You don't have to go to the mountains to find snow on your holiday vacation, just take a cruise with Princess and you'll feel the spirit of the season. The Santa Clarita-based cruise company has decked out all its vessels with holiday decor, carolers, gingerbread houses, and even snow flakes from an innovative process that creates falling flakes that vanish on contact. No need to bundle up.
The white stuff will fall on all ships except for the Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess – which do not have large atriums.
Princess always looks gorgeous during the holidays and this year is no exception with the Christmas spirit spread throughout the ships. You can ever enter a a gingerbread house-building competition to see who can construct the most creative structure. Or express your inner creativity with holiday card making, enjoy the entertaining cheer of a Christmas variety show, and even pick up tips at a turkey-carving demonstration to prepare themselves to do the honors at their next holiday feast.
Passengers are also invited to join the Pop Choir, and the ships’ Piazzas will feature seasonal entertainment. Movies Under the Stars screens will show favorite holiday films, as well as a virtual Yule log that will turn the giant screens into the “world’s largest holiday fireplace.” Stateroom televisions will also add the traditional burning Yule log broadcast for a warm and cozy touch inside the room. And of course Santa is expected to make a visit, with passengers receiving their own stocking on Christmas Eve.
Religious services will be held as well, and passengers can participate in Catholic mass or a non-denominational church service performed by onboard clergy.
“The festive atmosphere onboard makes the holidays one our passengers’ favorite times to cruise,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “Our welcoming crew members take the worry out of all holiday preparations, and what better way to celebrate than with a winter snowfall – even on a tropical cruise vacation.” Swartz added that space is still available on select holiday sailings.
Holiday Feasts – Each Princess ship’s culinary team will delight the senses with spectacular holiday displays and will serve up several delicious feasts. Christmas dinner features traditional holiday fare including slow-roasted Vermont turkey with chestnut stuffing and cranberry chutney. Special desserts include English Christmas pudding and gingerbread soufflé, while freshly prepared stollen and Christmas cookies also make an appearance. Passengers can also try a taste of traditional holiday dishes from around the world as the Horizon Court serves up some favorites based on the cuisines of crew members’ home countries.
Christmas For Children – Younger cruisers are offered a full schedule of holiday activities with parties for efvery age group, cooking decorations and other Christmas-themed There's even an appearance by Santa Claus himself complete with sack full of toys, and, in what has become a holiday tradition, a senior officer will read “The Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve.
For parents who want to stay up later to celebrate the holidays, free late-night group kid-sitting sessions will be available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Happy Hanukkah – From December 20-28 the ship celebrates the Festival of Lights with special Hanukkah activities. You'll find menorahs and fresh flower arrangements in blue, silver and white on display. Kosher meals are available upon request, and kid’s centers will host activities for young cruisers, including a reading of “Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah.”
Happy New Year – Passengers will count down to a fun-filled 2012 with festive New Year's Eve parties, complete with music, confetti, noise-makers and a balloon drop to ring in the new year. Earlier in the evening, the dinner menu will feature special treats just for New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Day, football fans can follow the action of the day’s traditional college bowl games, as the telecasts will be shown (as available by satellite) on the giant Movies Under the Stars screens or in shipboard lounges.
Even Holiday Shopping – Passengers who love to shop will not miss out on the holiday sales just because they’re at sea. Princess will provide a wide array of holiday shopping and gift-giving opportunities on board including tax- and duty-free fine jewelry, watches, fragrance, cosmetics and fine art. New this year on the days after Christmas and New Year’s, the Princess boutiques will open early in the morning to offer shoppers "door-busters" and other holiday discounts and specials.
The 16-ship Princess fleet will cover the globe this holiday season, with sailings to the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Australia/New Zealand, South America, Hawaii and the South Pacific.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.
About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 16 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.3 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from seven to 107 days
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