The Love Boat's Secret History: They Weren't Always Princess Cruises...

Editorial Summary

Maritime history author Chris Frame explores the origins and eventual fates of the Pacific Princess and Island Princess, the vessels famously associated with the television series The Love Boat. Although these ships became synonymous with Princess Cruises, they were originally commissioned by Flagship Cruisers in the 1970s as the Sea Venture and Island Venture. After being chartered and eventually acquired by Princess Cruises in 1974, the ships underwent significant refurbishments and name changes. The Pacific Princess served as the primary set for the hit ABC series, though filming also utilized the Island Princess and various other vessels to accommodate cruising schedules. The video details the divergent paths of the two sister ships following their time in the spotlight. The Island Princess transitioned through several owners and names, including roles in pilgrim transport and service with CMV, before being sold for scrap in India in 2014. The Pacific Princess was transferred to various operators before being towed to a scrapyard in Turkey for demolition in 2012. Frame concludes by noting how Princess Cruises has embraced the nostalgia of the Love Boat branding in its modern marketing efforts.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.