In 2026, the USA is celebrating their 250th birthday and Carnival Cruise Line, AKA America’s Cruise Line, will serve as the official sponsor of the Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom.
The fireworks show will be the fourth largest on the West Coast and three Carnival cruise ships will have front row seats. The ships will be anchored in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego Bay so guests can enjoy the spectacular show on July 4, 2026.
The three Carnival ships will be Carnival Radiance, Carnival Firenze and Carnival Luminosa. Guests on the following departure dates will enjoy this incredible Fourth of July fireworks show in San Diego.
- Carnival Radiance – June 30, 2026, five-night cruise from Los Angeles
- Carnival Firenze – July 3, 2026, three-night cruise from Los Angeles
- Carnival Luminosa – July 2, 2026, four-night cruise from San Francisco
Carnival Cruise Line will have a major presence at the event and lead the countdown to kick-off the show. The cruise line will also support community promotions leading up to the holiday and collaborate with the Port of San Diego on special moments honoring active-duty service members.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said the following:
“We’re honored to be part of such a historic milestone and iconic event in San Diego. Being the exclusive cruise line sponsor of the Big Bay Boom gives us a meaningful way to celebrate our connection to this community, to our military families and to the patriotic spirit that defines Fourth of July.”
Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, added:
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Carnival for next year’s Big Bay Boom program and festivities. Along with Carnival, their cruise ship guests, the local community and thousands of visitors, we look forward to enjoying another spectacular fireworks show and memorable Independence Day celebration across San Diego Bay.”
Carnival Cruise Line has several celebrations planned for America’s 250th birthday. They include a meetup of seven ships near Celebration Key, the cruise line’s brand new port in The Bahamas.
During the meetups, each cruise ship will host patriotic birthday-themed deck parties, featuring special entertainment and food and drink offerings.
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