Last weekend, two years after the first time, Beth and I set sail with our gals on the Portland Spirit’s annual, 2-hour Cinnamon Bear Cruise. The girls were thrilled to see some familiar characters from the beloved story, and were eager to board the ship and meet the Cinnamon Bear. We were again excited to take part in celebrating the history of the series that first aired between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 1937 and has become a well-loved, Portland holiday tradition.
Upon boarding, Captain Taffy greeted us and we had a quick photo taken with him. Once settled in on the Spirit, we helped ourselves to a stocked buffet filled with yummy pastry, fruit and granola. Our girls gleefully enjoyed hot cocoa and welcomed the Cinnamon Bear as he greeted the passengers. This year the girls, a little bit older, could fully appreciate the story of the Cinnamon Bear read by Queen Melissa where they could have their personal copies of “Cinnamon Bear” signed by Queen Melissa. And Upon completing a crash course in piratery, the kids reveled in becoming a “Candy Buccaneers” and were invited to loot a treasure chest filled with candy.
After storytelling, candy looting and meeting the sweet patch quilt dragon, the children were summoned to the second deck of the Spirit to have their photo taken with the Cinnamon Bear. And unlike what can sometimes be a little scary for kids when meeting Santa Claus, the children seemed to adore this sweet bear, and were very happy to sit with him.
Meanwhile, families aboard the cruise were in the holiday spirit, soaking up the experience and gazing out the window at the beautiful scenery beyond the Willamette River. It was an amazing view and wonderful to see the city from the water. As the cruise concluded we were treated to a magic show by Presto the Magician. The kids sat in awe of his tricks and were excited to see Houdini the bunny in the last act of his show. Kids again lined up for a chance to pet Houdini and it was a great photo opportunity!
The passengers seemed to have a great time. Our girls loved collecting signatures from the entire cast of characters and relished in making sure they had each and every one before they disembarked. We really enjoyed ourselves, will sail again, and can see why so many families have created an annual holiday tradition around the Cinnamon Bear Cruise.
There’s still time to board the Spirit for the Cinnamon Bear Cruise. Tickets range from $22-30 and include one picture with the Cinnamon Bear and the yummy snack buffet. For more information about dates, times and what to expect, visit cinnamonbearcruise.com
