark Scott Kelly’s first luxury vacation since returning from his record-breaking year in space, Crystal said.
Scott Kelly’s historic mission in space included NASA’s groundbreaking twin study, in which Mark Kelly served on the ground as a control model in an unprecedented experiment to understand how space affects the human body. Over his 20-year career with NASA, Scott Kelly has earned the coveted position as America’s first year-round astronaut. Prior to space travel, he served 25 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as an experienced aviator and decorated Captain. Captain Mark Kelly enjoyed the distinction of commanding Space Shuttle Endeavour’s final mission in May 2011, punctuating a distinguished career of NASA research which involved being one of only two individuals who visited the International Space Station on four different occasions. Like his twin brother, Mark Kelly also served in the U.S. military.
Captain Mark Kelly’s wife, Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), has led an illustrious career in the U.S. Congress, beginning in 2007. Her tenure was thrust into the spotlight in 2011 following an assassination attempt on her that critically wounded Giffords and 13 others, and killed six people. Following a remarkable recovery and retirement from Congress, Giffords has used her position to speak out on issues and pursue bipartisan collaboration.
The guests will present their stories during live lectures and Q&A sessions in Crystal Serenity’s expansive lounges and theatres. The sailing visits Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, with fares starting at $3,175 per person.