♪♪
[snap] Oh!
♪♪
[gurgling]
[whoosh]
Ah. Thank goodness.
I thought I had too many deep fried gems.
[mumbling]
It's from my parents!
Spike!
They won a zeppelin cruise and get to take the whole family!
Ohh...I wish I had time to go with them,
but there's just too many Princess duties
I have to take care of.
Come on, Twilight.
Even Princess Celestia takes a break sometimes
and she raises the sun!
Ugh. You need a vacation.
I can keep track of the Friendship log,
boost community morale and answer fan mail for a few days.
But Spike, you're as much a part of my family as anypony.
I can't just leave you here to do all that work.
What?
I can't hear you.
You're on vacation.
I guess I could use a little time off from being a Princess.
You're the best, Spike.
I know.
I'm going to go pack everything neatly into one suitcase!
Wait for it....
Twilight: Cruises have activities, right?
I should probably make a schedule!?
There it is.
♪♪
[chatter]
Oh, gee, I am really looking forward to a relaxing vacation.
Watch out.
She won't admit it, but when your mother says
"relaxing vacation"
she means "doing something crazy."
Last time she ended up bungee jumping over Luna Bay.
What was that, hon?
Oh, I was uh just telling Twilight
about my new uh, bingo strategy book.
It's a real page-turner!
Oh, I can't wait to get on this zeppelin and fly like a pegasus!
Really? I remember you getting air-sick
on Admiral Fairweather's Wild Ride at Pony Island.
Ah please, I grew out of air-sickness a long time ago.
[microphone feedback]
[drill sargeant voice] I hope you ponies feel welcomed aboard BECAUSE YOU ARE!
Well, that was an.... assertive welcome.
♪♪
[door opens]
♪♪
[excited chatter]
Guess this is what it's like to be big-time prize winners.
Ha ha ha.
I just wish I could remember what contest we won.
Wait. You don't know where this prize came from?
When somepony offers you a free vacation,
you just sign the paperwork and don't ask questions.
Especially when it means we all get to fly off together.
What should we do first?
Well, I did categorize the ship's activities
and make a schedule organized by each of our interests!
Dad, you're easy.
Bingo competition right here.
Oh, I just love how the numbers and letters are organized
in their little boxes.
It's so satisfying!
Shining Armor, they've got a tiny boat race
in a tiny pool, here.
Aw, sis, only you would remember I love tiny things.
And Cadance?
There's a Pee-wee Princess Playtime here
that Flurry's gonna love.
[giggles]
Oh! Wonderful!
Hmmm.
This barrel jumping at Neighagra Falls sounds interesting.
Eh.
I just want to see you all have a good time.
And this works out perfectly,
because we have room for the one thing I want to do!
Our ship passes the Frozen North at sunset,
which is the only time you can see the astrological phenomenon
known as the "Northern Stars."
It's like the stars are shooting out of the setting sun!
Aw! That sounds amazing! Wow!
Well, we definitely don't want to miss that!
Then it's settled!
Hm, but we don't have anything to do right now.
Any suggestions?
[feedback]
ATTENTION CRUISE PONIES: DON'T LET THIS ZEPPELIN BE A BORE;
LEAVE YOUR ROOM AND SEE THE TOUR!
A tour could be fun.
Hmm yea! OK, Sure.
♪♪
I'm flying! I'm--
[gag]
I'm afraid Flurry may be air-sick.
Since I know that isn't a problem for you,
would you mind taking her below?
FAR TO OUR RIGHT, YOU CAN JUST MAKE OUT
THE WHITE TUFTS OF CLOUDSDALE
WHERE PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE ONCE TOURED THE WEATHER FACTORY.
[excited chattering]
How'd he know that?
And why announce it on a cruise?
[chatter]
Why don't we move to the other side of the deck?
[chatter]
WE ARE NOW HIGH ENOUGH TO SEE ALL OF CANTERLOT,
EVEN THE ROYAL TREE WHERE PRINCESS TWILIGHT
AND HER BROTHER SHINING ARMOR WERE BORN!
What? That's not right.
[excited chatter]
Let's get down for that!
Um, you guys know that's not where we were born.
What are you so excited about?
Well, it is a really nice tree, sweetheart.
We just wanted to say how excited we are to be here!
Um, yeah, us too.
ON OUR ROUTE NORTH, WE WILL PASS THE SPIRES OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE
WHERE PRINCESS CADANCE RESCUED HER ALICORN BABY, SPIKE,
FROM A MONSTER MADE OF FIRE!
Well, that doesn't even make sense!
Night Light: "Well, Royal Grandparents" sounds a bit fancy,
but of course you can take our picture.
[shutters clicking]
What!?
[murmurs]
♪♪
OH!
OK, that's it!
Does anypony know where the cruise announcer is?
[door opens]
Excuse me, sir.
YOU CAN CALL IRON WILL, IRON WILL.
[gasp] What are you doing here?
And why do you keep announcing random things
about me and my family?
THE ASSERTIVENESS SEMINAR MARKET DRIED UP,
SO IRON WILL STARTED A NEW CAREER...
ORGANIZING THEMED VACATION PACKAGES.
And the theme of this vacation is... ?
EVERYPONY! STOMP YOUR HOOVES IF YOU ARE HERE FOR THE PREMIER
'CRUISE OF THE PRINCESSES' EXPERIENCE!
[excited clamoring]
♪♪
[excited chatter]
[door closes]
Iron Will, I'm not sure it was entirely honest of you to offer
this cruise to my family without telling us
that ponies bought tickets just to see Cadance and me!
Iron Will outlined all the details of the cruise in the
prize acceptance and consent form that you signed.
Well, when somepony offers you a free vacation,
who reads the fine print?
Iron Will prides himself on providing
a quality vacation experience,
but if Twilight Sparkle and her family don't want it,
Iron Will can cancel the cruise
and break the hearts of every Princess-adoring pony on board.
Ugh...
I love you Princess Twilight!
As much as I want a family vacation,
I don't think I could entertain all these cruise ponies.
My hooves are pretty full taking care of Flurry Heart.
I guess we were just so excited by the idea of a family cruise.
[sigh] All right, I guess we better turn this ship around.
Wait! Iron Will, what if I offered you a deal?
If I agree to do whatever princess activities you want,
will you promise that my family
gets to do the activities they want?
Sis, you don't have to do that.
We want you to enjoy yourself too.
[baby coos]
I don't want the vacation to end now or let down all of these
ponies who were looking forward to seeing us.
So what do you say, Iron Will? Do we have a deal?
PRINCESS TWILIGHT HAS A DEAL!
Great!
So it looks like we have some time before Dad plays Bingo-
ACTUALLY, WE HAVE JUST ENOUGH TO PICK THE WINNER
OF OUR GRAND PRIZE RAFFLE.
Oh. Well, [chuckle] who doesn't like prizes?
ALL RIGHT CRUISE PONIES:
WHEN THE ZEPPELIN FLIES IT'S TIME FOR A PRIZE!
[squeals of excitement]
Thank you all for being so gracious and respectful
to me and my family.
And now, without further ado, the winner is...
Star Tracker!
[hooves knocking on deck]
Congratulations, Star Tracker!
Enjoy your prize.
OK Dad, bingo time!
Uh...Oh!
I'm sorry, I don't have the prize.
CONGRATULATIONS TO STAR TRACKER WHO WINS THE GRAND PRIZE:
SPENDING THE DAY WITH TWILIGHT
AS AN HONORARY MEMBER OF HER FAMILY!
[cheers]
That's the prize!?
Uh huh...heh heh.
OK! Well, I guess you should come with us,
honorary family member!
Sure! Hah. There's always room at the bingo table.
Ahem.
Is everypony ready?
Night Light: Sure are, sweetie.
Give that cage a whirl!
Dad?
[on megaphone] What did you say?
Uh...he...He said to uh...give it a...a whirl.
Oh! Um, thanks.
[whirring]
I-19!
Heh hey! Now we're talking!
This Princess Bingo is great!
Did you get that one, Dad?
[on megaphone] Can anypony tell me how my dad is doing?
He uh...he said the Princess Bingo is uh great hah.
Crowd: Princess Bingo!
Princess Bingo!
Twilight is my favorite time of day. Heh heh.
And it's also your name.
[nervous laugh] I just thought that was cool.
[nervous titter]
Whew!
Just made it!
And I'm ready to give you the tiny boat race of your life!
[gagging]
Are you sure you're not air-sick, Big Brother?
No way.
How can I be air sick?
I'm in the water, so it totally cancels out.
[gagging]
I don't think that's how it works, but I'm ready if you are!
TECHNICALLY, PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE SHOULD OFFICIATE
THE PRINCESS PADDLE BOAT RACE.
Well, I suppose I could race your brother.
Oh. Well, as long as Shining Armor gets to race, I'm happy.
[poof poof]
[shutters clicking]
Heh heh..
Sorry....
I'm going to write about this race tonight in my journal.
Ha ha. Uhhh! It's just so exciting!
On your mark...
Get set...
GO! Ha ha!
Woooooooo!
[splash]
Ha ha ha! My word, that was exciting!
Wasn't it, son!?
Ha ha ha!
Just so everypony knows, I'm getting out of this boat
because of how not sick I feel.
[splash]
Awww, that's all right dear, we'll take you back to the room.
THAT WAS JUST THE FIRST HEAT OF TEN.
[popping]
NOW WHO'S READY TO SEE A PRINCESS FACE
WHEN THEY WIN THEIR RACE?
Yeah!
Whoo hoo!
[cheering]
[babies cooing]
[babies cooing and giggling]
Twilight: Cadance.
I'm so glad you got in the Pee-wee Princess Playtime.
Flurry is having a wonderful time.
That's great; I'm just on my way to take some
Old-Time Appleoosan Photos.
Themed photo shoots are the best. Heh.
And then do a quick question and answer session on becoming an
Alicorn before Mom's barrel ride at Neighagra Falls.
I really hope I don't miss that!
Twilight, are you sure you don't mind doing
all of these Princess activities?
Mind? What? Absolutely not!
I mean, you guys are having fun, right?
Ughh...besides, I have to make sure these cruise ponies
are happy if I want to be a good Princess.
You're already a good Princess, Twilight.
Honestly, as long as I get to see the Northern Stars tonight
with everypony, I'll be happy.
♪♪
But right now I gotta go take some pictures.
See ya later!
Why don't you play and make a Princess friend!
[babies giggling]
Uh.. I am so sorry, everypony, but it looks like Flurry needs her nap.
♪♪
Oh! Why did that last question have to be a two-parter?
I just hope I have time for one barrel ride with Mom.
[thud]
Ohh!
Neighagra Falls was amazing!
The endless open air!
The water in my mane!
Oh! The small confines of the barrel!
Ha ha! Another "relaxing vacation" in the books, hon.
[kiss]
[splash]
Oh, honey, I know you're disappointed,
but we waited as long as we could.
Maybe you should take a break from these Princess things?
Disappointed? No!
I've just been answering some detailed questions
about Alicorns.
You know how much I love details!
I just don't want you to forget it's your vacation, too.
How can I when it's a totally successful vacation?
All right.
Well, we can't wait to see those Northern Stars!
IRON WILL LIVED UP TO HIS SIDE OF THE BARGAIN
AND PRINCESS TWILIGHT ONLY HAS ONE MORE THING
TO DO FOR THE DAY.
IT'S YOUR LAST CHANCE.
COME GET IN LINE IF YOU WANT THE PRINCESS TO SIGN!
[happy clamoring]
♪♪
[excited squeal]
[moan]
How long have you been waiting?
[murmur]
Oh, no.
What time is it!?
[panting]
[gasp]
[excited murmurs]
[sob]
[laughing]
I missed them? I missed the Northern Stars?
[sobbing]
You were right, Twilight. They were breathtaking.
[baby giggles]
We wish you'd been here to see it, sweet pea,
but we're sure you're making
a whole bunch of cruise ponies happy.
Heheh.. I'm so happy I could cry.
Oh, yeah.
The cruise ponies are happy.
My family is happy.
Even Iron Will is happy.
[munch]
You know who isn't happy!?
ME!
[crunch]
Ow! My hoof!
I'm sorry, but maybe that wouldn't have happened
if you weren't practically standing on my tail!
Not even my real family stands so close!
[whimper]
Ugh!
Twilight?
I only made that deal with Iron Will so my family
and the cruise ponies could have the vacation they wanted.
What about what you wanted?
I just want everypony to be happy.
Well, sometimes ponies want more from a Princess
than you can give
and it can be hard to know where to draw the line.
You seem to know pretty well.
Once I had Flurry Heart, the line was easier for me to see.
You will always have obligations as a princess,
but you also have an obligation to yourself.
[sigh]
You're right.
I think I need to set some boundaries, but first,
I owe somepony an apology.
Aww...how's that, dearie?
Better, thanks.
[door opens]
♪♪
Agh! But I think I should go!
No, Star Tracker, you should stay.
I have something to tell you...all of you.
I'm glad you all got to do the things you wanted,
but I should have stood up for myself
so that I could do what I wanted too.
It wasn't fair of me to lash out at you.
If I felt like you were standing too close,
I should have said something.
I'm sorry.
♪♪
What do you say we do something off the schedule?
[gasps]
Who are you..?
Yep! We're gonna do something I want us to do as a family.
Honorary members too.
♪♪
[gag]
[giggles]
[laughter]
You and your family have been really kind to include me,
but you deserve your own vacation together.
Heh heh. And I'm really glad we met too. Ha ha.
Oh!
[thud]
Attention, cruise ponies!
If it's your dream, come to the deck for ice cream!
Oh no!
Leave the Princess alone!
WHAT DID YOU SAY TO IRON WILL?
It's OK, everypony.
Ahem.
First, I want to thank all of you for coming.
It means a lot that you'd spend your hard earned bits
just to be with us,
but I honestly came on this cruise
to take some time off from being a Princess.
I'm just a pony too, after all.
And even though I want everypony here to be happy,
I'd really like to spend the rest of the cruise
relaxing with my family.
Of course, Princess Twilight!
But why was this trip advertised as a Cruise of the Princesses
if you just wanted to get away?
[casual whistling]
Iron Will's Cruise of the Princesses makes no guarantees
as to the participation of actual princesses.
What!?
[angry shouts]
BUT, IRON WILL LEARNED HIS LESSON BEFORE.
SATISFACTION NOT GUARANTEED.
NO REFUNDS.......!
[wheeeeee]
[chute opens]
♪♪
Wow. He may be pushy and manipulative,
but nopony can say that Minotaur isn't prepared.
There's still plenty of activities.
We pass Filly Delphia on the way back;
I could give Flurry Heart a quick history tour!
That's very thoughtful, but right now,
the family and I have something scheduled for you.
Behold the Northern Stars!
♪♪
You did all this for me?
This is amazing! Thank you!
And Shining Armor, I can't believe you're up there
even though you're air-sick.
I am not-air--OK, maybe I'm not feeling great.
[laughter]
Now this is the only activity I need.
♪♪