In 2026, Holland America Line is hosting a very patriotic cruise to mark America’s 250th anniversary, and it’s truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage” is a seven-day roundtrip journey from Boston aboard the Zuiderdam, setting sail on July 4, 2026.
The voyage begins in the heart of the American Revolution, and as the Zuiderdam departs on Independence Day, the ship will linger in Boston Harbor, giving passengers a chance to take in the city’s Fourth of July fireworks from the water. From there, the cruise visits Saint John, New Brunswick, includes a special stop in Norfolk, Virginia, and features an overnight stay in New York City. Each destination was chosen to connect you with the roots of American history.
The stop in Norfolk is one of the highlights that makes this cruise so unique. It’s not a typical port for most cruises, but for history lovers it’s a goldmine. Passengers can take shore excursions to Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown—three places that played huge roles in America’s founding. The “Colonial Williamsburg & Governor’s Palace” tour lets you wander through Virginia’s historic peninsula, while the “Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown” tour, takes you to Colonial National Historic Park, tying together the stories of America’s earliest days.
The overnight stay in New York City is perfectly timed to overlap with the “Sail 4th 250” tall ships flotilla happening July 3-8, 2026. When the Zuiderdam arrives on July 8, sailing past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, you might catch sight of the world’s largest fleet of tall ships heading out for Boston during their “Farewell to the Fleet” moment.
With the extra time in New York, you can book shore excursions to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, while the “New York City by Land & Sea” tour gives you a unique view of the city’s skyline from the water. The overnight stay means you can take in a Broadway play or stroll through its iconic streets at your own pace.
Needless to say, if you’re into history or just want a unique way to mark this milestone, this cruise sounds like a fantastic way to do it.