header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
December 26
1873 - Vasquez gang raids Kingston in (now) Kings County; ties up townspeople, makes off with $2,500 in cash and jewels [story]
Kingston


The newly launched Sun Princess brings new lineup of first-ever holiday experiences to the high seas, transforming its decks into a festive paradise for the season.

As the latest and most impressive addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, Sun Princess celebrates its inaugural holiday season with dazzling décor, immersive shows, exclusive family activities and beloved holiday traditions reimagined at sea.

Recently recognized as #1 in Mega Cruise in the United States in the annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the next-level Sun Princess is the ultimate destination to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah and New Year’s in grand style with loved ones. With vibrant seasonal touches and unique activities debuting exclusively between November 30 and January 3, Holidays at Sea promises an extraordinary adventure for families, couples, and friends alike.

“Our team has created a lineup of magical holiday experiences you won’t find anywhere else,” said Becky Thomson Foley, Princess Head of Global Entertainment. “Whether you’re planning a memorable escape this year or looking ahead to the 2025 holiday season, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, as at Princess, entertainment really does happen all around you.”

Tree Lighting Celebration, Santa Claus & More in the Stunning Piazza

Each cruise kicks off with a brand new, unforgettable Tree Lighting Celebration in the ship’s breathtaking Piazza. Led by the Cruise Director, this spectacular light show brings holiday wishes to life, featuring a talented cast of singers and dancers, a special appearance by Stanley the Bear, and a guest selected to light the ship’s grand Christmas tree – the largest ever featured on a Princess ship. With twinkling lights and festive music, this dazzling spectacle will set the mood for an extraordinary holiday journey.

For the first time ever, guests can interact with the ship’s adorable “Polar Pals,” enchanting animal puppets designed to delight kids of all ages. Inspired by the Northern Lights, these playful reindeer, penguin and polar bear characters roam the Piazza, engaging guests in memorable moments that bring a touch of winter magic to the tropics.

Guests young and old who believe in the spirit of jolly Old Saint Nick gather in the Piazza to eagerly follow the Santa tracker as he heads toward Sun Princess and makes his way on board for plenty of stories, music and photo opportunities throughout the voyage. ​

More Holiday Entertainment and Activities for All Ages

Princess World Orchestra – A Jazz Era Holiday Tribute: Step into the golden glitz of the Jazz Era as the Princess World Orchestra brings seasonal classics to life in a sophisticated holiday cabaret.

Holly Jolly Sweater Party: Guests are invited to don their most festive sweaters – or their most outrageous holiday outfits – and hit the dance floor.  The DJ will be spinning an upbeat mix of holiday tunes, setting the perfect backdrop for guests to showcase their holiday spirit and celebrate in style.

Stanley, the New Elf’s Daily Hide and Seek: Princess’s adorable mascot, Stanley the Bear, dons his green elf suit for the season. Each day, guests can follow clues announced on the Wake Show to track down Stanley’s latest hiding spot. It’s a playful holiday adventure for all ages. Who knows where he’ll turn up next?!?

Holiday Trivia, Competitions and Holiday Movies: From holiday movie marathons on the Movies Under the Stars screen to holiday-themed game shows, the cruise staff has a lineup of fun holiday activities to test guests’ knowledge of seasonal traditions, Highlights include a Dreidel Spin-Off in the Piazza, as well as game shows covering everything from Christmas customs to New Year’s trivia!

Religious Services

Sun Princess also offers a welcoming seasonal religious services, including:

-Hanukkah Candle Lighting and Services

-Christmas Eve Protestant Service

-Christmas Eve Catholic Service

-Interdenominational Christmas and Church Services

Festive Holiday Menus and Signature Cocktails

From a perfectly roasted Thanksgiving turkey with all the trimmings to Hanukkah latkes and Christmas prime rib, the Princess culinary team serves up an array of memorable holiday meals. Whether guests dine in the main dining room, specialty restaurants or casual eateries, the holiday spirit will be on full display, including letting the Princess team take care of securing all of the key ingredients, preparation, set up, cooking and cleaning.

To complete the experience, Princess mixologists are serving up holiday-themed cocktails and mocktails. Try “The Jingle,” a cranberry vodka infusion, or “Charm,” a pecan-spiced delight – both perfect for toasting the season.

Ring in 2025 with a Toast & a Kiss on The Love Boat

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style on The Love Boat—be sure to pack sequins, bow ties and dancing shoes as Sun Princess transforms into the ultimate party venue. The decks will come alive with music, décor and dancing all leading up to a spectacular countdown complete with noise makers, the Sun Princess Band and a Champagne toast to ring in 2025.

While Sun Princess exclusively offers the new Holidays at Sea program, all Princess ships in the fleet will celebrate the holidays in style, decked with holiday décor, festive activities, special menus, themed drinks and more, ensuring the magic of the season touches every corner of the Princess family.

New Show: ArtBeat a Happy Heart by Britto

In addition to the holiday celebrations, ArtBeat on Sun Princess has re-launched as “ArtBeat a Happy Heart by Britto,” now featuring the iconic art of Romero Britto (who also has his namesake Love by Britto restaurant onboard Sun Princess). The reimagined show, in collaboration with Cirque Eloize, celebrates the vibrant art of Romero Britto, whose bold colors and playful patterns bring joy and energy to every scene. The story 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

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Boys and girls Foothill League soccer teams have been on holiday schedule this past week, with some teams taking time off and others playing non-league matches. Consequently, league standings haven’t changed much.
Foothill League Soccer: Holiday Non-League Matches
College of the Canyons women's basketball notched another mark in the win column, as the Cougars were able to stack a second straight road victory 54-46 at Oxnard College on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Cougars Notch Another Victory, 54-46 at Oxnard College
1873 - Vasquez gang raids Kingston in (now) Kings County; ties up townspeople, makes off with $2,500 in cash and jewels [story]
Kingston
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station has issued the following traffic alerts: Due to heavy rains, the westbound right lane is closed on Soledad Canyon Road between Camp Plenty Road and Langside Avenue.
SCV Sheriff’s Station Issues Traffic Alert on Soledad Canyon Road
Fostering Youth Independence’s recent Charlie Brown Holiday party was attended by dozens of local foster youth and their volunteer Allies.
Fostering Youth Independence Hosts Holiday PJ Party
The National Weather Service as issued the following alerts for the Santa Clarita Valley. Flood Watch until Dec. 26, 4 p.m. PST, High Wind Warning until Dec. 25, 3 p.m. PST.
NWS Issues Flood Watch for SCV Through Friday
1852 - Acton gold mine owner & California Gov. Henry Tifft Gage born in New York [story]
Henry Gage
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger is urging residents to remain vigilant as a powerful storm system moves through Los Angeles County, bringing periods of heavy rain and rapidly changing conditions.
Barger Urges Residents to Stay Alert, Follow Evacuation Orders
Thirteen suspects were arrested, and more than $800,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered following a coordinated, multi-agency operation targeting an organized retail theft network operating across Northern California.
CHP Makes Multiple Arrests in Organized Retail Theft Investigation
The California State Transportation Agency today announced a new joint effort by two of its departments, the Department of Motor Vehicles and California Highway Patrol, to curb excessive speeding and prevent deadly crashes.
Pilot Program to Crack Down on Extreme Speeding
The city of Santa Clarita invites the community to heat up the holiday season at the Holiday Spice Salsa Edition on Saturday, Dec. 27, at the Canyon Country Community Center, located at 18410 Sierra Highway Santa Clarita, CA 91351.
Dec. 27: Holiday Spice Salsa Edition at Canyon Country Community Center
1965 - Signal newspaper owner Scott Newhall shows up for a duel (of words) with rival Canyon Country newspaper publisher Art Evans, who no-shows and folds his paper soon after [story]
headline
As winter storms enter Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control urges pet owners to take necessary precautions in light of the significant storms expected to last for five days.
DACC Urges Pet Owners to Prioritize Safety Ahead of Storm
Brayden Miner scored 31 points and Rylan Starr had 24 as The Master's University men's basketball team crushed Bethesda University 145-59 The MacArthur Center.
Season’s Best Offensive Performance Leads TMU Over Bethesda
From surprise Santa arrivals to stacks of gifts waiting for young hands, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley delivered holiday cheer on a large scale this season, reaching hundreds of children and teens throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, including Clubhouses in Canyon Country, Newhall, Val Verde and Castaic.
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley Spreads Holiday Cheer
Princess Cruises, headquartered in Santa Clarita, embraced a cherished maritime tradition in a uniquely festive way, celebrating a symbolic christening of its Rose Parade float with a ceremonial break of a bottle of Pantalones Organic Tequila.
Princess Cruises Christens Star Princess Tournament of Roses Float
The Golden Globes have ushered in awards season with the announcement of the 2026 nominees across 28 categories. Among this year’s contenders is Pixar’s "Elio," which earned a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Animated.
CalArtian-Directed ‘Elio’ Nominated for 2026 Golden Globe
The National Weather Service has issued a "Hazardous Weather" warning for the Santa Clarita Valley and Southern California.
NWS Issues Flood, High Wind Warnings for SCV, Southland
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Missing Persons Unit are asking for the public’s help locating at-Risk missing person Drew Barrick Russell.
LASD Asks for Help Locating Missing Santa Clarita Man
1997 - Five bodies found during grading of Northlake development in Castaic; determined to be Jenkins graveyard [story]
reburial
Old Town Newhall Public Library will host "Spice Travels," Friday, Jan. 2, 9:15-9:30 a.m. at 24500 Main St., Santa Clarita, CA 91321.
Jan. 2: Explore Global Cuisine with ‘Spice Travels ‘ at Newhall Library
The California Highway Patrol encourages the public to “brake” the habit of speeding this holiday season. The CHP will launch a Holiday Enforcement Period starting at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25.
Dec. 24-25: CHP Launches Holiday Enforcement Period
Volunteers are needed to help clear brush and restore the tread from the existing lower Gates and Twister trails 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 27.
Dec. 27: Volunteers Needed for SCV Trail Users Workday
SCVNews.com