NEWSLETTER
From Tall Ships and Naval Vessels to Fireworks and Waterfront Viewing Parties, Circle Line Offers Front-Row Access to One of the Largest Maritime Celebrations in U.S. History
New York, NY (June 17, 2026) – As New York Harbor prepares to host the largest tall ships gathering in a generation, Circle Line Cruises, America’s Favorite Boat Ride, is giving guests an unmatched lineup of five different ways to experience America's 250th Anniversary celebration from the water and along the waterfront from July 3-8.
The New York celebration will feature 37 tall ships from more than 20 nations and 40-plus allied and U.S. naval vessels into the New York Harbor on the Fourth of July, accompanied by a 120-aircraft aerial salute from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, all as New York City serves as the centerpiece of the nation’s semiquincentennial
With millions of spectators expected along the waterfront, Circle Line is offering the most immersive ways to experience the ships, celebrations and patriotic events surrounding the July 4th weekend: an exclusive Tall Ships Preview Cruise on July 3; a front-row Parade of Sail viewing cruise in New York Harbor and a waterfront watch party at Pier 81 on July 4; Circle Line’s annual July 4th Fireworks Cruise that evening; and regularly scheduled sightseeing cruises from July 5-8, that will get up-close to the tall ships that remain docked at locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn and New York Harbor.
"America's 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation moment, and New York Harbor will be at the center of the celebration," said Craig Kanarick, CEO of Circle Line Cruises. "We’ve spent months building a lineup that gives people options, whether you want to be on the deck watching the tall ships sail past the Statue of Liberty, or you want a reserved front-row seat on the pier with your family. We're proud to offer front-row access that fits how you want to celebrate one of the most remarkable holiday weekends the harbor has seen in decades."
Circle Line's America's 250th Anniversary Celebration Experiences include:
July 3: Tall Ships Preview Cruise: On the eve of Independence Day, guests can enjoy an exclusive first look at the international fleet before the official Parade of Sail. This one-night-only experience offers up-close views of 22 Class A tall ships anchored in New York Harbor, complemented by live onboard narration, indoor and outdoor seating, and food and beverages available for purchase. The Tall Ships Preview Cruise departs July 3 at 4:00 p.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $189 and can be purchased HERE.
July 4: Tall Ships Parade Cruise: For the ultimate Parade of Sail experience, Circle Line's Tall Ships Parade Cruise places guests directly on the water as 37 tall ships, more than 40 naval vessels and a 120-aircraft aerial salute led by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels take over New York Harbor. Guests will enjoy front-row views of the historic procession, live narration, indoor and outdoor seating, and onboard food and beverage options. The cruise departs July 4 at 8:00 a.m. and returns at 3:00 p.m. Tickets start at $149 and can be purchased HERE.
July 4: Tall Ships Watch Party at Pier 81: Located directly along the parade route, Circle Line's Tall Ships Watch Party at Pier 81 offers one of the best land-based viewing opportunities in New York City. Guests can enjoy guaranteed seating, unobstructed waterfront views, live entertainment, shaded areas, food trucks, beverages and private restrooms while watching history sail by. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. and the event runs through 2:00 p.m. Tickets start at $59 and can be purchased HERE.
July 4: Circle Line’s Annual Fireworks Cruise: The celebration continues into the evening with Circle Line's annual July 4th Fireworks Cruise, featuring front-row views of Macy's iconic fireworks display from New York Harbor. Guests will enjoy an all-American buffet, unlimited beer, wine and soda, live DJ entertainment, indoor and outdoor seating, and panoramic skyline views before the night's grand finale. The cruise departs at 6:30 p.m. and returns at 11:00 p.m. Tickets start at $399 and can be purchased HERE. *NOTE: These tickets will sell out!*
July 5-8: Sightseeing Cruises with Views of the Tall Ships Fleet: Following the Parade of Sail, guests aboard Circle Line's regularly scheduled sightseeing cruises can continue experiencing America's 250th celebrations with views of the tall ships while they remain docked throughout New York Harbor, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Cruises operate daily at various times from July 5-8, with tickets starting at $27. Additional information and tickets can be found HERE.
For a full schedule of events and ticket information, visit Circle Line's America's 250th Anniversary Celebration hub.
Find photography HERE.
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ABOUT CIRCLE LINE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES
Circle Line, America’s Favorite Boat Ride, is the premier provider of sightseeing boat tours in New York City, offering a one-of-a-kind way to experience the city's world-renowned landmarks from the water. Circle Line has welcomed over 85 million passengers since its founding in 1945, becoming an integral part of the NYC community over the past eight decades. With expertly guided tours, visitors can take in the sights of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and more, from the comfort of its state-of-the-art vessels, which are designed to provide optimal viewing in all weather conditions. With a variety of tour options, including daytime, sunset, and nighttime cruises, there is something for everyone. In addition to its regular sightseeing cruise offerings, Circle Line also offers special seasonal programming throughout the year, including its annual 4th of July cruise, New Year’s Eve cruise, fall Bear Mountain cruises, and more. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.circleline.