Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know that 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, also known as its semiquincentennial. Celebrations are planned across the country, from small town festivals to special events at national parks. Even cruise lines are getting in on the fun.
“We are proud to play a role in the momentous celebration,” said Katie McAlister, president of Cunard.
The line and its flagship Queen Mary 2 will be in prime viewing position for New York City’s 4th of July festivities this summer. The 250th Independence Day Celebration voyage, which runs July 3-10, is timed to the International Parade of Sail. The event will feature more than 100 vessels, including tall ships from 30 countries, as they navigate under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River.
After the spectacle, the seven-night Queen Mary 2 cruise will then go roundtrip from New York City, calling in Newport, Rhode Island and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Other cruise lines have mapped out itineraries to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States—here’s a closer look at some of the most interesting.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is going big with its Birthday Celebration at Sea, during which several of the line’s ships will gather at sea in July. Seven ships will rendezvous near Celebration Key, in the Bahamas: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Elation, Carnival Glory, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Venezia, and Carnival Vista. On the west coast, passengers sailing onboard Carnival Firenze, Carnival Luminosa, and Carnival Radiance will enjoy front row seats for the San Diego Big Bay Boom fireworks show. Entertainment onboard each of the ships participating will range from themed dance classes and trivia to live music featuring American rock ‘n roll, with culinary options to match.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line traces its connection to the United States back to at least the 1880s, when the company’s ships began ferrying immigrants from Europe to the U.S. This year, the line’s Zuiderdam will mark the semiquincentennial with a round trip America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage from Boston that departs on July 4. In addition to calling upon Norfolk, Virginia, Zuiderdam will spend two full days in New York City. Highlights of the trip will include specially curated onboard programming including live shows highlighting iconic American genres and composers.
Ponant
Global Humanitarians Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King will give onboard talks and share their insights during Ponant’s seven-night Celebrating America’s 250th: An Exploration of History and Culture, which departs Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 6. The company also has shore excursions planned to help explore American history: a walk on the Freedom Trail in Boston; discovering the Black history of Newport, Rhode Island; a civil-rights oriented trip through Philadelphia; the chance to visit Ellis Island.
“It’s one thing to educate yourself on American history by reading books, but nothing compares to visiting landmarks that once set the stage for social movements and other pivotal moments that set the course of our independence,” Martin Luther King III said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure.
Princess Cruise Lines
Princess Cruises
In October, Princess Cruise Lines’ Sapphire Princess will offer a 14-day Canada & Colonial America itinerary, departing Quebec City on October 23 heading to Fort Lauderdale. After stops in four Canadian ports, Sapphire Princess will visit Boston; Newport, Rhode Island; New York City; and Charleston, South Carolina, before arriving in South Florida.
Scenic
Scenic Group chairman and founder Glen Moroney and his family will be celebrating aboard Scenic Eclipse for the line’s 12-dayChairman’s Voyage: America’s 250th Anniversary Cruise. Departing from New York City on October 5, the cruise travels along the east coast, calling in port cities that were key in securing the country’s freedom, including Wilmington, Delaware; Baltimore; and Yorktown, Virginia. Additional ports include Charleston, Miami, and Key West, Florida.
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