PRINCESS Cruises rung in the new year with an Alaska-themed float at the 137th Rose Parade in California this week. Adorned with more than 300,000 flowers and natural materials, the ‘Together in the Magic of Alaska’ float depicted Star Princess sailing through Alaska – a nod to the inaugural 2026...
PRINCESS Cruises rung in the new year with an Alaska-themed float at the 137th Rose Parade in California this week.
Adorned with more than 300,000 flowers and natural materials, the ‘Together in the Magic of Alaska’ float depicted Star Princess sailing through Alaska – a nod to the inaugural 2026 season in the region for the cruise line’s newest ship.
Around 800,000 spectators watched as the finely detailed ‘ship’ cruised through Pasadena, featuring florals that evoked the icy glow of Alaska’s coastal waters, including silverleaf protea, coconut, blue statice, and lunaria.
The 17-metre-long, 6.5-metre-high float also featured an animation depicting Alaskan wildlife, from whales rising out of the water to eagles, sea otters, and a bear clutching a salmon.
Four Princess teammates rode on the float – two from Princess’ shoreside offices and two crew members – while 12 performers danced to a reimagined version of The Love Boat theme song – a tribute to the line’s intertwined heritage with the television show.
“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,” said Marie Lee, Princess Cruises Chief Marketing Officer.
“Our float pays homage not only to our passionate 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,” she said. JM
