Latest news with #Sail4th250
New York Post
21-07-2025
- New York Post
The world's only active ocean liner will offer a front-row seat to next year's grand Sail4th 250 bash
The world's only active ocean liner will have a front-row seat to the largest peacetime naval gathering in history — one celebrating a milestone anniversary for our nation. Millions of spectators are expected to attend America's 250th birthday bash in the New York Harbor next summer, and one special ship will have the best view in the house. 9 The Queen Mary 2 in New York Harbor. Courtesy of Cunard Advertisement 9 The last time a naval flotilla of this magnitude took place was in 2000, to celebrate the new millennium. Photo Courtesy of OpSail 2000 The Queen Mary 2, an ocean liner by Cunard, will offer guests Harbor-side vistas as the largest flotilla of tall ships and naval vessels ever assembled coasts between the George Washington and Verrazano bridges. The dazzling display of these giant, majestic ships will be the highlight of the multi-day event hosted by Sail4th 250 from July 3 through 8. The Queen Mary 2 will be in some other good company. Advertisement 'Surrounding the Queen will be Navy aircraft carriers also at anchor,' Chris O'Brien, the president of Sail4th 250, told The Post. 'It's going to make for a visually unbelievable sight.' The once-in-a-generation global gathering expects more than 30 nations' tall ships among its ranks, according to O'Brien. With a prime anchorage point, the Queen Mary 2 is advertising an unbeatable view of the nautical array. 9 Queen Mary 2 passengers will have a prime spot for the record-breaking parade of tall ships. U.S. Navy Mass Comm Specialist Wilson 9 The world's only ocean liner measures twice the length of the Washington Monument. Courtesy of Cunard Advertisement Finalizing the giant ocean liner's position in the harbor with the Navy and the Coast Guard was one of 'the final pieces of the puzzle' in planning the big day, O'Brien said. 'At this scale, it's a little bit of a ballet,' O'Brien said. 'Especially after the parade is over and the docking of ships starts.' While the flotilla of ships will serve as the patriotic weekend's centerpiece, the national fête will also include cannon salutes, boat tours, Blue Angels flight shows and, of course, Macy's glittering July 4 fireworks. The Queen Mary 2 will be secured along the parade route by her 23-ton anchors, just south of Governors Island. Guests can watch the parade float by on traditional steamer chairs along the promenade deck, or from one of 14 passenger decks. Advertisement When the ocean liner first set sail in 2004, it was the largest, longest, widest and tallest passenger ship in history. The Queen Mary 2 towers 200 feet above the waterline and its length is equal to the height of a 23-story building, or twice the length of the Washington Monument. The ship can hold more than 2,600 passengers, according to Cunard. 9 The grand lobby of the Queen Mary 2. Courtesy of Cunard 9 The ship combines sea-faring might with a refined on-board experience. Courtesy of Cunard 9 The original Queen Mary ocean liner. Courtesy of Cunard An on-board whistle inherited from the original Queen Mary, which sailed the North Atlantic from 1936 to 1967, is audible for 10 miles. The ship remains the world's only active ocean liner, distinct from cruises for its powerful ability to sail over the high seas, as opposed to hugging coast lines. And it blends force with a refined touch. On-board luxuries include four outdoor pools and the ocean's only floating planetarium. Cunard already carries significant cachet in American history. In the 1800s, Cunard's Royal Mail service provided a vital and reliable connection between the US and Europe. Its ships later transported waves of European migrants to the United States, many of whom passed through the doors of Ellis Island. Cunard also operated the doomed Lusitania, and the liner supported Allied troops in both World Wars. Advertisement Cunard's heroic steamship crew of the RMS Carpathia rescued 705 survivors of the Titanic disaster from the frigid water in 1912, and took them to the shores of New York City. 9 The Queen Mary 2 offers more than 1,300 guest rooms for its July 4 voyage. Courtesy of Cunard 9 One of the ship's staterooms. Courtesy of Cunard The Queen Mary 2 is selling tickets for its July 4 voyage across more than 1,300 guest rooms. Prices for available rooms currently start at about $5,000, with Princess Grill Suites and Queens Grill Suites starting at $14,000 and $15,000. Advertisement Discerning travelers can shell out more than $50,000 for one of five duplex apartments. The ultra-luxury offerings feature two-story glass walls and more than 1,000 square feet of space. Following the July 4 celebrations, the voyage will continue with visits to Newport, Rhode Island and Halifax, Nova Scotia, before returning to New York on July 10. 'Cunard ships have been sailing into New York Harbor for 185 years, and we are thrilled to honor this history by being part of Sail4th 250's historic celebration,' said Liz Fettes, senior vice president, Commercial for North America, Cunard. 'Aboard Queen Mary 2, our guests will enjoy an unparalleled view of the tall ships parade, fireworks and an unforgettable spectacle marking America's 250th anniversary.' Please visit for more information.
New York Post
04-07-2025
- General
- New York Post
Mexican navy ship that slammed into Brooklyn Bridge may return to New York next year
The doomed Mexican tall ship that slammed into the Brooklyn Bridge in May is hoping to make a 'triumphant return' to New York next year to join the record-breaking flotilla slated to storm the harbor, The Post has learned. The Cuauhtémoc is slated to be one of the 30 Class A International Tall Ships to parade through the Harbor as part of the US's semiquincentennial birthday — as long as the ship's three ornate masts can be repaired. The masts were destroyed in the tragic accident in spring that claimed the lives of two young mariners and left 19 other people injured. Advertisement The Mexican Navy now has exactly one year to restore the Cuauhtémoc to its glory and join what will be the largest flotilla to ever sail through the port of New York and New Jersey. 5 The Cuauhtémoc is undergoing repairs for the damages it sustained after striking the Brooklyn Bridge. AP 'We see it as a kind of triumphant return,' Chris O'Brien, the president of Sail4th 250, the organizer for next year's blockbuster event, told The Post. Advertisement 'They're going to be executing their repairs and so the invitation is still open for them to join us.' When asked if the Mexican Navy has indicated whether it plans to return, O'Brien said: 'I can't speculate there, but we are maintaining positive lines of communication.' The Mexican Navy is in the midst of repairing the damage, which was mostly sustained on the Cuauhtémoc's three masts that were severed when they smacked into the Brooklyn Bridge, a spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board told The Post. 5 The cause of the collision is still under investigation. Xinhua/Shutterstock Advertisement The extent of the repairs needed was not immediately clear. The damage to the 147-foot-tall training vessel is expected to exceed $500,000. The NTSB is still investigating the cause of the collision, which could take at least a year, or as long as two, a spokesperson told The Post. A preliminary report released Monday revealed that the vessel was inexplicably sailing backwards — and picked up speed — before the fatal collision. 5 Two cadets who were manning the masts were killed during the crash. James Keivom Advertisement 5 The damage to the ship is expected to exceed $500,000. James Keivom It did not answer what caused the 'major marine casualty,' including why the docking pilot's orders to stop the vessel didn't have any effect. At the time, dozens of cadets were 'manning the masts,' meaning they were standing on and strapped to the ship's three masts — a universal sign of respect every time a ship enters and leaves a port. Two crew members who were on the masts plummeted to the ship's deck during the collision and were later pronounced dead at local hospitals. Should the repairs be completed in time, the ship will take part in the six-day, once-in-a-lifetime event slated for July 3 to 8 next year to celebrate America's 250th birthday. 5 The NTSB investigation could take at least a year. Leonardo Munoz The flotilla of 30 international tall ships and 40 gray hull vessels will be the highlight of the festival, fittingly taking place on July 4. Advertisement The ships, each a military training vessel from another country, will ceremoniously voyage into the harbor from beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before landing in ports on Staten Island, in Brooklyn and Manhattan. A 'senior government official' will be aboard the incredible parade — but planners wouldn't budge on naming the guest of honor.
Malaysian Reserve
03-07-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
Holland America Line Marks America's 250th Anniversary in 2026 with Cruise to Historical U.S. Ports
The July 4 departure aboard Zuiderdam sails roundtrip from Boston and includes an overnight in New York and a visit to Norfolk, Virginia SEATTLE, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ — In honor of America's 250th birthday in 2026, Holland America Line is sailing a landmark cruise roundtrip from Boston — the epicenter of the American Revolution. The seven-day 'America's 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage' aboard Zuiderdam departs July 4, 2026, and includes a visit to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, an overnight visit to New York City, as well as a special call at Norfolk, Virginia, with access to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. Guests will have a front-row seat to explore the heart of American culture and history. As Zuiderdam departs Boston, the ship plans to position in Boston Harbor, so guests can take in the city's iconic Fourth of July fireworks from a distance, a truly unique sailaway celebration. Following Saint John, guests will enjoy a rare call at Norfolk and an overnight at New York before returning to Boston. 'America's 250th anniversary is a singular milestone, and we're excited to mark this historic occasion with a cruise that brings our guests closer to the places where our nation was born,' said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. 'From walking the grounds of Williamsburg and visiting Ellis Island to exploring Boston's Freedom Trail, this voyage offers an unforgettable journey through American history. And with special events planned to celebrate the Fourth of July in true patriotic style, it promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone on board.' Tours in Norfolk Offer Visits to Important Historical SitesCombining key Revolutionary War ties, an important naval legacy and significant Semiquincentennial celebrations, a visit to Norfolk opens the door to historical exploration. During the call, guests can take shore excursions to three Virginia towns that are among the most important in American history: Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. The 'Colonial Williamsburg & Governor's Palace' shore excursion takes guests to Virginia's historic peninsula, home to Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial the 'Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown' tour, guests visit Colonial National Historic Park, connecting Jamestown and Yorktown. Overnight at New York Coincides with 'Sail 4th 250' Tall Ships VisitZuiderdam arrives in New York in time to catch the conclusion of the 'Sail 4th 250' tall ships flotilla that takes place in the city July 3-8, 2026. For Sail 4th 250, the largest fleet of the world's tall ships and gray hull ships will assemble in New York Harbor for the week. When Zuiderdam cruises into New York July 8 past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Sail 4th's 'Farewell to the Fleet' will be happening as the tall ships depart for Boston, offering the possibility to get a glimpse of some of the tall ships sailing by. With an overnight visit, guests have more time to explore New York, see the sites and experience the vibrant nightlight of the city that never sleeps. Guests who want to delve into America's history while in the Big Apple can take the 'Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island' shore excursion that includes a visit to both of these iconic locales. The 'New York City by Land & Sea' features a cruise on the city's waterways for unique views of several landmarks, including Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Fares for the seven-day 'America's 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage' start at $1,459 per person, double occupancy, and include port fees and taxes. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit Find Holland America Line on Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)] Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering a perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet of 11 vessels visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Savour the Journey isn't just a tagline, it's a reinforcement that the cruise line provides experiences too good to hurry through, connecting travelers to the world and each other. Award-winning enrichment programming, entertainment and cuisine that brings each locale on board, including a revolutionary Global Fresh Fish Program, put Holland America Line at the forefront of premium cruising. CONTACT: Bill Zucker PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890 EMAIL: pr@
Cision Canada
03-07-2025
- Cision Canada
Holland America Line Marks America's 250th Anniversary in 2026 with Cruise to Historical U.S. Ports
SEATTLE, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- In honor of America's 250th birthday in 2026, Holland America Line is sailing a landmark cruise roundtrip from Boston — the epicenter of the American Revolution. The seven-day " America's 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage" aboard Zuiderdam departs July 4, 2026, and includes a visit to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, an overnight visit to New York City, as well as a special call at Norfolk, Virginia, with access to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. Guests will have a front-row seat to explore the heart of American culture and history. As Zuiderdam departs Boston, the ship plans to position in Boston Harbor, so guests can take in the city's iconic Fourth of July fireworks from a distance, a truly unique sailaway celebration. Following Saint John, guests will enjoy a rare call at Norfolk and an overnight at New York before returning to Boston. "America's 250th anniversary is a singular milestone, and we're excited to mark this historic occasion with a cruise that brings our guests closer to the places where our nation was born," said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. "From walking the grounds of Williamsburg and visiting Ellis Island to exploring Boston's Freedom Trail, this voyage offers an unforgettable journey through American history. And with special events planned to celebrate the Fourth of July in true patriotic style, it promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone on board." Tours in Norfolk Offer Visits to Important Historical Sites Combining key Revolutionary War ties, an important naval legacy and significant Semiquincentennial celebrations, a visit to Norfolk opens the door to historical exploration. During the call, guests can take shore excursions to three Virginia towns that are among the most important in American history: Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. The " Colonial Williamsburg & Governor's Palace" shore excursion takes guests to Virginia's historic peninsula, home to Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg. On the " Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum at Yorktown" tour, guests visit Colonial National Historic Park, connecting Jamestown and Yorktown. Overnight at New York Coincides with 'Sail 4th 250' Tall Ships Visit Zuiderdam arrives in New York in time to catch the conclusion of the "Sail 4th 250" tall ships flotilla that takes place in the city July 3-8, 2026. For Sail 4th 250, the largest fleet of the world's tall ships and gray hull ships will assemble in New York Harbor for the week. When Zuiderdam cruises into New York July 8 past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Sail 4th's "Farewell to the Fleet" will be happening as the tall ships depart for Boston, offering the possibility to get a glimpse of some of the tall ships sailing by. With an overnight visit, guests have more time to explore New York, see the sites and experience the vibrant nightlight of the city that never sleeps. Guests who want to delve into America's history while in the Big Apple can take the " Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island" shore excursion that includes a visit to both of these iconic locales. The " New York City by Land & Sea" features a cruise on the city's waterways for unique views of several landmarks, including Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Fares for the seven-day " America's 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage" start at $1,459 per person, double occupancy, and include port fees and taxes. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering a perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet of 11 vessels visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Savour the Journey isn't just a tagline, it's a reinforcement that the cruise line provides experiences too good to hurry through, connecting travelers to the world and each other. Award-winning enrichment programming, entertainment and cuisine that brings each locale on board, including a revolutionary Global Fresh Fish Program, put Holland America Line at the forefront of premium cruising.
CBS News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
NYC to celebrate America's 250th birthday with parade of ships for "Sail 4th 250"
New York City will welcome tall ships of the world as part of a celebration of America's 250th anniversary on the Fourth of July, 2026. The port of New York and New Jersey will host a parade of ships from around the world, and the event is expected to bring millions to the city. Preparations are well underway. City officials, alongside military personnel, announced the largest fleet of the world's tall ships and gray hull ships will sail into New York harbor, pass in presidential review, and salute the Statue of Liberty. Officials say the event, called Sail 4th 250, will be a special U.S. Navy Fleet Week for the holiday, and the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels will take to the skies over Manhattan. The celebration will also include a massive Fourth of July fireworks display, and a tickertape parade on July 6 honoring post-9/11 combat veterans and their families. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, this a huge, huge, fun celebration. These are majestic ships. Some will be here at the Intrepid Museum, other ships will be elsewhere, they will be all free and open to the public," Intrepid Museum executive vice president David Winters said. "To be able to host the 30+ tall ships that represent multiple countries and to invite the world to New York City to experience the Fourth of July is so exciting," said Julie Coker of New York City Tourism + Conventions. The city says the event is expected to bring in more than $1 billion of tourism revenue.
