P&O Cruises Launches Same-Sex Weddings

Bermuda’s Supreme Court recently ruled to allow same-sex marriages at sea and P&O Cruises will be the first British cruise line to offer same-sex weddings onboard.  Cunard, which also registers its ships in Bermuda, will welcome same-sex couples looking to wed onboard as well and has already received its first booking.

Bookings for weddings with P&O are now open and the first ceremonies will take place onboard the Azura in January of 2018. 

“I am 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,” said P&O Cruises senior vice president, Paul Ludlow. 

“Weddings at sea are very romantic and getting married by the Captain in the middle of the ocean is an unforgettable experience,” Ludlow added.

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Weddings will be performed by the ship’s captain, and marriage licenses will be issued by Bermuda. 

Couples can purchase Wedding at Sea packages that include the ceremony, the venue, floral arrangements, wedding music, onboard wedding coordinator, a professional photographer, a commemorative wedding certificate, an official copy of the marriage certificate, the cost of the license fee, a champagne toast, a bottle of champagne upon arrival, wedding invitations, thank you notes, wedding outfit pressing services and more. 

Package prices begin at £1,200 or around $1,500 USD. 

The Azura will be sailing in the Caribbean in January and February, sailing to Antigua, St. Kitts, Tortola, Grand Turk, St. Maarten, Martinique, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent. 

Following that, the ship will then reposition to Portugal’s Azores in March, sailing from St. Lucia to St. Kitts, St. Maarten and then across the Atlantic to Ponta Delgada. 

It will then sail in Spain, Portugal and France in April, offering seven-night sailings from Southampton and calling in Vigo, Lisbon, Oporto and Cherbourg. 

Onboard the Azura, guests will find a number of amenities perfect for couples, with a number of different cabins to choose from, including balcony cabins and suites, which are ideal for a romantic getaway. 

Couples will not be bored during their stay. Entertainment options abound. Guests can choose to enjoy a variety of stage performances, live bands and comedians. There are also bars, libraries and art galleries to explore.

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Ships are family friendly and welcome children with a number of activities designed specifically for them. Kids can spend time in age-specific clubs designed for children ages 2-17.

Couples can also pamper themselves before their big day with a trip to the onboard spa. Inside the spa, guests will find a hydrotherapy pool, thermal suites, saunas, steam rooms and heated ceramic beds.  

Treatments include a wide variety of massage therapies. There’s also a Medi-Spa onboard to boost complexions and tone figures before the big day. For those looking to stay fit in a more traditional sense, a fitness center is also available.

A full beauty salon also promises that couples will look perfectly coiffed before they say their vows. A variety of high-end grooming services is available. For those who want to be completely made over from head to toe, stylists are on board to help with new hairstyles and assist with creating a whole new look for the big day, with everything from mani-pedis on board to tanning services available.