Dolly Parton to Launch New Cruise Ship – Parton of the Seas
Dolly Parton has made a surprise Easter announcement that she has partnered with Royal Caribbean to launch a brand new faith-based cruise ship to be called “Parton of the Seas.” Representatives from both companies are very excited to bring something completely new to the Caribbean with Dolly’s mix of faith and southern hospitality that has made her Smoky Mountain attractions so popular over the years. We have gathered as many details as possible about this exciting new cruise ship to share below!
Why Dolly Parton?
Royal Caribbean is known for naming their ships in such as way that all end with “of the Seas” such as “Allure of the Seas”, “Symphony of the Seas”, “Harmony of the Seas”, etc. As the team began preparing to name their next cruise ship, they started seeing a trend in their names with “Harmony”, “Symphony”, “Radiance”, “Allure”, “Serenade”, “Endurance”, etc. and began brainstorming around the idea that these words could actually describe a single person. Veteran Royal Caribbean cruise director, Marc Walker, chimed in with his experience at Dollywood and being blow away with the southern hospitality at her attractions. The “wink” in his facebook post was apparently a huge clue that we missed years ago!
The team emphatically agreed that Dolly Parton was the perfect person to partner with on their next cruise ship…they internally referred to it as a PARTONership.
Why “Parton of the Seas”?
When asked about Dolly’s reaction when initially contacted by Royal Caribbean, she replied in only the way we would expect Dolly to respond: “I was shocked! I mean, I shouldn’t be, really…because people always joke about how buoyant I am, so I guess you could say it was meant to be!”
Dolly went on to describe how the name was chosen by saying, “My faith has always been a big part of everything I do and every attraction that I am involved with. When I was a little girl, I would hear the story of Moses and the parting of the seas, but growing up in the Smoky Mountains we didn’t pronounce it ‘parting’. It sounded like more like ‘partin of the seas’ which is exactly what came to mind when they asked me to put my name on a ship! And so it all made perfect sense for our faith-based cruise ship to be named ‘Parton of the Seas’ with Moses leading the way…but if he cause us to run aground, he’s fired!” as Dolly chuckled.
Entertainment on Parton of the Seas
Dolly is bringing her Smoky Mountain style of entertainment to the Caribbean complete with the music of gospel, bluegrass, and country along with broadway quality dancing, acting, lighting, and hair. The featured show will be her incredibly popular “Coat of Many Colors” which they claim will not be shown during formal nights on the ship due to the excessive tear-jerking moments and running of makeup that is sure to ruin formal night photos.
Throughout the ship, there will also be numerous bands and performers playing tunes of the Smokies. Who knows, you might even turn a corner and find Dolly and Kenny singing “Islands in the Stream!”
Food on Parton of the Seas
Executive Chef, April Fultz, described dining on Parton of the Seas by saying, “When we surveyed past guests on our Royal Caribbean cruises, many of them described confusion with fancy meals such as Spaghetti Arriabbata, Burrata, Pappardelle, Salmon Gravlax, and more. So we decided to make our main dining room feature a family-style southern meal because everyone knows what fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, and banana pudding are…if they don’t, then they’re on the wrong ship! We’ll also have unlimited champagne of the south…otherwise known as sweet tea.”
What we are most excited about, though, is possibly the sweetest thing to ever hit the Caribbean…Dollywood’s cinnamon bread! There will be numerous concession stands throughout the ship offering fresh loaves of this amazing, sugary, sticky, goodness. It was voted as quite possibly the best thing to eat at any theme park in the nation…and possibly now the Caribbean! The only thing we’re wondering is if it will be available through room service…24/7…we’re asking for a friend of course.
Parton of the Seas Pool Deck
In the category of “why didn’t someone think of this sooner”, Parton of the Seas will feature a lazy river on the pool deck! This will allow guests to lazily float the entire length of the ship. Research shows that typical pools on ships are filled with people just sitting or floating along the edge and not really “swimming,” so the lazy river is perfect for those that just want to be lazy!
Putting the “cabin” back in Cabins
Staterooms on cruise ships are often referred to as “cabins”, and so Dolly personally requested to put some “cabin” back into cabins! Each cabin will be themed like a Smoky Mountain cabin with an ample amount of wood and even a fireplace for those chilly Caribbean nights that dip into the 80’s! The closet door also serves as a floatation device big enough for Rose AND Jack…because Dolly prefers happy endings.
When will Parton of the Seas set sail?
As much as we wish Parton of the Seas would set sail soon, sadly she won’t make it beyond this blog post…because it’s our annual April Fool’s joke! đ Did you have fun along with us dreaming of a Dolly Dreamliner? Be sure to share with your friends on facebook to spread the fun and laughs today! And who knows…maybe a cruise line will pick up on some of these ideas and let southern hospitality set sail someday! Happy April Fool’s day and happy Easter from all of us at Pigeon Forge TN Guide!
Click below to share on facebook and leave us a comment below to let us know what you think about Parton of the Seas!
If you want to stay in a real cabin and experience true southern hospitality with many of the wonderful things in this article, click here to find the perfect Smoky Mountain cabin! Also, to get the best coupons for the best shows in Pigeon Forge, visit https://www.pigeonforgetnguide.com/things-to-do/shows/ and check out our guide on the fun stuff to do in town.
I was seriously excited!!!!! đ
This was a sick joke. I was getting excited on cruising once again, since we are Crown and Anchor Members on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. The entertainment and the food was a good way to lure a southerner. How cruel to tease us like this. NOW MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!!!
I agree with everyone’s post! I love cruising and was ready to book this one. Was actually fixing to send to some of my cruise friends so we can book when it opened. Would be a great idea to make happen! <3 Sad it was just an April Fool's Day joke. đ
I think that was just an awful joke.love Hollywood and love cruises.I was just waiting for this one.loved the idea.would be best boat ever if they would go and do it.really wanting some of that cinnamon bread.the best around.and the southern food.just too good.thanks a lot for the disappointment
Not cool lol was ready for my first cruise.
That was not nice! I have never ever ever been on a cruise. My mother in law keeps trying to talk me into it for over 20 years now!!! I’m afraid of water..like really so NO! But I actually was ready to send her the information and say ok…I think I can do it. You underestimate the power of Dolly!!! Faith and entertainment is something she mixes really well and more people than you than you think would pay very good money to be on such a cruise! You ought to think about the idea before you chuck it in the trash. Lol
I agree with the above post!! Sick, sick joke. Today is reserection day to thousands of Christians. Nothing to joke about.
LOL!!!! This is a joke, right? Resurrection day? HA!
Now that’s disappointing! I was ready to make reservations.
Lol!! I know right !? I was as well…I truly hope they do decide to do something like this some day , I will sign up for sure..lol
Not cool. I really thought this was a great idea.
You got me good!! Now I’m very upset!! I was ready to make my reservation. I’ve been on a lot of cruises and this one sounds like the best one ever!! Now you need to make this happen for REAL!! đđ
Are you kidding me!!! That’s horrible!!! I was so excited!!! A faith based cruise ship from Dolly would be amazing. I was getting so excited. That’s what this world needs. More wholesome things for Christians to do. Not funny but funny…but really not funny.
I never been on a cruise…but, I was getting my hopes up for this one. Happy restoration day.
I never been on a cruise, but I was looking for my Credit card !!!
I agree!!!! I was getting excited! I’ve never been on a cruise and have never wanted to but I was really getting excited for this!!!!! It would be such a great thing to have a cruise ship that didnt have drinking and gambling 24/7 and good, clean music for entertainment…and not to mention Cinnamon bread 24/7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dolly should seriously think this through.
That was just mean. I was ready to book a cruise!
Dang man my son just got off of a cruise and Iâm afraid to go but I was getting excited to go on her cruise . Now Iâm disappointed. Come on dolly get it together!!! Love going to the smokies
This is one April fool’s joke I hope turns into reality. Dolly get on board this Great idea. You approve of family faith intertainment.
I agree,,,sure hope this could turn into reality,,,I would book it!
As a travel agent I was sooo excited. Maybe one day….
Larry Wood
After 48 years of fun marriage I can’t get my wife on a cruise– This would have done it. Oh well Dollywood is already planned. See you there!!!
I was so excited, ready to start my diet, get packed and sail with Dolly,
We live in sound of the Dollywood train and only a few miles from her mountain home. What a great idea, I sure fell for this April fools joke. Let’s make it happen, I have the faith .
Really thatâs joke?man you fool me I was excited đ to see that going to happen we rccl lol
I would have booked ….. happy April’s fools day đ
Seriously! That would be the best cruise ever!
I wish this had been true, it would be awesome.
Oh wow! We are cruisers and we were looking for the date to book! You fooled me!
I am so disappointed!!!! I think Royal Carribean and Dolly need to seriously think this over….
Ya had me going Dolly!!! I was ready to make a reservation!!!đđđđ Happy Easter SweetheartâŽď¸đâď¸
OH my I was so excited!! Since the Smokies is my favorite place to go having it on a cruise also would be icing on the cake!! Dolly make it happen!! đ
This was so wrong How could you tease people like this? This is not a nice April Fools joke. Shame on you.
Not nice people. My family was excited about this. Oh well, maybe some day. We are headed to Pigeon Forge Monday. Happy Easter!
That was not nice, I was getting ready to make plands to go . That is a good idea, some one need to run with it . I Love Dolly.
Had me there. I was ready to set sail on a cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Oh my goodness. You had me reading quickly to find the booking information. We have season passes for Dollywood and this would be âPerfection of the Seas!â Come on Dolly, please make it happen!
OMG You got me. I was so freaking excited.
I fell for it but it sounds like a wonderful idea I was ready to book I love the mountain and faith based atmosphere â¤ď¸
I was so excited !! Love Dolly this is a great idea for her to really think about I donât know of any other person who could make a cruise ship more fun than her. I WAS READY TO BOOK. !!
You got me!
Oh, I was so excited about this! I’ve been on a couple cruises, and I thought this would be so much fun! That was not funny!
Wow, so wrong!! Haven’t been on a cruise yet but we were ready to make a reservation. Come on Dolly make it happen..
I was already thinking how I could rearrange the budget to get on this ship! Good one. Happy Easter Christ is Risen!!
I was so excited reading this! I could wait to get to the end of the article to see what port to book my trip out of! đ˘ Sad it’s not real..
I have all ways wanted to go on a cruise ..and that type would be perfect one my type of food cabins n style ….
We have been considering a cruise every year for vacation, then at the last minute we change our mind and head to a cabin in the smokey mountains. I though this was a great idea and I was ready to book it. I think everyone posting here should petition Royal Caribbean to build this ship.
I was about to sign up for her â maiden voyage ââlove me some Folly and certainly love me some cruises!!!!
Ha Ha that was good. But this would be a great idea.
you got me!!! I was ready to book!!! Maybe Hopefully this April fools joke will become reality one day!!!
And here i was picturing myself floating down the lazy river. This cruise would have been awesome and i would have booked it. So i guess the April fools joke is on you.. All those lost bookings for an amazing cruise with Dolly..
That wasnât a very good April Fools joke. This is something Dolly can do. My husband hasnât ever been on a cruise and it would be great. Come on and tell us it really is in the works. PLEASE.
With the exception of fireplaces and firewood, this cruise sounded perfect.
OH MY GOODNESS! I just jumped right into this storm of DEVOTION! So I will just share the name of my book “Fiddler of the Mountains” and tell you that the FIDDLER PLAYED FOR DOLLY way back when he was playing in Blairsville, GA! As described in my book, Ms. Dolly was on STAGE (in the skating rink) and Johnny was right there! BUT he thought he was in HEAVEN – as he NEVER forgot that evening! You can read about the unforgettable evening in my history book “Fiddler of the Mountains: Attuned to the Life and Times of Johnny Mull” and it RECEIVED THE North Carolina Society of Historians’
Society of Historians AWARD!!!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Eva Nell Mull Wike, BS, MS, PhD
So not nice!! Dolly should really consider making this happen. Would go in a heartbeat!!
I’ve never been on a cruise but was ready to make reservations..so not nice
I was reading this aloud and ready to book it. This is seriously the best and worst April Fools ever! Oh well, thanks for letting a Southern Christian gal dream for a bit! Happy Easter!
That was not very nice! I was ready to make my reservation. Royal Caribbean should think about this and really build this ship. It would be nice to be surrounded by people of faith so you wouldnât have to worry about everything your children see or hear. It sounds perfect!
This April fools trick just Broke my flipping heart!!! LOL I was so impressed with this and thought, wow, Dolly has no limits to the imagination and Parton the Seas. Mountain style just blew my mind! I was so into it, and itâs a casual and homey approach to cruising, itâs exactly what Iâd want in a cruise! I had to go back and read the annual April fools line two times! I was already hoping I could afford it and totally ready to book the first tickets, This should be real!! Because it sounded like my kind of đ˘, without Moses sitting on the deck though! Although I was very impressed and it was an amazing April fools joke, dolly should actually put this trick in to play and part those seas. Iâll take two âseaâson passes!
Now that ain’t fair. I was ready to check on booking a room on this ship. Well I will have to go back to Dollywood and stay in the DreamMore Resort.
Thanks for the good laugh though.
This was Absolutely down right totally the outright meanest dirtiest lowdown Apri Fools joke to pull on us. Go Hang Your Head In Shame!!!! I was ready to book my husband and myself on the very first cruise !!!. So dang EXCITED that I was ready to quit reading just go to the bottom and book before it filled up .. SHAME SHAME SHAME ON YOU. I know Dolly is laughing at all these comments.
Dolly, you definitely need to get this country living cruise line going. We would love to go for a family oriented cruise we have been to Dollywood many times and love the atmosphere there. We also have family season tickets there. Me and my wife were bummed that this was only an April fools joke, it is a great idea to push forward with.
A great April’s Fools joke but I see some marketing testing in this posting . Don’t be surprised if a Dollywood cruise pops up in the future ! There is probably enough season pass holders to fill a cruise ship !
I got so stinkin ‘ excited! Leaving church Easter Service I read it to my minister son, we all got a kick out of the name! Love the ideađ
I was ready to pull out my calendar and book a trip! I think this is a fantastic idea! Some of the greatest ideas come out of jokes, come on Dolly, bring this one to life!
Wow!! You got me!! I have been on several cruises, all with royal carribbean. I think this wouldâve be a great idea. (Especially for all of us HUGE Dolly fans) Maybe one day it will. Oh by the way, that definitely wasnât nice but I have to admit it was a good one.
been*
OMG!!!! So mean!! I had hubby booking this cruise!! LOL
Not nice ! I even would have gone on a cruise like this one!
I would go on this cruise!! Sounds like others would love it too. Maybe you need to talk to Dolly and make it happen!!
Oh wow, that would be an awesome cruise….that food, that entertainment, and being faith based!!! I would go in a heartbeat…hope someone sees the interest in something like this and actually does it.
Dolly is quite the business woman and it would not surprise me if the comments regarding this âjokeâ donât wind up becoming a business plan between Dolly and Royal Carribean. I do hope this comes to fruition and this ship will make its maiden voyage with the name, âParton of the Seasâ. I love Dollywood and I enjoy cruising. Wouldnât it be a great time to bring the Smokie Mountains to the seas?
O.K. , this site shows a lot of support, so make it happen.
OK Now I am Totally Pea Pickin’ Pi****off ! I was ready to book on the first sailing !!
Now that’s a sick joke!!! and BTW that would be a great idea. Maybe there will be enough feed back from this article to get someone with a lot of money to actually do this. All the Southern Gospel Music artist do very well with numerous cruses throughout the year so why not Dolly!!!!
I was so excited for this wholesome, family friendly cruise with the backing of Dolly. This idea would be hugely successful! Please seriously consider…
Oh man I had my bags half packed !!! That was a good April fool’s, I sure hope that this becomes a true possibility some day !!! This would be amazing !!
That ticks me off I was ready to book.
This was NOT funny. Whoever thought it up should be seriously smacked.
I think it’s a wonderful idea, even though it was a joke maybe it should be considered. I’d bet it would stay booked! Everyone loves the Southern hospitality. But I was hoping to book my first Cruise!!
This was not funny. We were so excited and ready to book. Maybe Dolly should get with Royal Carribbean and design this. We have been on many cruises and would love to be on this one.
Ok, after reading these responses, when are you building the ship? Lol
You got me too
What a let down! I was getting the suitcase out and tagging my cruise girls!…well, where’s there’s smoke, there’s a fire, so maybe you guys are just testing the market and this is seriously in the works….get back with me when you’re ready to sail!
My 10 year old is BEYOND in love with Dolly (I know Christmas of many colors by heart). We have always taken our daughters on a trip their 9th birthday and we didnât get to do hers because we ended buying our FOREVER HOME, so I was ready to click BOOK ME without question because we owe her a trip and this would be a trip beyond her wildest dreams (besides actually meeting Dolly). So sad this isnât true đ˘đ˘
I was reading everything to find out when and where it would set sail, so disappointed but a good joke.
I was ready to book a cabin and set sail! Now I’m just irritated because this sounded like the perfect vacation. Perhaps Royal Caribbean will realize what a great idea this is… or another cruise line.
April fools or not. I think it would be an amazing ideal and cruise. Go for it Royal and Dolly. I will be on that ship.
Oh wow !!!! We love Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.. Sure thought this would be neat !! Come on Royal Caribbean.. I think you should make this happen!!
I was seriously excited about my next cruise being on Parton of the Seas! This is a wonderful idea and it sounds like all the details have been worked out, based on this article. I have been a Dolly fan since I was a little girl, as I visited Dollywood with my family often. I absolutely love the idea of a Dolly Parton-themed cruise experience and think this should be Dollyâs next big project!
Oh! I was soooooo excited! We love to cruise and that was right up this Southern girls alley! Thatâs mean!
As a Travel Agent I could sell this ship every week. Love the idea of a faith based ship with great food and entertainment. But sadly cruise lines will not have a cruise ship without selling alcohol and gambling.
April fools joikes are one things but you have carried it to far,I lioke a good joke good as anyone but this haS GONE TO FAR.dOLLY HAS ALREADY DROPPED dIXIE STAMPEDE To Dolly’s stampede people that are suppose to be so smart are showing just how ignorgant we have become erase all our history and we no longer become the Great United States that we have been.If you don’t like the great United Staes of Amercia which it was founded on which is in GOD WE TRUST.Get the hell out of America and if we are such a bad country don’t even think about comeing to America for a free hand out.GOD is Alive and that will never change
So disappointed! Have cruised several times but this sounds like the best ever! Please change your minds and do this!!
How disappointing! This sounded like the best cruise ship ever! I was going to see if I could book for my 60th Birthday in 2019. Now I am disappointed I wonât be able too. Great Aprilâs Foolâs Guys! đđź
So mean, lol!!!!! You have no idea how excited I was about this!!đŤ
Oh no!!! I was so excited thinking I could have the best of both worlds that I love to do, Sailing the Sea and Dolly!!! I was looking for the place to make reservations! Maybe a cruise line will pick this up and go with it!!!!
Thanks for letting me down PF Guide.
Well, NOW I am disappointed. I thought it was for REAL! Never cruised on that name ships…always prefer Celebrity, but was definitely going if Dolly had her name on it!
WHEW! You sure know how to disappoint people……OR IS THIS TO ACTUALLY SEE HOW MANY OF US WOULD REALLY BE INTERESTED??????? As a Christian, we would welcome some good, clean entertainment and no alcohol and gambling on a ship! Might be a good idea to try this out! Bet YOU there are enough of us Gold Card Members to Dollywood that would fill up a normal sized ship. I do not like those that have 3,000+ passengers on them. TOOOOOOOO large…….I forgive you all for your joke!
I was so excited! Our whole family was ready to book. Dolly is a smart business woman. Maybe she will take this idea and run with it. Until this cruise is a reality, we will continue to visit Dollywood.
Wow! What a bummer of a joke. I was ready to book a cruise and I haven’t cruised in 10+ years. Oh well, I’ll just continue to go back to the beautiful Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and visit Dollywood. I’m a die-hard Dolly fan and loved the idea of a “Parton of the Seas” cruise liner with a great lazy river for us old folks who just want to relax and enjoy some good ol’ Southern hospitality. Perhaps RCL and Dolly will tinker with this great idea and set about making this April Fool’s joke a reality. I’ll be watching for a positive commitment to this cruisin’ idea real soon. Dolly can make it happen; I just know it!
Jokes like this aren’t good for businesses. It’s considered a LIE in my book and does nothing to build trust, which is essential if businesses want to connect with people and build relationships. Any good marketer knows that. Think I’ll believe the next story you tell?
You had a lot of people get their hopes up only to disappoint them in the end. Tell me, how is that good for business? Not cool. People value their time and many don’t like to waste it on something that builds them up just to find out it was a stupid joke. Thank you for wasting my time. Never again.
I was really excited about this, this was the worst April Fools Joke!
It’s not nice to fool mother nature!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOULD HAVE BEEN ANOTHER BIG THING FOR DOLLY PARTON.
Well, I was getting really excited about this one!! Sounds to me like this April fool;s joke should take a serious turn and Get it Done!!
I was all excited ! Then came the very big let down! đ It would be the perfect ship. I love cruising and was fixing to send this to my cruising friends so we can book together. I love Dollywood and Pigeon Forge and thought this would be the best of two this I love: Dollywood and cruising all wrapped in one. So sad it’s just an April Fools Day joke. A good and mean joke wrapped up in one. Yiu got several of us on this one….but would be great to see come true! đ <3
I have never been on a cruise eather, but was so going to book on this one, if they did this it would be a waiting list for a year to get on it so sad it was just a joke
noooooooo i was seriously excited :((
I am going anyway! Ha Being the smart business woman that Dolly is she should take all these ideas and get in some serious talks with RCL.
I am in agreement with everyone else! Not funny! This would be AWESOME!