Celebrity to Offer Legal Same-Sex Marriages

Celebrity Cruises reports that same-sex marriages performed onboard are now legally recognized, marking a historic first for the brand.

The motion follows a transformative vote in Malta, where a majority of the Celebrity fleet is registered, which passed the country’s parliament 66-1. The long-awaited referendum opens the door for Celebrity to legally recognize same-sex marriages performed onboard, and have the fleet’s captains officiate the ceremonies.

“Celebrity Cruises has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and I cannot think of a more important time in our history than right now to do all we can to support inclusion. I am absolutely thrilled to announce that starting today, we welcome same-sex couples to marry on our ships while in international waters,” said Celebrity president Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “This is one for the history books.”

Barbara Whitehall, managing director, The Wedding Experience, noted that Celebrity Weddings has already hosted many same-sex weddings in the US, Mexico and the Caribbean, where legal.

“We are ecstatic that this new Malta ruling opens up marriage equality for anyone and everyone sailing with Celebrity Cruises while in international water,” she said.

(http://www.celebrityweddings.eweddingcalendar.com)