THE cast of an iconic television show helped to launch a Southampton-based cruise line’s latest vessel.

Princess Cruises was immortalised in hit TV show The Love Boat – and all six of the show’s original cast members were named as the godparents of the line’s latest addition, Regal Princess.

The launch, which saw the cast members smash 50 champagne bottles against Regal Princess’ hull in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also marked the launch of the line’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which will take place throughout 2015.

The pilot episode of The Love Boat was shot aboard Princess’ Sun Princess, and episodes and specials were filmed aboard the line’s vessels during the US show’s run from 1977 to 1986.

It became one of the highest-rated shows on television, and also made millions of viewers familiar with Princess Cruises.

So it was fitting that cast members Gavin MacLeod, Fred Grandy, Ted Lange, Bernie Kopell, Lauren Tewes and Jill Whelan helped to launch the 3,560-guest Regal Princess.

Her features include an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending 28ft beyond the edge of the ship, a fountain and music show, an innovative new night-time lounge bar, the largest pastry shop at sea and a host of dining options.

The cast members pulled a lever that sent the 50 champagne bottles against the ship’s hull, while a massive Nebuchadnezzar bottle was also smashed in the glitzy launch party that featured a host of other former cast members and celebrities.

Line president Jan Swartz said: “The Love Boat put Princess Cruises on the map, bringing the romance and adventure of our cruise vacations into millions of viewers’ homes for the decade it was on air.

“So it was fitting that the cast was selected as godparents for Regal Princess as we begin our 50th anniversary celebrations.”

Regal Princess has now begun her maiden season of Caribbean cruise vacations, running out of the port of Fort Lauderdale.

She is the latest in Princess Cruises’ 18-strong fleet.

The firm launched its first vessel in 1965, and is part of the Carnival Corporation which has headquarters in Harbour Parade, Southampton.