Time to book that cruise! It’s been nearly forty years since the iconic television show The Love Boat went on the air and introduced viewers to modern day cruising and, in the process, made Princess Cruises and its ships synonymous with vacations at sea. As Princess prepares to celebrate its milestone 50th anniversary year in 2015, the company is honoring the role that The Love Boat played in its history by selecting the original Love Boat cast members to serve as godparents for its new cruise ship Regal Princess. Bay Area Hq’s Kirsten Moran caught up with all six Love Boat cast members – who played the roles of Captain Stubing, Gopher, Isaac, Doc, Julie and Vicki. Yesterday, they reuinted to christen the new ship on November 5th in Fort Lauderdale. The ceremony officially launched the golden year anniversary celebrations for Princess Cruises, which will celebrate five decades of operation throughout 2015. The actors include Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing) Fred Grandy (Gopher, the chief purser), Ted Lange (Isaac, the bartender), Bernie Kopell (Doc, the ship’s doctor), Lauren Tewes (cruise director Julie) and Jill Whelan (Vicki, the captain’s daughter).“We can think of no more suitable godparents for our newest ship than the cast of the show that put Princess Cruises on the map,” said Jan Swartz, the line’s president. “The show has been such a visible part of our company’s history, it made sense to kick off our anniversary celebrations with this specialtribute.” The pilot episode of the Love Boat, shot aboard Princess’ 730-passenger original Sun Princess in 1977, began the relationship between Princess Cruises and the show, which for ten seasons eventually became one of the highest rated and longest-running shows on television. The Pacific Princess and Island Princess were the primary floating stars of the show, while later episodes and specials were filmed aboard many of Princess’ other cruise ships in destinations around the globe.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that my former cast mates and I will be part of Regal Princess’ U.S. debut,” said Gavin MacLeod, who has been Princess Cruises’ ambassador since the show ended in 1986. “The fact that The Love Boat continues to air in international syndication around the globe is a testament to the show’s longevity and the world’s fascination with romance on the high seas.” The 3,560-guest Regal Princess, which entered service in May of this year, is arriving in Fort Lauderdaleto begin her maiden season of Caribbean cruise vacations. Among the special features found on board isa dramatic multi-story atrium serving as the social hub of the ship, offering a host of dining andentertainment options; an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feetbeyond the edge of the ship; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on water; thePrincess Live! television studio; the largest pastry shop at sea; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private
dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.
“The ship’s naming ceremony is just the beginning of the celebrations that will mark our company’s golden anniversary,” said Swartz. She added that beyond the Regal Princess festivities, guests sailing onany of the line’s fleet of 18 cruise ships during 2015 will enjoy a wide range of anniversary experiences. Additional information about Regal Princess’ inaugural Caribbean season is available through aprofessional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’swebsite at http://www.princess.com.# # #
“The ship’s naming ceremony is just the beginning of the celebrations that will mark our company’s golden anniversary,” said Swartz. She added that beyond the Regal Princess festivities, guests sailing onany of the line’s fleet of 18 cruise ships during 2015 will enjoy a wide range of anniversary experiences. Additional information about Regal Princess’ inaugural Caribbean season is available through aprofessional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’swebsite at http://www.princess.com.# # #
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 18 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining,entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. Arecognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million guests each year to destinationsaround the globe ranging in length from three to 111 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).
Regal Princess At-a-Glance
Quick Facts
3,560 guests
Inaugural cruise: May 20, 2014
Grand Mediterranean itinerary Official Naming Ceremony
November 5, 2014
Ft. Lauderdale
Eastern Caribbean Itinerary
To be Christened by the original “Love Boat” Cas
t1,083 feet long
217 feet high
19 decks
155 feet wide (including Sea Walk)
28 feet draft
22 knots service speed
November 5, 2014
Ft. Lauderdale
Eastern Caribbean Itinerary
To be Christened by the original “Love Boat” Cas
t1,083 feet long
217 feet high
19 decks
155 feet wide (including Sea Walk)
28 feet draft
22 knots service speed
Guest Staterooms
1,780 total staterooms: 1,438 with balcony (all outside staterooms feature a balcony), including:36 suites, 314 mini suites, 358 deluxe balcony, 730 balcony cabins, 342 inside cabins, 780 additional/upper berths, 36 wheelchair accessible staterooms (1 suite/6 mini suites/22 balcony/7 inside)
1,780 total staterooms: 1,438 with balcony (all outside staterooms feature a balcony), including:36 suites, 314 mini suites, 358 deluxe balcony, 730 balcony cabins, 342 inside cabins, 780 additional/upper berths, 36 wheelchair accessible staterooms (1 suite/6 mini suites/22 balcony/7 inside)
Noteworthy Features
The SeaWalk – The ship’s most distinguishing design element is an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deckglass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship’s starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the
edge of the vessel. From here guests can enjoy dramatic views, including to the sea 128 feet below.
Dramatic Atrium – The social hub of the ship, the soaring atrium offers a vibrant collection of always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. Features
such as Bellini’s Italian cocktail bar, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, and a gelateria add to the Piazza’s lively
edge of the vessel. From here guests can enjoy dramatic views, including to the sea 128 feet below.
Dramatic Atrium – The social hub of the ship, the soaring atrium offers a vibrant collection of always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. Features
such as Bellini’s Italian cocktail bar, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, and a gelateria add to the Piazza’s lively
atmosphere.
Chef’s Table Lumiere – Princess is setting a new standard for the chef’s table experience with the Chef’s Table Lumiere in which guests will be magically surrounded by a curtain of light – providing a soft wall of privacy that envelopes diners as they savor the chef’s special menu.
Princess Watercolor Fantasy – The ship’s central pool area features daily and nightly performances offour separate themed sequences comprised of dancing fountains, special music and live performers. The Movies Under the Stars screen is also incorporated as an additional show element.
Night Sky Lounge – A new, cool nighttime experience will debut enabling guests to enjoy a chic andcontemporary outdoor nightclub under the stars. The top-deck Retreat Pool will transform into the newNight Sky Lounge one night during each cruise, inviting guests to enjoy an upbeat and modern, SouthMiami-style nightclub vibe, including atmospheric pool and furniture lighting, glowing drinks and a DJspinning tunes on a state-of-the-art audio system.Princess Live! – The ship’s television studio features programming throughout the day from 8 am untilmidnight. Guests can enjoy live talk shows, demonstrations and performers here, including the daily Wake Show.
Horizon Court Buffet & Pastry Shop – One of Princess’ most popular casual dining options, the Horizon
Court buffet on Regal Princess offers up intriguing choices with live action stations such as Asian cuisine,Mediterranean dishes, a pasta corner and salad-tossing stations. Diners can also indulge in specialtyexperiences at the Crab Shack and Fondues. At the Horizon Court’s dedicated pastry shop guests canindulge in fresh-baked goodies throughout the day and even get to see Princess’ pastry chefs in action as
they demonstrate their skills in chocolate work and cake decorating.
Private Cabanas – Private cabana options give guests the opportunity to personalize their relaxationtime, with elegant cabanas in The Sanctuary and poolside cabanas at the Retreat Pool. Cabana guests looking for a gourmet treat can order one of the ship’s new cabana picnic baskets, packed with artisan edibles paired with a premium wine.
Chef’s Table Lumiere – Princess is setting a new standard for the chef’s table experience with the Chef’s Table Lumiere in which guests will be magically surrounded by a curtain of light – providing a soft wall of privacy that envelopes diners as they savor the chef’s special menu.
Princess Watercolor Fantasy – The ship’s central pool area features daily and nightly performances offour separate themed sequences comprised of dancing fountains, special music and live performers. The Movies Under the Stars screen is also incorporated as an additional show element.
Night Sky Lounge – A new, cool nighttime experience will debut enabling guests to enjoy a chic andcontemporary outdoor nightclub under the stars. The top-deck Retreat Pool will transform into the newNight Sky Lounge one night during each cruise, inviting guests to enjoy an upbeat and modern, SouthMiami-style nightclub vibe, including atmospheric pool and furniture lighting, glowing drinks and a DJspinning tunes on a state-of-the-art audio system.Princess Live! – The ship’s television studio features programming throughout the day from 8 am untilmidnight. Guests can enjoy live talk shows, demonstrations and performers here, including the daily Wake Show.
Horizon Court Buffet & Pastry Shop – One of Princess’ most popular casual dining options, the Horizon
Court buffet on Regal Princess offers up intriguing choices with live action stations such as Asian cuisine,Mediterranean dishes, a pasta corner and salad-tossing stations. Diners can also indulge in specialtyexperiences at the Crab Shack and Fondues. At the Horizon Court’s dedicated pastry shop guests canindulge in fresh-baked goodies throughout the day and even get to see Princess’ pastry chefs in action as
they demonstrate their skills in chocolate work and cake decorating.
Private Cabanas – Private cabana options give guests the opportunity to personalize their relaxationtime, with elegant cabanas in The Sanctuary and poolside cabanas at the Retreat Pool. Cabana guests looking for a gourmet treat can order one of the ship’s new cabana picnic baskets, packed with artisan edibles paired with a premium wine.
