SANTA CLARITA, Calif.,
Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/
-- Out of nearly 1,000 entries submitted in Princess Cruises'
50th Anniversary "Inspiring Stories" essay contest in which past
guests were asked to share an inspirational experience that
occurred on a Princess cruise vacation for the opportunity to ride
on the line's Rose Parade float on January
1, the story of a World War II veteran's Memorial Day return to the South Pacific has been
selected as the grand-prize winner.
The story was submitted by Paula
Abbott, whose husband Nathan served as a US Navy Radarman
2/C in the Pacific Theater (1943-45). One of only seven survivors
of the USS Monaghan which went down with two other ships during a
typhoon off of the Philippines in
1944, the veteran of the Iwo Jima and Okinawa invasions had long desired to return
to the islands where he had served. In 2004, a Princess cruise to
the Islands of the Pacific Theater of War allowed him to fulfill
that wish, and he was able to share important memories with other
WWII veterans. The 91-year-old Bronze Star recipient resides in
Whittier, Calif.
As the grand-prize winner, Paula and
Nathan Abbott will join the cast members of The Love
Boat to ride on Princess Cruises' first-ever float in the 126th
Rose Parade on New Year's Day,
officially kicking off the cruise line's 50th anniversary year.
An additional four stories – an Alaskan cruise turned marriage
proposal, a golden wedding anniversary cruise, a young family's
celebration of survival, and a mother and daughter's life affirming
encounter – were selected as runners up. The authors and guests
also will cruise the five-and-a-half mile parade route on the
float.
"We were truly inspired by the stories of love, family and the
triumph of the human spirit we received from our guests and we want
to thank everyone who shared their personal stories with us," said
Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises
president. "Each tale was unique, taking place in different
destinations around the globe, but the unifying theme of this
year's Rose Parade gave us the opportunity to acknowledge the many
forms of inspiration so many of our guests find while cruising with
Princess. We are thrilled to feature these guests on our Rose
Parade float."
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 is 60 feet long and 24 feet high, and will
be covered by more than 24,000 flowers and natural materials.
Depicting the line's newest ship Regal Princess symbolically
sailing through some of the world's most fascinating destinations
and iconic landmarks, the float pays tribute to The Love
Boat television show that made Princess Cruises one of the most
famous names in cruising.
To view a time lapse video of the Princess Cruises Rose Parade
float construction, click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITjMUNy5Lak&feature=youtu.be
The contest is one of many special activities planned for
Princess' 50th anniversary celebration. For more information, visit
http://www.princess.com/50th-anniversary/.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available
through a professional travel consultant, 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.
Newsroom:
Additional media information is
available at princess.com/news.
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SOURCE Princess Cruises