Carnival Cruise Line hosted a celebration aboard the Carnival Elation at the Jaxport Cruise Terminal on July 2 to honor the United States’ 250th anniversary.

The event was held as part of its America250 homeport community celebrations, which also included those in Baltimore, Long Beach and Tampa. 

The cruise line welcomed local community partners, veterans, business leaders and government officials to commemorate the anniversary and reinforce its connection to the Jacksonville community.

“As America’s cruise line, we’re proud to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in our homeport cities,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re bringing people together to honor our nation, celebrate the local community and thank those who protect our freedom.”

Guests were greeted with a 40-foot-tall inflatable patriotic bald eagle displayed on the top deck of the Carnival Elation during the embarkation process and a special appearance was made by Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat in a patriotic outfit.

The celebration included a dedicated military tribute honoring active-duty service members, local veterans and first responders in attendance.

Each member of the military was presented with a specially designed, limited-edition America250 challenge coin.