Carnival Cruise Line reveals ‘special sailings’ for USA’s 250th anniversary

Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans to mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 with a series of 10 special sailings, with huge parties planned for July 4.

These cruises will feature itineraries ranging from three to eight days, departing from six homeports: Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, New York City, Long Beach, and San Francisco.

On July 4, 2026, seven ships sailing from East Coast homeports will gather near Celebration Key, Carnival’s new private destination in Grand Bahama, for a spectacular celebration at sea to honor America’s milestone birthday.

East Coast Highlights

– Carnival Vista departs Port Canaveral on June 27 for an eight-day Eastern Caribbean cruise, visiting destinations like San Juan and St. Thomas.
– Carnival Celebration begins a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami on June 28, stopping at Celebration Key [below], Nassau, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk.
– Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Elation will offer four-day Bahamas cruises, departing from Miami on July 2 and Jacksonville on July 2, respectively.
– Carnival Conquest and Carnival Glory will each depart on July 3 for three-day cruises to Celebration Key, sailing from Miami and Port Canaveral.
– From New York, Carnival Venezia will embark on an eight-day cruise on July 1, visiting Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay.

West Coast Adventures

West Coast sailings include a five-day Mexican Riviera cruise aboard Carnival Radiance, departing June 30 from Long Beach and visiting Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.

– Carnival Luminosa will depart San Francisco on July 2 for a four-day cruise.
– Carnival Firenze will offer a three-day Baja Mexico cruise, departing Long Beach on July 3.

On July 4, the three West Coast ships will converge near Ensenada for synchronized celebrations, featuring deck parties, themed entertainment, and special food and drink.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy shared: “We’re America’s cruise line and we’re commemorating this milestone in a big way. Uniting our ships will multiply the fun and make America’s 250th birthday even more memorable for guests who celebrate at sea. The cruises we’re opening for sale today offer great variety, so guests can choose their ideal way to take part in a truly once-in-a-lifetime occasion.”

These sailings are now open for booking, promising a truly unique way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.