Festivals of the World

On select Panama Canal cruises

It's been called the "world's greatest shortcut" and cruising to this manmade marvel is certainly cause for celebration. Our Carnaval de Panama festival helps immerse you in the region, with arts and crafts, dance lessons, DiscoveryTM Animal shows, lectures and documentaries on the Canal, a colorful party in the Piazza and much more!

Featured Carnaval Activities:

On select South American cruises

Delve into the culture and exotic folklore of Brazil with the wildly colorful and exhilarating Rio Carnival! Hailed as one of the greatest parties on earth, the official "Carnival" is held in Rio de Janeiro, four days before Ash Wednesday. Kick up your heels at a Samba dance class, decorate a traditional headdress or mix and mingle with fellow travelers at a themed party!

Featured Rio Carnival Activities:

• Local dancers perform a 30 minute Carnival show that will include some capoeira and guests
• Learn the Samba beat with our drum circle class
• Cultural historical trivia
• The History of Rio Carnival presentation

On select California Coast and Mexico cruises

Throw on your Hawaiian shirt and get into the "Aloha Spirit" when you participate in this national holiday of the Kingdom of Hawaii, honoring the memory of Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 and became Hawaii’s first king. Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture, make fragrant leis, strum a ukulele, learn to tie a sarong and gain valuable insights into the islands' culture from onboard cultural ambassadors.

Featured King Kamehameha Activities:

• Hawaiian music and language classes
• Hawaiian cultural trivia
• Hula dance classes

On select Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific cruises

This traditional Maori celebration gives a nod to the heavens. Matariki is the Maori name for the Pleiades star cluster, or The Seven Sisters, whose appearance marked the start of the Maori New Year. This ancient festival is resplendent with ceremonial harvest offerings and homage to the legacy of the whakapapa (ancestors) who have passed from this world to the next. On select Princess cruise vacations, participate in a colorful variety of cultural events and make wish boxes or watch a vibrant 'Kapa Haka' performance before trying the dance yourself!

Featured Matariki Activities:

• Cultural trivia
• Poi Ball dance class

On select California Coast and Mexico cruises

The Day of the Dead, also known as Day of the Innocents or Little Angels, is a colorful and fascinating holiday celebrated in central and southern Mexico during the chilly first days of November. Explore this ancient Aztec tradition on Princess Cruises, with face painting, flower making and sugar skull mask making. Don’t miss the dance-filled variety show, with such enthralling numbers as 'The Procession of the Dead.'

Featured Day of the Dead Activities:

• Decorate marzipan skulls
• Aztec flower making
• Children’s pasta skeleton making
• Learning traditional dances

On select UK cruises

Tartan plaid abounds when the spirit of Celtic heritage comes to life on Princess Cruises. Clap your hands in "Scotland," where light-footed dancers and bagpipers perform, and in "Ireland" watch "Gaels Afloat," a Celtic performance of indigenous dance and music. Learn to play the penny whistle, shop for themed items in our retail boutiques, try your hand at turnip carving and enjoy arts and crafts for the wee ones. You'll be wearing a kilt in no time!

Featured Celtic Activities:

• Scotland (Greenock) Highland dancers
• Celtic dance lessons
• Cultural trivia
• Turnip carving
• Celtic penny whistle classes