We kicked off 2019 in grand New Year’s Day style, unveiling our first-ever float in the world-famous Rose Parade in Pasadena, California!
It was modeled after the new Carnival Panorama®, 133,500 tons of fun setting sail from Long Beach later this year. The float cruised down the five-mile parade route, delighting the crowd of 700,000 who got to jam along to Carnival’s nine-piece band playing radio hits. Another 80 million TV viewers caught the sight at home.
The 55-foot-long, ship-shaped float—which looked a lot like the real thing—also featured floral reproductions of signature Carnival features like the iconic red and blue funnel, a water park, a fun-filled Lido Deck party, plus Carnival Panorama’s® signature onboard attraction: the first-ever trampoline park at sea. (We worked in partnership with Sky Zone to get highly skilled jumpers and an actual trampoline built right into the float!)
If that’s not enough fun for one float, ours also included a replica of the new Carnival AirShip flying overhead, just like the blimp that’s embarking on a month-long tour of California to show Carnival’s love for Long Beach, as well as highlight new cruise itineraries leaving from San Diego and San Francisco.
If you saw the float, you couldn’t miss those flowers – we decked the float out with plants, flowers and seeds from over 100 countries. Why? We thought it was important to show that Carnival employees hail from many countries all over the world! The floral masterpiece also featured a fun pair of mascots that guests would recognize from two of our top bars: the BlueIguana Tequila Bar™ and RedFrog Pub™. Then we threw in a couple of scuba divers blowing actual bubbles as the float sailed down the parade route… you know, just for fun!
For more fun: We were featured in Funny or Die’s parade coverage — check us out!
Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.