The United States is about to turn 250 and to commemorate the big birthday, Holland America Line has announced a new themed cruise will launch from Boston, the home of the American Revolution.
The “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes” voyage will depart on America’s Independence Day, July 4, 2026, aboard the 81,769-gross-ton Zuiderdam. It will feature calls in Canada, Virginia, and an overnight in New York City timed with another major maritime celebration.
The 7-day cruise with up to 1,964 passengers will launch its cruise from Boston Harbor, where the Boston Tea Party kicked started the revolution in 1776. Setting sail at 9 p.m., guests will witness the Harbor’s distinctive Fourth of July fireworks.
After setting sail, Zuiderdam will journey to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, then to Norfolk, Virginia, a rare stop for Holland America Line.
Here, passengers can access key American historical sites with shore excursions including visits to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown – each destination playing a significant role in the fight for independence.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a singular milestone, and we’re excited to mark this historic occasion with a cruise that brings our guests closer to the places where our nation was born,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.
“From walking the grounds of Williamsburg and visiting Ellis Island to exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail, this voyage offers an unforgettable journey through American history,” she continued.
Guests of the special sailing will also spend a night in Manhattan on July 8, 2026, to coincide with the conclusion of the “Sail4th 250” tall ships event.
New York City will be hosting the largest gathering of tall ships and naval vessels in the world for the occasion – more than 30 from 17 different nations – July 3 to 8, 2026.
Zuiderdam’s scheduled arrival aligns with the “Farewell to the Fleet” as tall ships begin departing for Boston, offering passengers a chance to see the ships in motion as they sail by Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
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While in New York, guests can also choose shore excursions to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or a land and sea experience that includes a small boat ride pass landmarks.
Bodensteiner says the cruise will offer special events to celebrate the Fourth of July “in true patriotic style.”
“It promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone on board,” she added.
As a roundtrip cruise, Zuiderdam will conclude the special sailing in Boston on July 11, 2026. It will also enjoy two sea days.
Bookings are now open for the celebratory cruise and are priced beginning at $1,459 per person.
Boston Departure Stands Alone Among Celebrations
Zuiderdam won’t be the only cruise celebrating America’s birthday, but it will be the only one offering in-the-heart-of-it festivities.
Carnival Cruise Line is offering 10 special sailings in 2026 with options departing from Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, New York City, Long Beach, and San Francisco – none depart from Boston.
Princess Cruises is also offering New England celebratory cruises, but they will not be sailing over the actual birthday of the US. Also celebrating a bit late is Scenic Cruises’ Chairman’s Voyage beginning in September 2026.
Ironically, Queen Mary 2 from UK-based Cunard is recognizing the momentous occasion with a New York sailing that also aligns with Sail4th 250. Its “Independence Day Spectacular” sails July 3 through 10, 2026.
Currently, no other cruise ships are expected to be in Boston on July 4, 2026, besides Holland America Line.
