Home > Group Trips > America’s 250th Celebration: 7 Night Stars & Stripes Cruise

America’s 250th Celebration: 7 Night Stars & Stripes Cruise

July 3 – 11, 2026

9 Days, 1 Country

Starting from $3,879 per person

Activity Level: Comfortable

Airfare Included!

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Trip Details

Join AAA Central Penn as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday on Holland America’s Zuiderdam from Boston to New York and Norfolk on a 7-night cruise.

Booking Deadline: March 23, 2026

Low booking deposit of $350 Per Person

Daily Itinerary

Friday, July 3, 2026

Transfer by motorcoach from Central PA to a local airport for a flight to Boston, MA. Transfer from the airport to the hotel for a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay at Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston (or similar).

Saturday, July 4, 2026

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel in Boston to the cruise pier to board the ship, ZUIDERDAM for your 7-night cruise.

Sunday, July 5, 2026

St John, New Brunswick

Arrive in St John, New Brunswick at 5:00 pm, departing at 10:00 pm.

Saint John, on the southern coast of New Brunswick, is Canada’s oldest incorporated city as well as the only city on the Bay of Fundy.

Fun Things to Do:

Stroll through uptown Saint John which visits historic attractions like the 1784 Burial Grounds, the 1876 Old City Market, a general store and the Jewish Historical Museum.
View the point at which the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River collide: the Reversing Falls Rapids.
Visit the beach, where time and tides have carved echoing caves in the sandstone cliffs. Enjoy a walk along the sand and some seafood chowder at the beach restaurant.

Monday, July 6, 2026

Enjoy the amenities onboard the ship while at sea.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Norfolk, VA

Arrive in Norfolk at 1:00 pm, departing at 11:00 pm.

Norfolk is a 400-year-old seaport that is home to one of the best maritime schools in the country and one of the most extensive naval bases in the world. Maritime enthusiasts will have plenty to explore.

Fun Things to Do:

Tour USS Wisconsin and get to know this impressive battleship that earned five battle stars during WW II.
Visit Nauticus, a nearby maritime discovery center that tells the story of the industry and military with interactive exhibits.
Enjoy the Norfolk Botanical Garden that offers a respite for nature-lovers with walking paths and trams that wind through various types of lavish gardens.

Tuesday, July 8, 2026

New York, NY

Arrive in New York at 8:00 pm for a one- night stay.

New York, a city of dazzling contrasts and vibrant diversity, promises an unparalleled experience. Explore iconic art museums, historic buildings, and sweeping parks, and indulge in legendary shopping and dining. Whether you’re taking in the skyline from an observation deck, catching a Broadway show, or crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, the NYC cruise port is your gateway to endless exploration.

Fun Things to Do:

Enjoy a scenic drive through Manhattan. You’ll view the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Theatre District, the Empire State Building and St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Visit Ellis Island, where more than 40 percent of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to this gateway to America. The island and the famous Statue of Liberty you together symbolize New York and encapsulate the ethos of American society.
Do some shopping, enjoy a bite to eat or find a bench to take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant area.

Wednesday, July 9, 2026

New York, NY

The ship will be departing New York at 11:00 pm

Fun Things to Do:

Enjoy a scenic drive through Manhattan. You’ll view the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Theatre District, the Empire State Building and St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Visit Ellis Island, where more than 40 percent of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to this gateway to America. The island and the famous Statue of Liberty you together symbolize New York and encapsulate the ethos of American society.
Do some shopping, enjoy a bite to eat or find a bench to take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant area.

Thursday, July 10, 2026

Enjoy the amenities onboard while at sea.

Friday, July 11, 2026

Transfer from the cruise pier to the Boston International Airport for your flight and transportation back to Central, PA.

Hotel and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.

Included Benefits

Roundtrip motorcoach transfers to and from a local airport
Roundtrip airfare to Boston, Massachusetts
Roundtrip airport/hotel/pier transfers
One night pre-cruise hotel accommodations at Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston (or similar)
Seven nights aboard the ZUIDERDAM®
All onboard meals and entertainment (specialty restaurants may have nominal fees)
Onboard gratuities
AAA Onboard Cocktail Reception
$25 Onboard credit per stateroom
Baggage handling (1 bag per person)
Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Have It All Package:

$100 Shore Excursion Credit per person
Signature Beverage Package
1 Night Specialty Dining
WiFi Surf Package (1st & 2nd guest in a stateroom only)

General Info

Payment

Rates Per Person:
SS – Signature Suite; Double Rate: $5,779; Single Rate: $9,009
SY – Signature Suite; Double Rate: $5,579; Single Rate: $8,619
VB – Verandah; Double Rate: $4,769; Single Rate: $6,999
VD – Verandah; Double Rate: $4,639; Single Rate: $6,749
DD – Oceanview; Double Rate: $4,059; Single Rate: $5,579
E – Oceanview; Double Rate: $4,029; Single Rate: $5,509
F – Oceanview; Double Rate: $3,999; Single Rate: $5,449
I – Interior; Double Rate: $3,929; Single Rate; $5,309
K – Interior; Double Rate: $3,879; Single Rate: $5,219

All non-members must add $60 to the above rate. 3rd and 4th passenger rates available upon request. Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 25 full-fare passengers. Desired pick-up location is not guaranteed until passenger minimums are met.

The rates listed above include the following which are subject to change: Required Cruise Fees and Expenses of $245 per person double occupancy ($490 single occupancy) Government Taxes and Fees – $330 per person

Payment Schedule:

Deposit of $350 per person/$700 per cabin will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by March 23, 2026.

Cancellation/Penalties

From April 6 – 12, 2026 $350 per person/$700 per stateroom, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From April 13 – May 19, 2026 50% of gross fare per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
After May 19, 2026 100% NON-REFUNDABLE

*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airlines(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Activity Level 2

Comfortable – This trip may include walking tours of up to two hours in length typically on level terrains. May include early morning departures or late-night returns. Climbing multiple flights of stairs, standing for short periods of time, along with moderate altitudes may be necessary.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP5626

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book shore excursions?

Your AAA Travel Advisor is happy to help reserve your choice of shore excursions. It’s best to book them as soon as possible as they can sell out.

What is a Discoveries Journey Manager?

A Discoveries Journey Manager travels with you on your entire journey. They are there to ensure your trip runs smoothly so you can sit back and relax. They are constantly working behind the scenes, whether it be at airport check-in or cruise disembarkation, they have you covered!

Do I need a passport?

U.S. citizens on homeport cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) are currently able to enter or depart the country with a state issued birth certificate with a raised seal and government-issued photo ID. A government issued photo ID that is REAL ID compliant is required for airport security. AAA recommends traveling with an original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s).

*Canada reserves the right to deny entry to anyone with a felony conviction including a DUI record. AAA is not responsible if you are denied entry to Canada and no refund will be provided.

How many bags can I bring?

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a small carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by the airline or airport.

Do I need travel insurance?

For your protection AAA highly recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage only if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit. Other conditions may apply; ask your Travel Advisor. AAA recommends Allianz Insurance.

Where will my seat be on the plane?

The group air schedule is in economy class. Air upgrades are available by request only and are not guaranteed. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time of the initial deposit.

What will the weather be like?

Average temperatures in the region are in the 80s. Pack for a variety of temperatures; layers are suggested. Daytime, casual clothes that are designed for warmer climates and breezy higher temperatures, as well as comfortable walking shoes are recommended.