They rode down the 5.5-mile parade route in Pasadena, California, aboard a floral bedecked depiction of Regal Princess sailing through destinations and landmarks the line has visited over the past 50 years.
'The Love Boat' cast, including Gavin MacLeod (Capt. Stubing), Fred Grandy (chief purser Gopher), Ted Lange (bartender Isaac), Bernie Kopell (Doc), Lauren Tewes (cruise director Julie) and Jill Whelan (captain’s daughter Vicki), recently named Regal Princess, having served as the ship’s godparents in November.
The theme for the parade was 'Inspiring Stories.'
Princess conducted a contest asking past passengers to share an inspiring story that occurred aboard a Princess cruise for a chance to ride on the float. The grand prize winner was World War II veteran Nathan Keith Abbott, 91, who took a Princess cruise back to the South Pacific. He had long wished to revisit the islands where he served during the war.
Other riders who were selected told their inspiring stories about a variety of special celebrations including an engagement in front of a glacier in Alaska, a renewal of vows to mark 50 years of marriage, a celebration of life after surviving breast cancer, and a mother and daughter college graduation cruise to celebrate both receiving their degrees.
As a tribute to Princess’ 25,000 crew members and employees around the world, the float incorporated flower vials that were personally signed by 16,0000 employees, signifying their important role in the company’s success.
The float was awarded the Craftsman Trophy for Exceptional Achievement in Showmanship and Dramatic Impact.
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