Sip into Vacation: The Ultimate Pomegranate Rum Cocktail, a Love Boat Inspired Escape
Craving that carefree vacation feeling? Imagine yourself on the high seas, cocktail in hand, without a worry in the world. This Pomegranate Rum Cocktail, a vibrant and refreshing concoction, is directly inspired by Isaac, the legendary bartender from the iconic TV show, The Love Boat. Just one sip will transport you to a sun-drenched deck, making you feel as though you’ve embarked on your very own cruise getaway. And if your heart beats for the bold, sweet-tart flavor of pomegranate as much as mine does, prepare for an extra treat: I’ve curated a list of more amazing pomegranate-infused cocktails for you to explore further down!

It feels like just yesterday, yet it’s hard to believe that a little over a month ago, I was gracefully sailing along the breathtaking California Coast. The memories of that incredible journey on the Ruby Princess are still so vivid – savoring gourmet meals, sharing laughs with wonderful friends, and indulging in exquisite adult beverages, much like the very Pomegranate Rum Cocktails I’m sharing with you today. These particular drinks hold a special place in my heart, directly inspired by Isaac, The Love Boat’s charismatic bartender, making them feel like a true taste of the high seas.
Even though November was well underway, Florida’s persistent heat, hovering in the 90s, presented a unique opportunity. My husband and I seized the chance to recreate that vacation magic right on our back patio one recent weekend. While it wasn’t quite the same as gazing at the Pacific Ocean from a cruise ship deck, these delightful Pomegranate Rum Cocktails undeniably offered a blissful escape, if only for a glorious ten minutes. They proved that a little bit of sunshine, good company, and a perfectly crafted drink can indeed transport you, even from your own backyard.
One of the most exciting revelations during my time with Princess Cruises was discovering a delightful piece of television history: my beloved childhood show, The Love Boat, was actually filmed on their very own cruise line! For anyone who grew up watching Captain Stubing, Gopher, Doc, Julie, and of course, Isaac, this connection instantly deepened the magic of the trip. It was a wonderful wave of nostalgia, bringing back memories of Saturday night television and dreaming of faraway ports. I quickly learned during the cruise that the show’s enduring legacy, while strong for some, often varied greatly with age, sparking fun conversations about classic TV!

What truly elevated our Princess Cruise experience from memorable to absolutely unforgettable was the presence of Jill Whelan. For fans of The Love Boat, she’s instantly recognizable as Vicki, Captain Stubing’s charming daughter. Jill was onboard as their esteemed Celebrations Ambassador, and her involvement added an incredible layer of excitement. She wasn’t just a distant celebrity; she genuinely mingled with guests, sharing stories and laughter, and even hosted exclusive events. Our group was incredibly fortunate to have her join us on several excursions, turning ordinary outings into extraordinary adventures.
Jill’s warmth and approachability were simply infectious. It was an absolute delight to spend time with her, not only getting to know the person behind the iconic role but also hearing firsthand accounts of her personal Love Boat journey. She was just a young girl when she starred on the show, and her insights into that unique experience were fascinating and heartwarming. Meeting someone who was such an integral part of a cherished childhood memory truly added an extra sprinkle of magic to our cruise.

