A special themed “Love Boat” cruise will take place on board the Majestic Princess with the original ensemble cast, who will celebrate the Captain Stubing character with a tribute to actor Gavin MacLeod, who died on 29 May 2021.
The seven-day cruise will sail round-trip from the Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro) to the Mexican Riviera on Feb. 26-March 5, 2022.
The voyage will be hosted by Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), who will be joined by fellow “Love Boat” cast members Cynthia Lauren Tewes (Julie McCoy), Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher), and Ted Lange (Isaac).
According to a press release, they will share their favourite memories from the show, take part in various guest activities and celebrate the late Gavin MacLeod, who served as brand ambassador for Princess Cruises for over 35 years until his passing in May 2021, at 90.
The voyage will be underway on MacLeod’s birthday, February 28 and will sail on the Mexican Riviera itinerary that was featured during the TV show’s 10-year-run from 1977 to 1986, where Princess cruise ships served as the ocean-going co-star of the series.
Guests will enjoy port visits to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan 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 Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises, Jill Whelan, adding, “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.”
According to the press release, “Love Boat” themed cruise activities include:
- Sailaway party
- Festive 1970s-inspired Love Boat Disco Deck Party returns exclusively for a “command performance” during this themed cruise
- Renewal of vows ceremony, hosted by Whelan and the cast on the top-deck
- Q&A with the cast, sharing favourite memories of the show and MacLeod
- Birthday celebration honouring 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 decorations, photo backdrops and merchandise
Princess said that it has been connected to “The Love Boat” beyond the setting of the show, reuniting the original cast members for two ship christenings–the Dawn Princess (1997) and Regal Princess (2014), appearing on the cruise line’s Rose Parade float and sailing on a throwback cruise in 2015 all celebrating the lines the 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 and support of the preservation of the Walk of Fame.
Edited by: John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor
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