Carnival Unveils Plans for America’s 250th Anniversary

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed a wide-ranging lineup of events and celebrations to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

According to the cruise line, the commemorative program will feature ship meetups accompanied by fireworks displays on both the East and West Coasts, special events in homeport communities and themed activities across the fleet.

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.”

On July 4, seven Carnival ships sailing from East Coast ports will gather near Celebration Key, the company’s exclusive destination in Grand Bahama, for a dedicated fireworks spectacle.

Meanwhile, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Firenze and Carnival Luminosa will meet on the West Coast to watch the Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom, the largest fireworks display on the West Coast, which Carnival is sponsoring.

The cruise line is also supporting several land-based celebrations, including the Virginia Sail250 Fireworks Show in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 20 and the Miami-Dade 250 Independence Day Celebration in Florida on July 4.

Guests boarding select ships will be greeted by 40-foot patriotic inflatables displayed on deck, while vessels throughout the fleet will feature America’s 250th anniversary-themed banners and decorations.

Special food and beverage offerings will also be available, including themed cocktails, strawberry shortcake, limited-edition America250 souvenir Coca-Cola cans and “America’s Cruisin” beer.

Carnival said that one military family on every sailing during the week of July 4 will receive an American flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol. In addition, all active-duty military personnel and veterans sailing during that period will be presented with a commemorative military pin.

Several homeports will also host onboard celebrations aboard selected ships:

** Carnival Pride *in Baltimore on June 28

* Carnival Radiance in Long Beach on June 30

* Carnival Elation in Jacksonville on July 2

* Carnival Paradise in Tampa on July 2

The celebrations are further complemented by the introduction of patriotic “From Sea to Shining Sea” bow crests, which have already been added to Carnival Legend and Carnival Magic. Carnival said the special crest will gradually be rolled out across all ships sailing from U.S. homeports, with the exception of Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Tropicale.