Congratulations are in order to Francisco Vargas and Benjamin Gray.
Yesterday, they became the first same-sex couple to legally wed at sea!
The historic ceremony was hosted on board Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Equinox.
Taking place on afternoon of 29 January 2018, the vows were exchanged in Equinox’s Blu Restaurant.
Equinox was traveling from LGBTI hotspot Key West in Florida to Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico at the time.
The American couple’s nuptials were officiated by Captain Dimitrios Manetas.
Of course, the big question now is: how are they going to top it with the honeymoon?!
‘There are only so many firsts in life’
Said Gray: ‘There are only so many firsts in life. We are thrilled to be the first ever LGBTQ+ couple to marry at sea.’
He also said: ‘We are humbled to follow the trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community who paved the way for us.’
Vargas furthermore added: ‘Traveling is in my blood. And when we heard Celebrity Cruises was celebrating equality and embracing our community, we wanted to be a part of it.
He also said: ‘[We] hope our story brings strength for others in the LGBTQ+ community to confidently love whoever they choose.’
Celebrity Cruises confirmed back in October that on-board same-sex weddings are now legally recognized.
This followed the introduction of marriage equality in Malta. This is where a majority of the Celebrity fleet is registered.
The country’s parliament passed the law by a vote of 66-1.
‘We wish them the very best of luck’
Jo Rzymowska, Celebrity Cruises’ Vice President and Managing Director in UK, Ireland and Asia, was delighted by the announcement.
She told Gay Star News: ‘It was an incredibly proud moment for Celebrity Cruises to announce that we were the first cruise line in the world to offer same-sex weddings at sea.
‘We’re equally proud that Ben and Francisco chose to celebrate their special day onboard Celebrity Equinox to become the first ever same sex couple to marry at sea.
She furthermore added: ‘We wish them the very best of luck in this new chapter of their lives. We hope they’re the first of many LGBTQ+ guests to choose our fleet to get married.’
‘Words cannot express how proud I am’
Said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises was also excited by the news.
She said: ’Words cannot express how proud I am to congratulate Francisco and Benjamin at this truly historic moment, both for them and for Celebrity.’
Lutoff-Perlo furthermore added: ‘It’s a true privilege to know that the ceremony performed on board Celebrity Equinox has made history as the first legal same-sex marriage at sea.’
She also said: ’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.’
