As the United States prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, Holland America Line is unveiling plans for a fleetwide celebration honoring the milestone birthday with festive onboard programming, live music, commemorative keepsakes and special culinary experiences on every cruise over the July 4 holiday.
In addition to the special “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes” cruise aboard Zuiderdam, guests sailing on select Holland America ships over July 4, 2026, will take part in celebratory events designed to honor America’s history, culture and spirit. Whether in Alaska or Canada/New England, guests will receive a commemorative America’s 250th anniversary keepsake pin—and those who are on the “Stars & Stripes” cruise will receive a special bandana created exclusively for the occasion.
“We’re excited to bring the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary to life across our fleet with experiences that feel both celebratory and uniquely Holland America Line,” said Michael Stendebach, senior vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “From live entertainment and themed events to American-inspired dining and our special ‘Stars & Stripes’ cruise, these experiences are designed to capture the energy and pride that make this milestone so meaningful. We have worked with intention to create moments that feel fun, memorable and connective.”
Entertainment and Activities for July 4
On Independence Day, guests on ships in North America will gather for a festive party featuring live music performances that go on a genre-spanning “Soundtrack of America” journey. Additionally, on Zuiderdam there will be a special “Great American Songbook” concert celebrating iconic American music.
During the celebration, guests can enjoy interactive lawn games, Fourth of July-themed trivia, scavenger hunts and live cooking demonstrations inspired by classic American flavors and traditions.
An All-American Culinary Menu
From backyard barbecue favorites to nostalgic summer desserts, Holland America’s July 4 culinary experiences are inspired by the classic flavors Americans enjoy on Independence Day. Across the fleet, guests will savor festive dishes and refreshing beverages that capture the spirit of a traditional Fourth of July picnic at sea.
Patriotic breakfast offerings in the Dining Room and Lido Market include:
· Berry Spangled Brioche with berry compote and blueberry whipped cream.
· Yankee Doodle Waffle with mixed berries, whipped cream and granola.
· Stars and Stripes Parfait with vanilla Greek yogurt, mixed berries and granola.
For dinner, Lido Market will feature an all-American barbecue celebration with favorites such as dry-rubbed beef, smoked barbecue pork ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, broiled salmon with pico de gallo, Texas vegetarian chili, and chicken gumbo soup, along with classic sides including three-bean salad, coleslaw, and potato salad. Desserts will include American Flag Cake, blueberry pie, New York cheesecake, Boston cream pie, and no-sugar-added strawberry shortcake.
Independence Day-inspired beverage specials available across the fleet include:
· Firework: pineapple vodka, lemon, lime and fresh raspberries.
· Star Spangled: gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, cucumber, honey, lemon and lime.
· America the Blue-tiful: rum, blue curaçao and pineapple juice.
· Bucket of Beer featuring five domestic beers.
‘America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes’ Cruise
Guests aboard Zuiderdam’s exclusive “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes” cruise will experience an unforgettable way to commemorate America’s birthday. In addition to all of the fleetwide events that honor America’s birthday, the special cruise will feature exclusive moments and visits to historically significant American cities, including Norfolk, Virginia, along with an overnight stay in New York City.
Departing from Boston, Massachusetts, July 4, 2026, the “Stars & Stripes” cruise will feature a late-night sailaway, allowing guests to witness the city’s historic fireworks display from sea. The celebration continues on board with a patriotic deck party featuring live music and passed hors d’oeuvres with classic American picnic favorites like mini hot dogs with relish, Southern crab cakes with remoulade, mini cheeseburger sliders, and red, white and blue berry tartlets.
America’s 250th Collaborations
Holland America also is marking America’s 250th celebration through collaborations with iconic American brands that reflect the nation’s craftsmanship, culture and legacy.
· Jefferson’s Bourbon and Holland America Line are partnering in a first-of-its-kind collaboration in which Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon is aged at sea across the cruise line’s fleet. The partnership marks the distillery’s maiden voyage with a cruise line for its Ocean Aged at Sea® Bourbon series.
· In partnership with Crane Stationery, Holland America Line created an exclusive collection of handcrafted cards designed by artists from the United States Veterans’ Artists Alliance. The collection, available for purchase on board this summer and on Crane.com, is inspired by Holland America Line’s 11 ships and signature tulip.
· Together with Pendleton Woolen Mills, Holland America developed a custom-designed, numbered, Alaska-themed throw blanket inspired by the Great Land. The limited-edition blanket can be purchased aboard Alaska cruises in 2026.
· Looking ahead to 2027, Holland America Line will launch a 28-day Pan Am® 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage inspired by the historic Pan Am Clipper routes. The sailing will visit 18 ports along the legendary Pan Am Great Circle Route, celebrating the golden age of global travel.
For more information about Holland America Line or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
