Heated Debate Erupts Over Controversial Issues Aboard Crystal Cruise Ship

Highly decorated military veterans, diplomats, political figures and global news correspondents — along with some of today’s most compelling and occasionally polarizing personalities — will take part in three segments of Crystal Cruises’ 2014 World Cruise.

As part of the cruise line’s moderated Ocean Views discussion series, panelists will tackle current global issues in candid conversations, followed by interactive Q&A sessions that invite audience participation.

Ocean Views will feature these spirited debates aboard three legs of Crystal Serenity’s 89-day World Cruise: Jan. 18–March 10 (Los Angeles–Yokohama), March 10–28 (Singapore–Cape Town) and March 28–April 18 (Cape Town–London).

Participating panelists include:

James Bradley: Award-winning author of the bestselling Flags of Our Fathers, which chronicles his father’s experience raising the flag on Iwo Jima.
Richard Roth: CNN’s senior U.N. correspondent, reporting on major stories from Syria and the Arab Spring to U.S. politics and events in New York.
Gen. Anthony Zinni (Ret.): A decorated 39-year U.S. military veteran, respected author and former diplomat.
Edwina Currie: A provocative conservative political figure in the U.K. and former member of Parliament.
Ambassador Tony Leon: Former leader of South Africa’s progressive opposition party and served as ambassador to South America.
Sue MacGregor: Renowned BBC broadcaster, longtime host of Women’s Hour and current presenter of The Reunion on BBC Radio 4.
Tex Harris: Two-time president of the American Foreign Service Association and an advocate for stronger U.S. diplomacy.
Shelby Coffey: Seasoned journalist, former editor of the Los Angeles Times and former president of CNN Business News.

“Ocean Views offers our guests a fantastic opportunity to witness — and participate in — the intellectual sparring that occurs when great minds come together for open discussion,” said Bret Bullock, vice president of entertainment for Crystal Cruises. “No matter which side of an issue a guest may favor, this lineup of dynamic, opinionated speakers is sure to spark lively conversation long after attendees leave the theater.”