Holland America Line Marks America's 250th Anniversary with Iconic July 4 Sailing and American Heritage Brand Collaborations
Celebrations culminate with a spectacular seven-day ‘Stars and Stripes’ cruise departing Boston on July 4, 2026
Seattle, Wash., Dec. 22, 2025 — In honor of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Holland America Line is launching a once-in-a-generation celebration featuring unique programs and collaborations with American brands deeply rooted in the nation’s history. Additionally, a July 4, 2026, seven-day “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes” cruise will bring together tradition, history and specially curated programming for a memorable way to experience the nation’s 250th birthday.
Through this one-of-a-kind anniversary voyage and strategic partnerships with heritage brands such as Pan Am® — with more planned for 2026 — Holland America is connecting the nation’s rich legacy of tradition and innovation with its own commitment to heritage, craftsmanship and meaningful experiences at sea.
“America’s 250th anniversary is a milestone that deserves to be honored with intention, and we are proud to partner with American heritage brands to help us celebrate the nation’s rich history,” said Kacy Cole, Holland America Line’s chief marketing officer. “Through these collaborations and thoughtfully curated programming, we are excited to commemorate America’s past, present and future in a way that is uniquely Holland America, reflecting our legacy of exploration and authentic experiences.”
Partnerships With Pioneering American Brands
As part of its America’s 250th celebration, Holland America Line is collaborating with American brands whose stories are woven into the nation’s cultural fabric. Through a partnership with Pan Am®, Holland America Line recently announced a “28-Day Pan Am® 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage” that will set sail in 2027. Inspired by historic clipper routes from Pan Am®, it celebrates a golden age of global travel. The ship will visit 18 ports along the Pan Am® legendary Great Circle Route, a pioneering path that spanned the entire Caribbean and set the standard for modern travel in the region.
Additional limited-edition co-branded offerings and collaborations will be unveiled in the lead-up to the July 4, 2026, milestone, creating a meaningful tribute to America’s 250th Anniversary.
‘America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes’ Cruise
Holland America Line will anchor its America’s 250th celebration with a voyage designed to mark the moment in a way only the cruise line can deliver. Departing July 4, 2026, from Boston, Massachusetts, the commemorative seven-day “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes” sailing will honor the nation’s 250th anniversary by showcasing its rich heritage and enduring traditions, offering guests an elevated experience through a series of curated programs:
·A late-evening departure from Boston and position in Boston Harbor gives guests a view of the historic skyline fireworks from a distance.
·A July 4 party in the Lido area will serve picnic favorites and classic American summer staples inspired by Independence Day.
·Renowned live music experiences will be tailored with The Soundtrack of America — a musical journey through iconic American genres, paired with The Great American Songbook, an evening concert celebrating legendary American composers, all performed by the ship’s talented musicians and vocalists.
·Additional activities include a specially curated American-themed scavenger hunt and a cooking demonstration highlighting classic flavors and stories from America’s culinary heritage.
To enhance the commemorative journey, the Stars and Stripes cruise also will call at cities that played an important role in U.S. history, including Norfolk, Virginia, and New York for an overnight visit.
Holland America Line Through the Years
Holland America has played a part in American history since it was founded in 1873 as an option for European immigrants to find a new life in the United States:
·From the 1880s to 1920s, Holland America carried more than 10% of all steerage passengers to the United States, setting new standards for service in the process.
·During both World Wars, the cruise line’s ships were converted for military service, carrying Allied and U.S. troops around the world.
·In the 1920s, Holland America became one of the first cruise lines to offer U.S.-based vacation cruises to the Caribbean, an experience that has grown and remains popular today.
·A pioneer in touring Alaska, Holland America has been exploring the Great Land’s glaciers and wildlife for nearly 80 years, longer than any other cruise line.
Military Appreciation Offer
In honor of those who served in the U.S. military, Holland America Line extends a “Military Appreciation Offer” to active, retired and veteran military personnel. Guests can apply for a $100 onboard credit on the Holland America Line website.