Welcome Parade
Welcome the visiting ships as they navigate to their ports along the historic Mississippi River.
About Sail New Orleans
The Greatest Celebration in Our Nation's History
New Orleans will be the first stop as America welcomes the tall ships of the world to the Port of New Orleans for a nationwide celebration of America's 250th anniversary! Between May 28 and June 1, 2026, we will celebrate America's Sestercentennial with the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world creating a majestic nautical spectacle along the historic Mississippi River. Along with the majestic tall ships flotilla, a diverse array of events, festivities and celebrations will be held across the entire region to educate, entertain and engage audiences from across the country and across all communities. Join us in 2026 for this unforgettable once-in-a-generation event.
250
Years of America
12
Tall Ships & Naval Vessels
Sail 250®
New Orleans Experience
Events are still being planned, but visitors can expect the following excitement:
Fireworks
Experience the majestic sight of fireworks lighting up the sky above Downtown New Orleans.
Family Activities
Engage children of all ages in education activities and once-in-a-lifetime events.
Tours
Step aboard and walk through naval history on tall ships hailing from all over the world.
Day by Day Schedule
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026
Parade of Sail (8AM-1PM)
Public Ship Tours (8AM-5PM)
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026
Public Ship Tours (8AM-5PM)
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026
Fireworks (9PM)
Public Ship Tours (8AM-5PM)
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026
Seafood Cook-Off (1AM-3PM @ The Delacroix)
Public Ship Tours (8AM-5PM)
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026
Blessing of the Ships (8AM @ The Moonwalk)
Explore Other America250 New Orleans Events
Book a Group Tour
All events are along the New Orleans riverfront unless otherwise noted.
Portside in New Orleans
Where to Find the Ships
The Mississippi River will play host to an impressive flotilla of ships from all across the globe. You can find the vessels gracing the riverfront from the Bywater up to the Crescent Connection twin bridges. The beauty of New Orleans is that nearly all of the waterfront is accessible by foot and just a short distance from most major hotels, attractions, restaurants, and more–making it easier than ever to experience everything New Orleans has to offer during this historic, milestone event.
The Flotilla of
Tall Ships & Naval Vessels
Tall Ship
USCGC Eagle
Homeport: New London, CT
295 Feet Long / 1,824 Tons / Steel hull
The USCGC Eagle is a 295-foot, three-masted barque serving as the U.S. Coast Guard’s training ship—the only active square-rigged vessel in U.S. government service—used to teach navigation, leadership, and seamanship to future officers.
Tall Ship
CNS Esmeralda
Homeport: Valparaíso, Chile
371 Feet Long / 3,754 Tons / Steel hull
The Esmeralda is a steel-hulled, four-masted barquentine serving as Chile’s sail training ship, often called “La Dama Blanca” (“The White Lady”), capable of both engine and wind propulsion and acting historically as a diplomatic tool and symbol of national pride.
Tall Ship
BAP Unión
Hometown: Callao, Peru
378 Feet Long / 3,527 Tons / Steel hull
The BAP Unión (BEV-161) is a four-masted, steel-hulled barque and the largest sail training vessel in Latin America, commissioned by the Peruvian Navy in 2016. Built by Servicios Industriales de la Marina (SIMA) in Callao, Peru, it serves as a floating ambassador and training platform for naval cadets, honoring the legacy of the 19th-century corvette Unión
Tall Ship
ARC Gloria
Homeport: Cartagena, Colombia
212 Feet Long / 1,300 Tons / Steel hull
The ARC Gloria is a striking three-masted steel barque built in Spain and commissioned by the Colombian Navy in 1968. She functions as both the Navy’s flagship and its principal sail-training vessel, embodying Colombia’s maritime traditions while charting courses as a “sailing ambassador” around the world.
Tall Ship
ROU Capitán Miranda
Homeport: Montevideo, Uruguay
198 Feet Long / 1,100 Tons / Steel hull
The ROU Capitán Miranda is a three-masted schooner of the Uruguayan Navy, originally launched in 1930 as a hydrographic research vessel. Converted into a sail training ship in 1978, it now serves to train young officers in seamanship and leadership, while also participating in international tall ship events.
Tall Ship
Gladan
Homeport: Karlskrona, Sweden
131 Feet 3 Inches Long / 325 Tons / Steel hull
GLADAN is one of two sail training ships operated by the Swedish Navy. She was built in 1947 to replace earlier training ships. Designed as a square topsail schooner in the traditional Baltic pilot style, GLADAN serves as a platform for cadets to gain hands-on experience in seamanship, navigation, and leadership while voyaging worldwide.
Naval Vessel
HNLMS Friesland (P842)
Homeport: Den Helder, Netherlands
355 Feet Long / 3,750 Tons / Steel hull
The HNLMS Friesland (P842) is a Holland-class offshore patrol vessel operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy. Commissioned on January 22, 2013, it is named after the Dutch province of Friesland and serves as a modern multi-role platform for maritime security and law enforcement.
Tall Ship
ARA Libertad
Homeport: Buenos Aires
340 Feet Long / 4,150 Tons / Steel hull
ARA Libertad is a 340-foot, three-masted, steel-hulled tall ship based in Buenos Aires. Built in 1963, she carries 28,545 square feet of sail and a crew of officers, sailors, and cadets. One of the world’s largest and fastest tall ships, she serves as a training vessel for the Argentine Navy and has sailed over 800,000 nautical miles, visiting 500 ports in more than 60 countries.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Event Experience
Food, Beverage &: Amenities
Is this event free?
Yes. The New Orleans Sail250 is a free event and open to the public.
Is this event suitable for children?
Yes. Sail250 is a family-friendly event and welcomes guests of all ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult to board ships.
Are advance tickets required?
No. Advance tickets are not required for general admission. Group tours require advanced registration. There is no VIP area or VIP pass to view the ships
Can I book a group tour?
Yes. Group tours are available. Groups must be between 20–25 people and be part of a Community Organization. Advance booking is required.
What are the ship tour hours?
General Ship Tours will begin Thursday, May 27th with the Gray Hulls at Julia and Thalia Street Wharfs and then Gray Hulls and Tall Ships will begin Friday, May 28th. All ship tours will end on Sunday, May 31st. General Ship Tour Timing is 8AM – 5PM. Please note that some ships may have varying hours which will be posted once the hours are confirmed with all the specific ships. During the week of the event, please rely on our social media as we post any changes to Ship Tour Schedules.
How long does a typical ship tour take?
30 - 40 minutes
What is the expected wait time to tour a ship?
Visitors should anticipate queues for ship boarding. Wait durations will fluctuate throughout the day based on attendance.
Where are the secure entry points for ship tours?
There will be three different access points for specific ships at Julia Street Terminal, Erato Street Terminal, and Goldring-Woldenberg Riverfront Park. Poland St. Terminal is Group Tours Only.
What is the Parade of Sail and where can I watch it?
The Sail 250 New Orleans Parade of Sail is scheduled for Thursday, May 28th, between 8AM and 1PM, coinciding with the arrival of the Tall Ships. Due to the Mississippi River’s current width, a conventional parade will not take place. Instead, spectators can observe the vessels as they travel upriver toward Bienville Wharf and eventually dock at Goldring-Woldenberg Riverfront Park, situated near the Audubon Aquarium.
Where can I view ship transits & fireworks?
Crescent Park, Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Algiers Point Levee, Spanish Plaza, DelaCroix Restaurant, Riverwalk Outlets Mall and The Westin Hotel are all optimal locations to watch the arrivals, departures, or fireworks.
What time is the fireworks show?
The fireworks begins at 9PM and the show will last for 15 minutes.
What other activities are available near the event?
Be sure to visit the nearby Riverfront parks, the French Quarter, Local museums and cultural sites. Visit NewOrleans.com to plan your perfect visit.
Will food or drinks be available on site?
Concessions will be offered at Goldring - Woldenberg Riverfront Park.
Are restroom facilities available?
Portable restrooms will be available nearby. There are no permanent restroom facilities on site.
Are there designated smoking areas?
No, Smoking is not permitted onboard ships or anywhere on the dockside.
Accessibility & Safety
Security & Entry Requirements
Transportation & Parking
Allowed & Restricted Items
Dress Code
Special Programming
Are the ships wheelchair accessible?
No. Ships are not handicapped accessible. Visitors must be in good physical condition. Boarding requires navigating steep stairs and ladders. Wheelchairs, walkers, and similar devices are not permitted. No exceptions can be made.
Are service animals allowed?
It depends on the ship, but overall, we will find a way to accommodate.
Are first aid stations available?
Yes, at all ships there will be first aid provided. At Julia Street & Poland Avenue Wharf, the US Navy will provide first aid services. At the Goldring - Woldenberg Riverfront Park (Bienville Street Wharf), Ochsner Health will have a first aid tent set up.
What security measures will be in place?
All visitors may be subject to airport-style security screening. No bags are permitted through security. Additional restrictions apply.
Will I need to show my ID?
Yes, for the U.S Navy Ships accepted one of the following forms of ID are required: (a) Driver’s license (b) Passport (c) Military ID (d) Government-issued work ID (e) Student photo ID (if requested). Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What are the parking options?
Public parking is available along the Mississippi Riverfront, the Warehouse District, and the French Quarter.
Will the Algiers/French Quarter ferry be operating?
Yes.
What items can I bring onboard?
Smartphones and cameras with straps are permitted.
What items are not allowed?
Bags, food or beverages and any restricted items identified during security screening
Are there lockers or storage areas available?
No, leave restricted items at home or in your vehicle.
Will there be stroller parking at the ships?
Designated stroller parking will be available at all ship entry points prior to security screening. While volunteers monitor these areas, visitors remain responsible for their personal property, as we cannot assume liability for any belongings.
What should I wear?
Dress is casual but must be practical and safe. Wear closed-toe shoes with low, rubber soles. NO OPEN TOED SHOES! Avoid dresses or skirts. Avoid loose or baggy clothing.
Are there special events for schools?
Yes. Group tours are available. Groups must be between 20–25 people and be part of a school or educational group. Advance booking is required.
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Louisiana Maritime Association (LAMA)
Louisiana National Guard
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
NOCCI - Event Marketing and Logistics
Pennsylvania Ship Services, LLC
The Historic New Orleans Collection
The Louisiana State Police
The National World War II Museum
The New Orleans Police Department
United States Army
United States Coast Guard
United States Marine Corp.
United States Navy