Carnival Kicks Off America250 Homeport Celebrations in Long Beach

Updated July 2, 2026

Carnival Cruise Line, an official America250 partner that says it sails from more U.S. homeports than any other line, hosted its first America250 homeport community celebration on June 30 aboard the Carnival Radiance at the Port of Long Beach. The event honored local veterans, first responders, community partners, business leaders and government officials ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary, and kicked off a summer series of Carnival homeport celebrations tied to America250, the national commemoration of the July 4, 2026 anniversary.

Military tribute anchors Long Beach program

The Long Beach event included a dedicated military tribute for active-duty service members, local veterans and first responders in attendance. Military attendees received a limited-edition America250 challenge coin designed for the celebration.

"As America's cruise line, we're proud to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in our homeport cities," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "We're bringing people together to honor our nation, celebrate the local community and thank those who protect our freedom."

Guests embarking Carnival Radiance were greeted by a 40-foot red, white and blue inflatable star on the ship's top deck. Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat also appeared in patriotic costume as part of the onboard programming.

Homeport events and fleetwide programming continue

The Long Beach celebration is part of a schedule that also includes homeport community events aboard Carnival Pride in Baltimore, Carnival Elation in Jacksonville and Carnival Paradise in Tampa. The Baltimore event took place June 28, and Jacksonville and Tampa follow on July 2.

Carnival's broader America250 lineup includes fleetwide decorations, 250th birthday banners, Red, White and Blue Deck Parties, "US YAY!" parties with balloon drops, patriotic appearances by The Cat in the Hat, and themed food and beverage items including strawberry shortcake, specialty cocktails, limited-edition America250 Coca-Cola cans and "America's Cruisin" beer.

The line is also extending its military recognition to sailings during the week of July 4. One military family on each sailing that week will receive an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Veterans and active-duty military sailing during the period will receive a special-edition military pin.

Beyond its shipboard schedule, Carnival is supporting public celebrations in Norfolk, San Diego and Miami-Dade County. The company sponsored the Virginia Sail250 Fireworks Show in Norfolk on June 20 and is a sponsor of the Miami-Dade 250 Independence Day Celebration on July 4.

Additional cruise events in the program are set for July 4. Seven Carnival ships sailing from the East Coast are scheduled to gather near Celebration Key in Grand Bahama for fireworks. On the West Coast, three Carnival ships are due to watch the Port of San Diego's Big Bay Boom, for which Carnival is the official cruise line sponsor.

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