Just over 40 years ago (May 1977), a new television show premiered, set aboard a cruise ship, featuring stories of romance, hijinks and adventure on the high seas that involved characters portrayed by Hollywood’s biggest stars of the day. The opening theme song lyrics invited viewers to “come aboard, we’re expecting you…” Today, “The Love Boat” remains a beloved part of the fabric and culture of television and the ensemble cast along with ocean-going co-star Princess Cruises will be honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, superintendent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will honor Princess Cruises and the original cast of “The Love Boat;” Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing), Jill Whelan(Vicki), Ted Lange (Isaac), Bernie Kopell (Doc), Lauren Tewes (Julie) and Fred Grandy (Gopher) during a ceremony on Thursday, May 10, 2018 in front of the Dolby Theatre on the famed Hollywood Boulevard.
“What an unexpected thrill for our cast to be honored with Princess Cruises on Hollywood Boulevard,” said Gavin MacLeod, aka Captain Merrill Stubing and 30-year brand ambassador for Princess Cruises. “‘The Love Boat’ offered us many opportunities to see the world, create lifelong friendships and of course introduce the joys of cruising. People still approach me and say that the show gave them something to dream about – falling in love, finding happiness all while sparking the desire to travel. Now more than 40 years later, cruising is a vacation option for everyone and the growth of the industry just proves that dreams really do come true,” added MacLeod.
It began in the mid-70s when television producer Douglas S. Cramer, who had created the popular television series “Love, American Style,” decided to transplant his popular comedy vignette series from its studio setting to the environs of a modern cruise ship. The resulting television show, “The Love Boat” has been widely credited with introducing millions of viewers to the concept of a contemporary cruise vacation and the dramatic growth of the industry, which continues to expand globally today.
“We’re proud to welcome the original cast of ‘The Love Boat’ and Princess Cruises as Friends of the Walk of Fame recognizing their contribution to the history of television and support for the preservation of the Walk of Fame,” said Leron Gubler, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
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After the 1977 pilot show, which was shot aboard the line’s original Sun Princess in Mexico, Cramer teamed up with top television producer Aaron Spelling and “The Love Boat” went on to enjoy phenomenal success, continuing for 10 seasons until 1987 as one of the highest-rated, prime-time television shows in the country. Princess Cruises soon became a household name as the primary setting and co-star of the popular series, and continues to be known as the “Love Boat” cruise line today.
Pacific Princess and Island Princess were the two original ships but as the show grew in popularity “The Love Boat” was filmed aboard many Princess ships at exotic destinations around the globe.
“The Hollywood Historic Trust is pleased to welcome our newest Friends of the Walk of Fame,” said Donelle Dadigan, co-chair of the Hollywood Historic Trust, the organization that works to maintain the world-famous walk. Ms. Dadigan is also chair of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for 2018.
Like no other show in television history, “The Love Boat” featured more than 1,000 celebrity guest stars including Tom Hanks, Florence Henderson, Charo, Debbie Reynolds, Milton Berle, Mickey Rooney, Ethel Merman and Ginger Rogers, to name a few. The original “Love Boat” series is currently in worldwide syndication, having been translated into more than 29 different languages, and is viewed by millions of fans in more than 93 countries. Fans can watch episodes on MeTV, Memorable Entertainment Television, America’s #1 all classic television network.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.
SOURCE Princess Cruises
