The Sun Princess is introducing a series of new holiday experiences for its inaugural festive season.
Guests can expect festive décor, live shows, family activities and reimagined holiday traditions at sea. From November 30 to January 3, the ship will feature seasonal experiences tailored to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s, according to a press release.
“Our team has created a lineup of magical holiday experiences you won’t find anywhere else,” said Becky Thomson Foley, head of global entertainment at Princess Cruises.
“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.”
Each voyage will kick off with a Tree Lighting Celebration in the ship’s Piazza where guests can enjoy a grand light show, music and performances by singers and dancers. The highlight includes the lighting of the ship’s largest-ever Christmas tree, with a special guest selected to perform the task. New interactive “Polar Pals” animal puppets, including reindeer, penguins and polar bears, will entertain children and families in the Piazza. Additionally, guests can track and meet Santa Claus for stories, music, and photo opportunities throughout the cruise.
Highlights include:
- Princess World Orchestra: A Jazz Era holiday tribute, featuring classic seasonal music in a cabaret style.
- Holly Jolly Sweater Party: A festive event where guests wear holiday sweaters and dance to holiday tunes.
- Stanley the Elf: Daily hide-and-seek with Princess’s mascot, Stanley the Bear, dressed as an elf, with clues shared on the Wake Show.
- Holiday Trivia and Competitions: Game shows, holiday movie marathons and trivia, including a Dreidel Spin-Off and New Year’s trivia.
The Sun Princess will also offer religious services, including Hanukkah candle lighting, as well as Christmas Eve services for both Protestant and Catholic guests. Additionally, there are interdenominational Christmas and church services available.
In addition to these new experiences, guests aboard the Sun Princess can enjoy festive holiday menus, including Thanksgiving turkey, Hanukkah latkes and Christmas prime rib, served across the ship’s dining options. Travelers can also indulge in seasonal cocktails and mocktails, such as “The Jingle” and “Charm,” to complement the celebrations.
For New Year’s Eve, the Sun Princess will transform into a festive venue with music, dancing and a Champagne toast to ring in 2025. Additionally, guests can look forward to the new “ArtBeat a Happy Heart by Britto” show, created in collaboration with Cirque Eloize, featuring the artwork of Romero Britto. The performance integrates his art style into the show’s design, combining bold colors and patterns with live performance elements.
