Princess Cruises Shines at 137th Rose Parade with Alaska-Themed Float
Princess Cruises celebrated the start of 2026 in spectacular fashion by unveiling its "Together in the Magic of Alaska" float at the renowned 137th Rose Parade. This stunning floral creation depicted the Star Princess as it sailed through the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, marking the highly anticipated inaugural season of Alaska cruises for the new ship.
A Dazzling Display of Floral Artistry
The Star Princess float captured the attention of millions of spectators as it made its way along the 5½-mile parade route on Colorado Boulevard. The float was adorned with an exquisite selection of flowers, including silverleaf protea, coconut, blue statice, and lunaria, which reflected the icy glow of Alaska's coastal waters.
In a celebration of Alaska's natural beauty, the float featured intricate designs that included animations of local wildlife. Viewers were treated to the sight of whales breaching, sea otters frolicking, and bears fishing for salmon. The float's design also incorporated the blue tweedia, the state flower of Alaska, symbolizing the deep connection to the region.
Creative Vision Behind the Float
The float, designed and built by Artistic Entertainment Services, measured approximately 55 feet in length and 21 feet in height, showcasing over 300,000 flowers and natural materials. Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises, emphasized the significance of this celebration, stating, “What better way to welcome the new year than on the world-famous Rose Parade stage, celebrating the breathtaking beauty of Alaska and the debut of our remarkable new ship, Star Princess?”
In her remarks, Lee also highlighted the theme of this year’s parade, "The Magic in Teamwork," which resonates with the collective effort of the dedicated crew and local Alaskan communities that contribute to extraordinary cruise experiences.
Entertainment and Community Involvement
To further illustrate the spirit of teamwork, four Princess Cruises teammates participated on the float, complemented by a performance of a reimagined version of "The Love Boat" theme song by 12 dancers. This performance was a nostalgic tribute to the show that famously popularized cruising.
- Float dimensions: 55 feet long, 21 feet high
- Flowers used: Over 300,000
- Theme: "The Magic in Teamwork"
- Participating crew: Four Princess team members
Highlights of the Upcoming 2026 Alaska Season
As the leading cruise line in Alaska, Princess Cruises prepares for its most extensive 2026 season yet, featuring the debut of the Star Princess. The expanded program includes:
- Eight ships
- 180 departures
- 19 unique destinations
The Star Princess will operate weekly seven-day Inside Passage Alaska cruises from Seattle from May 3 to September 19, 2026, offering vacationers an unmatched selection of Alaskan adventures.
About Princess Cruises and the Tournament of Roses
Princess Cruises, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE: CUK), is a premier cruise brand recognized worldwide, providing unforgettable vacations across the globe. The company prides itself on delivering exceptional service and unique experiences.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses, which hosts the annual Rose Parade and associated events, is a volunteer organization dedicated to community celebration, contributing over 80,000 hours of service each year.