In the ocean of television crime drama, few have made as lasting an impression as Lieutenant Columbo, portrayed by the legendary Peter Falk. Among the memorable episodes of this iconic series is “Troubled Waters,” where Columbo finds himself entangled in a murder mystery aboard a luxurious cruise ship. The ship in focus, which became a character in its own right, has a rich history worth unraveling.
“Troubled Waters,” the intriguing episode from 1975, starts with Columbo and his wife enjoying a well-earned vacation aboard the enchanting Sun Princess, only to have it disrupted by a murder. Columbo quickly gets drawn into the mystery, navigating through a sea of eccentric characters and leveraging his unassuming nature and keen perception to outsmart the killer.
What many may not realize is that the Sun Princess was no fictional creation. It was a real-life cruise liner that had a vibrant history and a star-studded career. Originally christened as the “Spirit of London” in 1972, this beauty was built by the renowned Italian company, Cantieri Navali del Tirreno & Riuniti. Initially sailing under the flag of P&O Cruises, the Spirit of London was later sold to Princess Cruises in 1974 and rechristened as the Sun Princess.
The Sun Princess was a ship of distinction and elegance. With a length of 168.74m, a breadth of 24.64m, and capable of accommodating 730 passengers, it was a marvel of maritime engineering. The ship was designed to cater to the luxury market, boasting an array of refined features such as a two-level, glass-walled atrium and lounge, a sumptuous dining room, spacious cabins, and ample deck space for leisure and entertainment.
However, the Sun Princess didn’t limit herself to real-life adventures. She found fame in the world of television, featuring not only in the Columbo episode but also becoming the primary filming location for the popular TV series “The Love Boat” between 1977 and 1986. This buoyant series portrayed the romantic and comedic adventures of the ship’s crew and passengers, making the Sun Princess a household name.
Beyond the “Love Boat” era, the ship underwent several ownership and name changes. In 1988, she was sold to Premier Cruise Line and was renamed “Majestic.” Later, in 1994, she sailed under the CTC Cruises flag as “Southern Cross,” and in 2000, under Festival Cruises, she bore the name “Flamenco.” Throughout her career, the ship sailed under different companies, each time offering unique experiences to her passengers.
Despite the name changes and various owners, the essence of the ship remained the same – a floating oasis of relaxation and luxury. Her beauty and versatility allowed her to adapt and thrive, creating cherished memories for those fortunate enough to sail on her.
The final phase of the ship’s journey, however, was not as glamorous. After the collapse of Festival Cruises in 2004, the ship was laid up, auctioned off, and renamed “New Flamenco.” She sailed under various charters until 2008, after which she was again laid up. Tragically, in 2012, while awaiting a hopeful refurbishment, an onboard fire damaged her beyond repair. The ship, once a marvel of the seas, was subsequently scrapped in 2013 in Alang, India.
While her physical presence may no longer grace the oceans, the Sun Princess’s legacy is indelible. She lives on through the captivating “Columbo: Troubled Waters” episode, the light-hearted escapades of “The Love Boat,” and most importantly, in the hearts and memories of her countless passengers. This remarkable ship was indeed more than steel and rivets; she was a symbol of exploration, adventure, and enduring charm.