Newest Princess Ship Dazzles at New Year’s Day Rose Parade

Princess Cruises celebrated the New Year in a spectacular fashion with a float at the annual Rose Parade held in Pasadena, California. The float showcased the Star Princess, the newly introduced second Sphere-class ship, which joined the fleet in November 2025. This display commemorated the ship’s debut as it prepares for its inaugural Alaska season in the summer of 2026.

The float captured the essence of Alaska’s stunning landscapes, featuring over 300,000 flowers and natural materials. It marked the beginning of the Star Princess—designed to accommodate 4,300 guests—and highlighted her scheduled 7-night sailings from Seattle and Vancouver.

Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Princess Cruises, expressed the significance of the occasion: “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.” She also acknowledged the contributions of local Alaskans who enhance the guests’ experiences each season.

The float was not just visually impressive; it featured animated wildlife including bears, sea otters, and eagles, crafted meticulously from various materials to reflect the vibrancy of Alaska’s wildlife. With a height of 21 feet and a length of 55 feet, the float was a significant highlight, capturing viewers’ attention along the 5.5-mile parade route, all while accompanied by dancing performers and the theme song from the classic TV series The Love Boat.

The Rose Parade has strong historical ties to Princess Cruises, being a cherished local tradition since 1890, and its significance was amplified this year by the Cruise line’s largest-ever Alaska season. For the 2026 summer season, Princess will deploy eight ships to Alaska, significantly increasing its offerings to 180 departures, which will include trips to 19 destinations, alongside 20 cruisetour options.

The parade float, designed and constructed by Artistic Entertainment Services, adhered to strict regulations requiring that all visible surfaces must be covered with organic materials, primarily flowers. Elements of the Alaskan landscape were vividly represented, with textures and colors inspired by the state’s natural beauty.

Additionally, four Princess crew members rode on the float as a gesture of appreciation for the company’s extensive workforce, which includes about 25,000 employees from various countries. This aligns with the parade’s theme of “The Magic in Teamwork,” reflecting on the collaborative efforts that create unforgettable cruising experiences.

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