by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:40 PM ET, Wed November 13, 2024
WHY IT RATES: Sun
Princess celebrates its inaugural holiday season with décor, shows, family
activities and holiday traditions.—Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.
The newly launched Sun Princess brings an exciting lineup of
first-ever holiday experiences to the high seas, transforming its decks into a
festive paradise for the season.
As the latest and most impressive addition to the Princess
Cruises fleet, Sun Princess celebrates its inaugural holiday season with
dazzling décor, immersive shows, exclusive family activities and beloved
holiday traditions reimagined at sea.
Recently recognized as #1 in Mega Cruise in the United
States in the annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the next-level
Sun Princess is the ultimate destination to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas,
Hannukah and New Year’s in grand style with loved ones. With vibrant seasonal
touches and unique activities debuting exclusively between November 30 and
January 3, Holidays at Sea promises an extraordinary adventure for families,
couples, and friends alike.
“Our team has created a lineup of magical holiday
experiences you won’t find anywhere else,” said Becky Thomson Foley, Princess
Head of Global Entertainment. “Whether you’re planning a memorable escape this
year or looking ahead to the 2025 holiday season, immerse yourself in the
holiday spirit, as at Princess, entertainment really does happen all around
you.”
Tree Lighting Celebration, Santa Claus & More in the
Stunning Piazza
Each cruise kicks off with a brand new, unforgettable Tree
Lighting Celebration in the ship’s breathtaking Piazza. Led by the Cruise
Director, this spectacular light show brings holiday wishes to life, featuring
a talented cast of singers and dancers, a special appearance by Stanley the
Bear, and a guest selected to light the ship’s grand Christmas tree – the
largest ever featured on a Princess ship. With twinkling lights and festive
music, this dazzling spectacle will set the mood for an extraordinary holiday
journey.
For the first time ever, guests can interact with the ship’s
adorable “Polar Pals,” enchanting animal puppets designed to delight kids of
all ages. Inspired by the Northern Lights, these playful reindeer, penguin and
polar bear characters roam the Piazza, engaging guests in memorable moments
that bring a touch of winter magic to the tropics.
Guests young and old who believe in the spirit of jolly Old
Saint Nick gather in the Piazza to eagerly follow the Santa tracker as he heads
toward Sun Princess and makes his way on board for plenty of stories, music and
photo opportunities throughout the voyage.
More Holiday Entertainment and Activities for All Ages
Princess World Orchestra – A Jazz Era Holiday Tribute: Step
into the golden glitz of the Jazz Era as the Princess World Orchestra brings
seasonal classics to life in a sophisticated holiday cabaret.
Holly Jolly Sweater Party: Guests are invited to don their
most festive sweaters - or their most outrageous holiday outfits - and hit the
dance floor. The DJ will be spinning an
upbeat mix of holiday tunes, setting the perfect backdrop for guests to
showcase their holiday spirit and celebrate in style.
Stanley, the New Elf’s Daily Hide and Seek: Princess’s
adorable mascot, Stanley the Bear, dons his green elf suit for the season. Each
day, guests can follow clues announced on the Wake Show to track down Stanley’s
latest hiding spot. It’s a playful holiday adventure for all ages. Who knows
where he’ll turn up next?!?
Holiday Trivia, Competitions and Holiday Movies: From
holiday movie marathons on the Movies Under the Stars screen to holiday-themed
game shows, the cruise staff has a lineup of fun holiday activities to test
guests’ knowledge of seasonal traditions, Highlights include a Dreidel Spin-Off
in the Piazza, as well as game shows covering everything from Christmas customs
to New Year’s trivia!
Religious Services
Sun Princess also offers a welcoming seasonal religious
services, including:
- Hanukkah Candle Lighting and Services
- Christmas Eve Protestant Service
- Christmas Eve Catholic Service
- Interdenominational Christmas and Church Services
Festive Holiday Menus and Signature Cocktails
From a perfectly roasted Thanksgiving turkey with all the
trimmings to Hanukkah latkes and Christmas prime rib, the Princess culinary
team serves up an array of memorable holiday meals. Whether guests dine in the
main dining room, specialty restaurants or casual eateries, the holiday spirit
will be on full display, including letting the Princess team take care of
securing all of the key ingredients, preparation, set up, cooking and cleaning.
To complete the experience, Princess mixologists are serving
up holiday-themed cocktails and mocktails. Try “The Jingle,” a cranberry vodka
infusion, or “Charm,” a pecan-spiced delight – both perfect for toasting the
season.
Ring in 2025 with a Toast & a Kiss on The Love Boat
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style on The Love Boat—be sure
to pack sequins, bow ties and dancing shoes as Sun Princess transforms into the
ultimate party venue. The decks will come alive with music, décor and dancing
all leading up to a spectacular countdown complete with noise makers, the Sun
Princess Band and a Champagne toast to ring in 2025.
While Sun Princess exclusively offers the new Holidays at
Sea program, all Princess ships in the fleet will celebrate the holidays in
style, decked with holiday décor, festive activities, special menus, themed
drinks and more, ensuring the magic of the season touches every corner of the
Princess family.
New Show: ArtBeat a Happy Heart by Britto
In addition to the holiday celebrations, ArtBeat on Sun
Princess has re-launched as “ArtBeat a Happy Heart by Britto,” now featuring
the iconic art of Romero Britto (who also has his namesake Love by Britto
restaurant onboard Sun Princess). The reimagined show, in collaboration with
Cirque Eloize, celebrates the vibrant art of Romero Britto, whose bold colors
and playful patterns bring joy and energy to every scene. The story follows
Sketch, a passionate artist who finds inspiration in a colorful cast of characters,
creating a masterpiece that embodies the spirit of love and creativity
SOURCE: Princess Cruises
press release.
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