It is one of those legendary series that everyone has heard of — and its theme song even more so — even if they haven't seen an episode. Not in vain, The Love Boat (or Love Boat in its original title) became popular to unsuspected levels in the 70s and 80s and later with the successive reruns and new versions. It not only gathered viewers from 93 countries and was translated into 23 languages, but it also sparked the desire to go on a cruise for the first time in people's lives halfway around the world.
An American shipping company was to blame, Princess Cruises, which provided its ship Pacific to locate the plot of loves, dances, and dinners with the captain overlooking the sea. Fifty years later, it not only remains "the love boat" — to the point of offering themed cruises inspired by the series with its real protagonists as hosts, trivia games, prizes, scavenger hunts, episode viewings... — but the company is positioned among the most premium in the sector internationally.
Hence, its latest offspring, the Star Princess, recently inaugurated in Barcelona and represented in Spain by the leading specialized agency Mundomar Cruceros, already has an infinite list of passengers for the upcoming voyages. The fact that its twin of superior class, the Sun, was chosen as "ship of the year" hints at what is cooking inside the new vessel that, after sailing the Mediterranean, will spend the winter season in the Caribbean and the summer season in Alaska.
To start with, it has an exceptional pair of godparents, the actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife, the Brazilian model Camila Alves, who take over from other celebrities like Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, or Sofia Loren, previous godmothers of the company. "This ship not only offers vacations, but time well spent with family and friends, new encounters, and memories for a lifetime. It is its spirit, and we are proud to be part of its history from the beginning," says the actor.
This beginning is marked by the revolutionary concept of the ship, being "the most innovative of the company in terms of luxury, architecture, sustainability, and technology," according to its president, Gus Antorcha. This translates into a spectacular colossus on the waves of 177,800 tons with a capacity for 4,300 passengers, to which must be added the 1,600 employees, equivalent to a ratio of one for every three customers.
The ship is divided into 21 decks (not floors; the first lesson learned from the good cruiser's decalogue), 30 restaurants and bars, five pools, nine jacuzzis, art gallery, casino, gym, theaters, beauty salon... and propulsion by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which reduces CO2 emissions.
Regarding the design cabins, there are a total of 2,157, among which more than 1,000 with balconies and 100 with connecting rooms stand out. A special mention goes to the 203 suites of the VIP area of The Sanctuary Collection, with exclusive areas for its guests.
Let's not forget the portable device the size of a one-euro coin Ocean Medallion, which serves as a digital boarding pass, cabin key that unlocks automatically when approached, contactless payment method, or locator to find anyone in any corner of the ship.
"The system is unique at sea, making life on board more comfortable by facilitating connection and personalizing any service from your medallion: wifi, restaurant reservations or shows, or requesting a towel, a pizza, or a wine to be brought to your hammock," explains Agustín Quesada, general manager of Mundomar Cruceros.
The centerpiece of the Star Princess is the Piazza, a space reminiscent of the terraces of the Greek island of Santorini that precipitate marvelously over the Aegean. Then there is the Dome, the daytime relaxation and nighttime entertainment area (including a disco) installed under a glass dome that serves as a reference point for navigating the ship among the panoramic decks, the two-story spa, the pop-up of Louis Vuitton, acupuncture or outdoor pilates sessions, candlelit concerts, or artisan workshops for Chanel fragrances or Fabergé jewelry.
On the agenda should be a tasting of Pantalones Tequila, the brand created by the aforementioned McConaughey-Alves. They are not the only collaborations of the shipping company with celebrities, as they also offer the sparkling wine of singer Kylie Minogue, the SMiZE Cream ice creams of model Tyra Banks, or the tea time of Darren McGrady, the former personal chef of the British royal family.
In the gastronomy section, names like Dario Cecchini, considered the best butcher in the world; the master of Edomae-style sushi, Makoto Okuwa, or the popular mixologist Rob Floyd, sign the menus of the restaurants The Butcher's Block by Dario and Makoto Ocean and the signature bar Good Spirits at Sea, respectively. It is also worth discovering the seafood and fish specialty venue The Catch by Rudi, with recommendations from the Culinary Arts Director of Princess Cruises, Rudi Sodamin.
He is in charge of the gourmet part of Love by Britto, an experience that combines Sodamin's cuisine with the talent of Brazilian painter, sculptor, and screen printer Romero Britto, so that each dish is a work of art following the patterns that define the latter: bright colors, vibrant patterns, pop and graffiti style...
Among the dishes to choose from, you must try the hand-filled ricotta and pumpkin ravioli, the wild mushroom faux cappuccino, the Chilean sea bass with caviar muslin sauce, the duo of veal and wagyu, or the poached lobster tail with butter and gratin potato. For dessert, the vanilla ice cream and salted caramel Lionel Richie's All Night Love. We won't reveal more.
Now, all that's left is to enjoy one of the many shows held on board in the different theaters, whether it's the Latin tribute of Viva la música, with choreographed performances of songs from the show of prestidigitation, illusionism, hypnotic games, and more from Spellbound by Magic Castle, the branch of the legendary private magicians' club of the same name located in Hollywood.
"By bringing to life the spirit and atmosphere of the original enclave of Los Angeles, our reinvented speakeasy makes you feel like you are entering an authentic world of magic," says Lorna Warren, Vice President of Hotel Operations and Passenger Experience. Keep in mind that one of the magicians (in which an enthusiastic audience is always involved) is Spanish, and more than one will leave wondering how he did that first trick. And the second, and the third, and the last... And it will continue like this for hours.