Princess Cruises Releases Statement on the Passing of Actor Gavin MacLeod

Gavin MacLeod, was Global Ambassador for Princess Cruises

LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 29, 2021: Gavin MacLeod, actor best known for his roles on television’s McHale’s Navy, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Captain Merrill Stubing, Master of the Pacific Princess on hit show The Love Boat, passed away today at the age of 90.

It is for his role at Captain Stubing he will be mostly remembered. Indeed, The Love Boat is credited by many in the cruise industry to be the catalyst that launched the cruise industry making it the multi-billion dollar industry it is today.

Following the cancellation of The Love Boat MacLeod went on to be the Global Ambassador of Princess Cruises.

Upon his passing Princess Cruises released the following statement:

Statement on the passing of Gavin MacLeod

It is with sadness felt to the depth of the oceans that we mourn the passing of actor Gavin MacLeod our beloved global ambassador, dearest friend and treasured member of the Princess Cruises family for more than 35 years. 

From his 10 seasons staring as Captain Merrill Stubing on the hit TV show “The Love Boat” (1977 to 1986) and for more than three decades following the show’s final season, Gavin enthusiastically shared his passion about the joys and adventures of exploring the world while cruising. He always reminded us that – like the popular TV series, “cruising gives people something to dream about.” 

Gavin, who celebrated his 90th birthday in February, officially became Princess Cruises’ global ambassador in 1986, appearing in a vast array of advertising campaigns and countless public and media appearances for the company. His role for Princess continued until his passing.

All of us at Princess Cruises and our loyal guests around the world whom, to this day, remain avid fans of Gavin’s, send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Patricia (Patti) and his entire family who have lost a loving husband, father and grandfather. We offer our sincerest gratitude to them for sharing Gavin with all of us for so many years.