Carnival Cruise Line has announced its programming for America’s 250th anniversary. The festivities will include ship meetups and fireworks on both the East and West Coasts, community celebrations, and themed onboard activities. The announcement follows the reveal of the new crest that will grace the bows of all US ships, except those sailing from Texas, beginning with Carnival Magic and Carnival Legend. The new crest titled “From Sea to Shining Sea” is inspired by “America the Beautiful” and celebrates the beauty of the landscapes and oceans guests enjoy as they sail from coast to coast.
“As America’s cruise line, we are bringing the fun from coast to coast so everyone can celebrate,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “There is no better way to honor this milestone than by bringing people together to salute our nation and create unforgettable moments at sea and ashore.”
Carnival plans two rare ship meetups for July 4–one in the Caribbean near Celebration Key and the other on the West Coast. Seven ships–Carnival Venezia, Carnival Elation, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Sunrise, and Carnival Vista–will meet near the cruise line’s exclusive destination in Grand Bahama for a coordinated fireworks display, while three ships–Carnival Firenze, Carnival Radiance, and Carnival Luminosa–will meet up to watch the West Coast’s largest fireworks show, Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom. 3
Guests sailing the week of July 4 will be treated to various onboard activities as the cruise line celebrates America’s anniversary fleetwide. Passengers aboard select ships will find 40-foot patriotic inflatables, and all ships will feature birthday banners and decorations. The cruise line is planning US YAY! Parties complete with balloon drops and Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat. Guests can also enjoy Red, White, and Blue Deck parties and themed food and drinks, including specialty cocktails, strawberry shortcake, limited-edition America250 souvenir Coke cans and a commemorative “America’s Cruisin” beer.
Carnival will also recognize one military family on each sailing during the week of July 4. The family will receive an American flag that was flown over the US Capitol, while all veterans and active-duty members will receive a special edition pin.
Carnival is also planning celebrations in several of its homeport communities. On June 28, celebrations in Baltimore will be held aboard Carnival Pride, on June 30 in Long Beach aboard Carnival Radiance, and on July 2 in Jacksonville and Tampa aboard Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, respectively. Local officials, community members, and veterans will be invited to the celebrations.
The cruise line is also sponsoring the Virginia Sail250 Fireworks Show in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 20, the Miami-Dade 250 Independence Day Celebration, and the Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom Celebration, both on July 4.