The New Voice Of The Ocean: Who Is Hannah Waddingham, The Love Boat Commercial Singer?

Contents

The iconic, instantly recognizable theme song from The Love Boat has a brand-new voice, and the internet is buzzing about the powerful vocals behind the latest Princess Cruises commercial. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the legendary cruise line has launched a major global advertising campaign, "Love Boat by Hannah," featuring an Emmy-winning actress and musical theatre powerhouse who has breathed fresh life into the classic anthem. This deep dive reveals the identity of the current "Love Boat" commercial singer, details her impressive career, and honors the legacy of the original voice.

The campaign, which began rolling out in November 2024, has successfully targeted audiences with a wave of nostalgia, but with a distinctly modern and sophisticated twist. The new singer’s signature charm and undeniable vocal strength are central to the new advertising push, repositioning the cruise experience for a new generation while honoring the show that made Princess Cruises a household name. This is everything you need to know about the new face and voice of the Love Boat.

The New Voice of the Love Boat: Hannah Waddingham's Full Biography

The singer steering the new Princess Cruises campaign is none other than the multi-talented English actress and singer, Hannah Waddingham. Known globally for her commanding screen presence and incredible four-octave vocal range, Waddingham has successfully transitioned from a celebrated career in musical theatre to a major Hollywood star.

  • Full Name: Hannah Waddingham
  • Date of Birth: July 28, 1974
  • Place of Birth: London, England
  • Primary Occupations: Actress, Singer, Television Presenter, Musical Theatre Performer
  • Breakout Role (Television): Rebecca Welton in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso (2020–2023)
  • Major Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2021) for Ted Lasso. She is also a three-time Olivier Award nominee for her work in London's West End.
  • Notable Film & TV Projects (Entities): Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones (as Septa Unella), Sex Education (as Sofía Marchetti), Hocus Pocus 2, The Fall Guy, and hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.
  • Musical Theatre Roles (Entities): The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, Desiree Armfeldt in A Little Night Music, and The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.
  • Vocal Style: Powerhouse mezzo-soprano, often praised for her emotional depth and technical precision.
  • Latest Projects (2024/2025): Starring in the "Love Boat by Hannah" campaign, various film roles, and ongoing television work, cementing her status as a global entertainment icon.

The "Love Boat by Hannah" Campaign: A Modern Twist on a Classic Anthem

Princess Cruises’ decision to partner with Hannah Waddingham for their new global advertising push was a strategic move to blend nostalgia with contemporary appeal. The campaign, titled "Love Boat by Hannah," launched in late 2024 and is designed to invite a new generation of cruisers to rediscover the magic of the ocean.

Waddingham’s rendition of "The Love Boat" theme song is not a simple cover; it’s a modern reimagining. The arrangement features her signature, powerful vocals, giving the tune a cinematic and sophisticated sound that is distinct from the original 1970s version.

The new commercials were filmed in a cinematic style, capturing the romance, adventure, and luxury of the Princess Cruises experience. The creative team behind the campaign aimed to target potential cruisers, specifically those aged 40 and over who might be new to cruising, by leveraging the instantly recognizable theme song.

Waddingham herself has spoken about the personal connection to the song, mentioning that it honors her 108-year-old grandfather, adding a layer of genuine emotion to the high-profile advertisement. Her musical theatre background allows her to deliver the song with an emotional resonance that perfectly aligns with the cruise line's message of romance and adventure.

The Original Crooner: Honoring the Legacy of Jack Jones

While Hannah Waddingham is the current face and voice of the commercial, the historical context of the "Love Boat" theme is inseparable from the original singer, the legendary American crooner, Jack Jones. Jones’s smooth, sophisticated baritone is what defined the theme song for millions of television viewers for nearly a decade.

Jack Jones was the original performer of "The Love Boat" theme song, which was used for the majority of the show's run from 1977 to 1986. His version is the one most closely associated with the classic series, establishing the song as an enduring piece of pop culture.

Jones was a highly successful straight-pop and jazz singer, known for hit songs like "Wives and Lovers" and "Lollipops and Roses," both of which earned him Grammy Awards. His career spanned over six decades, making him a fixture in American music and entertainment.

The timing of the new campaign is particularly poignant. Jack Jones passed away recently, on October 23, 2024, at the age of 86, following a two-year battle with cancer. His death marks the end of an era for the iconic theme song, making Hannah Waddingham’s modern tribute a timely passing of the torch.

The original theme song, composed by Charles Fox with lyrics by Paul Williams, was a perfect encapsulation of the show's spirit. Jones's delivery was breezy and romantic, perfectly setting the stage for the weekly adventures of Captain Stubing, Doc, Gopher, Isaac, and Julie. The song became so synonymous with the show that it is impossible to hear the melody without picturing the Pacific Princess sailing into port.

The "Love Boat" theme, whether sung by Jack Jones, Dionne Warwick (who sang a later season's theme), or now by Hannah Waddingham, remains a powerful piece of marketing. It is a testament to the song's enduring quality that a modern star can successfully revitalize it for a global commercial campaign, proving that the magic of the Love Boat is truly timeless.

love boat commercial singer
love boat commercial singer

Detail Author:

  • Name : Kamryn Larson
  • Username : ahayes
  • Email : alycia36@feil.com
  • Birthdate : 2004-11-05
  • Address : 454 Weber Drive East Maraton, IA 34904-7591
  • Phone : 351-918-9425
  • Company : Mueller Inc
  • Job : Fitness Trainer
  • Bio : Distinctio cum sapiente ut exercitationem. Libero voluptatem asperiores recusandae velit et consectetur id. Quisquam rerum aut velit molestiae non doloribus.

Socials

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@stefanieankunding
  • username : stefanieankunding
  • bio : Optio qui quaerat est possimus. Velit veritatis occaecati eligendi ipsa.
  • followers : 6160
  • following : 1701

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/ankunding2009
  • username : ankunding2009
  • bio : Sint rerum porro placeat iure omnis odit necessitatibus. Cupiditate eaque nulla consequatur neque. Quidem blanditiis omnis aut maxime.
  • followers : 1545
  • following : 2716

linkedin:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/stefanie7358
  • username : stefanie7358
  • bio : Qui repellat sit cumque nihil natus ut. Quos est modi est. Aliquam quaerat quia iusto nemo.
  • followers : 864
  • following : 2598