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The U.S. has a big birthday coming up and travelers can celebrate by land and sea.America will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence – or semiquincentennial – on July 4, 2026. Cruise lines, ranging from big-ship brands to smaller river vessel operators, are offering a variety of sailings throughout next year to mark the occasion. Those include a week-long Holland America Line voyage from Boston to Virginia, New York and other ports, and a series of lengthy American Cruise Lines itineraries that will immerse guests in Revolutionary War and Civil War history, national parks and more.Those aren’t the only ones, though. Here’s what other cruise lines are doing for America’s 250th.Carnival Cruise LineCarnival ships will stage a pair of at-sea rendezvous. The cruise line is offering 10 themed sailings from ports in California, Florida and New York ranging from three to eight days long.Seven ships will convene near Celebration Key on July 4, 2026, the cruise line’s new private destination in the Bahamas, while three others will meet up near Ensenada, Mexico – each with its own onboard festivities."The centerpiece is the exclusive America's Birthday Deck Party, but the fun goes all cruise long with themed dance classes and trivia, live music sets focusing on American rock & roll, a special balloon drop and even crafts classes focusing on that iconic color palette (you know it, just check the flag!)," Carnival said on its website.Cunard LineCunard’s guests can enjoy New York’s semiquincentennial celebrations from onboard the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner. The July 3, 2026 voyage will begin with an overnight stay in the Big Apple."Not only will this special event be the largest gathering of tall ships and naval vessels ever seen in the city, but a stunning military flyover will also fill the skies overhead," the company said on its website. Settle into your favorite spot on the deck, and watch as dazzling fireworks adorn the iconic Manhattan skyline in a breathtaking finale.The seven-night cruise will then sail to Newport, Rhode Island and Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada, before returning to New York.Princess CruisesThe cruise line’s Sapphire Princess ship will sail a 14-Day Canada and Colonial America itinerary from Quebec City, Canada to Fort Lauderdale departing Oct. 23, 2026. The itinerary includes stops in historic American cities such as Boston, Newport, New York – where the ship will stay overnight – and Charleston, South Carolina, among others.Guests can also extend Canada and New England sailings with an Historic America cruisetour, which takes guests to sites like Colonial Williamsburg and Philadelphia’s Independence Hall by land over seven nights.Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
