Princess Cruises is launching a nationwide search asking "Are You the Greatest Romantic?" The contest debuts Valentine's Day on the new online home for the company's Department of Romance, www.princess.com/romance. People can nominate themselves or someone they believe deserves the honor. "The Greatest Romantic" will be chosen from a field of entries narrowed down to five finalists determined by the line's Department of Romance experts. After a public vote, he or she will become an "ambassador of love" for the department for one year, in addition to receiving a cruise for two. "Who better than the ‘Love Boat' line to search for the greatest romantic?" asked Gavin MacLeod, the actor who played the series' Captain Stubing. "‘The Love Boat' and Princess celebrated romance during every show for its 10-year run. And now as the show commemorates its 30-year anniversary, what a fitting celebration of love on the high seas." MacLeod is one of the members of Princess' Department of Romance, which also includes Trish McDermott, "Vice President of Love" for Engage.com and former "Vice President of Romance" for Match.com; couples therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer; and Lisa Light, destination wedding expert and author. Together they will select the five finalists before the vote is put out to the general public.
Videos can be entered from Feb. 14 until March 20. Then, April 1-14, the five finalists will be posted and the general public can vote for their favorite. The winner will be announced on April 15 and receive a seven-day cruise for two to Mexico or the Caribbean, including airfare. While onboard they will receive a couple's package from Lotus Spa. "The Greatest Romantic" will also be featured on the company's website telling their story, offering advice and discussing romance on a special podcast. "From a personal love story to an original poem or creative stunt, we're seeking compelling video entries expressing romance from many perspectives," said Jan Swartz, senior vice president for Princess Cruises. "Be it in small or dramatic ways, we're looking for someone who can channel their inner romantic and espouse the meaning of romance for others, plus share how they make romance a part of their daily lives. And we're looking for someone who has the attributes to be a great addition to our Department of Romance."

Videos should be no longer than three minutes and convey why the person is the ultimate romantic. Contestants can nominate themselves, a spouse, friend or relative but can enter only once and must be at least 21 years of age. All videos become property of Princess Cruises. For a complete list of rules and video requirements, as well as sample video entries, visit www.greatestromantic.princess.com. Simultaneously, Princess is also conducting a sweepstakes giving one of the contest voters a chance to win their own romantic cruise for two. Visitors to the contest website during the voting period can sign up to win a seven-day cruise for two to the Caribbean or the Mexican Riviera. Other contest prizes include chocolates from Godiva Chocolatier, products from Lotus Spa, and flowers from Teleflora. In addition to the contest information, Princess' new online home for its Department of Romance features tips and articles ranging from the best ways to reinvigorate your romance to tips on planning a destination wedding. It also features a series of podcasts, inspiring quotations and romantic desktop downloads.

This will be interesting to see! =)