If you watch today’s soap operas…..As the Bold Turns…….Guiding Hospital etc., you may consider throwing yourself under an express train …..But don’t. That’s because is not a foregone conclusion that your daughter will have to face a teenage pregnancy, or your husband may not turn out to be your long lost brother, or your wife may not decide to have rumpy pumpy with your father, or genetically altered foods might turn your dog into a zebra. Of course things were different back in the 1970’s when we all sat down in our living rooms…….walked over to the TV…..remote control?…..gathered our family around us and boarded The Love Boat which was the original Pacific Princess. I am not even sure if you could call The Love Boat a soap opera but whatever it was, it allowed us to escape into a world that back then was only for the rich and tanned. We fell in love with Captain Stubing who set the tone for all real life captains who were not hired for their seagoing skills but were given a job only if the looked like Gavin McLeod. And that gives the perfect introduction to a chat I had with the most famous cruise ship captain ……….in the world. Today the original cast of the Love Boat will Christine the new and beautiful Regal Princess. I wish I could have attended this amazing event and our Chairman Micky Arison is there tweeting about so please stop by and see his reports. A couple of years ago I did an interview with Gavin McLeod, probably the most famous cruise ship Captain in the world, here it is. Question Sir, you have had an amazing voyage. How does a young man born of a gas station owner in New York grow up to be a loved and respected TV and film star? Answer First of all, I had a dream. Mine was to be an actor. Everything else was in God’s hands. Obviously we will talk about the Love Boat series shortly but your brilliant career has involved so much more. What have been some of the personal highlights that you look back on with the most pride? Working with Cary Grant has to be the highlight of any actor’s career. It certainly was for me. And, working alongside director Robert Wise and comedic actor Blake Edwards also stand out as great moments in my career. The Mary Tyler Moore Show was one of the best times ever because I was working with some of the best actors and the best people in the business. Question On a personal note you starred in one of my all time favorite movies “Kelly’s Heroes.” It must have been an amazing experience working with Clint Eastwood and Telly Savalas, etc. Was there a great camaraderie between you all and do you have any favourite memories from the movie? Answer In the movie, I was filming with Donald Sutherland and the tanks. We got to spend a lot of time together and I remember driving into Trieste every night for great Italian dinners! And, the day I flew to Yugoslavia was the day Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon! Question And so we move to the Love Boat. When you were offered the part of the ship’s captain what did you know about cruising? Had you ever been on one? Answer I knew nothing about cruising and the only ship I’d ever been was just a mock-up of a PT boat in McHale’s Navy! Question How long did it take to film one episode? Answer The episodes took between 7-10 days to film. Question The characters were portrayed as one big happy family. Was this the case off set as well…..are you all still friends. Answer Yes, it’s incredible that we’re all still friends today! In fact, I gave Jill Whelan away for her wedding aboard Caribbean Princess in 2004! Everyone is happy and well! Question Do you have a favorite episode and if so why? Answer I actually have two favorite episodes. One was the “Love Boat Follies” where we got to sing and dance with some of the greats from musicals – Ethel Merman, Carol Channing, Cab Calloway, Van Johnson and so many others. It was actor’s heaven – these were some the biggest stars in musical theatre. But my very favorite episode was our last one where Captain Stubbing got married to Emily, played by Marion Ross. I’ve known her since 1958, and this experience was a celebration of our friendship, which still continues. I got to see her recently when she was one of the godmothers of Emerald Princess. Question The Love Boat was and always will be a show that makes you feel good and, of course, did wonders for cruising. What do you think was the secret to its continuing success even now on DVD Answer People still come up to me today and tell me that “The Love Boat” gave them something to dream about. I find that very touching and it’s incredibly true. People are very nostalgic about the show, and recall with fond memories gathering on Saturday nights to watch it. The formula for the show was a happy ending to each of the three stories in an episode. It was a feel-good series and a real escape! Question I recently saw you on-board the Ruby Princess for her naming ceremony and it was obvious the love and respect both passengers and crew have for you. Can you tell us about your ambassador role for Princess Cruises and having taken so many cruises yourself…….what makes cruising and Princess so great? Answer I’ve been the spokesperson for Princess for 22 years now. I think you could say it’s a marriage made in heaven! I’ve so enjoyed the incredible experiences I’ve been handed in this role and it’s been such a thrill to watch Princess and the industry grow throughout the years. From the many ship launches, to visiting with travel agents, to my latest role in Princess’ Department of Romance, I’m honored to have been touched by cruising myself and inspired young and old to be so passionate about it. Princess’ tag line is “Escape Completely” and that’s just what I love to do when I’m onboard. I love walking the decks with my wife Patti, star gazing and just being together without our everyday distractions. Princess gives people the perfect romantic getaway to rejuvenate, relax and reconnect on vacation – something we all need more of! Congratulations to all at Princess Cruise Lines Cheers
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 16:47:05 +0000
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