Carnival Plans Special Sailings for America’s 250th Celebration

Th Carnival Luminosa cruise ship
The Americas Cruise Industry
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Updated Published

Carnival Cruise Line has announced details for 10 special sailings in 2026 to honor America’s 250th birthday, featuring ship meetups and patriotic events at sea.

The itineraries range from three to eight days and will depart from six U.S. homeports, including Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, New York City, Long Beach, and San Francisco, according to a press release.

On July 4, 2026, seven Carnival ships departing from East Coast ports will gather near Celebration Key in the Bahamas for a unique at-sea celebration. Meanwhile, three ships on the West Coast will meet near Ensenada for their own festivities. During these meetups, guests can enjoy patriotic-themed deck parties, entertainment, and special food and beverage 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 for guests who celebrate at sea,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

East Coast Sailings:

  • Short Cruises: On July 3, 2026, the Carnival Conquest (from Miami) and Carnival Glory (from Port Canaveral) will depart for three-day Bahamas cruises, including a stop at Celebration Key.
    • Four-Day Options: The Carnival Sunrise leaves Miami on July 2, 2026, for a four-day Bahamas cruise, while the Carnival Elation departs Jacksonville for a similar itinerary.
      • Longer Voyages: The Carnival Celebration offers a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise departing Miami on June 28, 2026, visiting Celebration Key, Nassau, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk. The Carnival Vista sails an eight-day itinerary from Port Canaveral starting June 27, 2026, calling at San Juan and St. Thomas.
        • Northeast Departure: The Carnival Venezia departs New York City on July 1, 2026, for an eight-day cruise visiting Celebration Key, Nassau, and Half Moon Cay.

          West Coast Sailings:

          • Weekend Getaways: On July 3, 2026, the Carnival Firenze will depart from Long Beach for a three-day Baja Mexico cruise, while the Carnival Luminosa sails a four-day itinerary from San Francisco starting July 2, 2026, with stops in Ensenada.
            • Mexican Riviera: The Carnival Radiance offers a five-day cruise departing June 30, 2026, from Long Beach, visiting Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.

              All three West Coast ships will unite at sea on July 4, 2026, for a celebration similar to the East Coast meetups, ensuring a memorable and patriotic experience for guests across the country.