Celebrating Independence Day (Fourth of July) On A Carnival Cruise Ship

1/14/2023

Flag Flying In The Carnival Valor's Atrium

Carnival Cruise ships usually have celebrations & events onboard to celebrate Independence Day (Fourth of July. In this post I will take a look at some of the activities, events, and special food items Carnival has previously had to celebrate the United State's Independence Day as well as what is planned for 2023 according to Carnival's website.
Independence Day (4th of July) 2023 will be on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. In 2024 Independence day will be on Thursday, July 4, 2024 (remember, 2024 will be a leap year).

Does Carnival do fireworks on the ships for the Independence Day holiday?
One question that is frequently asked is if Carnival Cruise Line does fireworks on the ships. Carnival does not do fireworks shows on their ships for any holidays, such as Independence Day or when celebrating on New Year's Eve. I personally would enjoy seeing a fireworks show from the ship, but right now Carnival does not do fireworks.

Events Generally Held On Carnival's Ships To Celebrate:

4th of July Bash - Carnival's website shows ships will hold a 4th of July themed deck party in the evening. When I cruised over the 4th of July in 2018, my cruise had a special 4th of July themed deck party. The time will most likely vary depending on the events scheduled for the day.
Misc. Outdoor Activities - Carnival has previously held an ice cream eating contest on the 4th of July. On my cruise over the 4th of July, this event has held as part of the outside deck party. If you cruise during the 4th of July and want to try to be a participant in this event, I recommend looking at your copy of the What's Happening daily newsletter or the Carnival Hub App to see if this event is being held during your cruise.
Liberty Look-Alike Contest - I'm not sure what Carnival plans for this event, but is listed on Carnival's website as an event that may be taking place on the ships.
Line Dancing - Carnival's website shows line dancing is a part of the 4th of July celebrations on the ships.
Carnival's website says some of the activities offered may included themed trivia games and bingo. The bingo will cost extra to participate. I am unsure of how the bingo games are changed to have a theme related to the 4th of July, but these are events Carnival will generally offer on sea days.
For ships with SeaSide Theaters, Carnival will show American themed movies. On my Carnival Valor 2018 cruise, the movies shown were Independence Day and Captain America: The First Avenger. The specific movies that could be shown if you cruise during the 4th of July could vary.
There are usually some 4th of July youth activities. Check with the youth staff onboard to find out where & when these events are taking place if you have kids that will be participating in youth activities.

Is any special food offered during the 4th of July in the buffet?
Carnival's website does not specifically describe food offered on the 4th of July. However, during my experience on the Carnival Valor in 2018 the ship's buffet served several cakes & desserts that were red, white, & blue. The other food items in the buffet and main dining room on this day were the same as what would typically be offered. Here are a few pictures of the desserts offered during my Carnival Valor 2018 cruise:

Dessert

If you are cruising during the 4th of July in the future I recommend you check out your Carnival Hub App, to make sure you don't miss any special events that may be held on your cruise.
If you would like more information about what Carnival's website says will be done onboard check out this page of their website: Click Here (link will take you away from RyG's Cruise Guide)