Classic: Crew from the TV series Love Boat will name the ship this afternoon
‘Fifty years of love’ will be celebrated today as the cast from the classic TV sitcom Love Boat reunite to christen Princess Cruises’ new ship, Regal Princess.
Final preparations are being made in Fort Lauderdale this morning to welcome the six actors who will be the ship’s ‘godparents’ – 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, cruise director) and Jill Whelan (Vicki, the Captain’s daughter).
A host of other Hollywood stars are also expected to attend.
However, it was announced that Tori Spelling, actress and daughter of Love Boat producer Aaron Spelling, would be replaced as master of ceremonies for the ship’s christening by Brady Bunch mum actress Florence Henderson. Spelling said she was ‘terribly disappointed’ to miss the gold carpet event as she is recovering from a spell in hospital.
TV runners stand in for guest stars during camera rehearsals
As the sun beat down this morning, TV runners carrying coffee cups stood in for the stars in a final dress rehearsal for the cameras.
Captain’s orders: Gavin MacLeod introduces a film about 50 years of Princess Cruises
MacLeod, who has been Princess Cruises’ ambassador since the show ended in 1986, will give a recorded speech saying the naming, which also kicks off the line’s half-century year, ‘celebrates love’.
I am on board and will file updates during the day on this website and on Twitter
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Regal Princess prepares for christening
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