The launch of the “The Love Boat” came at a time when the vast majority of cruise ships on the water were former liners that had been converted. There were few new ships in service.

Once The Love Boat became a hit, “Princess Cruises were selling out their ships,” cruise historian Peter Knego told CNN. “And ...

The Love Boat has made something of a comeback in the zeitgeist thanks to its gonzo Ryan Murphy-produced successor, Dr. Odyssey. But while this shiny new cruise ship sets sail on a bright horizon ...