Love Boat stars Fred Grandy, Ted Lange, Bernie Kopell, and Jill Whelan reunited on the Enchanted Princess in Brooklyn, New York, for Princess Cruises’ The Love Boat Celebration at Sea. It has been nearly four decades since the show’s finale, and many among the thousands of fans aboard the ship were curious about a potential sequel.
The seven-night cruise was an unforgettable experience as the four series’ stars held Q & A sessions, reflected on their experience at sea and shared their hopes for a reunion. Jill Whelan was especially enthusiastic about a sequel, which she thinks will be fabulous.
Jill Whelan would love a ‘Love Boat’ sequel and to see her character’s evolution
Whelan’s major reason for wanting a sequel is to see how her character, Vicki, evolved in her romantic relationships. She noted that Vicki was unlucky in love and only attracted men who led her to mischief; however, a continued plot might depict her in a healthy relationship, a job or thrice divorced like Whelan in real life.
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Whelan recalled joining the Love Boat at 11 and growing up among seasoned actors, who taught her how to position in the acting industry. She appreciated the likes of Gavin McLeod and Bernie for setting the standard of respect, which is lacking in Hollywood. She also thanked Grandy and Lange for shaping her into a confident actress at the time.
The 57-year-old, who is the Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises, has enjoyed perks such as bringing family along on cruises. The recent Love Boat event featured the captain’s champagne waterfall toast, a vow renewal ceremony, magic and comedy from Quinn The Mighty Quinn Beasley and Eric Buss, live music, and a staging of the musical Rock Opera.
Beyond being an ambassador, Whelan appears to genuinely enjoy the cruise ship, having brought her guidance mother and late stepfather on it for a mini-vacation. She recalled some of her traditions while aboard, such as playing cards and sitting on the balcony of Wake View Bar to bid farewell to each port as they moved.