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| · December 1, 2003 · |
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· Actress Who "Grew Up" On "The Love Boat" To Get Married Onboard Caribbean Princess "Captain Stubing's" TV Daughter, Jill Whelan, to Tie the Knot During Ship's Inaugural FestivitiesSANTA CLARITA, Calif. (December 2, 2003) - In true "Love Boat" fashion, Princess will celebrate the launch of its largest vessel, Caribbean Princess, with a very special occasion -- the wedding of "The Love Boat" TV star Jill Whelan to fiance Michael Chaykowsky. Whelan, who for nine seasons played "Captain Stubing's" daughter, "Vicki," on the iconic television show, has invited her TV father Gavin MacLeod as well as other members of the "Love Boat" cast to be among the guests who will help celebrate her special day. The wedding will take place on April 2, prior to the ship's first Caribbean cruise from Ft. Lauderdale. As with many Princess weddings, the nuptials will also be broadcast by the ship's Bridge Cam so that friends, family and fans at home can follow the festivities on Princess' website, www.princess.com. "Because the Love Boat was such an important part of our company's early history, the show's cast members are in many ways part of the Princess family," said Dean Brown, Princess' executive vice president of customer service and sales. "We're delighted that Jill has chosen to share her happy day with us and to demonstrate just how integral romance is to our 'Love Boats' in the Caribbean." Whelan's special ceremony will be one of the more than 1,000 weddings that have taken place aboard Princess ships since 1998 when the line introduced the industry's only wedding at sea program where couples can be married by the captain. The most extensive wedding program offered by a cruise line, Princess' "Tie the Knot" program also features ceremonies aboard the ship in port and ashore in many of the ships' romantic ports of call. After the ceremony the bride and groom will spend their honeymoon aboard Caribbean Princess' inaugural Western Caribbean voyage. "Some of the best memories I have came from being a part of that show," said Whelan, who was a member of the 'Love Boat' cast from the age of 11 to 19. "My job was as part of an ensemble of actors who dealt with the issues of romance week in and week out. It therefore seems rather fitting that I should return to a Love Boat for one of the most important and romantic points in my life." Although best known for her role on "The Love Boat" Jill Whelan career spans not only years of performing, but experience as a production coordinator of live events, news writer/producer, jewelry designer and mother. The northern California native began performing in local productions at age seven, and by nine had appeared in a number of commercials and landed a starring role on show called "Friends" produced by Aaron Spelling. Although short-lived, that show led to her role in another Spelling production, as "Vicki" on "The Love Boat." Since then, Whelan has not only continued performing, but has attended college in England, worked as a production coordinator at Madison Square Garden, produced and written news for a prestigious investigative unit of a Los Angeles television station, and recently began selling a her own popular line of jewelry. Whelan met her fiance Michael when he was director of operations at Madison Square Garden. He is now director of facilities for a private school, and the two currently live on the east coast with their two sons. Whelan will be inviting dozens of friends and family to join her for her special day, and they will all get a sneak preview of Caribbean Princess prior to the ship's maiden voyage. The new vessel, which at 116,000 tons will become the largest ship in the Princess fleet, has been specially designed for Caribbean cruising and features many special touches perfect for island cruising. Among the brand-new features, "Movies Under the Stars" will offer a splashy way for passengers to enjoy the latest movies as they relax on deck. Shown on a giant 300-square-foot, Times Square-style LED screen built into the vessel's superstructure above the mid-ship pool, broadcasts will also include special sports events and will be used for the Caribbean island night parties held during every cruise.. Other features aboard the 3,100-passenger vessel include new Caribbean-themed dining options, plus Princess' trademark Italian trattoria, Princess' now-renowned Lotus Spa, four pools, three separate show lounges, an Internet cafe, and nearly 900 cabins with balconies, more than on any other cruise ship. Caribbean Princess will begin her inaugural Caribbean season on April 3, 2004 with a Western Caribbean sailing featuring some of the area's most popular ports - Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios (or Montego Bay), Cozumel and Princess Cays, the line's private island in the Bahamas. Ports for the alternating Eastern Caribbean itinerary are St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Princess Cays. Both itineraries sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. One of the best-known names in North American cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company. Part of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK), its current fleet of 11 ships sail on approximately 150 different itineraries around the globe, calling at more than 260 ports on all seven continents. By 2006 a further four ships will be introduced. Additional information is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com. Media Contact: Julie Benson 661-753-1530 jbenson@princesscruises.com Tori Benson, APR 661-753-1540 tbenson@princesscruises.com |
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