It's hard to overstate the influence he had on the cruise industry and Princess Cruises in particular. His face, along with those of his fellow Love Boat castmates, can be found on the company's vessels all over the world, and the iconic Love Boat theme music is often blasted from their ships' horn to farewell a port upon departure.
MacLeod also stars in the cruise company's unique, super cheesy 13-minute-long safety video.
In a statement, Princess Cruises said "it was 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".
"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'," the company said.
MacLeod 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 with Princess continued until he died.
"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 and his entire family who have lost a loving husband, father and grandfather," the company's statement continued.
"We offer our sincerest gratitude to them for sharing Gavin with all of us for so many years."
