by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Mon July 7, 2025
Holland America Line is celebrating America’s 250th birthday in 2026 with a special sailing.
Departing July 4, 2026, the line’s “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage” will give travelers a chance to visit historic U.S. ports. The seven-day cruise is being offered aboard the ship Zuiderdam and will sail roundtrip from Boston.
The voyage begins with a view of Fourth of July fireworks from Boston Harbor. The itinerary also includes an overnight stay in New York City, as well as a special call at Norfolk, Virginia, with access to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. Travelers will also visit Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a singular milestone, and we’re excited to mark this historic occasion with a cruise that brings our guests closer to the places where our nation was born,” says Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.
While the ship is docked in Norfolk, travelers can choose between several insightful shore excursions. The “Colonial Williamsburg & Governor’s Palace” option explores Virginia's historic peninsula, home to Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, while the “Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown” tour visits Colonial National Historic Park, connecting Jamestown and Yorktown.
In New York City, guests will catch the conclusion of the “Sail4th 250” tall ships flotilla taking place July 3-8, 2026. Guests can also delve into America’s history on the “Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island” shore excursion or explore the city’s waterways on the “New York City by Land & Sea” tour.
“From walking the grounds of Williamsburg and visiting Ellis Island to exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail, this voyage offers an unforgettable journey through American history,” says Bodensteiner. “And with special events planned to celebrate the Fourth of July in true patriotic style, it promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone on board.”
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