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Big news, 'Love Boat' fans: Princess is planning a cruise with some of the show's biggest stars

Ashley Kosciolek
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Ashley Kosciolek has spent more than a decade writing about travel, with particular emphasis on cruises. Her favorite cities include London; Amsterdam; Krakow, Poland; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Dawson City, Yukon; and anywhere known for outstanding pizza and theater. You can follow her daily exploits, both at sea and on land, on Instagram or Twitter @slyjabroni.
Nov. 04, 2021
•
3 min read
Big news, 'Love Boat' fans: Princess is planning a cruise with some of the show's biggest stars
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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 cast of "The Love Boat" (Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

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.

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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.

Featured image by The cast of "The Love Boat" gathers for the christening of Princess Cruises' Dawn Princess in 1997. (Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for the well-traveled foodie

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.

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  • Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
  • Few travel perks and protections
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees