by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Mon July 7, 2025
Holland America Line is celebrating Americas 250th birthday in 2026 with a special sailing.
Departing July 4, 2026, the lines Americas 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.
Americas 250th anniversary is a singular milestone, and were 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 & Governors 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 Americas history on the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island shore excursion or explore the citys waterways on the New York City by Land & Sea tour.
From walking the grounds of Williamsburg and visiting Ellis Island to exploring Bostons 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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