A new dating show is on the horizon, and it features cruise travel, creating a perfect springboard opportunity for travel advisors to make additional sales. Compared to “The Love Boat,” which originally showcased Princess Cruises on a scripted series in the 1970s and 80s, “The Real Love Boat” will now highlight the brand on a reality television show when it premieres on CBS on Oct. 5.
Here’s what John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, had to say about the significance of this upcoming program, both for the line and for travel advisors.
What does “The Real Love Boat” mean for Princess Cruises’ brand awareness?
We’re very excited about “The Real Love Boat” and the impact it will have on our brand awareness and elevating the concept of a cruise vacation to an entirely new generation. We’re in the midst of shooting on Regal Princess in the Mediterranean, and the feedback I’m hearing is that this show is going to be something else.
This is a fantastic opportunity to incorporate the iconic “Love Boat” television show — so closely associated with the Princess experience — into an exciting reality series for today’s audiences. Each week, the Princess brand will be showcased to millions of Americans in CBS’ primetime lineup, with viewers getting a firsthand look at our beautifully appointed ships, our incredible destinations and our amazing crew in a fun and creative way. There’s no other show like it, and we [can’t wait] for “The Real Love Boat” premiere on Oct. 5.
This is a fantastic opportunity to incorporate the iconic “Love Boat” television show — so closely associated with the Princess experience — into an exciting reality series for today’s audiences.
How will the show play up the nostalgia of the historic Princess fleet, while also promoting its current ships and future vessels?
The original "Love Boat" was beloved by generations who literally got their first exposure to cruising from the show, and it helped make Princess a household name. So, it’s only fitting that “The Real Love Boat” will pay homage to the original show and our company’s rich tradition, spanning more than 50 years, while at the same time creating an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind viewing experience for a new audience.
Had the show’s hosts — Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell — ever been on a cruise, Princess or otherwise, before?
While Rebecca and Jerry had never sailed before, they’ve been filming extensively onboard Regal Princess, so I’m sure they are big-time cruise enthusiasts by now. Rebecca and Jerry have been absolutely wonderful to work with during the initial tapings onboard Regal Princess, and they are totally enjoying the Princess experience and interacting with our guests and crew.
Their enthusiasm for cruising is certainly evident in every segment they do, and, in fact, Jerry did an amazing job unveiling “The Real Love Boat” on “The Talk,” where he was decked out in a full officer’s uniform. With their high energy and engaging personalities, Rebecca and Jerry are the perfect pair to bring “The Love Boat” to a new generation of viewers.
How can travel agents use the show to boost sales?
“The Real Love Boat” is unlike any other show on television and provides travel advisors with an amazing opportunity to expose both new-to-cruise clients and longtime cruise enthusiasts to the wonders of seagoing travel and the uniqueness of the Princess experience. “The Real Love Boat” is an exciting dating adventure series that will not only showcase couples looking for love on the high seas, but all that makes cruising such a popular vacation: award-winning cuisine, captivating entertainment, spectacular destinations and, of course, the friendly, personalized service that makes a Princess cruise so unforgettable.
The Real Love Boat” is unlike any other show on television and provides travel advisors with an amazing opportunity …the sky is the limit on how travel advisors can use this show to boost sales.
We have a full team of business development directors to help our travel advisor partners maximize the exposure from the show, whether it’s watch parties, cruise nights or a host of other cross-promotional opportunities. The sky is the limit on how travel advisors can use this show to boost sales.
Are there any other surprises cruise enthusiasts should be on the lookout for during the show’s run?
Oh, there are tons of surprises still in store for “The Real Love Boat” — we’re just getting started. In the months ahead, additional details about the show will be unveiled. Rest assured, “The Real Love Boat” will have wide-ranging appeal, from those interested in following along as couples navigate the choppy waters to find love to those who simply love cruising and want to tune in to see the beautiful Regal Princess each week.
