Pasadena, California, hosted an extraordinary spectacle on New Year’s Day as Princess Cruises unveiled its stunning Alaska-themed float during the 137th Rose Parade. The “Together in the Magic of Alaska” float, created to celebrate the highly anticipated 2026 Alaska season for the cruise line’s newest ship, Star Princess, captivated millions of viewers around the world. The float, adorned with over 300,000 flowers, beautifully showcased the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, blending immersive artistry with natural elements to reflect the region’s rugged landscapes and diverse wildlife. Princess Cruises used this unforgettable moment in Pasadena to usher in the new year and celebrate the grandeur of its Alaska voyages.
This remarkable float brought the magic of Alaska to life, with the design drawing inspiration from the state’s iconic glaciers, towering wildlife, and coastal wonders. As Star Princess “cruised” through the Rose Parade route on January 1, 2026, the float shimmered with floral details that mirrored the icy beauty of Alaska’s waters, creating an unforgettable visual experience. The float not only celebrated Alaska’s breathtaking landscape but also honoured the passionate team behind Princess Cruises, who make every voyage extraordinary.
The Unveiling of Star Princess at the Rose Parade
On January 1, 2026, Princess Cruises made its highly anticipated debut at the world-famous Rose Parade, showcasing its newest vessel, Star Princess. This floral masterpiece highlighted the start of the cruise line’s expanded 2026 Alaska season, marking a monumental occasion for both Princess Cruises and its loyal fans. The “Together in the Magic of Alaska” float, designed by Artistic Entertainment Services, stretched approximately 55 feet long and 21 feet high, embodying the grandeur and majesty of Alaska.
The float featured:
- Stunning animation that brought Alaska’s wildlife to life, including whales breaching from icy waters, sea otters, moose, bears, and eagles soaring through the skies.
- Floral artistry showcasing Alaska’s rugged coastlines, with intricate floral patterns that evoked the region’s glaciers, mountains, and pristine waters.
- Floral materials such as silverleaf protea, coconut, blue statice, and lunaria, all designed to evoke the icy glow of Alaska’s waters.
Princess Cruises used this iconic event to introduce its newest vessel, Star Princess, a 177,800-ton ship that will sail weekly, seven-day Inside Passage cruises to Alaska. This debut also marked the beginning of a monumental year for the cruise line, as the Alaska program expands with 180 departures, 19 destinations, and multiple ships, offering travelers unparalleled adventures.
A Tribute to Alaska and Its Wildlife
The “Together in the Magic of Alaska” float paid tribute to the natural beauty of Alaska by featuring Alaskan wildlife depicted through stunning craftsmanship. The design was a true reflection of the Alaskan wilderness, bringing to life creatures that inhabit the state’s rugged terrain:
- Whales gracefully rose from the icy waters, symbolising Alaska’s majestic marine life.
- Sea otters, eagles, and bears were crafted from natural fibers, including palm fibre, cornsilk, and grasses, lending the animals a realistic texture.
- A wild moose stood proudly in the landscape, a symbol of the region’s untamed wilderness.
These wildlife depictions were accompanied by floral details such as Blue Tweedia, which represents Alaska’s state flower, the Forget-Me-Not, reinforcing the connection between the float and the region’s rich natural heritage. The floating wildlife animation added movement and life to the float, capturing the dynamic essence of Alaska’s untamed environment.
A Celebration of Teamwork and Dedication
Princess Cruises’ float also honoured the “Magic in Teamwork” theme of the 137th Rose Parade, highlighting the collective effort of the 25,000 crew members and teammates worldwide who contribute to creating unforgettable cruise experiences for guests. The float celebrated their dedication and passion, ensuring that every Alaska voyage is nothing short of spectacular.
- Four Princess teammates from the cruise line’s shoreside offices and onboard crews were featured on the float as a tribute to the hardworking personnel who make every journey memorable.
- 12 performers danced along the parade route, bringing a nostalgic version of the “Love Boat” theme song to life, acknowledging Princess Cruises’ long history as a pioneering force in the cruise industry.
This tribute to teamwork exemplified Princess Cruises’ dedication to offering exceptional service, creating connections, and delivering experiences that guests will cherish for years to come.
The Role of Alaskan Flora and Natural Materials
Princess Cruises carefully selected floral materials and natural elements that embodied the untamed beauty of Alaska. The float’s floral artistry captured the diversity and vibrant colours of Alaska’s wildflower meadows, tundra, and coastal landscapes, offering an immersive visual experience.
Key details included:
- Glaciers crafted from crushed white chrysanthemums, rice, and iridescent everlasting flowers, accentuated with cool blue tones to reflect the icy landscapes of Alaska.
- Whale-themed florals including iris, hydrangea, dendrobium orchids, ocean mums, and gypsophila, which helped create the movement and depth of Alaskan waterways.
- Wildlife imagery featured moose and bears crafted from natural materials like palm fiber and grasses, bringing texture and realism to the scene.
This celebration of Alaska’s natural beauty was further enriched by the addition of 21-foot trees made from pine and spruce, as well as accent florals such as delphinium, larkspur, and yarrow, which completed the lush landscape. These elements provided a seamless transition between Alaska’s rugged wilderness and the delicate beauty of its flora.
The Inaugural Alaska Season for Star Princess
The Star Princess, the second ship in Princess Cruises’ new Sphere Class, is designed to offer a truly luxurious cruise experience. At 177,800 tons and with a capacity for 4,300 guests, Star Princess boasts incredible features, including:
- The Dome: A next-generation relaxation and entertainment space located atop the ship, offering sweeping ocean vistas.
- The Piazza: The ship’s architectural centerpiece, a striking sphere-shaped area with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of the ocean.
The Star Princess will sail on weekly, seven-day Inside Passage Alaska cruises, departing from Seattle and offering guests an immersive journey through Alaska’s pristine natural beauty. The ship will also offer a range of exciting shore excursions, from wildlife spotting to glacier exploration, giving passengers a unique opportunity to experience Alaska like never before.
Princess Cruises’ Expanding Alaska Program in 2026
The 2026 Alaska season for Princess Cruises will be the largest in the company’s history, featuring eight ships and a record-breaking 180 departures to 19 destinations across Alaska. Highlights of the season include:
- 180 departures, providing guests with an unparalleled selection of itineraries and travel dates.
- 19 destinations across Alaska, ranging from Ketchikan to Juneau and beyond.
- Weekly seven-day Alaska cruises onboard Star Princess, sailing roundtrip from Seattle from May 3 to September 19, 2026.
This expanded program underscores Princess Cruises’ position as the #1 cruise line to Alaska, offering travelers the chance to explore the majestic wilderness and unique culture of the 49th state in unparalleled luxury and style.
Conclusion: Princess Cruises’ Commitment to Alaska and Its Guests
Princess Cruises’ “Together in the Magic of Alaska” float at the 137th Rose Parade was not just a celebration of the new year but also a powerful testament to the company’s dedication to offering guests extraordinary experiences. With the Star Princess’ inaugural Alaska season and a record-breaking number of departures, Princess Cruises continues to showcase its commitment to providing world-class voyages that immerse guests in the magic of Alaska. The float, with its stunning design, tribute to wildlife, and heartfelt celebration of teamwork, is just the beginning of what promises to be a landmark year for Princess Cruises and its guests.
The post USA’s Princess Cruises Celebrates 2026 Alaska Season with a Floral Masterpiece at the Rose Parade, Featuring Star Princess’ New Ship appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
