VALENCIA, Calif., March 25,
2025 /CNW/ -- Cunard today announced an exciting
partnership with Sail4th 250, the non-profit organization
overseeing celebrations in the Port of New York and New
Jersey for America's 250th anniversary next year.
The collaboration will see the luxury cruise line's flagship
Queen Mary 2 – the world's only
ocean liner – take pride of place at the heart of the landmark
event, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime vantage point in what
promises to be an unforgettable moment in history.
The six-day centerpiece of America's milestone anniversary will
feature the largest international flotilla of tall ships and naval
vessels ever assembled. Some 17 nations have already committed
their tall ships to participate, and the U.S. Navy has invited
scores of others. More than 30 tall ships are expected. The
celebration will also include festivals, public access to the tall
ships, a massive fireworks display, and an exhibition of
18th-century historic documents.
Planners expect eight to 10 million spectators to line the
15-mile New York/New Jersey shoreline to view the July 4 parade of tall ships and naval vessels,
with events planned from July 3-8,
2026.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "Cunard has a
long and distinguished history with the
United States, and we are proud to play a role in this
momentous celebration. As the world's only ocean liner,
Queen Mary 2 will offer guests an
experience like no other — immersed in the excitement and grandeur
of America's 250th Independence Day. This is a truly unique
opportunity to witness history in spectacular fashion, and we
couldn't be more thrilled to be part of it."
This collaboration reflects Cunard's deep-rooted connection to
the United States and its rich
maritime history. For more than 185 years, Cunard ships have
pioneered transatlantic travel, and in 2026, Queen Mary 2's presence in New York Harbor will
add to that history.
From her prime position in New York Harbor, guests on board will
have unrivaled views of the largest gathering of tall ships and
naval vessels ever seen in the city. The spectacle will continue
with a dramatic military flyover, culminating in a breathtaking
fireworks finale over the Manhattan skyline. Whether at anchor or
positioned in the harbor, Queen Mary
2 will serve as the ultimate setting for this landmark
occasion.
Chris O'Brien, President of
Sail4th 250, added: "The participation of the majestic Queen Mary 2 helps ensure that seafaring
travelers can have first-class seats to the most spectacular event
in the history of New York Harbour. Given Cunard's storied history
and indelible ties to the United
States, we are pleased to have found the perfect seafaring
partner for our nation's historic milestone."
Ross D. Levi, Executive Director
/ VP, NYS Division of Tourism,
Empire State Development, said: "The addition of Queen Mary 2 to Sail4th will only enhance the
celebrations surrounding America's 250th birthday. I LOVE NY is proud to support Sail4th's efforts to
create this once-in-a-lifetime event. We look forward to promoting
this largest-ever international flotilla as part of the state's
unique America 250 activities so that visitors from around the
globe can see for themselves how easy it is to love New York."
Cunard's Independence Day Spectacular Voyage will take place
from July 3-10, 2026, offering guests
the chance to be part of history. After an extraordinary stay in
New York, Queen Mary 2 will continue to Newport, Rhode Island, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, where guests can explore
two of North America's most
charming and historic ports.
Prices currently start from $2,350
per person based on two sharing a Britannia Balcony stateroom.
For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact
your 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
For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Cindy Adams, MGA Media
Group, cindy@mgamediagroup.com
About Sail4th 250:
Sail4th 250 is a 501 (c)3
not-for-profit organization founded in 2020. It is the successor
organization to Operation Sail, Inc., which organized the previous
major tall ship events in the Port of New York and New Jersey in
1964, 1976, 1986, 1992, 2000, and 2012. Sail4th 250 is part of the
2026 Sail250®America tour of the East Coast and Gulf port cities of
New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, and Boston. The programs Sail4th
250 is developing will provide economic development, cultural
enrichment, and educational programming for citizens, businesses,
and visitors throughout the region. Please visit:
http://www.sail4th.org
For additional information about Sail4th,
contact:
Peter Himler,
Flatiron Communications LLC
Google Voice: +1 516-308-1120; (m) +1 516-729-6461
peter@flatironcomm.com
WhatsApp: peterhimler
Erin Mahoney
(m) 917-213-2935
erin@flatironcomm.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/queen-mary-2-to-join-americas-250th-anniversary-celebration-in-new-york-in-2026-as-cunard-partners-with-sail4th-250-302410649.html
SOURCE Cunard
