Princess Cruises has announced a special themed cruise for 2022. The themed “Love Boat” cruise will take passengers on a 7-day cruise that will sail from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera.
Princess has chosen the Majestic Princess for the sailing, which will bring together the original cast members. The special cruise will include a celebration for the late actor Gavin MacLeod, who was known for his role as Captain Stubing.
The voyage will commence on February 28th, Macleod’s birthday, and sail on Princess Cruises’ signature Mexican Riviera itinerary. The itinerary, as well as Princess cruise ships, were prominently featured during the TV show’s 10-year run from 1977-1986. The itinerary’s ports include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.
Themed elements of the cruise will be hosted by Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan, who played Vicki Stubing on the show. Whelan will be joined by fellow “Love Boat” cast members Cynthia Lauren Tewes (Julie McCoy), Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher), and Ted Lange (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 brand ambassador for Princess Cruises for more than 35 years until his passing in May 2021, at the age of 90.
“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.”
Jill Whelan, Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises
“Love Boat” themed cruise activities include:
- Festive sailaway party
- The popular 1970s-inspired Love Boat Disco Deck Party returns exclusively for this themed cruise.
- Renewal of vows ceremony, hosted by Whelan and the cast
- Q&A with the cast, sharing favorite memories of the show and MacLeod
- Birthday celebration honoring MacLeod
- “Love Boat” episodes airing on Movies Under the Stars and in passenger staterooms
- A special Love Boat trivia with the Cruise Director
- Photo opportunities with the Cast
- “Love Boat” themed menus and specialty cocktails
- Themed décor, photo backdrops and merchandise
Princess has been connected to “The Love Boat” beyond the setting of the show. The cruise line reunited with the original cast members for two ship christenings – Dawn Princess in 1997 and Regal Princess in 2014. The cast has also appeared on the cruise line’s Rose Parade float and sailing on a throwback cruise in 2015 in celebration of Princess Cruises’ 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 the history of television.
Cruise fares begin at $499/person. More information can be found at www.princess.com.
