To qualify for a spot on the 55-foot-long display, entrants must be Captain's Circle Elite members who have completed at least 15 cruises or 150 cruise days. The selection process requires participants to submit an essay between 300 and 500 words by September 22, 2026, detailing the memories and connections forged during their time at sea. Marie Lee, Chief Marketing Officer at Princess Cruises, noted that the initiative aims to honor the guests who have remained at the heart of the brand’s history for over 60 years.

Winners will be chosen by October 6 and awarded a trip for two to California. The float itself, titled "Welcome Aboard – Find Your Story," is being constructed by Artistic Entertainment Services. It will feature over 320,000 natural materials, including flowers, seeds, and bark, designed to represent iconic destinations like Japan, Australia, and Alaska. The finished structure will navigate Colorado Boulevard before an estimated 800,000 parade spectators and millions of television viewers worldwide.