Musings on Romantic Moments

By Gavin MacLeod

People always ask me what I think was the most romantic moment on The Love Boat. That's tough to say since each episode brought people together and offered many romantic moments. But looking back, I would have to say that probably for me - and my character, Captain Merrill Stubing - the most romantic moment and really a milestone event for me was marrying Marion Ross on the show's finale. It was the climax of the show and a very touching moment for me because we're such good friends in real life too!

But though I cherish all the romance we brought to people's lives during the 10 years that The Love Boat was on the air, I truly feel and always tell people that you don't need to watch a TV show to find romance. True romance is in the daily life you spend with your significant other. I've been married to my wife, Patti, for over 40 years. We've had so many different forms of romance in our life together. I treasure them every day because you reach an age when every year goes faster than the last and you look in the mirror and don't recognize the face looking back at you anymore. You just don't realize how fast it all goes.

That's when I realize that it's the really simple things that are most important. I love to cuddle with Patti on deck when we can get away on a Princess cruise or even if we're just in our background and look at the sky with all of the stars and be with the person I love more than anyone. Those to me are the most magical moments of all.