COURTESY CUNARD: VALENCIA, Calif., March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cunard at present introduced an thrilling partnership with Sail4th 250, the non-profit group overseeing celebrations within the Port of New York and New Jersey for America’s 250th anniversary subsequent 12 months.
The collaboration will see the posh cruise line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 – the world’s solely ocean liner – take satisfaction of place on the coronary heart of the landmark occasion, providing friends a once-in-a-lifetime vantage level in what guarantees to be an unforgettable second in historical past.
The six-day centerpiece of America’s milestone anniversary will characteristic the most important worldwide flotilla of tall ships and naval vessels ever assembled. Some 17 nations have already dedicated their tall ships to take part, and the U.S. Navy has invited scores of others. Greater than 30 tall ships are anticipated. The celebration will even embody festivals, public entry to the tall ships, a large fireworks show, and an exhibition of 18th-century historic paperwork.
Planners count on eight to 10 million spectators to line the 15-mile New York/New Jersey shoreline to view the July 4 parade of tall ships and naval vessels, with occasions deliberate from July 3-8, 2026.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, stated: “Cunard has a protracted and distinguished historical past with the US, and we’re proud to play a job on this momentous celebration. Because the world’s solely ocean liner, Queen Mary 2 will supply friends an expertise like no different — immersed within the pleasure and grandeur of America’s 250th Independence Day. It is a really distinctive alternative to witness historical past in spectacular style, and we couldn’t be extra thrilled to be a part of it.”
This collaboration displays Cunard’s deep-rooted connection to the US and its wealthy maritime historical past. For greater than 185 years, Cunard ships have pioneered transatlantic journey, and in 2026, Queen Mary 2’s presence in New York Harbor will add to that historical past.
>From her prime place in New York Harbor, friends on board could have unmatched views of the most important gathering of tall ships and naval vessels ever seen within the metropolis. The spectacle will proceed with a dramatic army flyover, culminating in a wide ranging fireworks finale over the Manhattan skyline. Whether or not at anchor or positioned within the harbor, Queen Mary 2 will function the last word setting for this landmark event.
Chris O’Brien, President of Sail4th 250, added: “The participation of the majestic Queen Mary 2 helps be sure that seafaring vacationers can have first-class seats to essentially the most spectacular occasion within the historical past of New York Harbour. Given Cunard’s storied historical past and indelible ties to the US, we’re happy to have discovered the right seafaring accomplice for our nation’s historic milestone.”
Ross D. Levi, Government Director / VP, NYS Division of Tourism, Empire State Improvement, stated: “The addition of Queen Mary 2 to Sail4th will solely improve the celebrations surrounding America’s 250th birthday. I LOVE NY is proud to help Sail4th’s efforts to create this once-in-a-lifetime occasion. We look ahead to selling this largest-ever worldwide flotilla as a part of the state’s distinctive America 250 actions in order that guests from across the globe can see for themselves how straightforward it’s to like New York.”
Cunard’s Independence Day Spectacular Voyage will happen from July 3-10, 2026, providing friends the prospect to be a part of historical past. After a unprecedented keep in New York, Queen Mary 2 will proceed to Newport, Rhode Island, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, the place friends can discover two of North America’s most charming and historic ports.
Costs at the moment begin from $2,350 per individual primarily based on two sharing a Britannia Balcony stateroom.
About Cunard
Cunard is a luxurious British cruise line, famend for creating unforgettable experiences all over the world. Cunard has been a number one operator of passenger ships since 1840, and this 12 months celebrates an unimaginable 185 years of operation. 2025 is a momentous 12 months in Cunard’s historical past, which will probably be marked with a number of iconic land-based occasions and particular Occasion Voyages. The Cunard expertise is constructed on effective eating, hand-selected leisure, and excellent White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring visitor audio system, to world class theatre productions, each element has been meticulously crafted to make the expertise unforgettable. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and spherical world voyages, locations sailed to additionally embody Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and Australia.
There are at the moment 4 Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in Might 2024. This funding is a part of the corporate’s formidable plans for the way forward for Cunard globally, with the model now boasting 4 ships in simultaneous service for the primary time since 1999. Cunard is predicated at Carnival Home in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Company & plc.
About Sail4th 250:
Sail4th 250 is a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit group based in 2020. It’s the successor group to Operation Sail, Inc., which organized the earlier main tall ship occasions within the Port of New York and New Jersey in 1964, 1976, 1986, 1992, 2000, and 2012. Sail4th 250 is a part of the 2026 Sail250®America tour of the East Coast and Gulf port cities of New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, and Boston. The packages Sail4th 250 is creating will present financial growth, cultural enrichment, and academic programming for residents, companies, and guests all through the area.
cowl picture courtesy Cunard
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