Cruisers who grew up watching The Love Boat in the 1970s and 1980s once again have a chance to set sail with the brand that inspired the hit TV show on a special themed voyage in November 2025.
But now, they will be thrilled to learn that some new original cast members are joining the fun.
Princess Cruises just revealed that Cynthia Lauren Tewes, who portrayed cruise director Julie McCoy, and the popular entertainer Charo, who appeared on numerous episodes as recurring character April Lopez, will be on board.
“We’re honored to welcome Cynthia Lauren Tewes and Charo aboard Regal Princess for a joyful celebration that brings the magic of The Love Boat to life,” said Rebecca Thomson Foley, Princess Cruises’ head of entertainment.
The duo joins the previously announced cast members Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), Fred Grandy (Gopher), Ted Lange (Isaac), and Bernie Kopell (Doc).
The only original cast member missing from the lineup is Gavin MacLeod, who portrayed Captain Merrill Stubing. MacLeod passed away in 2021.
“This iconic show introduced the world to the joy of cruising, and reuniting with original cast members including Jill, Fred, Ted, and Bernie—and now Cindy and Charo—makes this sailing a dream cruise for fans and a thrill for new to Love Boat guests,” Thomson said.
The Love Boat Celebration at Sea will take place aboard the 142,229-gross-ton Regal Princess and will depart from Galveston, Texas, on November 16, 2025.
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Charo is scheduled to perform her famous flamenco music onboard. Her musical sets, which were popular during the show’s run, will be part of the cruise programming.
The 7-night roundtrip cruise carrying up to 3,560 guests will journey to Cozumel, Mexico, for an overnight stay, then sail to Roatán, Honduras, to call in Mahogany Bay.
Princess Cruises is also offering a limited number of “Captain Packages” for guests who want added access to the cast.
The package includes a Cast Cocktail Hour, a Bon Voyage dinner with the cast, and exclusive merchandise tied to the cruise.
Fan-Favorite Cast Returns
The Love Boat debuted in 1977 and was set aboard Princess Cruises’ original Sun Princess. During its 10 seasons, Pacific Princess and Island Princess took viewers around the world and spurred an interest in cruising.
Throughout the years, the cast members of The Love Boat have all remained involved with the cruise line. In fact, MacLeod served as brand ambassador for more than 35 years.
The last themed voyage with cast members took place August 31 to September 7, 2024, from New York to New England and Canada and was such a hit it inspired this new voyage.
That sailing on the Enchanted Princess only included Lange, Freeman, and Whelan so guests of this next offering are in for a real treat!
It will be the first time so many members of the cast will be cruising together since MacLeod, Grandy, Lange, Kopell, Tewes, and Whelan were on hand for Regal Princess’ christening as godparents in 2014.
That special event also celebrated Princess Cruises’ 50th anniversary.
Many of the cast members returned to Princess Cruises in 2022 for a celebration of MacLeod’s life after his passing.
The themed voyages include meet-and-greet photo opportunities, intimate one-on-ones, and airings of The Love Boat episodes.
