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Cunard Independence Day celebrations

Our flagship Queen Mary 2 was among 46 tall ships from 20 nations that sailed into New York Harbor to mark 250 years of American Independence.

3 min 04 Jul 2026

Cunard

Author

About the event

Celebrating a historic connection

The world's only true ocean liner

About the event

Anchored in a prime position, Queen Mary 2 gave guests front-row views of one of the most significant Fourth of July celebrations ever staged, featuring the largest gathering of tall ships and naval vessels ever seen in New York City. The celebration drew national attention as NBC's TODAY broadcast live from Queen Mary 2, with Jenna Bush Hager reporting from the ship during the historic festivities.

The day featured the International Parade of Sail, with more than 100 vessels parading through the harbour, including 46 tall ships from 20 nations, sailing from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge.

Guests also witnessed an International Naval Review, during which a Navy vessel formally acknowledged the anchored fleet of 42 U.S. and allied naval ships. The celebrations continued with a military flypast led by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels featuring more than 120 aircraft, including the Red Arrows, and a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the iconic Manhattan skyline.

Grey silhouette of a person's head and shoulders

The participation of Queen Mary 2 in these festivities as the most elegant hostess for her guests made the commemoration of American independence most meaningful for our international partnerships. The sight of this magnificent ocean liner amidst all the pageantry and camaraderie in New York Harbor created indelible memories for a new generation of young sailors and families. She will always be welcome in our waters.

Chris O’Brien, President of Sail4th 250 New York

Celebrating a historic connection

The occasion held special significance for Cunard, as 4 July marks the anniversary of the company’s very first crossing. On 4 July 1840, RMS Britannia, the line’s first ship, departed Liverpool for Boston, launching the world’s first regularly scheduled transatlantic steamship service, and forever transforming travel, trade and communication between Britain and the United States. That connection has never been broken, with Cunard ships crossing the Atlantic every year since.

For nearly two centuries, Cunard has been woven into the story of America’s growth. Between 1840 and 1923, an estimated one in five immigrants arrived in North America aboard a Cunard ship, helping shape generations of American families and communities.

New York has always held a special place in Cunard’s story as the gateway for generations crossing the Atlantic in pursuit of opportunity. Cunard first sailed into New York Harbor in December 1847, when the wooden paddle steamer Hibernia arrived to crowds lining the waterfront. Since then, the luxury cruise line has celebrated several defining moments in New York City. In 2008, three Cunard Queens - Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Victoria - came together in New York Harbor for a landmark rendezvous, which was repeated in 2011. Today, Cunard’s presence remains a defining part of the city’s maritime history, with the line having called at the Port of New York every year since December 1847 - more than 178 years, and longer than any other port in its history.

Queen Mary 2 is an iconic ship, and she represents the transatlantic story itself. To have her at the heart of Sail4th 250 on such a significant day felt incredibly special, with New York as the backdrop and our guests enjoying a front-row view of the celebrations. Over the years, our Queens have welcomed well-known names from film, music and the arts, [...] it felt fitting to see Queen Mary 2 taking centre stage in New York for this historic occasion.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard

The world's only true ocean liner

As our flagship, Queen Mary 2 is renowned as the world's only true ocean liner as the only ship offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton. Throughout its history, Cunard ships have welcomed some of the world's most celebrated figures, including Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra. Today, Cunard continues to blend timeless elegance with modern luxury aboard a fleet of four Queens sailing to destinations around the globe.

Queen Mary 2 provides the setting for many of our special Event Voyages, including Sail4th - explore our Event Voyages or find your perfect voyage today.