Princess Cruises Ignites the New Year with a Spectacular “Together in the Magic of Alaska” Float at the 137th Rose Parade
PASADENA, Calif. — Princess Cruises ushered in 2026 with a breathtaking spectacle at the iconic 137th Rose Parade®, unveiling its “Together in the Magic of Alaska” float. This floral masterpiece vividly depicted the highly anticipated inaugural 2026 Alaska season of the cruise line’s newest vessel, *Star Princess*, as it sailed through the stunning natural landscapes of Alaska.
The float captivated millions of viewers and thousands lining Colorado Boulevard, showcasing a finely detailed replica of the *Star Princess*. Adorned with silverleaf protea, coconut, blue statice, and lunaria, the ship shimmered, evoking the icy glow of Alaska’s pristine coastal waters.
Drawing deep inspiration from Alaska’s unparalleled natural beauty, the float’s design extended this immersive artistry, incorporating textures and tones that mirrored the rugged coastlines and awe-inspiring regional scenery. Dynamic animation brought Alaskan wildlife to life, featuring whales breaching from icy depths, playful sea otters, soaring eagles, a bear with a salmon, and a majestic moose surveying the landscape. Elaborate floral arrangements, notably featuring Blue Tweedia – symbolizing the Alaskan state flower, the Forget-Me-Not – further enriched the scene, seamlessly weaving the float’s intricate craftsmanship with the spirit of Alaska.
Designed and constructed by Artistic Entertainment Services, the expansive float stretched approximately 55 feet long and 21 feet high, a testament to the artistry of over 300,000 flowers and natural materials.
“There’s no 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*,” said Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer for Princess Cruises. “Our float serves as a tribute not only to our dedicated Princess crew who bring Alaska voyages to life but also to the local Alaskans – the storytellers, guides, artists, naturalists, and communities – who welcome our guests each season and make every journey extraordinary.”
Lee further elaborated, “This year’s ‘The Magic in Teamwork’ theme perfectly encapsulates who we are: an exceptional team committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences that foster joy, connection, and moments worth cherishing.”
Embracing the “The Magic in Teamwork” theme and honoring the 25,000 crew members and teammates worldwide who orchestrate incredible cruise vacations, four Princess team members – two from shoreside offices and two crew members – rode proudly on the float. Adding to the festive atmosphere, 12 performers danced down Colorado Boulevard to a fresh rendition of “The Love Boat” theme song, a nostalgic nod to Princess Cruises’ iconic role on the beloved television show that introduced millions to the allure of cruise vacations.
**Princess Cruises “Together in the Magic of Alaska” Float: A Floral Tapestry**
* **Glacial Majesty:** Crushed white chrysanthemums, rice, and iridescent everlasting captured the essence of glaciers, accented with cool blue tones to bring Alaska to life through immersive floral artistry.
* **Oceanic Depths and Wildlife:** Layered blues and whites, including iris, hydrangea, dendrobium orchids, ocean mums, and gypsophila, created the dynamic movement and depth of Alaskan waterways, teeming with marine life. Whales, moose, and bears were meticulously crafted from natural fibers such as palm fiber, cornsilk, grasses, and seeds for lifelike texture, while a majestic eagle stood as a symbolic centerpiece, representing Princess Cruises’ spirit of exploration.
* **Forest Immersion:** Towering 21-foot trees of pine and spruce formed an authentic forest backdrop, blending live greenery with structured forms. Additional ferns, grasses, and accent florals provided softness, texture, and seamless color transitions throughout the design.
* **Wildflower Essence:** Authentic Alaskan florals, including blue tweedia, delphinium, larkspur, yarrow, asters, campanula, and astilbe, completed the landscape, drawing inspiration from the state’s wildflower meadows, tundra, and coastal beauty for a lush and unforgettable representation of Alaska.
Princess Cruises also showcased its second Sphere Class ship, a 177,800-ton vessel designed to accommodate 4,300 guests. Key highlights featured on the float included The Dome, a state-of-the-art relaxation and entertainment venue, and the striking, sphere-shaped Piazza, the ship’s architectural centerpiece, boasting dramatic curves, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas.
As the leading cruise line in Alaska, Princess Cruises is set for its most extensive 2026 season yet, marked by the debut of the *Star Princess*. This expanded program will feature eight ships, offering 180 departures to 19 destinations, providing travelers with an unparalleled array of Alaskan adventures, available by sea or a combination of sea and land. The *Star Princess* will embark on weekly seven-day Inside Passage Alaska cruises, roundtrip from Seattle, from May 3 to September 19, 2026.
Additional details regarding Princess Cruises can be obtained through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.
**About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®:**
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization responsible for hosting the annual Rose Parade®, the Rose Bowl Game®, and a series of associated events. Its 935 volunteer members serve as community ambassadors and contribute to the success of the parade and game through their work on 31 committees, dedicating over 80,000 hours annually. The 137th Rose Parade, presented by Honda with the theme “The Magic in Teamwork,” took place on Thursday, January 1, 2026, followed by the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential. For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com.
**About Princess Cruises:**
Princess Cruises, known as “The Love Boat,” is a globally recognized cruise brand delivering dream vacations to millions of guests annually. The line operates some of the largest ships in the industry, offering personalized service and simplicity akin to small, yacht-class vessels. Accommodations are well-appointed, complemented by world-class dining, grand theatrical performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences, and a wide range of activities. Princess MedallionClass service enhances these offerings, fostering meaningful connections and unforgettable moments across premier global destinations, including the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The brand’s newest and most innovative ship, *Star Princess*, launched in October 2025, is a sister ship to *Sun Princess*, which has been recognized as Condé Nast Traveler’s Mega Ship of the Year for two consecutive years. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK).
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