Holland America Line to Celebrate America's 250th Across Fleet

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:40 AM ET, Mon June 1, 2026

Holland America Line is sharing its plans for celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary.

In addition to its “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes” cruise aboard Zuiderdam departing Boston on July 4, the cruise line will offer festive onboard programming, live music, commemorative keepsakes and special culinary experiences on every cruise over the Fourth of July. All guests will receive a commemorative America’s 250th anniversary keepsake pin, and those on the “Stars & Stripes” cruise will receive a special bandana created exclusively for the occasion.

“We’re excited to bring the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary to life across our fleet with experiences that feel both celebratory and uniquely Holland America Line,” says Michael Stendebach, senior vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “From live entertainment and themed events to American-inspired dining and our special ‘Stars & Stripes’ cruise, these experiences are designed to capture the energy and pride that make this milestone so meaningful. We have worked with intention to create moments that feel fun, memorable and connective.”

On Independence Day, ships sailing in North America will offer a festive party featuring live music performances that go on a genre-spanning “Soundtrack of America” journey. Additionally, on Zuiderdam there will be a special “Great American Songbook” concert celebrating iconic American music. Guests can enjoy interactive lawn games, Fourth of July-themed trivia, scavenger hunts and live cooking demonstrations inspired by classic American flavors and traditions.

Across the fleet, guests can also savor classic American dishes and flavors, including patriotic breakfast offerings in the Dining Room and Lido Market like berry spangled brioche with berry compote and blueberry whipped cream. For dinner, Lido Market will feature an all-American barbecue celebration with favorites such as dry-rubbed beef, smoked barbecue pork ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, broiled salmon with pico de gallo, Texas vegetarian chili and chicken gumbo soup, along with classic sides including three-bean salad, coleslaw and potato salad. Desserts will include American Flag Cake, blueberry pie, New York cheesecake, Boston cream pie and no-sugar-added strawberry shortcake.

Independence Day-inspired beverage specials available across the fleet include:

Firework: pineapple vodka, lemon, lime and fresh raspberries.
Star Spangled: gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, cucumber, honey, lemon and lime.
America the Blue-tiful: rum, blue curaçao and pineapple juice.
Bucket of Beer featuring five domestic beers.

Holland America Line is also teaming up with Jefferson’s Bourbon to launch a new Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon series, which will feature one carrel of bourbon to be aged at sea right on every one of HAL's ships. In partnership with Crane Stationery, Holland America Line also created a collection of handcrafted cards designed by artists from the United States Veterans’ Artists Alliance. The collection, available for purchase on board this summer and on Crane.com, is inspired by Holland America Line’s 11 ships and signature tulip. And working with Pendleton Woolen Mills, Holland America developed a custom-designed, numbered, Alaska-themed throw blanket inspired by the Great Land.