Princess Cruises is celebrated for its elegant ships, which boast innovative features like the iconic SeaWalk and the cutting-edge MedallionClass® technology, which lets guests personalise every moment of their cruising experience. Known for exceptional service, world-class dining, and extraordinary destinations, the cruise line also has a unique tie to pop culture as the backdrop for The Love Boat. Curious about this famous connection? Here, we delve into the story behind Princess Cruises and The Love Boat.
What is the Love Boat?
The Love Boat is a beloved TV sitcom that first aired in the mid-70s. It captivatingly combines romance, comedy, and adventure on the high seas. After the success of the initial pilot episode, which was filmed aboard Princess Cruises’ original Sun Princess, the TV show continued for 10 seasons and is still considered one of the highest-rated prime-time television shows of its time. Millions of fans have viewed the series in over 93 countries across the globe, and it has been translated into more than 29 different languages.
As the primary setting for the successful show, Princess Cruises became a household name and continues to be known as ‘The Love Boat cruise line’ to this day. The original stars of The Love Boat, the ships Pacific Princess and Island Princess, became iconic floating backdrops for the show. Filmed on various Princess vessels, the series took viewers on unforgettable journeys to exotic destinations around the world. It is believed that The Love Boat introduced millions of viewers to contemporary cruising and encouraged more people to try this type of holiday, dramatically expanding the industry.
How does Princess Cruises honour its link to The Love Boat?
The Love Boat and Princess Cruises have a long-standing relationship. In 1997, ten years after the show ended its original run, all six original cast members reunited for the first time for the official naming ceremony and christening of Dawn Princess.
The following year, The Love Boat: The Next Wave premiered, bringing a fresh cast aboard the Sun Princess for two new seasons. The original cast came together once again in 2014 as part of Princess Cruises’ 50th anniversary celebrations and officially named and christened the new Regal Princess. This star-studded event also saw 25 guest stars from the show in attendance. The cast also joined Princess Cruises in celebrating its golden anniversary by cruising down Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, California, aboard a stunning Princess cruise ship float during the iconic Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in 2015. 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 television and support of preserving the Walk of Fame.
In 2022 and 2024, Princess Cruises hosted exclusive The Love Boat-themed cruises packed with exciting activities. Guests enjoyed a lively Sailaway party featuring cast introductions, meet-and-greet photo ops, and autograph sessions. Themed activities with exciting prizes, cast Q&As, and storytelling sessions offered a rare glimpse into the cast’s favourite memories and career highlights. Cocktail demonstrations hosted by Ezra Freeman and Ted Lange added to the fun, along with The Love Boat episodes shown on Movies Under the Stars® and available in staterooms, creating a nostalgic and memorable experience for all.
