America’s 250th birthday From the Best Seat in the Nation
A Once-in-a-Generation Celebration
July 1 to 7, 2026
In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th Birthday and there will be no place on earth more spectacular than the centerpiece on July 4th in New York Harbor. During the day, the largest fleet of Tall Ships and Naval vessels ever assembled will sail past the Statue of Liberty in a once-in-a-generation Parade of Ships. Then after dark, there will be a fireworks display that will redefine what is possible in the night sky. Millions will watch from afar, but only a select few will experience it live from the water. And fewer still will be onboard Arabella, our beautiful 157-foot schooner, having an unrivaled, front-row seat to this historic moment.
The Tall Ships & Naval Review
The centerpiece of the celebration will be the extraordinary Tall Ships and Naval Review, as described by Sail250, “an historic gathering of sailing vessels and naval ships from around the world. In a breathtaking procession through New York Harbor, these magnificent ships will pass the Statue of Liberty in a display of maritime tradition, international goodwill, and sheer scale unlike anything seen before.” While most will watch from tv or from shore, Arabella will be on the water, an exceptionally rare and privileged vantage point. And among those few who are waterborne, you will experience it at the highest level of luxury, from the deck of our 157-foot schooner designed for elegance, comfort, and unforgettable moments.
The Greatest Firework Show
As night falls on July 4th, New York Harbor will transform into the stage for what promises to be one of the most extraordinary fireworks displays ever created in the United States. Choreographed across the skyline and reflected off the water, waves of light, color, and sound will erupt in a dramatic celebration of 250 years of American history. The Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the gathered fleet of ships will form a dramatic backdrop as the sky comes alive in a performance designed to surpass even New York’s legendary Independence Day displays. From the deck of Arabella, you will not simply watch the fireworks, you will be immersed in them, surrounded by the energy, scale, and emotion of a truly historic night.
Broadway Shows
A week in New York would not be complete without an evening on Broadway. This is the pinnacle of live theater anywhere in the world. From timeless classics to the most talked-about new productions, Broadway offers an unmatched level of talent, storytelling, and spectacle. Spend an evening immersed in extraordinary performances, then step back into the vibrant energy of the city, dining late, strolling through Times Square, and returning to Arabella with the sense that you are experiencing New York at its very best.
World-Class Museums
New York’s museums offer an extraordinary journey through art, history, and culture, rivaling any city in the world. Spend one or two days exploring iconic institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim, where centuries of human creativity are brought to life in unforgettable ways. Whether you are drawn to timeless masterpieces or bold contemporary works, these museums provide both inspiration and perspective, an enriching complement to the excitement of your time on the water aboard Arabella.
Luxury Shopping
New York is one of the world’s great shopping capitals, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, style, and discovery. Spend a day strolling along Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, where iconic houses like Chanel, Hermès, and Cartier showcase their finest collections, or explore the boutiques of SoHo for something more curated and unexpected. Whether you are seeking timeless elegance or the latest statement piece, New York delivers at every turn, an experience of indulgence that pairs perfectly with life aboard Arabella.
Restaurants & Cafes
New York City is one of the world’s great culinary capitals, where every meal can be an experience worth traveling for. From elegant dining rooms like Le Bernardin and Per Se to iconic institutions like Katz’s Delicatessen, the city offers an extraordinary range of flavors and atmospheres. Spend your afternoons in charming cafés or discovering hidden neighborhood gems, and your evenings indulging in world-class cuisine. Then return to Arabella, where the skyline awaits just beyond the deck.
Jazz & Nightlife
As the sun sets, New York comes alive with a nightlife scene unlike anywhere else in the world. Slip into the timeless energy of live jazz at legendary venues like Village Vanguard or Blue Note Jazz Club, where world-class musicians perform just feet away. Then continue the evening with rooftop cocktails, vibrant lounges, and iconic nightclubs that carry the city’s pulse into the early hours. It is a nightlife experience defined by sophistication, energy, and endless possibility, perfectly complementing your days aboard Arabella.
What’s Included
Relax in comfort and style aboard Arabella, your home for the week. Experience the Arabella Lifestyle with gourmet meals, stunning sunsets, and the camaraderie of fellow guests and sailing enthusiasts.
- 7 days and 6 nights of luxury accommodations aboard Arabella, complete with gourmet dining.
- Spend your days exploring NYC, including the Museums & Shops.
- Spend on afternoon taking in a Broadway Show!
- Visit one of the world class gourmet Restaurants.
- On July 4th, watch the Parade of Ships honoring the 250th Birthday of our country.
- Experience a once-in-a-generation Fireworks show.
- Spend your final afternoon sailing in New York Harbor including up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty.
- Easy fly-in / fly-out through Newark Airport.
The Itinerary – 7 Days & 6 Nights
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - Arrival Day
Guests arrive in the New York area and can begin boarding Arabella starting at 5 pm. Boarding is from the Manhattan Yacht Club in Jersey City. If you are coming by airplane, Newark is the closest airport, just 20 minutes from the Manhattan Yacht Club. Arabella is anchored in NY Harbor and her tender will bring you to and from shore in the morning, afternoon and evenings. Enjoy a welcoming beverage when you get onboard, settle into your luxurious accommodations, and mingle with fellow guests While the sun sets and the lights of the city go on. Dinner on this first night will be onboard.
Thursday, July 2, 2026 - Explore the City
After breakfast, our tender will be running guests to and from the Manhattan Yacht Club where they can head out to explore the city. If the weather is good and the sea breeze expected, then we may also offer a sail in the harbor in morning or early afternoon. Once you are ashore to explore the city, just let us know at the end of the day and our tender will pick you up and bring you back to your private yacht anchored int he harbor, the most impressive way to be part of this harbor celebration.
Friday, July 3, 2926 – the Tall Ships Begin to Arrive
Today will be a parade of some of the Class B & C tall ships down the East River and into the harbor. If the USCG allows spectator craft, then Arabella may weigh anchor, head up the East River and then escort the new arrivals back down into the harbor. In the morning, we will also begin launch service to and from the club docks so that guests wishing to spend the maximum amount of time site seeing in the city will have their fill. On Friday night, it is possible that the harbor will be locked down and no more movement permitted until after the Tall Ships Parade on July 4th.
Saturday, July 4, 2026 - THE BIG DAY – Parade of Ships at Noon, Fireworks After Sunset
This is the BIG DAY and the main 250th Birthday Celebration for the United States of America will unfold right in front of us in NY Harbor. First will be the Tall Ships Parade traditionally led by the USCG Eagle. Then she will be followed by many more tall ships, each representing a different nation. In addition to these main ships, there will also be escorts of Class B & C ships in the parade. The parade will likely last for several hours and the exact start times and ships expected can be viewed at https://sail4th.org/ Once the sun sets, the fireworks will start and we expect one of the greatest shows you will ever see in your life!
Sunday, July 5, 2026 - Explore the City
Many of the participating Tall Ships will be clearing out of the harbor on this day headed to their next port of call. Sunday will be an excellent day to explore New York City, from having brunch in Soho to shopping on Fifth Ave and dinner in the evening in the West Village. There is so much to do and so much to discover!
Monday, July 6, 2026 - Sailing in the Harbor
If wind and weather conditions permit, we will schedule another day of sailing in NY Harbor, with the special treat of sailing close up to the Statue of Liberty, the most well-known icon in the entire world. The exact time of our sail will depend on the forecast that day. Guests also wishing to see the city more will be able to take the launch back and forth except while we are sailing. Maybe this is the day you will commemorate your experience by visiting a great museum or buying a gift for someone special.
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - Departure Day
From our nighttime anchorage in NY Harbor, you can be at the club docks within 10 minutes and to Newark airport within 30 minutes. So relax as much as you like onboard this morning. It is departure day and all great experiences do have to come to an end. Final departures will be by 12 noon and we look forward to seeing you again on one of the next adventures offered as part of your Arabella Lifestyle. Thank you for joining us and sharing the Nation’s 250th Birthday Celebration with us!
Please remember that all sailing itineraries are subject to change based on many factors including weather, depth of water, special events and gatherings of boats. The Captain will use his or her discretion and experience to always try and deliver the best sailing vacation for you and all of our guests.
StateRooms
All staterooms include:
- Single or Double Beds
- Individual Climate Control
- Electrical Sockets
- Ensuite Bath with Sink & Toilet
- Private Shower
- Hand & Bath Towels
Owners Stateroom – SOLD OUT!!
$3850
/ PER PERSON
- Largest and Most Luxurious Staterooms
- Queen Bed
- Located Amidships (the most stable part of the boat)
- 2 available each trip
Premier Stateroom – Only 1 Left!
$3550
/ PER PERSON
- Queen Bed
- Located Amidships (the most stable part of the boat)
- 4 available each trip
Deluxe Stateroom – Only 2 Left!
$3350
/ PER PERSON
- Queen Bed
- Located in the Forward Section of the Yacht
- 6 available each trip
Double Stateroom
$2600
/ PER PERSON
- Over/Under Single Bunks, ideal for singles
- Located in the Aft Section of the Yacht
- 4 available each trip
Single Stateroom – SOLD OUT!!
$3050
/ PER PERSON
- Single Berth
- Located in the Aft Section of the Yacht
- 2 available each trip
Single Supplement Option: Arabella also warmly welcomes solo travelers. If you are traveling on your own and would like to reserve a double-occupancy cabin for private use, you may do so through our single supplement program. The single supplement rate is 1.5 times the standard cabin fare and is offered on a space-available basis. Arabella typically keeps one or two cabins open specifically for this purpose, so that singles can enjoy comfort and privacy without needing a roommate. To inquire or reserve a single supplement cabin, simply call or email our office at marketing@arabellalifestyle.com or 201-753-1207 and speak with our marketing specialist, who will be happy to assist you.
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Please Note: All Arabella vacations require a minimum of 10 cabins booked in order to operate. Once this threshold is reached, the trip will be formally confirmed. In the event that we do not reach the minimum, all cabin fares will be fully refunded. Until confirmation is received, we recommend booking refundable airfare to ensure flexibility.
Yes, I want a front row seat for America’s 250th Birthday Celebration!
FAQs
Where do we meet Arabella?
Guests will meet Arabella anchored in New York Harbor. The launch will pick you up at the Manhattan Yacht Club, 140 Dudley St, Jersey City, NJ 07302.
What is the easiest way to get to Arabella?
The easiest way to get to Arabella’s launch which will bring you out to her in the harbor is to fly in to Newark Airport which is only a 20 minute Uber/Lyft ride from the Manhattan Yacht Club. You can also fly into LaGuardia and JFK airports but the trip to the club is much longer and more expensive. There is also frequent train service to New York City or Newark Penn Station. From Manhattan, the Manhattan Yacht Club is easily reached by PATH subway or by Uber/Lyft.
How should I pack?
Even though Arabella is a 157-ft mega yacht, space onboard is at a premium. We encourage you to pack light. Please bring clothes in a soft duffle bag which can be folded up and stored in a cabinet. We discourage any hard suitcases because there will not be a place to store them in your room. For clothing, you will need enough to last the week and there are no laundry facilities on board. We can send laundry out as needed. Sailors specialize in making the most of a small wardrobe. All sailors look great in a blue blazer with a tie or scarf. You can get fancier from there as well. Most cabins have a few drawers for clothes storage plus a place for some hangers. The Premier and Deluxe lines cabins have more storage space than the double and singe staterooms.
Are there electrical outlets in the cabins?
Yes. Each of the cabins has individual 110 volt electrical outlets. You will be able to charge your phone and computer each night. You can also run a hair dryer.
Are linens & towels included?
Yes. The staterooms are fully stocked with linens and towels. Each cabin has a set of sheets, four pillows plus a fleece blanket and bed cover.
What is the situation with bathrooms and showers?
Each cabin also has its own private head (the nautical word for toilet), shower, and air conditioning. You will have privacy and be able to keep your room at your preferred temperature. However, water on a yacht is precious and we have to make all the water using our new Parker Aquamatic watermaker. Because our water supply is limited, please help us conserve it by taking “navy” showers. We appreciate your support and cooperation.
How is food and drink handled during the cruise?
All of your meals on Arabella are prepared by a gourmet chef. Arabella focuses on healthy eating and whenever possible, our provisioning is farm-to-table. Your cruise fare covers all breakfasts and lunches onboard during the trip plus two dinners. The cabin fare also includes non-alcoholic beverages. There is also a cash bar for beer, wine and mixed drinks which you may purchase while onboard.
Cancellation Policy
Because only a limited number of cabins are available for each vacation, we request that guests pay the full cabin fare when they register. If this is an issue for you, please call us to discuss (201-753-1207). In order to protect your investment, guests are required to purchase trip insurance through a third party. If a guest cancels a trip 60 or more days in advance and we can fill the cabin with another guests, they will receive a 75% refund of all monies paid. If a guest cancels a trip between 30 and 60 days and we can fill the cabin with another guest, they will receive a 50% refund. No cancellations are permitted within the final 30 days before departure.