Celebrity Cruises has hosted its first same-sex marriage at sea. Francisco Vargas and Benjamin Gray were married in this historic ceremony aboard the Celebrity Equinox.
The grooms were joined by their immediate family for an intimate ceremony officiated by Captain Dimitrios Manetas. They exchanged vows against the signature backdrop of the rose wall in Blu Restaurant, the location befitting the most memorable of moments.
“Words cannot express how proud I am to congratulate Francisco and Benjamin at this truly historic moment, both for them and for Celebrity. It’s a true privilege to know that the ceremony performed onboard Celebrity Equinox has made history as the first legal same-sex marriage at sea,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises.
“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.”
“There are only so many firsts in life, and we are thrilled to be the first-ever LGBTQ+ couple to marry at sea,” said Mr Gray.
“We are humbled to follow the trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community who paved the way for us.”
Celebrity Cruises was allowed to marry same-sex couples after the Maltese government (where most of the line’s ships are registered) recognised the unions.
Celebrity Cruises offers onboard ceremonies and destinations for people looking to say ‘I do’. The Nautical Nuptials at Sea package includes a Captain-led ceremony, an event coordinator’s services, live music, one hour of photography, cake for two, a bottle of Champagne, plus additional romantic turndown amenities post-ceremony, and more.
