Two years after the events of the second film, Dave Seville, the Chipmunks, and the Chipettes embark on a cruise to attend the International Music Awards. While aboard, Alvin causes mischief by encouraging a water gun fight in the adult section of the ship, prompting Dave to apologize to the captain over dinner. Disobeying Dave's instructions, the Chipettes sneak into the ship's dance club while Alvin and Simon head to the casino. Dave discovers his former supervisor Ian Hawke works as the ship's safety officer dressed as a pelican; Ian sets to inform the captain if the Chipmunks and Chipettes cause further trouble. After catching them in the act, Dave warns them of missing the International Music Awards. The next day, Alvin goes parasailing on a kite with the others attached, but strong winds carry them away into the Pacific Ocean. Dave attempts to use a hang-glider to find them but is stopped by Ian, causing both to also be stranded at sea.