New Love Boat Themed Cruise With Jill Whelan & Other Cast Members!

Are you ready to set a course for adventure, love and laughter? Then we have the voyage for you! Princess Cruises just announced a fabulous, new “Love Boat” themed cruise. So, you can set sail with Jill Whelan (Captain Stubing’s daughter Vicki in the original series) and other beloved, former “Love Boat” cast members.

Departing August 31, 2024, the 3,660-passenger Enchanted Princess will sail roundtrip from New York City on this seven-night Canada/New England sailing. Along the route, guests will explore Newport, RI; Boston, MA; Rockland, ME; Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada (for the Bay of Fundy); and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

(Shown above are original Love Boat cast members who will sail on the upcoming themed cruise. Photo by Princess Cruises.)

Sailing with Doc, Gopher, Isaac and Vicki

During this “Love Boat” cruise, guests will have opportunities to mix and mingle with Bernie Kopell (Doc), Fred Grandy (Gopher), and Ted Lange (Isaac), as well as Whelan. She now also serves as Princess Cruises’ official Celebrations Ambassador.

In addition, for fans of the more recent “Real Love Boat,” a CBS reality dating series, Ezra Freeman, that series’ bartender, will also sail with guests. Princess also says other surprise guests are yet to be announced. 

Previously, The Meandering Travel interviewed Whelan one-on-one for a two-part blog series. If you’re a “Love Boat” fan, we’d suggest reading Part One and Part Two. It’s fun to look back at “Love Boat” memories through Whelan’s eyes.

The Original “Love Boat”

Princess gained international fame from that original “Love Boat” series, which ran on ABC Television. Beloved by TV viewers, it aired between September 1977 and May 1986. Several TV specials also ran before and after the series.

In fact, the series itself is widely credited with bringing cruising to the masses and showcasing the romance of the sea. “Week after week, television viewers would tune in to see Hollywood’s biggest stars head out to sought-after destinations,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. “Often, the love-focused story lines — with romantic challenges along the way — ended on a happy note.”

As for the actual ships used, the pilot episode of the show was filmed on the former Sun Princess. Regular episodes unfolded on the former Island Princess and Pacific Princess. Sadly, all three of those classic, original vessels have been scrapped.

That said, over the years, those ship names have been preserved and bestowed on newer “Love Boat” ships. Thus, The Meandering Traveler will sail on a snazzy, new Sun Princess, in March 2024.

The Real Love Boat

Reviving the “Love Boat” aura but in a different way, Princess was featured again during the fall 2022 setting for “The Real Love Boat.” That reality dating adventure series aired on CBS and Paramount+.

It featured three real-life Princess crew members and 12 singles looking for love. They joined hosts Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell onboard Regal Princess sailing the Mediterranean.

Here’s a previous blog about the two series’ cast members making memories together. 

2024 “Love Boat” Themed Cruise 

If you opt to sail on the upcoming “Love Boat” themed cruise, what can you expect? Let’s just say if you’re a fan, it should be a voyage of robust fun and nostalgia!

For example, the “Love Boat” themed activities will include:

• A sail away party introducing the cast to guests.
• Meet-and-greet photo and signing opportunities.
• Guest “Love Boat” activities with prizes.
• Cocktail demonstration hosted by Ezra Freeman and Ted Lange – practice the finger point!
• Symbolic renewal of vows ceremony, officiated by the cast, with a commemorative certificate provided to participants.
• Cast Q&As for Doc, Isaac, Gopher and Vicki to share favorite show memories and career stories.
• “Love Boat” episodes that will air on “Movies Under the Stars” and in staterooms and suites.
• “Love Boat” trivia with the Cruise Director.
• Menus and specialty cocktails inspired by the original series.
• Themed décor, photo backdrops and merchandise.

“We had such a blast connecting with fans on our theme cruise in 2022,” says Whelan. “So, bringing it back in 2024 feels like it was meant to be, especially with the addition of some surprise guests.”

She emphasizes that sailing with fans “brings us so much joy and this cruise will undoubtedly be a special reunion, taking us back to where it all began – on a Princess Cruise.”

“Love Boat” Themed Cruise: VIP Package

If you’re an over-the top, super-duper fan, then consider the line’s special “Love Boat VIP Package.” You’ll receive an invitation to an exclusive cast cocktail party; reserved seating for the cast Q&A in the Princess Theater; front-of-line access for autographs and photos; dinner at the Captain’s Table; and a themed cruise T-shirt and mug.

Later, Princess will reveal more details on the VIP Package, its cost and how to book. 

“But if you’re interested in booking the cruise itself, we’d suggest talking to your personal travel planner right away, as we believe staterooms and suites on this voyage will book up quickly,” stresses Pavlus’ Steudle. “Don’t wait. Take action today to ensure you secure your spot on this fun, nostalgic “Love Boat” themed cruise. It’s a one-of-a-kind sailing this year.”

At press time, cruise fares for the “Love Boat” themed Canada/New England cruise on August 31, 2024, started at $569 per person, double occupancy. Get ready to set your course for adventure, love and laughter with the beloved, original “Love Boat” cast!

Important Notes from Pavlus Travel