Princess Cruises revealed the first publicly known float design for the 138th Rose Parade on Wednesday, Aug. 19, giving Pasadena its earliest glimpse of what will roll down Colorado Boulevard on New Year's Day.
The float, inspired by the 2027 parade theme "Welcome," will stand roughly 22 feet high and stretch 55 feet long, according to Porthole Cruise and Travel. It will showcase four cruise destinations: Alaska's glaciers and wildlife, Japan's cherry blossoms and temples, Australia's Sydney Opera House and beaches, and Europe's villages and coastlines. More than 320,000 flowers, seeds, bark, leaves and other natural materials will cover the structure.
Artistic Entertainment Services, a float-building firm, is designing and constructing the entry. Princess Cruises is back for a second year.
"The Rose Parade has always been about bringing people together through creativity, community and shared traditions," Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan said. "Princess Cruises embodies this year's theme 'Welcome' — by bringing people together to celebrate shared experiences and the warmth of making everyone feel welcome."
Madigan announced the "Welcome" theme earlier this year. The parade, presented by Honda, draws about 800,000 spectators to Colorado Boulevard and more than 28 million U.S. television viewers.
Rose Court applications now open
The float reveal isn't the only sign parade season is ramping up. The Tournament of Roses opened applications for the 2027 Rose Court on Aug. 3.
Initial interviews are scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5 and Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Tournament House, 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd. The court will be announced Sept. 28, and the 108th Rose Queen will be crowned Oct. 27. Each court member receives a $7,500 scholarship.
Applicants must live and attend school full time in the Pasadena Area Community College District or one of seven additional eligible ZIP codes covering parts of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, San Gabriel and Alhambra.
Upcoming community calendar
- Saturday, Sept. 5 and Tuesday, Sept. 8 — Rose Court applicant interviews, Tournament House, 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd.
- Sept. 28 — 2027 Rose Court announcement
- Oct. 27 — 108th Rose Queen coronation
- Friday, Jan. 1, 2027 — 138th Rose Parade and 113th Rose Bowl Game
