We love articles which give us warm and fuzzy feelings, and this one couldn’t have come at a better time.
Today in Sydney, Celebrity Cruises CEO and President Lisa Lutoff-Perlo named the cruise line as headline sponsor of the 2018 Australian LGBTI Awards, at the same time revealing Celebrity as the first cruise line in the world to offer legalised same-sex marriage at sea, effective immediately.
Lutoff-Perlo, visiting Sydney for the first time ever this week, said partnering with the 2018 Australian LGBTI Awards was a natural fit for the luxury cruise line which is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout its operations.
“At Celebrity Cruises, we’re committed to opening up the world to everyone, and championing diversity in all its forms.”
“This partnership further cements our commitment to the LGBTI community in Australia, and I’m thrilled to support awards which recognise the incredible efforts of Australians working tirelessly to protect and promote LGBTI right,” Lutoff-Perlo added.
Lutoff-Perlo also announced the Celebrity Solstice – along with the rest of the line’s 12-strong international fleet – will offer legalised same-sex marriage ceremonies in international waters under Maltese law from today, just in time for Celebrity Solstice’s first Australian sailing when she returns for her sixth local season down under on 20 October 2017.
“Australia is a significant market for Celebrity Cruises, ranking as the third largest source market worldwide.”
“More than 50,000 Australians cruise with us each year – both in Australia and overseas – and we’re thrilled to be the first line to offer legalised same-sex marriage ceremonies, officiated by the Captain, just in time for the new season,” Lutoff-Perlo said.
The move 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.
To learn more about the Celebrity Weddings program and The Wedding Experience, click here.
