“Getting married by the captain in the middle of the ocean is an unforgettable experience.”
On Tuesday, following the legalization of same-sex marriage in Bermuda, Carnival Corporation announced that it now offers same-sex wedding packages on its Cunard Line, Princess, and P&O cruises. The Bermudan government will issue marriage licenses, and the ship’s captain or deputy captain will perform the ceremonies.
The first service is planned for January 2018 in the Caribbean, aboard the P&O Cruises ship Azura. It will mark the first time a British cruise line has ever hosted a same-sex wedding at sea. In November 2018, Cunard’s first same-sex wedding will take place on the high seas. In November 2018, Cunard will follow its sister line and host its first same-sex weddings.
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“I’m delighted that following this much-anticipated change in the legalities, we are now the first British cruise line to be able to arrange same-sex weddings on board,” P&O Cruises VP Paul Ludlow told Cruise Critic. “Weddings at sea are very romantic and getting married by the captain in the middle of the ocean is an unforgettable experience.”
“This is very welcome news for us,” said Cunard VP Simon Palethorpe. “We look forward to welcoming this couple and many other couples too.”
Princess Cruises has offered same-sex commitment ceremonies aboard its 13 ships for quite a while. Currently, the line extends “a range of services and amenities” for same-sex couples, but they plan to expand their offerings soon.
