'Love Boat' theme cruise setting sail later this year

A new “ The Love Boat”-themed cruise will set sail later this year on the actual Love Boat – or as close as fans can get.

Princess Cruises, whose ships served as the backdrop for the beloved 1970s and ‘80s series, will offer the itinerary in August. The sailing marks the line’s second Love Boat cruise following its first outing in 2022, and will feature members of the original cast.

“We had such a blast connecting with fans on our theme cruise in 2022, so bringing it back in 2024 feels like it was meant to be, especially with the addition of some surprise guests,” Jill Whelan, who played Vicki Stubing in the show and serves as Celebrations Ambassador for the line, said in a news release. “Sailing with our fans brings us so much joy and this cruise will undoubtedly be a special reunion, taking us back to where it all began – on a Princess Cruise.”

When is the 2024 Love Boat cruise?

The week-long cruise will sail round-trip from New York on Aug. 31. The voyage will take place on the line’s 3,660-passenger Enchanted Princess ship, which launched in 2021 (the line has retired the vessels actually used in the show).

Where will the cruise sail?

The ship will visit Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Rockland, Maine; and Saint John and Halifax in Canada.

Along the way, guests will get face time with the cast, including Whelan; Bernie Kopell, who played doctor Adam “Doc” Bricker; Fred Grandy, who played purser Gopher, and Ted Lange, who played bartender Isaac. Ezra Freeman, the bartender from “The Real Love Boat,” a reality dating show inspired by the original series, will be on hand as well.

Activities include a sailaway party, meet-and-greet photo and autograph sessions and a cocktail demonstration hosted by Lange and Freeman. Passengers can also test their knowledge at “Love Boat” trivia and even participate in a symbolic vow renewal ceremony officiated by the stars, among other programming.

The line will also offer a VIP package that gives guests access to a cocktail party with the cast, move them to the front of the line for photos and autographs, and other parks.

Finding community on a theme cruise: From 'Star Trek' lovers to motorcycle enthusiasts

How much does the Love Boat cruise cost?

The sailing currently starts at $568 per person based on double occupancy, according to the line’s website. The fare includes the cruise’s themed activities, many restaurants on board, entertainment and more.

Princess will announce pricing for the VIP package at a later date.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Princess will sail 'Love Boat' theme cruise this summer