The cruise line that started it all is celebrating one of television's best-loved romantic comedies. The Love Boat was "appointment" TV back in the 70s and now you can absorb yourself in the classic comedy on a seven-day Princess Cruise to Puerto Vallarta.
In 1977 television was in the midst of a cultural change. As wholesome TV was shifting into a thing of the past, grittier, sexier shows were becoming popular in America's households. From procedural detective shows to biting satirical comedies to racy sitcoms, it was the beginning of a new era in network home runs.
This was also the birth of "jiggle TV" where female leads wore revealing costumes and showed off their scintillating curvatures. Among the fray of these popular shows was "The Love Boat," an anthology of sorts where three storylines about the travails of love played out over an hour.
Starring Gavin MacLeod as the straight man captain against a cast of comedic regulars including Lauren Tewes as your cruise director and Bernie Kopell as the ship's horny Dr. Bricker, the sitcom sailed into the top of the ratings every week where it stayed afloat for nine seasons.
Sadly, in May of 2021 MacLeod passed away and classic TV lost one of its most cherished actors.
In honor of MacLeod and his iconic role as Captain Stubing, the Princess Cruise Line is having a special themed seven-day cruise hosted by Jill Whelan to Puerto Vallarta on February 26, 2022.
Whelan portrayed Stubing's daughter on the show as a budding cruise director. She was only nine years old at the time.
Back then, the setting was aboard the Pacific Princess a ship that has since been retired.
For this cruise, fans and passengers will enjoy the Majestic Princess, the newest sister ship to Royal Princess and Regal Princess.
This excursion will make some stops familiar to fans of the show. The port of call is in Los Angeles and from there, passengers will travel to the Mexican ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta then back to Los Angeles.
Can't you just hear the familiar theme song?
Staterooms start at only $449 per person (double occupancy).
Whether you're a fan of the show, or just want a week-long getaway to the colorful shores of Mexico, this is a reasonably priced trip away from the hustle and bustle of the real world. And who knows, you may find a love of your own or rekindle the one you already have.
All the details for this "Love Boat" themed voyage can be found HERE.
*Header photo: The Love Boat -- Paramount