Carnival Kicks Off America250 Homeport Celebrations in Long Beach
Military attendees received a limited-edition America250 challenge coin, and a forty-foot red, white and blue inflatable star stood on Carnival Radiance’s top deck.
Carnival Cruise Line hosted its first America250 homeport community celebration on June 30 aboard the Carnival Radiance at the Port of Long Beach, honoring local veterans, first responders, community partners and government officials ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary. The event began 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 displayed 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. The Jacksonville and Tampa programs are scheduled for 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, and 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.
The largest remaining cruise events in the program are set for July 4, when 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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