In this pilot, Nick (Mike Connors) is a suave and sophisticated gambler who owns a floating hotel and gambling ship, which is plagued by sabotage on its maiden voyage. The story was inspired by Mr Lucky. Star Mike Connors originally envisioned a grittier version with the floating casino being run down. However, the success of The Love Boat prompted the final version to be more glamorous. The inevitable passenger list of familiar TV faces includes Joseph Cotten, Lynda Day George, Bo Hopkins, Robert Loggia, Robert Reed, and Barry Sullivan.