Princess Cruises is giving some of its most loyal guests a chance to become part of one of America’s best-known New Year’s Day traditions.

The cruise line has launched its “Share Your Princess Story” contest, inviting eligible Captain’s Circle Elite members to share their favorite Princess Cruises memories for the opportunity to ride aboard the company’s floral float in the 138th Rose Parade presented by Honda on January 1, 2027, in Pasadena, California.

Entries are open through September 22, 2026.

Four winners will each receive a trip for two to Pasadena, with the winner getting the chance to ride aboard the Princess Cruises float as it travels down Colorado Boulevard during the Rose Parade.

Who Can Enter?

The contest is open to eligible Princess Captain’s Circle Elite members who meet the contest requirements.

Entrants must:

• Be a legal resident of the 50 United States, Washington, D.C., or Canada, excluding Quebec
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of entry
• Have completed at least 15 Princess cruises or 150 cruise days as of the start of the contest

Eligible guests will need to submit a 300- to 500-word essay sharing the memories, connections, destinations, or experiences that have made Princess Cruises an important part of their story.

Entries must be submitted by September 22, 2026.

Official rules, eligibility requirements, prize details, and the entry form are available at PrincessShareYourStory.com.

Four Winners Head to Pasadena

Princess Cruises plans to select four winners by October 6, 2026.

Each winner will receive a trip for two to Pasadena, California, surrounding the 2027 Rose Parade.

The winning Captain’s Circle member will also receive the opportunity to ride aboard the Princess Cruises float during the parade on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2027.

“Princess guests have been at the heart of our story for more than 60 years, and many have shared incredible moments with us across decades of travel,” Princess Cruises Chief Marketing Officer Marie Lee said in announcing the contest.

The contest ties directly into the 2027 Rose Parade theme, “Welcome.”

Princess Cruises Returns to the Rose Parade

Princess Cruises is returning to the Rose Parade for a second consecutive year with a float titled:

“Welcome Aboard – Find Your Story”

The float is designed around the ideas of travel, discovery, connection, and the sense of belonging that can come from exploring the world.

Designed and built by Artistic Entertainment Services, the Princess float is expected to measure approximately 55 feet long and 22 feet high.

More than 320,000 flowers, seeds, bark, leaves, and other natural materials will be used in its construction.

The design will feature destinations visited by Princess Cruises, including:

• Alaska
• Japan
• Australia
• Europe

Animation, floral textures, and colorful destination-inspired scenes will help bring the float to life as it travels through Pasadena.

A Pretty Unique Prize for Longtime Princess Cruisers

Cruise line loyalty programs usually reward guests with things like onboard perks, discounts, priority access, and special events.

Riding on a Rose Parade float is a little different.

For longtime Princess cruisers with years of vacations and memories behind them, the “Share Your Princess Story” contest offers the chance to turn those experiences into something considerably bigger — and potentially spend New Year’s Day riding through Pasadena in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators.

If you qualify and have a memorable Princess story to tell, just remember that the entry window is fairly short.

Entries close September 22, 2026.

For complete contest rules and to enter, visit PrincessShareYourStory.com.

So until the next blog, podcast or livestream, keep making memories.