Astronaut Scott Kelly to make appearance on Crystal Serenity

Nasa astronaut captains Scott Kelly and Mark Kelly, along with Mark’s wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, are set to lecture on board Crystal Cruises. 

The trio, making their first-ever official appearance together, will join guests on Crystal Serenity on the June 26, 2016 sailing from Anchorage to Vancouver.

Edie Rodriguez, Crystal CEO and president, said: “It is a special honour for us to welcome these esteemed guests aboard our ship, and we are equally thrilled to share the privilege with our guests.

“Crystal has long enjoyed a reputation for offering enlightening and often cutting-edge enrichment on board that enhances travellers’ global explorations; this occasion is particularly exceptional.”

Scott Kelly’s historic mission in space included Nasa’s groundbreaking twin study, in which his twin brother Mark served on the ground as a control model in an 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.

Captain Mark Kelly enjoyed the distinction of commanding Space Shuttle Endeavour’s final mission in May 2011. He is one of only two individuals to have visited the International Space Station on four different occasions.

Captain Mark Kelly’s wife, Representative Gabrielle Giffords has led an illustrious career in the US Congress, beginning in 2007.

She was the subject of an assassination attempt in 2011 that left her critically wounded. Following a remarkable recovery and retirement from Congress, Giffords has used her position to speak out on issues and pursue bipartisan collaboration.

The seven-night sailing from Anchorage to Vancouver visits Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska with all-inclusive fly/cruise fares from £4,210 per person.