MSC Cruises Reveals Onboard 4th of July Celebrations

As the United States of America prepares for its semiquincentennial celebration, cruise lines are gearing up to provide parties, themed activities, special food and beverages, and more for their guests to commemorate the special occasion. Lines including Holland America, Cunard, and Carnival have already revealed their onboard plans for America’s 250th anniversary. Now, MSC Cruises is joining in on the fun, revealed a number of offerings that guests can enjoy on ships sailing from U.S. homeports over the holiday.

Food and Drinks

Five special beverages will be available to celebrate the Fourth of July: four cocktails and one mocktail.

American Colada
Stars & Spritz
Star-garita
Uncle Sam’s Sangria
Freedom Fizz (non-alcoholic)

In the main dining room, menus will include a variety of U.S.-inspired dishes like southern-style fried chicken and slow-roasted prime rib. A celebratory dessert with a header marking America’s 250th birthday will also be available, but MSC Cruises hasn’t revealed what it is. Our guess is some kind of cake or pie.

The buffet will be part of the celebration too, offering a slew of all-American dishes including hot honey fried chicken, beer brats, smoked pulled pork, Chicago hot dogs, Mississippi Mud Pie, New York cheesecake bites, and Kentucky bourbon bites. We’re hoping some apple pie will be on offer too — it’s the ultimate all-American dessert, after all!

MSC Cruises fireworks — (Credit: MSC Cruises)

Activities and Entertainment

A Fourth of July cruise wouldn’t be complete without a big party, so of course MSC Cruises will be hosting Red, White, and Blue parties to kick the celebration into high gear. As well, the line will hold flag giveaways and provide branded July 4th frames for fun photo ops.

Classic American movies will also be playing including Top Gun, Forrest Gump, and Saving Private Ryan. Passengers won’t want to miss themed trivia and other America-focused activities, either.

4th of July Sale

Travelers looking to set sail for the Independence Day holiday can still book a voyage, and even get a deal as MSC Cruises is currently running its 4th of July sale. Through the promotion, cruisers can receive 40 percent off the cruise fare, take advantage of the ‘Kids Sail Free’ offer, and save up to an additional $250 off on sailings out of the U.S.

The sale ends on July 4, 2026.