The seas are opening up to same sex couples looking to get hitched, with P&O Cruises and Cunard becoming the first two lines to offer gay and lesbian weddings.
Parent company, Carnival Corporation confirmed the news, saying couples will be able to say ‘I do’ on P&O Cruises UK’s ships (minus Britannia) from January next year followed by Cunard’s three vessels from November 2018.
We’re excited too Karen and Jack.
According to Telegraph.co.uk, the new offering comes after Bermuda – where P&O Cruises’ eight ships (minus Britannia) and Cunard’s three Queens are registered – made the landmark ruling to legalise same sex marriage.
Cunard’s Senior Vice President, Simon Palethorpe, said he’s delighted to be able to offer all couples the experience of a romantic at-sea wedding.
Image: P&O Cruises
“This is very welcome news for us and I am delighted that we have become one of the first British cruise lines to take a booking for a same-sex wedding.”
Simon Palethorpe, Cunard Senior Vice President
The first same sex wedding for Carnival Corporation is expected to take place in January next year on board P&O Cruises’ Azura.
Wedding packages start from around £1,200 (AU$1,995) through Cunard and include a ceremony carried out by the ship’s captain and marriage licenses issued by Bermuda.
KarryOn has contacted the line’s Australian representatives to see if Cunard will be able to offer same-sex marriages on cruises in Australian waters. P&O Cruises Australia is bound by the current marriage legislation in Australia, which doesn’t recognise same sex marriage.