Children’s favourite sometimes said to cruise (5)

I believe the answer is:

santa

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'children's favourite' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for santa that I've seen before include "patron at Christmas" , "St Nicholas" , "He comes down chimney" , "Dad in a red and white outfit?" , "Christmas visitor" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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