Before the Indiana Hoosiers meet the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl Game on New Years Day, fans and spectators will enjoy the 137th annual Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, as it marches down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. In that parade, Princess Cruises will have its very own Star Princess float.
In true maritime tradition, Princess Cruises christened its Rose Parade float with the ceremonial breaking of a bottle of Pantalones Organic Tequila. The christening took place at Artistic Entertainment Services (AES), the company behind the floral design and construction of the float.
The ceremony was a symbolic gesture intended to introduce the Star Princess float which is a tribute to the ship’s 2026 Alaska Season. Princess’ Celebration Ambassador, Jill Whelan, was in attendance to pronounce, “I name this float Star Princess–may God bless her and all who cruise down Colorado Boulevard on her.”
The float showcases the signature Sphere class architecture of Princess’ newest ship. The float includes elements such as The Dome and the sphere-shaped Piazza. The Dome is a multi-purpose space where guests can enjoy various activities, and the Piazza is the architectural centerpiece of the ship.
As the #1 cruise line in Alaska, Princess Cruises’ will bring “The Great Land” to life as the Star Princess float showcases the beauty, culture and unforgettable wildlife of Alaska. The float, which is constructed from thousands of fresh flowers, seeds, bark and natural elements, is a picture of towering glaciers, bald eagles, humpback whales and bears salmon fishing.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the new year by sharing the wonder of Alaska with millions of people watching the Rose Parade,” said Marie Lee, Princess Cruises Chief Marketing Officer. “Our spectacular float celebrates Alaska’s natural, breath-taking beauty and honors Star Princess, our newest ship, your gateway to discovery and unforgettable moments at sea.”
Not only will approximately 800,000 spectators be along the 5 ½ mile parade route, but more than 28 million television viewers in the United States and millions more worldwide will tune in to the pageantry of the beloved New Year’s Day tradition. The Princess Cruises float, which measures approximately 55 feet long and 21 feet high, will be covered in more than 300,000 flowers and natural materials as it brings to life whales, sea otters, eagles, wild moose and more.