Princess Cruises Launches 50th Anniversary "Inspiring Stories" Contest

Winner Will Ride on Princess' Rose Parade® Float on New Year's Day

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Oct 06, 2014, 01:46 ET

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Oct. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises is inviting past guests to join in celebrating its 50th anniversary by participating in an "Inspiring Stories" essay contest and sharing a moving experience that occurred on a Princess cruise vacation. The winner will ride on the line's first-ever float in The Rose Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena, Calif.

The author of the winning entry, and up to three guests featured in the story, will be awarded a four-day trip to Pasadena, Calif., to join the cast members of The Love Boat as they "cruise" down the five-and-a-half-mile parade route on January 1, 2015.

"Since the Rose Parade theme is 'Inspiring Stories', we want to uncover an amazing experience one of our guests has had aboard a Princess cruise," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. "We often hear stories from our guests about reconnecting with loved ones, celebrating milestone occasions, falling in love or getting married, and we're looking forward to selecting one to represent the wonderful memories that are made on our cruise ships every day."

The winner will also receive a $1,500 gift card, tickets to the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game, as well as airfare and hotel accommodations for up to four people.

The contest runs through Friday, October 31, 2014, and the entry form, sample stories, rules, prize description and eligibility details are available at http://www.princess.com/inspired.

The Rose Parade has been a world-renowned tradition since 1890 and is broadcast to approximately 80 million viewers around the world every New Year's Day. The Princess Cruises float will be 60 feet long and 24 feet high, and will be covered by more than 24,000 flowers and natural materials. Depicting the cruise line's newest ship Regal Princess symbolically sailing through some of the world's most fascinating destinations and iconic landmarks, the float will pay tribute to The Love Boat television show that made Princess Cruises one of the most famous names in cruising.

The "Inspiring Stories" essay contest is one of many special activities planned for the line's 50th anniversary celebration in 2015. Anniversary festivities will be held across the line's fleet of 18 cruise ships and will officially kick off with the November 5th naming ceremony for Regal Princess in Ft. Lauderdale before she sets sail for her maiden season of Caribbean cruises.

The contest is open to all legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Colombia, who are at least 18 years of age or older as of time of entry, and who have taken a cruise vacation on any Princess cruise prior to September 1, 2014.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by vising the company's website at 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 18 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 1.7 million guests each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 111 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®:
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade®, the Rose Bowl Game® and a variety of associated events. The Tournament's 935 volunteer members act as ambassadors of the organization within the community and serve on one of 31 committees that ensure the success of the parade and game. Collectively, they contribute upwards of 80,000 hours of manpower each year. The 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda and themed "Inspiring Stories," will take place Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, followed by the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual. For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.

SOURCE Princess Cruises