A Supreme Court ruling last year authorised gay marriage in Bermuda, which also applied to cruise ships registered there. But on Wednesday (February 7), the archipelago’s governor approved a bill that reverses it.
Because P&O Cruises and Cunard ships are registered in Bermuda, captains will no longer be able to conduct on-board services.
A spokesperson for P&O Cruises and Cunard said: “On May 5, 2017 a Supreme Court decision was made in Bermuda legalising same sex marriages. We were delighted by this decision as we have wanted to offer same sex ceremonies for many years.
“Although we are awaiting further information from Bermuda, it is unfortunately likely to be the case that Bermudian law will not permit a same sex wedding ceremony on board our ships in the future.
“We are very unhappy about this decision and we do not underestimate the disappointment this will cause those guests who have planned their weddings.
“We would still love to welcome couples on board though as planned. Whilst we are unable to hold the legal ceremony we can still offer a commitment ceremony to celebrate their partnership or a renewal of vows ceremony, both of which will be officiated by the captain or a senior officer.”
Darren Burn, founder of LGBT tailor-made travel company OutOfOffice.com, has hit out at Bermuda’s decision.
“This a massive step back in the fight for equality,” he said. “We have many LGBT couples who we help get married overseas every year. As more and more countries enact legislation to ensure equality, this decision will have a significant impact.
“Not only will cruise lines like P&O and Cunard no longer be able to conduct same-sex weddings at sea because they are registered in Bermuda, but it sets a very dangerous precedent.
“We are calling on cruise lines to make a stand and re-register their ships. It will send a very powerful message that equality cannot be repealed.
"We will be making our views known to the Bermuda tourist board and to our colleagues at affected cruise lines.”
