MIAMI, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The sailor's knot is known for being easy to tie but hard to break. Now, guests who wish to be married at sea by captains of Azamara Cruises' and Celebrity Cruises' ships will soon be able to "tie" their own steadfast "knot" at sea, when the lines launch legal, captain-led wedding ceremonies later this year to complement their existing vow renewal and in-port wedding offerings.
"While many of our guests come onboard seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wedding or vow renewal location, and we've been happy to provide them with in- port weddings led by a local official, their number-one request is for captains to perform the ceremony," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Azamara Cruises and Celebrity Cruises Vice President of Hotel Operations. "Now, we're able to fulfill that wish, while sailing the open waters of the world."
Celebrity has long partnered with The Wedding Experience to offer onboard vow renewals at sea and in-port wedding ceremonies, and with the recent re-registration of seven of Celebrity's eight ships in Malta, where Azamara's two ships also are registered, government regulations have changed to allow for captains to perform legal marriages while the ships sail the seas of the world.
Guests being married at sea by Azamara and Celebrity captains will be offered a variety of packages that include anything from private receptions in their ship's specialty restaurant to cake, champagne, and more. Basic captain- performed wedding packages begin at $2,500. Guests should book their wedding in advance of their sailing in order to allow time for the processing of licenses and other legal documents.
Guests who wish to take their love to new heights may also delight in Celebrity's unique offering on its cruisetours to Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and The Hotel Alyeska. There, guests can be married or renew their vows amidst the breathtaking hanging glaciers of the Girdwood Valley, or with stunning views of Mt. McKinley as a backdrop. These ceremonies can take place from June to September, as part of a Celebrity Cruises pre- or post-voyage cruisetour.
To learn more, lovebirds are encouraged to visit http://www.azamaracruises.com/weddings and http://www.celebritycruises.com/weddings.
The name "Azamara" is a coined term, rooted in Romance language references to blue ("aza"), the sea ("mar"), and a lesser-known word, "acamar," which, in Classical times, was the southernmost bright star that could be seen from the latitude of Greece. Azamara Cruises views its brand as "a bright star on the deep blue sea." Azamara Cruises unlocks the hidden corners of the world for those who desire to immerse themselves in the rich details of every voyage. The deluxe ships - Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest - offer an intimate experience, while allowing access to exotic destinations experienced travelers long to reach. For the 694 guests on each Azamara Cruises ship, every moment at sea embodies the pinnacle of luxury, and each footstep on shore accentuates the difference between visiting a place and getting a true sense of place. Visit http://www.azamaracruises.com/ for more information. This year, Azamara Cruises presents the best of South America and the Panama Canal, elite Asia, the most captivating Caribbean and enchanting Europe. To book cruises, guests are invited to call their travel agents or contact an Azamara Certified Vacation Planner at 1-877-999-9553.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour affiliate. Noted for "The Top Cruise Ships in the World," as voted by the readers of Conde' Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers' poll), Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit http://www.celebritycruises.com/.
