In honor of its golden anniversary next year, Princess Cruises has planned a year of celebrations. The first event involves a group of familiar faces: the cast of the hit television series, The Love Boat.
Princess Cruises will christen its newest ship, the Regal Princess, this November 5th, with actors from The Love Boat serving as the flagship’s godparents. Participating in the naming ceremony will be all six of the show’s original cast members: Fred Gandy, Bernie Kopell, Ted Lange, Lauren Tewes, Jill Whelan, and of course, Gavin Macleod, who played the memorable Captain Stubing.
For both the cruise line and the cast members, this affair will be something of a reunion. The pilot episode of The Love Boat was filmed on board the original Sun Princess in 1977. Portraying stories of romance set at sea the television series enjoyed 10 highly successful seasons, thus making it one of the longest-running shows ever. Perhaps more importantly, the program introduced the elegant and relaxing world of cruising to a wider audience.
The Regal Princess is a fitting vessel to lead Princess Cruises into the future. The ship boasts the cruise line’s signature SeaWalk; an expanded central Piazza; a new aft-facing Terrace Pool; and a variety of other accommodation and entertainment features. Launched in May, the Regal Princess will homeport in Fort Lauderdale and sail Caribbean itineraries.
According to company spokespersons, the Regal Princess will host a spectacular array of events in celebration of Princess’ 50th birthday. In fact, cruisers sailing aboard any of Princess Cruises’ 18 vessels can look forward to a variety of special anniversary activities throughout all of 2015.
