Holland America Line Marks America’s 250th With Special July 4 Cruise
Holland America Line has unveiled a special commemorative sailing to mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, combining patriotic celebrations with destination-rich itineraries tied closely to US history. The cruise line will operate a seven-day voyage titled America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes, departing from Boston on 4 July 2026.
Timed to coincide with Independence Day, the sailing will allow guests to watch Fourth of July fireworks from Boston Harbor before setting off on a journey designed to celebrate American heritage. Onboard programming will include a festive Independence Day party in the Lido area, live music performances, and a range of themed activities such as an American-history scavenger hunt and a cooking demonstration inspired by regional US cuisine.
Beyond onboard celebrations, the itinerary has been crafted to highlight destinations that played a pivotal role in shaping the United States. Port calls include Norfolk, home to the world’s largest naval base and a city with deep military and maritime roots, as well as New York, where the ship will make an overnight call. The extended stay in New York is intended to give guests more time to explore the city’s historic landmarks, museums, and cultural institutions connected to America’s past and present.
The Stars and Stripes cruise is part of a broader strategy by Holland America Line to align upcoming sailings with major cultural milestones. Looking further ahead, the cruise line has also announced a strategic partnership with Pan Am, which will result in a 28-Day Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage scheduled to depart in 2027. That sailing will draw on the legacy of Pan Am’s golden age of travel, blending aviation heritage with long-form ocean cruising.
In addition to these headline itineraries, Holland America Line confirmed that more limited-edition, co-branded offerings and collaborations will be revealed in the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary. These initiatives are expected to further strengthen the cruise line’s positioning around heritage-driven travel and immersive storytelling.
As part of its commemorative plans, the cruise line is also recognising US military service members. A Military Appreciation Offer is being extended to active-duty, retired, and veteran personnel, providing a US$100 onboard credit that can be applied through the Holland America Line website.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a milestone that deserves to be honoured with intention,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer at Holland America Line. “Through partnerships with iconic American heritage brands and thoughtfully curated programming, we are proud to celebrate the nation’s past, present and future in a way that reflects our legacy of exploration and authentic experiences.”
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