Jill Whelan On ‘The Love Boat,’ Being Named A Princess Cruises’ Ambassador [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]

Jill Whelan, best known for playing Vicki Stubing on The Love Boat, has recently taken on the role of “Celebrations Ambassador” for Princess Cruises.

Jill Whelan On ‘Love Boat,’ Princess Cruises

Whelan was an appropriate choice for celebration ambassador for the cruise line, as she’s been onboard their ships with her Love Boat costars. Some of Whelan’s favorite memories with her costars-turned-lifetime friends have taken place on Princess Cruises.

“I mean you put a group of television and film people together on a cruise ship, and on a Princess Cruise ship specifically – there is a lot of fun memories,” Whelan told uInterview in an exclusive interview. “I was just saying one night one of our guest stars was Debbie Reynolds, and she decided to do an impromptu show in the beautiful theater on a Princess ship. There was a memory of Debbie Allen and I in the middle of the night trying to find some food, trying to raid the kitchen. That’s always fun.”

Whelan also shared memories of Telly Salas – who played Kojack on The Love Boat – gambling and helping out her mother in the ship’s casino. For Princess Cruises’ 50th Anniversary, the cast got together in November to christen the cruise line’s newest ship. Instead of parting ways after the ceremony, the former coworkers shared every lunch and dinner together, according to Whelan.

Of all the castmembers, Whelan might be closest to Gavin McLeon, who played her father Capt. Stubing on the show. The former child star had nothing but fond memories of working alongside the veteran character actor.

“The day that they cast me to be his daughter I should have bought a lottery ticket, because to have that man play my father was, and still is, one of the luckiest most blessed opportunities I think that I’ve ever had,” said Whelan. “Gavin McLeod is the nicest, the most gentle, the most generous funny, sweet man that there is on the planet. He really is everything that you would think he is and more. And I couldn’t say I adore him more.”

To this day, Whelan also remains in contact with Ted Lange, Bernie Kopell, Lauren Tweez, Fred Grandy, and frequent guest star Charo.

“I adore her. She has been always like a big sister to me,” Whelan said of Tweez. “And Fred Grandy who played Goffer; I absolutely adore, I mean I adore all of them. Fred is one of the funniest people on the planet, but yet, they all are. Ted Lange makes me laugh ‘till I cry and Bernie too. I love everybody. I was so lucky to be working with those folks.”

Of Charo, she added, “Not only is she adorable and lovely and generous, but Charo is also number two flamenco classical guitarist in the world, and if you haven’t heard her play, it’s life changing how beautifully she plays.”

As the Celebration Ambassador for Princess Cruises, Whelan will bring her enthusiasm to encourage people to consider the line of for all kinds of celebrations – and not just your standard holidays.

“I want people to be encouraged to also think outside of the box because that’s kind of what I do,” said Whelan. “I look for any excuse to take a Princess Cruise, so I’m shameless.”