By
Rebecca Gibson |
Six cast members from the US TV show The Love Boat are to christen Princess Cruises’ latest newbuild on 5 November 2014.
The Love Boat was mainly set onboard Princess ships and is credited with helping the industry expand to its current size, after it aired from 1977-1987. Reuniting for the official naming ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the cast members 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 (Julie the cruise director) and Jill Whelan (Vicki the captain’s daughter).
The ceremony will coincide with the launch Princess’ 50-year anniversary celebrations, which will finish at the end of 2015.
“It’s fitting that Regal Princess will be named by The Love Boat cast as the event will perfectly mark the past and future of Princess Cruises,” said Paul Ludlow, Princess’ managing director UK and Europe. “The show was key to our success and the cast are a great choice to help kick-start our anniversary celebrations.”
Sister ship to Royal Princess, which was launched last May by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, Regal Princess is the 18th vessel in the line’s fleet. She first set sail this May and will begin her maiden Caribbean season after the christening ceremony.
The 3,560-passenger ship has 19 decks and features 1,780 cabins, outside balcony staterooms, private poolside cabanas and the new Princess Live! television studio, as well as a variety of dining and entertainment venues and SeaWalk, a cantilevered, glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28ft beyond the edge of the vessel. Regal Princess also has 16 bars and restaurants, including three dining rooms, and a spa and fitness centre.