250 Day Countdown Begins Until Queen Mary 2 Headlines America's 250th Anniversary Celebrations

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Cunard (CCL) announced that flagship Queen Mary 2 will headline New York Harbor on July 4, 2026 as part of Sail4th 250, the official 250th anniversary celebration of American Independence. The ship will host NBC national TV coverage and provide guests front-row views of the International Parade of Sail, featuring more than 100 vessels including over 50 tall ships from 30 nations.

The 7-night Independence Day Celebration Voyage (M614) departs round-trip from New York on July 3, 2026, with subsequent calls in Newport and Halifax; full itinerary available at www.cunard.com.

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VALENCIA, Calif., Oct. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 will take center stage in New York Harbor on July 4, 2026, as part of Sail4th 250, the official event marking 250 years since American Independence.

With 250 days to go until this historic occasion, Queen Mary 2 will play a key role as host to NBC national TV coverage, with an exclusive front row seat for the International Parade of Sail – the largest maritime gathering in New York in decades. Guests on board will have a front row seat to the more than 100 vessels parading through the harbor, including over 50 Class A and Class B tall ships from 30 nations, alongside a fleet of allied and U.S. Navy ships. The route will see vessels sail from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, past the Statue of Liberty, and up the Hudson River in front of millions of spectators.

Specially Curated Onboard Entertainment
On board Queen Mary 2, Cunard guests will enjoy a specially curated day of entertainment and enrichment. Scheduled performances include acclaimed U.S. comedian John Joseph, known for his musical improvisation and wit, and classical crossover trio Vox Fortura, celebrated for their fusion of opera and soul. Cunard's renowned Insights program will feature maritime historian Bill Miller, affectionately known as "Mr. Ocean Liner", and distinguished art historian Dr. Seth Gopin, whose lectures explore the intersections of art, architecture and history.

As evening falls, Queen Mary 2 will turn in New York Harbor to offer guests unrivaled views of the official Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, set against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.

Following the celebrations, the ship will continue her journey with calls in Newport, Rhode Island, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, before returning to New York.

The 7-night Independence Day Celebration Voyage (M614) departs round-trip from New York on July 3, 2026. For full itinerary details, visit www.cunard.com.

Liz Fettes, SVP, Commercial, North America & Australasia of Cunard, said: "Given Cunard's longstanding history bringing travelers through New York Harbor, we're incredibly proud that Queen Mary 2 will be part of America's 250th anniversary celebrations. This will be a truly memorable historical moment, and there's no better way to experience it than on board our iconic ocean liner. Our guests can look forward to a unique celebration at sea, surrounded by unforgettable views, special events and a luxurious Cunard experience."

Chris O'Brien, President of Sail4th 250, said: "With Queen Mary 2 positioned alongside the Parade of Sail, this historic event now has the sense of prestige and international collaboration that we hoped for from the beginning. Her presence will be a powerful symbol of transatlantic unity and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone watching from the harbor or on board."

Sail4th 250 is expected to draw over eight million spectators to New York and New Jersey's waterfronts. The six-day event will also include an International Naval Review, an aerial performance by the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels, and the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, which will be broadcast nationally by NBCUniversal and Telemundo.

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, travelers can contact their Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com, or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.

About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840, and this year celebrates an incredible 185 years of operation. 2025 is a momentous year in Cunard's history, which will be marked with several iconic land-based events and special Event Voyages. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and Australia.

There are currently four Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024. This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally, with the brand now boasting four ships in simultaneous service for the first time since 1999. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc. www.cunard.com (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline

Media Contact: 
Cunard: cunardpublicrelations@cunard.com

About Sail4th 250
Sail4th, the New York and New Jersey component of Sail 250, a five-port consortium creating tall ship events in New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore and Boston, is the official high-profile international tall ship and government project formed to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States. As a major component of a nationwide endeavor, Sail4th 250 will host tall ships over the weekend of July 4, 2026. The six-day celebration will be the culmination of a multi-year platform of storytelling, events and diverse celebrations around the nation.

Sail4th 250 is supported through a Market New York grant awarded by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State's Division of Tourism.

For more information, please visit https://www.sail4th.org/, and follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

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SOURCE Cunard

FAQ

When will Queen Mary 2 sail in New York Harbor for the Sail4th 250 event (CCL)?

Queen Mary 2 will be in New York Harbor on July 4, 2026, with the 7-night voyage departing July 3, 2026.

What does Cunard’s (CCL) Independence Day Celebration Voyage (M614) itinerary include?

The M614 departs round-trip from New York, features the Parade of Sail, then calls in Newport, Rhode Island and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

How many vessels and tall ships will participate in the International Parade of Sail during Sail4th 250?

The Parade of Sail will include more than 100 vessels, featuring over 50 Class A and B tall ships from 30 nations.

Will Queen Mary 2 host media coverage during the July 4, 2026 celebrations (CCL)?

Yes; Queen Mary 2 will host NBC national TV coverage and offer front-row views of the Parade of Sail and Macy’s fireworks.

How can travelers book Cunard’s (CCL) Independence Day Celebration Voyage?

Travelers can book at www.cunard.com, contact a travel advisor, or call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273.