As America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026, Holland America Line is introducing a meaningful onboard collaboration that celebrates history, craftsmanship and the enduring power of the written word.
The cruise line has partnered with Crane Stationery, one of America’s most historic paper companies, to create a limited-edition collection of commemorative greeting cards designed by U.S. veteran artists. The exclusive cards will be available for purchase aboard Holland America ships beginning in late April 2026.
For travelers who appreciate thoughtful details and meaningful souvenirs, this collection brings together art, heritage and storytelling in a very personal way.
A Collection Designed by Veteran Artists
The commemorative set features 12 original cards created by artists from the United States Veterans’ Artists Alliance (USVAA), an award-winning nonprofit founded by military veterans and artists in 2004.
Three veteran artists were selected to design the collection. Lindsay “Bones” Cordero, a former U.S. Air Force officer turned picture book author and illustrator based in Washington, D.C., focuses her work on themes of joy, belonging and possibility through art and literacy.
Amy R. Roberts, who grew up in rural Connecticut surrounded by nature, creates expressive paintings inspired by landscapes, cityscapes and everyday environments, often using unconventional tools to achieve unique textures.
Jen LaVita, a former U.S. Army officer now based in California, is known for vibrant landscapes and animal portraits created with bold color palettes and dreamlike tones, and her work includes murals and museum exhibitions around the world.
Each artist designed four cards in their own distinctive style, with designs inspired by Holland America Line’s fleet of 11 ships. The cards are printed on Crane’s American-made stationery, continuing a legacy that dates back centuries.
Crane paper has played a role in American history for generations. Paul Revere used Crane paper to print early American colonial currency, and the company’s stationery has been used for Golden Gate Bridge and Statue of Liberty inauguration invitations, Roosevelt family Christmas cards and correspondence sent by Jackie Kennedy.
Honoring Veterans at Sea
The collaboration also includes a special onboard experience during the 2026 Grand World Voyage aboard Volendam. A veterans meet-up will be hosted for guests who have served in the military, led by a ship officer who is also a veteran along with Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner.
During the gathering, veterans will write and send well wishes to fellow veterans using the commemorative cards, creating a shared moment of connection and reflection while at sea.
Additional Partnerships for America’s 250th Anniversary
The Crane partnership is part of a broader series of collaborations Holland America Line is launching to honor America’s 250th anniversary.
In partnership with Pendleton Woolen Mills, the cruise line has created a custom Alaska-themed throw blanket inspired by the landscapes of the Great Land. The numbered, limited-edition blanket will be available for purchase aboard ships sailing in Alaska during the 2026 season.
Looking ahead to 2027, Holland America Line will also offer a 28-day Pan Am 100th Anniversary Legendary Voyage inspired by historic Pan Am Clipper routes. The sailing will visit 18 ports along the Great Circle Route through the Caribbean, celebrating an era that helped define modern global travel.
Additional limited-edition collaborations and co-branded experiences are expected to be announced leading up to the July 4, 2026 milestone.
America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes Cruise
Guests who want to celebrate America’s birthday at sea can sail on Holland America Line’s America’s 250th Celebration: Stars and Stripes cruise, departing from Boston on July 4, 2026.
The sailing will feature a late-night departure timed so guests can view Boston’s historic fireworks from the ship, along with a July 4 deck celebration featuring classic American picnic foods and live music honoring the soundtrack of America. The itinerary includes visits to historically significant cities such as Norfolk, Virginia, as well as an overnight stay in New York.
A Tribute to Craftsmanship and Connection
This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to heritage, creativity and meaningful experiences. By combining the legacy of traditional stationery with the stories of veteran artists, Holland America Line is offering guests something more lasting than a typical souvenir.
In an age dominated by digital communication, a handwritten card created at sea feels both nostalgic and refreshingly personal, a small but meaningful way to commemorate a historic anniversary while traveling the world.