The Magic of Affinity Cruises: A Look at This Week’s Love Boat Reunion Sailing

Cruising has always been about relaxation, exploration, and escape—but every now and then, a sailing offers something deeper: connection. This week’s Love Boat Reunion Cruise aboard the Regal Princess was a perfect example of how an affinity cruise can turn a standard vacation into something truly extraordinary.

The principal cast members who are still living participated in this week's reunion cruise.

Affinity cruises—sailings built around a shared interest, hobby, fandom, or theme—bring together travelers who have something meaningful in common. Whether it’s music, TV shows, sports, wellness, or even classic nostalgia, these cruises spark instant camaraderie among guests. This week, that sense of community was on full display as fans of the iconic 1970s/80s series The Love Boat gathered to celebrate the show that helped bring cruising into mainstream pop culture.

Meeting the Stars Who Started It All

One of the most unforgettable aspects of this particular cruise was the presence of the original Love Boat cast members. Gopher (Fred Grandy), Julie (Lauren Tewes), Isaac (Ted Lange), Vicki (Jill Whelan), and Doc (Bernie Kopell) were all onboard for a reunion that felt both nostalgic and incredibly personal.

This image is from ten years ago when the cast was honored with being the god parents of the ship.

From the moment passengers boarded, the excitement was obvious. Even those who weren’t hardcore fans could feel the energy shift when a familiar face walked through the atrium. But what made it especially memorable was how accessible and genuine the cast was throughout the week.

They didn’t simply appear for a single stage event and vanish backstage. Instead, they were part of the cruise experience—mingling, posing for photos, answering questions, and sharing memories from their time on set.

Trivia, Stories, and Plenty of Interaction

Each cast member hosted or participated in events designed to bring fans closer to the show’s history. Love Boat trivia sessions were packed, with guests laughing, reminiscing, and discovering behind-the-scenes secrets they’d never heard before. Having the trivia questions asked by the actual cast—including Isaac himself—took the experience to an entirely different level.

Gopher, Isaac, and Vickie were definitely the headliners.

There were panel discussions where the stars shared heartfelt stories about filming at sea, bonding as a cast, and traveling to ports that, at the time, were rarely featured on television. Their reflections reminded everyone why the show became so beloved: it celebrated adventure, romance, and the joy of being at sea—much like cruising itself.

A Community… Even for Those Who Didn’t Expect One

Interestingly, not everyone onboard knew ahead of time that they had booked a themed Love Boat cruise. More than a few guests learned only after boarding that the reunion was happening. Yet many of those same passengers quickly found themselves swept up in the excitement and nostalgia.

That’s the unexpected beauty of an affinity cruise: even if you don’t arrive as a fan, you often leave with new interests, new friends, and a deeper appreciation for the theme.

Why Affinity Cruises Work

Sailings like this are successful because they create built-in community. Passengers strike up conversations easily because they already share something in common. You’re not just on a cruise—you’re part of an experience, a group, a moment.

Whether you grew up watching the show every Saturday night or are discovering it for the first time, the Love Boat Reunion Cruise proved one thing: affinity cruises bring people together in a way that’s both meaningful and fun.

And judging by the smiles, laughter, and long lines to meet the cast, the love for The Love Boat is still sailing strong.