"Philadelphia Freedom! Shine On Me!"

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According to lyricist Bernie Taupin, Elton John's number 1 hit of 1975, Philadelphia Freedom, was not written as some sort of flag-waving American anthem.  But that's how I will always think of it.

I remember taking the Greyhound Bus to Philadelphia in the Bicentennial Summer of 1976 with that song going through my head.

It didn't seem like a song suitable for an acoustic guitar.  Instead, I learned how to finger pick I'd Love to Change the World, from a guitar picker hanging out at Philly's Swann Memorial Water Fountain.  It's a very photogenic spot, but I no longer see guitars there, so that day in '76 when a half dozen players were gathered around might have been a fluke.

In any case, I also went to a Phillies game, for which I must have somehow come across a free ticket or one that cost a buck, because I really had zero money to spare on that first cross-country trip on my own.  Now I'm a Phillies fan, albeit watching 10-minute highlight videos on the mornings following games, with my coffee.

I loved Philadelphia in that Bi-Centennial Year but couldn't imagine myself moving there one day.  Yet here I am for the 250th Celebration of our Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia.

That's why I'm so excited to share that in spring of 2026, Norwegian Jewel will begin sailing a series of historical cruises from Philadelphia.

Most will be weeklong voyages to an overnight stay in Bermuda followed by a stop in Charleston, South Carolina.

You may not realize this, but British-controlled Bermuda helped the United States gain our independence by smuggling gunpowder to the colonies through Tobacco Bay.

Of course, most of us visiting Tobacco Bay are more interested in snorkeling the turquoise waters where colorful tropical fish abound.

Vibrant Bermuda has pink sands, green golf courses and many fine restaurants.  Hotel prices on its prosperous shores are steep, so a cruise is a great way to experience all that Bermuda has to offer but return to your floating resort for a good night's sleep...and if you're like me, a great dinner amid an evening of worldclass entertainment.

After two days in Bermuda, Norwegian Jewel will sail to Charleston, which at one time was among the most prosperous cities in the world.  South Carolina played a key role in the American Revolution, and of course infamously was the first Confederate state to secede from the Union, essentially kicking off the Civil War.  So, Charleston is steeped in history, though you'll likely be mostly captivated by its charming architecture and southern warmth.

I recommend spending a few days in Philadelphia before or after the cruise.  Valley Forge and Gettysburg are not far away, if you care to delve more deeply into those civilization-altering wars fought on American soil.  It's an easy train ride to Washington, D.C. or New York City, if you want to add other fascinating cities to your itinerary.

A Princess cruise to Bermuda was our first, and we added a few days visiting historic landmarks in the northeast by car.  You can do that, too.

In the fall, cruise on Norwegian Jewel for 10-Night and 11-Night voyages to Canada/New England.

What a wonderful way to celebrate our 250th Anniversary as a nation!

Email Wes@CruisePlanners1.com to start planning your next great vacation.

Wes