Celebrate the USA's 250th birthday aboard this once-in-a-lifetime patriotic cruise
The country will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, or semiquincentennial, on July 4, 2026. In honor of the occasion, a week-long cruise will take passengers to historic cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (along with Canada).
'America's 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation 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,' Beth Bodensteiner, the cruise line's president, said in a news release. '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.'
When is Holland America's semiquincentennial cruise?
The round-trip sailing will depart on July 4, 2026, from Boston on the line's 1,964-guest Zuiderdam ship.
Where will the cruise sail?
The cruise will linger in Boston Harbor, where passengers will have a chance to watch the Massachusetts city's fireworks from the vessel.
That will be followed by visits to Saint John, New Brunswick, in Canada, and Norfolk, Virginia, where guests can take shore excursions to Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg, which make up the Historic Triangle.
The cruise will wrap up with an overnight stop in New York – which will host the largest flotilla of tall ships from across the globe in the Port of New York and New Jersey – before returning to Boston.
How much does the cruise cost?
The America's 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage currently starts at $1,459 per person based on double occupancy, including port fees and taxes. Holland America cruise fares include accommodations, many meals onboard, entertainment and more.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
28 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Ford recalls over 200,000 cars for major safety concern
Getting your driver's permit is one of the most freeing feelings for many young adults. It marked the first time in many of our lives that we got to step out into the world and be somewhat independent, since we no longer needed to beg our parents for a ride. The most memorable part was getting our first car, and for many who grew up in the U.S., Ford was likely the make. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Ford is one of the oldest and most iconic American automakers, with a legacy spanning over 12 decades. Unlike its competitors, it's one of the few that has remained an American-made car brand. This company is known for producing well-equipped vehicles at competitive prices, delivering value to consumers. This is highly appealing amid an uncertain economic climate that has caused consumers to become more conscious of their spending. Related: Tesla unveils an unusual innovation to win back customers And with the looming tariffs, Ford is among those better positioned, since around 80% of its vehicles are manufactured in the U.S. However, even advanced technology isn't immune to human error, and Ford has faced a huge mishap. Image source: Olson/Getty Images Ford (F) is recalling over 200,000 vehicles due to a software failure that causes the back camera of its cars to malfunction. The defective cameras will either display a blank screen, preventing the driver from getting complete rearview visibility, or continue to show the image even after the driver has finished using it, creating significant confusion. More Retail News: Major grocery chain using self-driving robots for deliveriesHome Depot spends billions on major acquisitionWalmart makes deal to open popular food chain in stores This defect is highly concerning because it increases the chances of a crash, putting the lives of thousands of car owners at risk. To solve the problem, Ford dealerships will update the rearview camera software at no cost to the owners. In the meantime, Ford will notify all vehicle owners who might have been affected by July 28. If you acquired a Ford or Lincoln vehicle between 2019 and 2024, here is a list of all the makes and models that are being recalled. Ford: Bronco Sport, model years 2021-2024 EcoSport, model years 2020-2021 Edge, model years 2019-2020 Escape, model years 2020-2022 Expedition, model years 2020-2021 Explorer, model years 2020-2024 F-150, model years 2019-2020 F-250 SD, model years 2020-2022 Fusion, model years 2019-2020 Maverick, model years 2022-2024 Mustang, model years 2019-2023 Ranger, model years 2019-2023 Transit, model years 2020-2023 Transit Connect, model years 2018-2022 Related: Rivian sends hard-nosed message to employees Lincoln: Aviator, model years 2020-2023 Continental, model years 2019-2020 Corsair, model years 2020-2022 MK2, model years 2019-2020 Nautilus, model years 2019-2020 Navigator, model years 2020-2021 If your vehicle is among the ones mentioned in the list above, you may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 using the recall number 25S72. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration vehicle safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or visit the official website at Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
28 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
What's open & what's closed on the 4th of July 2025
Fast Facts: In 2025, July 4th falls on a major businesses, including nationwide and regional grocery and retail stores (e.g., Best Buy, Home Depot, Target, Walmart, etc.), will be will be state and city governments, post offices, banks, and libraries will be closed. Financial markets like the NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed.A record number of Americans are forecast to travel during the holiday period. This year marks the 249th year of America's independence, and this time around, the Fourth of July falls on a Friday, giving many a true, three-day weekend to celebrate. Many businesses, government offices, and financial markets will be closed as Americans take the day off and mark the summer season with barbecues and outdoor activities. As with every federal holiday, there is always some confusion about what will be closed and what will remain open. People who work in an office generally have the Fourth of July off to spend with their families. But consumer-facing businesses often choose how and when to operate-smaller shops may close entirely, while large chains often shoulder the costs of employee holiday pay to remain open, either for their typical hours or for reduced holiday hours. Here's everything you need to know about what's open and what's closed this Independence Day. Related: The best gas grills under $250, ranked by Consumer Reports data As a federal holiday, public and private institutions-including schools, post offices, libraries, and federal offices-are typically closed. Financial markets will also be closed, and there will be no trading on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq stock market. Cryptocurrency will still be tradable. USPS mail will not be delivered to homes and businesses. But shipping companies such as UPS and FedEx will keep at least some hours-check with your local office before heading over, and keep in mind that anything you may need to send is likely to take longer. The Federal Reserve observes the holiday, and as almost all banks will be shuttered, any last-minute cash needs will likely require an ATM (most will be functioning, but if there is a problem, reaching a staff member may not be possible). Related: Stock market holidays & half days 2025: A complete list When it comes to smaller institutions like one's religious organization or the local library, it's best to check directly with the branch-sometimes by calling ahead as not all will be diligent about updating hours online. In most cities, trash collection will move to the following workday. In terms of retail, big-box warehouse club Costco will be closed, although most other large retailers will remain open. More info for consumers: Costco vs. Sam's Club: Prices, perks & memberships comparedMovie theater subscriptions compared: Prices & perks at a glanceThe 10 most popular new cars & SUVs of 2025 (so far), according to Consumer Reports While Costco closes its warehouses on the Fourth of July, Sam's Club will remain open. Other food retailers, such as Walmart and Target, will remain open, but some locations may have shorter operating hours. As the schedule is set by each store, it's best to look up your local branch's hours online or call ahead to ask a representative. Be sure to get there early to get what you need for your picnic or barbecue, as there might be a run on popular items like hot dog buns. As Americans take to the streets in towns and cities that have parades, small businesses such as restaurants and bars are likely to be open. Other retailers & restaurants that are open on Independence Day Those with special projects at home will be glad to know that home improvement retailers Home Depot and Lowe's will be open during normal business hours. Other large retailers such as Best Buy will also be open and amping up the holiday marketing with decorations and Fourth-of-July sales and promotions. To reach those hungry and thirsty crowds, most national food chains, including Starbucks, McDonald's, Wendy's, and Taco Bell, will be open in major cities but may be short-staffed in smaller towns. The larger the chain, the more likely it is to remain open as well as to keep normal hours. Public transportation will be available in most major cities and suburbs but may be running on a special holiday schedule (often the same as a typical Sunday schedule). Wherever the holiday takes you, it's a good idea to check for closures or abbreviated hours (and leave more time for travel) to be safe. Related: TSA issues travel alert for 4th of July weekendCelebrating the day that the U.S. adopted the Declaration of Independence is, for many, a time to attend a local parade, have a family barbecue, and finish up with something sweet while watching fireworks. That being said, it's also a big travel holiday. Authorities are expecting a record-breaking period of travel as the holiday falls on a Friday, giving many Americans the opportunity to plan their trips around the extended weekend holiday. Altogether, a record 72.2 million Americans are forecast to travel at least 50 miles from their home from June 28 to July 6, and the overwhelming majority-61.6 million people-would travel by car, according to the Automobile Association of America (AAA). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has its own forecast, and it estimates screening more than 18.5 million travelers across the nation's airport security checkpoints from July 1 through July 7. About 2.9 million people are expected to be screened on Sunday, July 6, alone. Travel advisory Americans are cautioned about potential terrorist threats within the country due to tensions with Iran. The Department of Homeland Security on June 22 issued an advisory, saying that "the ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States," and it is in effect until September 22, 2025. Related: The 10 most reliable car brands in 2025 according to Consumer Reports The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The House gives final approval to Trump's big tax bill in a milestone for his second-term agenda
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans propelled President Donald Trump's big multitrillion-dollar tax breaks and spending cuts bill to final passage Thursday in Congress, overcoming multiple setbacks to approve his signature second-term policy package before a Fourth of July deadline. The tight roll call, 218-214, came at a potentially high political cost, with two Republicans joining all Democrats opposed. GOP leaders worked overnight and the president himself leaned on a handful of skeptics to drop their opposition. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York delayed voting for more than eight hours by seizing control of the floor with a record-breaking speech against the bill. Trump celebrated his political victory in Iowa, where he attended the kickoff for a year of events marking the country's upcoming 250th anniversary. 'I want to thank Republican congressmen and women, because what they did is incredible,' he said. The president complained that Democrats voted against the bill because 'they hate Trump — but I hate them too.' Trump said he plans to sign the legislation on Friday at the White House. The outcome delivers a milestone for the president and for his party. It was a long-shot effort to compile a lengthy list of GOP priorities into what they called his 'one big beautiful bill,' at nearly 900 pages. With Democrats unified in opposition, the bill will become a defining measure of Trump's return to the White House, aided by Republican control of Congress. 'You get tired of winning yet?' said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., invoking Trump as he called the vote. 'With one big beautiful bill we are going to make this country stronger, safer and more prosperous than ever before,' he said. Republicans celebrated with a rendition of the Village People's 'Y.M.C.A.,' a song the president often plays at his rallies, during a ceremony afterward. Tax breaks and safety net cuts At its core, the package's priority is $4.5 trillion in tax breaks enacted in 2017 during Trump's first term that would expire if Congress failed to act, along with new ones. This includes allowing workers to deduct tips and overtime pay, and a $6,000 deduction for most older adults earning less than $75,000 a year. There's also a hefty investment, some $350 billion, in national security and Trump's deportation agenda and to help develop the 'Golden Dome' defensive system over the U.S. To help offset the lost tax revenue, the package includes $1.2 trillion in cutbacks to the Medicaid health care and food stamps, largely by imposing new work requirements, including for some parents and older people, and a major rollback of green energy tax credits. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the package will add $3.3 trillion to the deficit over the decade and 11.8 million more people will go without health coverage. 'This was a generational opportunity to deliver the most comprehensive and consequential set of conservative reforms in modern history, and that's exactly what we're doing,' said Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, the House Budget Committee chairman. Democrats united against the big 'ugly bill' Democrats unified against the bill as a tax giveaway to the rich paid for on the backs of the working class and most vulnerable in society, what they called 'trickle down cruelty.' Jeffries began the speech at 4:53 a.m. EDT and finished at 1:37 p.m. EDT, 8 hours, 44 minutes later, a record, as he argued against what he called Trump's 'big ugly bill.' 'We're better than this,' said Jeffries, who used a leader's prerogative for unlimited debate, and read letter after letter from Americans writing about their reliance of the health care programs. 'I never thought that I'd be on the House floor saying that this is a crime scene,' Jeffries said. 'It's a crime scene, going after the health, and the safety, and the well-being of the American people.' And as Democrats, he said, 'We want no part of it.' Tensions ran high. As fellow Democrats chanted Jeffries' name, a top Republican, Rep. Jason Smith of Missouri, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, called his speech 'a bunch of hogwash.' Hauling the package through the Congress has been difficult from the start. Republicans have struggled mightily with the bill nearly every step of the way, quarreling in the House and Senate, and often succeeding only by the narrowest of margins: just one vote. The Senate passed the package days earlier with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie vote. The slim majority in the House left Republicans little room for defections. 'It wasn't beautiful enough for me to vote for it,' said Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. Also voting no was Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, who said he was concerned about cuts to Medicaid. Once Johnson gaveled the tally, Republicans cheered 'USA!' and flashed Trump-style thumbs-up to the cameras. Political costs of saying no Despite their discomfort with various aspects of the sprawling package, in some ways it became too big to fail — in part because Republicans found it difficult to buck Trump. As Wednesday's stalled floor action dragged overnight, Trump railed against the delays. 'What are the Republicans waiting for???' the president said in a midnight-hour post. Johnson relied heavily on White House Cabinet secretaries, lawyers and others to satisfy skeptical GOP holdouts. Moderate Republicans worried about the severity of cuts while conservatives pressed for steeper reductions. Lawmakers said they were being told the administration could provide executive actions, projects or other provisions in their districts back home. The alternative was clear. Republicans who staked out opposition to the bill, including Massie of Kentucky and Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, were being warned by Trump's well-funded political operation. Tillis soon after announced he would not seek reelection. Rollback of past presidential agendas In many ways, the package is a repudiation of the agendas of the last two Democratic presidents, a chiseling away at the Medicaid expansion from Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act, and a pullback of Joe Biden's climate change strategies in the Inflation Reduction Act. Democrats have described the bill in dire terms, warning that cuts to Medicaid, which some 80 million Americans rely on, would result in lives lost. Food stamps that help feed more than 40 million people would 'rip food from the mouths of hungry children, hungry veterans and hungry seniors,' Jeffries said. Republicans say the tax breaks will prevent a tax hike on households and grow the economy. They maintain they are trying to rightsize the safety net programs for the population they were initially designed to serve, mainly pregnant women, the disabled and children, and root out what they describe as waste, fraud and abuse. The Tax Policy Center, which provides nonpartisan analysis of tax and budget policy, projected the bill would result next year in a $150 tax break for the lowest quintile of Americans, a $1,750 tax cut for the middle quintile and a $10,950 tax cut for the top quintile. That's compared with what they would face if the 2017 tax cuts expired. ___ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Joey Cappelletti and Chris Megerian contributed to this report. Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick, Leah Askarinam And Matt Brown, The Associated Press
