New Orleans to welcome international ships, thousands of sailors, and visitors for America 250 maritime celebration
NEW ORLEANS – Sail 250 New Orleans officially begins tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27, as the first stop in the country for Sail 250, launching the national maritime celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with a historic gathering of U.S. naval vessels, Coast Guard ships, international tall ships, public tours, fireworks, and cultural programming along the Mississippi Riverfront.
“As the inaugural host city for Sail 250, New Orleans has an opportunity to showcase why our city has been so essential to America’s story,” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company. “The Mississippi River and the Port of New Orleans are foundational to America’s economy, supply chain and global connections, while our culture continues to shape American identity through music, cuisine, festivals, architecture and hospitality. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, we are proud to welcome sailors, service members, international crews, families and visitors to a city that connects people, commerce and cultures from around the world.”
New Orleans will serve as the first stop for Sail 250 as America welcomes tall ships from around the world to the Port of New Orleans for a nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. From May 27 through June 1, the celebration will bring one of the largest flotillas of tall ships and naval vessels to the Mississippi River, creating a once-in-a-generation spectacle along the city’s historic riverfront.
“Hosting Sail 250 on our riverfront is a powerful reflection of New Orleans’ enduring maritime legacy and our role as a leading port city,” said Beth Branch, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans. “Port NOLA is proud to welcome this international celebration to our docks and showcase the spirit and history that define New Orleans.”
Confirmed operational ships arriving Wednesday, May 27, include:
- USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)
- USS Farragut (DDG 99)
- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913)
- HMS Trent, United Kingdom
- HNLMS Friesland, Netherlands
Previously announced international sailing ships arriving Thursday, May 28, include:
- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle (WIX 327)
- CNS Esmeralda, Chile
- BAP Unión, Peru
- ARC Gloria, Colombia
- ROU Capitán Miranda, Uruguay
- ARA Libertad, Argentina
- HSwMS Gladan, Sweden
Public ship tours are free and open to the public. General ship tours will begin Thursday, May 28, with the gray hulls at Julia and Thalia Street Wharfs, followed by gray hull and tall ship tours beginning Friday, May 29. All ship tours will conclude Sunday, May 31, with general ship tour hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors should anticipate lines, and tour schedules may vary by ship.
The Sail 250 New Orleans Parade of Sail is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., as vessels travel upriver toward Bienville Wharf and dock near Goldring-Woldenberg Riverfront Park. The celebration will also include fireworks on Saturday, May 30, at 9 p.m., with a 15-minute show lighting up the sky above Downtown New Orleans.
Additional Sail 250 New Orleans programming includes public tours, family activities, riverfront experiences, a Seafood Cook-Off on Sunday, May 31 from 1–3 p.m. at The Delacroix, and a Blessing of the Ships on Monday, June 1 at 8 a.m. at The Moonwalk.
Sail 250 New Orleans is free and open to the public. Advance tickets are not required for general admission, though group tours require advance registration. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to board ships, and children under the age of 5 are not permitted on U.S. Navy ships. Visitors may be subject to airport-style security screening, and bags are not permitted through security. Closed-toe shoes with low, rubber soles are strongly recommended for ship tours.
As the first Sail 250 host city, New Orleans will launch a national schedule that continues to additional host cities along the East Coast as part of the America 250 celebration. Host cities and dates include:
- New Orleans, Louisiana: May 28–June 1
- Norfolk, Virginia: June 19–24
- Baltimore, Maryland: June 25–July 1
- New York City, New York: July 4–8
- Boston, Massachusetts: July 11–16
As the inaugural host city for Sail 250 as part of the national America 250 celebration, New Orleans relies on vital community partners to host visiting fleets. We offer our deepest gratitude to Governor Jeff Landry, the Port of New Orleans, Mayor Helena Moreno and the City of New Orleans, and all corporate and individual sponsors for making Sail 250 New Orleans a reality. Their visionary support ensures our historic riverfront remains a vibrant focal point for this once-in-a-generation maritime milestone.
Sponsors
New Orleans & Company
Port of New Orleans
T. Parker Host
The State of Louisiana & Office of Governor Jeff Landry
The City of New Orleans & Office of Mayor Helena Moreno
Associated Branch Pilots
Cooper T. Smith / Crescent Towing
Crescent River Port Pilots
EN Bisso & Son, Inc.
Moran Towing Corporation
Audubon Nature Institute
MCCNO – Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Ochsner Health System
The New Orleans Saints Organization
Associated Federal Pilots of Louisiana
Associated Mooring (Associated Terminals)
Belle Chasse Marine Transportation, L.L.C.
BRG Hospitality
JonesWalker
LCMC Health
Louisiana America 250 Commission
Coaxum Enterprises, Inc.
Gallo Mechanical
Hancock Whitney Bank
KeanMiller
Laborde Marine Management
LAZ Parking
LEMOINE
Louisiana Blue Foundation
Louisiana Seafood & Office of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
Louisiana State Museum – Cabildo Museum
New American Industrial Alliance (NAIA)
Norton Lilly International
NOTCF
RiseImpact Capital, LLC
Partners & Friends of Sail 250 New Orleans
AOS Interior Environments
Harbor Police Department
Louisiana Maritime Association (LAMA)
Louisiana National Guard
NOCCI – Event Marketing and Logistics
Pennsylvania Ship Services, LLC
Ports Association of Louisiana
The Boot
The Historic New Orleans Collection
The Louisiana State Police
The National World War II Museum
The New Orleans Police Department
The USO Louisiana | Mississippi
United States Army
United States Coast Guard
United States Marine Corp.
United States Navy
For complete information, including ship locations, tour schedules, security details, and special events, visit Sail250NewOrleans.com.
About New Orleans & Company
New Orleans & Company is the official destination sales and marketing organization for New Orleans’ tourism industry. Founded in 1960, its mission is to inspire, promote, and encourage travel to the city for the economic, social, and community benefit of New Orleans and its people. For more information, visit NewOrleans.com.
About Sail 250 New Orleans
Sail 250 New Orleans is the first official maritime event of America 250, the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. Taking place May 27–June 1, 2026, the event features tall ships, naval vessels, free public tours, sailing excursions, and maritime celebrations along the Mississippi River.