Princess Cruises is set to make waves this holiday season with the debut of its all-new Holidays at Sea program aboard the Sun Princess. This festive program brings the ultimate holiday experience to the high seas, offering guests a series of first-ever seasonal celebrations, immersive entertainment, and unforgettable family activities. As the newest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, the Sun Princess promises to transform its decks into a vibrant holiday paradise, complete with dazzling décor and exclusive shows. This exciting inaugural holiday season is packed with reimagined traditions, spectacular performances, and festive activities that will create memories for families, couples, and friends alike.

Recognized as #1 Mega Cruise Ship in the United States by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Sun Princess provides the perfect setting for celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s in grand style. From November 30 to January 3, the Holidays at Sea program offers a host of exclusive activities, ensuring every guest has an extraordinary voyage.

Becky Thomson Foley, Princess Head of Global Entertainment, shared, “We’ve curated a magical lineup of holiday experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re seeking a memorable escape this year or planning for 2025, immerse yourself in the spirit of the season aboard the Sun Princess, where entertainment surrounds you every step of the way.”

Tree Lighting Celebration & Santa Claus Appearances

The Holidays at Sea program kicks off with a spectacular new tradition: the Tree Lighting Celebration, held in the stunning Piazza. This heartwarming event features an unforgettable light show, with performances by the talented ship’s singers and dancers, and a special appearance by Stanley the Bear, the ship’s beloved mascot. Guests can participate in lighting the largest Christmas tree ever featured on a Princess ship, setting the mood for a magical holiday season on board.

For the first time ever, guests can interact with the Polar Pals, a charming collection of animal puppets inspired by the Northern Lights. These playful characters, including reindeer, penguins, and polar bears, roam the Piazza and engage with guests, creating moments of joy and laughter for all ages.

Of course, no holiday season is complete without Santa Claus, and aboard the Sun Princess, guests can follow the Santa tracker as he makes his way to the ship. Children (and adults) can meet Santa, hear stories, sing festive songs, and take photos, all while embracing the magic of the season.

Holiday Entertainment for All Ages

Princess Cruises’ entertainment lineup includes something for everyone:

• Princess World Orchestra – A Jazz Era Holiday Tribute: Experience the golden age of jazz with a sophisticated holiday cabaret performance by the Princess World Orchestra, bringing seasonal classics to life in style.
• Holly Jolly Sweater Party: Guests are invited to don their most festive (or outrageous) holiday sweaters and dance the night away. A DJ will spin upbeat holiday tunes, creating the perfect atmosphere for fun and celebration.
• Stanley, the New Elf’s Daily Hide and Seek: Princess’s adorable mascot, Stanley the Bear, gets into the holiday spirit by donning a green elf suit. Each day, guests can follow clues to find Stanley’s latest hiding spot on the ship—an interactive holiday adventure for the whole family.
• Holiday Trivia, Competitions, and Holiday Movies: Guests can join in on fun holiday-themed game shows, testing their knowledge of seasonal traditions, or enjoy festive movie marathons on the Movies Under the Stars screen. Highlights include a Dreidel Spin-Off and holiday trivia covering everything from Christmas customs to New Year’s traditions.

Religious Services Onboard

Princess Cruises also provides a warm, welcoming space for guests to celebrate their faith during the holiday season. Religious services available aboard the Sun Princess include:

• Hanukkah Candle Lighting and Services
• Christmas Eve Protestant and Catholic Services
• Interdenominational Christmas and Church Services

Festive Dining and Signature Holiday Cocktails

Princess’s culinary team is ready to make the holidays even more memorable with an array of festive meals. Guests can indulge in classic holiday dishes like Thanksgiving turkey, Hanukkah latkes, and Christmas prime rib. Whether dining in the main dining room or specialty restaurants, holiday meals will be served with all the trimmings—allowing guests to relax and enjoy the feast while Princess handles all the details.

To complement the meals, Princess mixologists will be serving up holiday-themed cocktails like The Jingle, a cranberry vodka infusion, and Charm, a pecan-spiced delight—perfect for toasting the season.

Ring in 2025 with New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Guests celebrating New Year’s aboard the Sun Princess will be treated to an unforgettable experience. The ship will transform into the ultimate party venue, with live music, décor, and dancing throughout the evening. As the clock strikes midnight, guests will join in a spectacular countdown, complete with noise makers, the Sun Princess Band, and a Champagne toast to welcome 2025.

New Show: ArtBeat a Happy Heart by Britto

In addition to the festive activities, the Sun Princess introduces ArtBeat a Happy Heart by Britto, a reimagined show that features the vibrant, colorful art of Romero Britto. This collaboration with Cirque Eloize celebrates Britto’s bold patterns and energetic artwork, bringing joy and creativity to the stage. The performance 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.

The post Princess Cruises Delivers a Holiday Season Like No Other Aboard Sun Princess: New Year’s Countdown, Tree Lighting, and Seasonal Dining Across the U.S. and Caribbean appeared first on Travel And Tour World.