Carnival Cruise Line will light up San Diego Bay for America’s 250th
Carnival Cruise Line — proudly known as America’s Cruise Line — will serve as the official cruise line sponsor of the Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom, the largest Fourth of July fireworks show on the West Coast and the guests sailing over the holiday on Carnival Radiance, Carnival Firenze and Carnival Luminosa will get a front row seat as the ships will be anchored in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego Bay to enjoy the spectacular show to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Carnival will have a major presence at the event and lead the countdown to kick-off the show, with its brand featured throughout the programming and celebrations. Carnival will also support community promotions leading up to the holiday and collaborate with the Port of San Diego on special moments honoring active-duty service members.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “We’re honoured to be part of such a historic milestone and iconic event in San Diego. Being the exclusive cruise line sponsor of the Big Bay Boom gives us a meaningful way to celebrate our connection to this community, to our military families and to the patriotic spirit that defines Fourth of July.”
The sponsorship complements Carnival’s recently announced sailings that will take part in synchronized patriotic celebrations at sea for America’s 250th birthday.
On July 4, 2026, seven ships sailing from East Coast homeports will meet up near Celebration Key for a unique celebration at sea, in addition to the three ships that will anchor on the West Coast for the Big Bay Boom.
During the meetups, each ship will host patriotic birthday-themed deck parties, featuring special entertainment and food and drink offerings. With three Carnival ships homeported in Long Beach offering the largest cruise operation on the West Coast, millions of Southern California residents are a short drive to Carnival’s diverse cruise vacation offerings.
The Big Bay Boom draws hundreds of thousands of locals, visitors and military families each year, with a stunning waterfront display launched from four barges across San Diego Bay.
Produced by the Port of San Diego, the event generates millions of dollars in economic benefit for the region as restaurants sell out, hotels reach capacity and watch parties create one of the most memorable July 4th atmospheres in the country.
The 2026 celebration will be one of the West Coast’s signature events, broadcast live and full of activities to help commemorate America’s 250th birthday.
