Princess Cruises’ Star Princess Float Dazzles at the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade, Celebrating Alaska’s Majestic Beauty and New Ship Inaugural Season

Published on December 24, 2025

The city of Pasadena, California, is once again gearing up for the iconic Tournament of Roses Parade, an event that captivates millions with its stunning floats and vibrant celebrations. In 2026, one of the most eagerly anticipated entries will be the Star Princess float, a masterpiece crafted by Princess Cruises and designed to showcase the cruise line’s newest addition, the Star Princess, and its upcoming Alaska voyages. This year, Princess Cruises has added a special touch to the event by embracing a time-honored maritime tradition with a unique float christening ceremony.

Held at the facilities of Artistic Entertainment Services in Pasadena, the christening event featured a ceremonial break of Pantalones Organic Tequila on the float, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for the Star Princess. Jill Whelan, Princess Cruises’ Celebration Ambassador, led the ceremony, proclaiming, “I name this float Star Princess – may God bless her and all who cruise down Colorado Boulevard on her.” The event was both a nod to Princess Cruises’ rich maritime heritage and a celebration of the float that will capture the essence of Alaska‘s stunning landscapes, marking the Star Princess’ inaugural season in 2026.

Star Princess Float: A Tribute to Alaska’s Breathtaking Beauty

The Star Princess float is a spectacular representation of the majestic Alaska landscapes that will be featured on Princess Cruises’ voyages to the Inside Passage. Designed to showcase the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness, the float features towering glaciers, soaring bald eagles, spouting humpback whales, and bears fishing for salmon. All of these awe-inspiring elements are crafted from thousands of fresh flowers, seeds, and other natural materials, symbolizing the power of nature that Princess Cruises brings to life on its Alaska cruises.

The Float’s Design: A Vivid Tribute to Nature’s Wonders

• Glaciers shimmering in icy blues, capturing the stark beauty of Alaska’s frozen landscapes.
• Bald eagles soaring above, representing the state’s wildlife.
• Humpback whales spouting water, showcasing the majesty of Alaska’s oceans.
• Salmon fishing bears, a powerful symbol of Alaska’s wildlife and natural cycles.

With an elaborate structure measuring 55 feet long and 21 feet high, the float will be decorated with over 300,000 flowers and other natural elements, making it one of the most intricately designed floats in this year’s parade. The float captures the stunning beauty of Alaska, which will be featured on Princess Cruises’ Star Princess when it embarks on its inaugural season to the region.

The Tournament of Roses Parade: A Beloved Tradition

The Tournament of Roses Parade is one of the most famous and long-standing events in the United States, drawing in over 800,000 spectators along the 5½-mile route in Pasadena. The parade, which takes place every New Year’s Day, is famous for its vibrant floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. Each float is a masterpiece, with designs that often reflect the year’s theme, which in 2026 is “The Magic in Teamwork.”

With millions of viewers tuning in across the world, the Rose Parade is a symbol of hope, renewal, and celebration. This year, the Star Princess float will be one of the parade’s standout attractions, showcasing not just the beauty of Alaska, but also Princess Cruises’ commitment to bringing the splendor of Alaska’s Inside Passage to life.

Princess Cruises and the Star Princess: A New Era of Alaska Voyages

Princess Cruises is a leader in Alaska cruising, offering a wide range of itineraries that take guests through the state’s most beautiful and remote destinations. Star Princess, the newest ship in Princess Cruises’ fleet, features the latest in Sphere Class architecture, including the Dome, a cutting-edge relaxation and entertainment space, and the Piazza, a spherical architectural masterpiece that serves as the heart of the ship.

The Star Princess float in the Tournament of Roses Parade is a celebration of the ship’s upcoming 2026 inaugural season in Alaska. As Princess Cruises prepares to bring its guests to Alaska, the float serves as a reminder of the extraordinary landscapes and memorable wildlife encounters that travelers will experience on board. The float is not just a symbol of Alaska’s natural beauty, but also of Princess Cruises’ dedication to offering unforgettable vacation experiences.

The Role of Pantalones Organic Tequila in the Float Christening

The unique float christening ceremony featured a symbolic break of Pantalones Organic Tequila, a premium tequila brand co-founded by Matthew McConaughey. This festive gesture added a touch of flair to the occasion, blending the tradition of maritime float christenings with a modern twist. The use of Pantalones Tequila, which is made from 100% organic blue Weber agave, symbolizes the spirit of adventure and celebration that the float and the upcoming Star Princess Alaska voyages embody.

Pantalones Organic Tequila: A Perfect Match for the Celebration

• Award-winning organic tequila made from 100% blue Weber agave.
• A symbol of fun and good times, with McConaughey’s playful approach to life.
• Multiple prestigious awards, including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Pantalones Tequila brand is known for its emphasis on sustainable practices and exceptional craftsmanship, making it a fitting choice for a float christening that celebrates both natural beauty and innovative design.

Looking Ahead: Star Princess and the 2026 Alaska Season

The Star Princess float is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary year for Princess Cruises. With the 2026 Alaska season right around the corner, the cruise line is ready to offer travelers unforgettable experiences exploring the wild landscapes of Alaska. As the #1 cruise line in Alaska, Princess Cruises is poised to deliver even more immersive and awe-inspiring voyages through the Inside Passage.

For those planning to experience the Alaska cruise of a lifetime, Star Princess is the perfect ship to set sail on. With its innovative design, top-tier amenities, and world-class service, the ship promises to provide guests with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether it’s witnessing glaciers calving, spotting whales, or simply soaking in the Alaskan wilderness, Princess Cruises will ensure a memorable and luxurious experience for every traveler.