*Sings* Going to the cruise chapel and we’re, gonna get married. *Goes up a pitch* Going to the cruise chapel at we’re, *speedy sings* gonna be the first same-sex couple to get married at sea.
Same-sex couples are following up on their historic year on-land by saying ‘I Do’ on cruise ships.
Francisco Vargas and Benjamin Gray became the first gay couple to legally marry at sea last month, when they tied the knot on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox.
Close family members witnessed as the couple exchanged vows in front of the rose wall backdrop in Blu Restaurant.
Captain Dimitrios Manetas was recruited to officiate the wedding, which Celebrity Cruises’ President & Chief Executive, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, described as a “true privilege” to host.
“Together we are paving the way for couples around the world to know that their love and commitment is to be celebrated equally, and that everyone is welcome on board a Celebrity cruise.”
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises President & Chief Executive
Francisco Vargas, who works for one of Celebrity’s top travel partners, said that when he heard cruise line’s were allowing same-sex couple to marry at sea he “wanted to be part of it”.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support and hope our story brings strength for others in the LGBTQ+ community to confidently love whoever they choose.”
Vargas’ husband, Benjamin Gray said he was thrilled to be part of the first ever LGBTQ couple to marry at sea and “follow the trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community who paved the way for us”.
Celebrity Cruises’ first same-sex wedding comes after Malta, where a number of Celebrity ships are registered, voted in favour of marriage equality.
READ: P&O Cruises UK & Cunard offer same-sex marriages at sea
READ: Same-sex marriage is legal in Australia