“Love … exciting and new … come aboard … we’re expecting you.” A special-themed “Love Boat” cruise is setting a course for adventure on board the Majestic Princess with the original ensemble cast, who will celebrate their friend and everyone’s favorite cruise ship captain, Stubing, with a tribute to actor Gavin MacLeod. This seven-day cruise sails round-trip from the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro to the Mexican Riviera, February 26-March 5, 2022.
The cruise will be hosted by Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan, who played Vicki Stubing. She will be joined by fellow “Love Boat” cast members Cynthia Lauren Tewes, who played Julie McCoy; Bernie Kopell, who played Doc; Fred Grandy, who played Gopher; and Ted Lange, who played Isaac. Together, they will share their favorite memories from the show, participate in various guest activities, and celebrate the late Gavin MacLeod, who served as Princess Cruises’ brand ambassador for more than 35 years until his passing in May 2021 at the age of 90.
The voyage will be underway on MacLeod’s birthday, February 28, and sails on the cruise line’s signature Mexican Riviera itinerary, which was prominently featured during the TV show’s 10-year run from 1977 to 1986. Princess cruise ships served as the ocean-going co-star of the series. Guests will enjoy port visits to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas.
“Reuniting with the cast for this very special themed ‘Love Boat’ cruise and celebrating the show’s lasting impact with guests is sure to be nostalgic, fun, and incredibly memorable,” said Jill Whelan, Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises. “While we always love to connect with fans, this cruise will be extra special because we will also celebrate the life and career of Gavin, our fearless leader, who not only played my dad on TV but was also a true father figure to me beyond the show.”
“Love Boat”-themed cruise activities include:
- A festive sailaway party, including the popular 1970s-inspired Love Boat Disco Deck Party, is returning exclusively for a “command performance” during this themed cruise.
- A renewal of vows ceremony hosted by Whelan and the cast on the top deck.
- A Q&A with the cast, sharing favorite memories of the show and MacLeod.
- A birthday celebration honoring MacLeod.
- “Love Boat” episodes are airing on Movies Under the Stars and in staterooms.
- Love Boat trivia with the cruise director.
- Cast photo opportunities.
- “Love Boat”-themed menus and specialty cocktails.
- Themed décor, photo backdrops, and merchandise.
Princess has been connected to “The Love Boat” beyond the show’s setting, reuniting the original cast members for two ship christenings: Dawn Princess in 1997 and Regal Princess in 2014. Cast members also appeared on the cruise line’s Rose Parade float and sailed on a throwback cruise in 2015, all celebrating the line’s 50th anniversary.
In May 2018, the six original cast members of “The Love Boat” and Princess Cruises received an honorary star plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of their contributions to television history and their support for the preservation of the Walk of Fame.
