By Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN, Published 23rd May 2022

(CNN) — From steam-powered ships, to mega-liners, the cruise industry has been through quite a transformation over the years. And the market has skyrocketed.

Back in 1970, an estimated 500,000 people went on a cruise holiday. That figure had jumped to five million by 1997.

So what brought about this sudden surge in interest? According to industry experts, it was mainly down to a certain TV show with a catchy theme tune.

“Come aboard, we’re expecting you!” Produced by TV legend Aaron Spelling,”The Love Boat” first aired in 1977 and went on to become one of the most successful shows in TV history during its decade long run.

The program, which is still available on streaming services such as Paramount Plus, partnered with Princess Cruises, and episodes were filmed aboard various Princess Cruise ships, the Pacific Princess and Island Princess being the most noted.

Source: ‘The Love Boat’: How a TV show transformed the cruise industry | CNN Travel