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Cruise lines unfurl Fourth of July celebrations, promotions

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American Cruise Lines' ships will be in ports coast to coast for local fireworks celebrations
American Cruise Lines will have a fleetwide show of patriotism with Fourth of July festivities, while brands like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises USA are offering holiday-related deals.

Fireworks, barbecues, photo booths, apple pie

American Cruise Lines ships will be positioned for local Fourth of July celebrations in ports coast to coast. American Constellation will celebrate in Glacier Bay, Alaska. New 2018 ship American Constitution will dock in Provincetown, Massachusetts, for fireworks over the harbor and Queen of the Mississippi will be in St. Louis for a fireworks display over the Gateway Arch. America will also be on the Mississippi River, celebrating Louisiana-style in Baton Rouge.

American Pride and Queen of the West will be on the Columbia River—with American Pride passengers at Mount St. Helens and Queen of the West passengers at The Dalles for views of snow-capped Mount Hood. American Spirit will dock at Port Angeles, Washington, where the Fourth of July celebrations include an all-American apple pie baking contest and a parade, which ends at City Pier right in front of the ship.

Back east, American Star will be at historic Newport, Rhode Island, and Independence will be in Rockland, Maine, hosting a special lobster bake barbecue.

All the ships will be decorated and have festive barbecues and themed cocktail parties on their top decks. Passengers will receive commemorative American flag pins, and on-board photo booths will be stocked with patriotic dress-up hats.

Arts and crafts for kids, dance party

Aboard MSC Cruises' Miami-based MSC Seaside, the four-story atrium will be decorated for special performances, and cruise staff will sport themed costumes. Passengers can participate in themed sports events, Fourth of July arts and crafts for kids, an Americana-themed silent disco and a Fourth of July line dance party on the pool deck.

Free upgrades on MSC Seaside

MSC Cruises USA's July 4th Sale offers a free upgrade to a balcony stateroom on board MSC Seaside when travelers book at an ocean-view rate. Plus, unlimited free drinks throughout the entire sailing are included with MSC's 'Drinks on Us' package.

Rates start at $609 per person for a seven-night sailing in a balcony stateroom, with a reduced $99 deposit. In addition, MSC's 'Kids Sail Free' lets children 11 and under go free on select cruises.

The July 4th Sale applies to bookings from June 29 to July 8, for MSC Seaside cruises during winter 2018/2019 and summer 2019.

50% off second traveler's fare at Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean International's Fourth of July Celebration Sale offers 50% off the fare for the second person in a stateroom and up to $100 in instant savings. A fall bonus gives up to $200 in total savings.

Bookings must be made between July 2 - 4, and the offer applies to cruises departing on or after Aug. 2.