Big news, 'Love Boat' fans: Princess is planning a cruise with some of the show's biggest stars
Following its successful U.S. restart, Princess Cruises will host a themed "The Love Boat" sailing in honor of late actor Gavin MacLeod, who died in May 2021.
MacLeod played Captain Merrill Stubing on the popular television show, which aired for more than a decade, beginning in the late 1970s. Part of the series was filmed on Princess' Island Princess and now-retired Pacific Princess, and the line often hosts themed voyages for fans.
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The cruise will be joined by several members of the show's cast -- Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), Cynthia Lauren Tewes (Julie McCoy), Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher) and Ted Lange (Isaac) -- who will participate in a series of Q&As, parties and photo opportunities.
"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," Whelan said.
The weeklong cruise -- Feb. 26 to March 5 onboard Majestic Princess, to coincide with MacLeod's Feb. 28 birthday -- will sail roundtrip from the port of San Pedro in Los Angeles and visit the Mexican Riviera, offering the same itinerary featured in the show. Ports include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.
Scheduled themed activities include:
- Sailaway party
- 1970s-inspired "Love Boat" Disco Deck Party
- Renewal of vows ceremony, hosted by Whelan and the cast on the top deck
- 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 staterooms
- "Love Boat" trivia with the Cruise Director
- Cast photo opportunities
- "Love Boat" themed menus and specialty cocktails
- Themed decor, photo backdrops and merchandise
In addition to this sailing, the cast has reunited with Princess on several occasions, including for the christenings of Dawn Princess in 1997 and Regal Princess in 2014. They also appeared on the line's Rose Parade float and sailed on a throwback cruise in 2015 to celebrate Princess' 50th anniversary. The cast and cruise line also have a joint star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dedicated in 2018.
The voyage is currently open for booking with fares starting at $499 per person for an inside cabin.
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