Port Everglades is welcoming a new princess and a lineup of stars.
Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Regal Princess, arrived at the port early Monday and will be christened in a ceremony starting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Cast members of the popular 1970-80s television show “The Love Boat” will serve as the ship’s “godparents” during the festivities. They include Gavin MacLeod (Captain Merrill Stubing), Fred Grandy (Gopher), Ted Lange (bartender Isaac Washington), Bernie Kopell (Dr. Adam Bricker), Lauren Tewes (cruise director Julie McCoy) and Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing, the captain’s daughter).
The pilot episode of “The Love Boat” was shot aboard Princess’ 730-passenger original Sun Princess in 1977.
Princess was the first cruise line to use Port Everglades and in essence helped spur the growth of the seaport. Regal Princess is the eighth Princess ship to be named at the port, according to the cruise line.
“We have had many memorable moments at Port Everglades,” a Princess spokeswoman said.
The first Princess ship to be named at Port Everglades was the Star Princess, by Audrey Hepburn in 1989. That was followed by naming ceremonies for its Sun, Dawn, Ocean, Sea, Caribbean and Ruby Princess ships.
“We have not had a naming ceremony of this magnitude in a few years, so it’s really nice for not only the people who work at the port, but also for Broward County,” said Port Everglades spokeswoman Ellen Kennedy.
The 3,560-passenger Regal Princess entered service in May in Europe and is making its U.S. debut at Port Everglades to begin seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises starting Sunday.
It christening kicks off festivities for Princess’ 50th anniversary in 2015.
Regal Princess is a sister ship to Royal Princess, which debuted at Port Everglades in October 2013. The newest ship includes a variety of new features, including a multistory atrium and the largest pastry shop at sea.
Amenities also include Seawalk, a top-deck, glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel, and Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience with special lighting effects.
For its Caribbean sailings from Port Everglades, Regal Princess will operate a new Night Sky Lounge. The ship’s top-deck Retreat Pool will be transformed into a South Miami nightclub vibe featuring pool and furniture lighting, glowing drinks and a DJ.
The lounge will open one night during each cruise. A fee will be required for entry.
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