How to find the best prices and offers when booking a cruise
Use these tips to find a cruise that fits your budget.
problem solved
A big birthday is coming up in the United States, and travelers can celebrate on land or at sea.
On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, or the 500th anniversary. Cruise lines, from large ship brands to small riverboat lines, are offering a variety of sailings throughout the next year to commemorate the occasion.
These include week-long Holland America Line voyages from Boston to Virginia, New York and other ports, as well as a series of longer itineraries on American Cruise Lines that immerse guests in Revolutionary War and Civil War history, national parks and more.
However, that’s not all. Here’s what other cruise lines are doing for America’s 250th anniversary.
carnival cruise line
Carnival ships make two rendezvous at sea. The cruise line offers 10 themed cruises lasting three to eight days from ports in California, Florida, and New York.
On July 4, 2026, seven ships will converge near Celebration Cay, the cruise line’s new private destination in the Bahamas, and three others will converge near Ensenada, Mexico, each with their own onboard festivities.
“While the highlight is a special America’s Birthday Deck Party, the fun continues throughout the cruise with themed dance classes and trivia, live music sets focused on American rock ‘n’ roll, special balloon drops, and even a craft class focused on iconic color palettes (you know, check out the flag!),” Carnival said on its website.
Cunard line
Cunard guests will enjoy New York’s 500th anniversary celebrations from the ocean liner Queen Mary 2. The July 3, 2026 voyage begins with an overnight stay in the Big Apple.
“This special event will not only feature some of the biggest ships and naval vessels ever seen in the city, but also spectacular military flyovers will fill the skies overhead,” the company said on its website. Sit in your favorite spot on deck and watch a breathtaking finale as dazzling fireworks decorate the iconic Manhattan skyline.
The seven-night cruise then sails to Newport, Rhode Island and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada before returning to New York.
princess cruise
The cruise line’s Sapphire Princess will sail a 14-day Canada and Colonial America itinerary from Quebec City, Canada, to Fort Lauderdale, departing on October 23, 2026. The itinerary includes stops in historic American cities such as Boston, Newport, New York, and Charleston, South Carolina, where the ship will host overnight stays.
You can also extend your Canada and New England voyage with a seven-night overland Historic America cruise tour, visiting landmarks like Colonial Williamsburg and Philadelphia’s Independence Hall.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
