Carnival ships to meet up to celebrate America’s 250th birthday

Carnival Cruise Line has outlined a series of 10 special sailings for 2026 commemorating America’s 250th birthday.

The sailings will offer ship meetups and unique patriotic experiences.

The cruises include a variety of itineraries from three to eight days and sail from six different homeports.

These are Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, New York City, Long Beach and San Francisco.

On July 4, 2026, America’s 250th birthday, seven ships sailing from east coast homeports will meet up near Celebration Key for a unique celebration at sea.

Additionally, three ships will unite off the west coast near Ensenada, Mexico.

During the meetups, each ship will host patriotic birthday-themed deck parties.

The cruises will also feature themed entertainment and special food and drink offerings.

“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,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“The cruises we’re opening for sale offer great variety, so guests can choose their ideal way to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.”

From the east coast, guests can choose from short getaways that include sailings on Carnival Conquest or Carnival Glory, both departing on July 3, 2026, offering three-day escapes to Celebration Key at Grand Bahama from Miami and Port Canaveral.

Departing July 2, 2026, Carnival Sunrise will sail a four-day Bahamas cruise from Miami and Carnival Elation will sail to the Bahamas on a four-day cruise from Jacksonville.

Guests looking for a longer sailing can select a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Celebration from Miami, departing on June 28, 2026, visiting Celebration Key, Nassau, Amber Cove and Grand Turk.

An eight-day Eastern Caribbean sailing on Carnival Vista from Port Canaveral, departing on June 27, 2026, calling at San Juan and St. Thomas is also available.

For northeastern guests, Carnival Venezia will depart New York City on July 1, 2026, for an eight-day cruise that visits Celebration Key, Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

Guests can also join America’s 250th birthday celebration on the West Coast.

On July 3, 2026, Carnival Firenze will sail a three-day Baja Mexico cruise from Long Beach over the July 4th weekend, while Carnival Luminosa sails a four-day option, departing July 2, 2026, from San Francisco.

On June 30, 2026, Carnival Radiance will sail a five-day Mexican Riviera cruise from Long Beach, visiting both Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.

The three ships unite at sea on July 4, 2026.

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