“The Love Boat" - How Princess Cruises Sailed into TV History
Princess Cruises “Love Boat” Connection Continues
In the mid-70s, a television producer named Douglas S. Cramer embarked on a creative journey that would forever change the way the world looked at cruise vacations. Cramer, known in the US for his popular television series "Love American Style," had a vision to take his comedy vignette series from the studio to the high seas, setting the stage for what would become the iconic show, "The Love Boat." Little did he know that this shift in setting would not only make television history but also shape the cruise industry as we know it today.
Cramer's search for the perfect location to film the pilot episode of "The Love Boat" led him to a cruise line that would become synonymous with romance and adventure on the open seas – Princess Cruises. With its world headquarters based in Los Angeles, Princess Cruises offered the ideal partnership for this groundbreaking series.
In 1977, the pilot episode was filmed aboard the original Sun Princess in Mexico, marking the beginning of a television phenomenon. Cramer joined forces with the legendary television producer Aaron Spelling, and together, they created a show that captured the hearts of millions. "The Love Boat" sailed into living rooms across America and continued for an impressive 10 seasons until 1987, becoming one of the highest-rated prime-time television series in the USA, and was syndicated around the world..
Princess Cruises quickly became a household name, serving as both the primary setting and the ocean-going co-star of the beloved series. Even today, Princess Cruises is affectionately known as the "Love Boat" cruise line, a testament to the enduring impact of this cultural phenomenon. Each ship in the fleet still sounds the Love Boat theme on its horn when it leaves port.
The show's original floating stars, Pacific Princess and Island Princess, transported viewers to exotic destinations around the world. "The Love Boat" not only entertained but also introduced American viewers to far-away places like Sydney, Australia, with its iconic Opera House, the Great Wall of China, and the historic Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Occasional Love Boat television specials continued to enchant audiences even after the show ceased production.
Gavin MacLeod, who portrayed Captain Merrill Stubing, remained an enthusiastic fan of cruising throughout his tenure as Princess Cruises' spokesperson for over 35 years, from 1986 to 2021. His long-standing partnership with the cruise line made him the longest-serving celebrity spokesperson in brand history. Actress Jill Whelan, who played Vicki Stubing, continues to serve as Celebrations Ambassador and spokesperson for the cruise line.
In 1997, a decade after the show's original run ended, all six original cast members reunited for the official naming ceremony and christening of Dawn Princess in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gavin MacLeod, Fred Grandy, Ted Lange, Bernie Kopell, Lauren Tewes, and Jill Whelan came together to celebrate their enduring connection with Princess Cruises.
"The Love Boat" experienced a revival in 1998 with "Love Boat: The Next Wave," introduced by Spelling Television. This two-season series was set aboard Princess Cruises' new Sun Princess and continued the tradition of featuring guest stars as cruise vacation guests.
In 2014, the original cast reunited once more to kick off the 50th anniversary of Princess Cruises by officially naming and christening the new Regal Princess cruise ship. The star-studded event included 25 guest stars from the show, adding a touch of nostalgia to this momentous occasion. The cast even cruised down Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, California, on the bow of a modern Princess cruise ship float in the iconic Rose Parade on New Year's Day in 2015.
The enduring legacy of "The Love Boat" was further celebrated in May 2018 when the six cast members and Princess Cruises received an honorary star plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This recognition honoured their significant contributions to the history of television and their support of the preservation of the Walk of Fame.
Today, the original "Love Boat" series continues to enchant audiences worldwide as it is syndicated in more than 29 languages and viewed by millions of fans in over 93 countries. This timeless show, with its blend of romance, comedy, and exotic locales, has left an indelible mark on both television history and the cruise industry, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected journeys can lead to unforgettable adventures.
A new generation of Americans, (or those with those with access to CBS TV), can now watch scripted reality show “The Real Love Boat” which has been inspired by the original series, being screened from October 2022. The show follows the adventure of singles searching for real love aboard luxury Princess Cruises ship, Regal Princess as she sails the Mediterranean.