Fourth of July fireworks. Credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock Carnival Cruise Line has announced it will become the official cruise line sponsor of the Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom. The latter is the largest Fourth of July fireworks show on the West Coast.
What does this mean for guests sailing on Carnival Radiance, Carnival Firenze, or Carnival Luminosa during America's 250th birthday celebrations? A unique, or at least very hard to beat front-row experience, as their ships will anchor in the Pacific Ocean right next to San Diego Bay.
Carnival Luminosa. Photo: Carnival Cruise LineThe cruise line, whose brand will be generously displayed throughout the celebrations, will not only carry on the exciting countdown that will start the show, but will also actively show support for several community promotions that will lead up to the holiday. Carival has announced it will also wotk together with the Port of San Diego on special events aimed at honoring service members who are active.
Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy: “We’re honored 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 joins the cruise line's freshly announced sailings that will be a part of synchronized patriotic celebrations taking place at sea. On July 4, 2026, no less than seven ships will set sail from East Coast homeports and meet up next to Celebration Key for a one-of-a-kind event. They will join the three ships anchoring on the West Coast for the Big Bay Boom.
Carnival Firenze. Photo. Carnival Cruise LineEach of the meetups will feature patriotic birthday-themed deck parties with special entertainment, food and celebratory beverages. The events will be easily accessible to millions of Southern California residents who are just one quick drive aways from Carnival’s cruise vacation offerings.
Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Carnival for next year’s Big Bay Boom program and festivities. Along with Carnival, their cruise ship guests, the local community and thousands of visitors, we look forward to enjoying another spectacular fireworks show and memorable Independence Day celebration across San Diego Bay.”
Carnival Radiance. Photo: Carnival Cruise LineEvery year, the Big Bay Boom event that generates millions of follars in profits for the hotels, restaurants, and watch parties, brings in hundreds of thousands of poeple, ranging from locals to tourists and military families.