Ceremonies Sea and Shore
Some of life’s most cherished moments call for a backdrop as breathtaking as the stories they create. At P&O Cruises, we invite you to celebrate your special occasions with the boundless beauty of the sea as your witness.
Making every moment magical
Ceremonies, Renewals of Vows, Engagements
Honeymoon destinations and accommodation
Our happy couples
How to book
Terms and conditions
Terms and Conditions
Definitions
In these terms and conditions unless a different meaning is given capitalised terms are the same as in P&O Cruises Booking Conditions as found at pocruises.com. “Base Ceremony Package” means a package of wedding and/or celebration goods and services offered by P&O Cruises, excluding any Optional Extras or Legal Fees; “Ceremony at Sea” means a Ceremony Package where the ceremony is performed on a P&O Cruises ship; “Ceremony on Shore” means a Ceremony Package where the Ceremony is performed on shore. “Ceremony Package” means a Base Ceremony Package including any Optional Extras or Legal Fees; “Deposit” means the deposit payable for a Base Ceremony Package and any Optional Extras or Legal Fees due under these terms and conditions; “Guests” means the persons named in any booking form for a Ceremony Package; “Guest Documentation” means the personal documentation required to be provided by Guests to facilitate any legal marriage to be performed under a Ceremony Package; “Legal Fees” means the charges payable for the processing and registration of a legally binding marriage in Barbados when part of a Ceremony on Shore package “Optional Extras” means any additional celebration goods or services that Guests may purchase to complement a Base Ceremony Package.
1. Booking and the Contract
Together with our Booking Conditions, these terms and conditions form the contract between Guests and P&O Cruises for a Ceremonies Package (“Contract”). In the event of any conflict between the Booking Conditions and these terms and conditions, these terms and conditions take precedence.
To book a Ceremony Package Guests must contact one of our ceremony specialists by calling 0344 33 88 595. Ceremony Packages and Optional Extras are subject to availability. Guests are responsible for the full cost of the Ceremony Package together, or individually.
Guests must confirm the Ceremony Package they require is available before making a holiday Package booking. A Contract for a Ceremony Package will not be formed until Guests have booked a corresponding P&O Cruises holiday Package (and paid any required deposit), returned a completed Ceremony booking form and paid any Deposits then due. Guests must return P&O Cruises ceremony planning form identifying their preferences and any required Optional Extras at least 120 days before their holiday Package departs.
P&O Cruises may, at its discretion, accept Ceremony Package bookings within a shorter timeframe than stated in these terms. In such cases, any revised payment terms or other changes to these terms and conditions will be confirmed to Guests in writing at the time a booking is made. Unless expressly confirmed otherwise by P&O Cruises in writing, all original terms and conditions remain applicable.
2. Prices and Payment
Ceremonies at Sea:
· A Deposit of 25% of the Base Ceremony Package price is payable at the time of booking.
· A balance payment of 75% of the Base Ceremony Package price is payable 120 days before departure of the Guests’ holiday Package.
Ceremonies on Shore:
· A Deposit of 25% of the Base Ceremony Package price and 50% of any Legal Fees is payable at the time of booking.
· A balance payment of all other remaining sums is payable 120 days prior to departure of the Guests’ holiday Package.
Renewal of Vows and Committal Ceremonies:
The Base Ceremony Package price for Renewal of Vows and Committal Ceremonies is payable at the time of booking.
Optional Extras:
Ceremony at Sea: all Optional Extras must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Ceremony on Shore: Optional Extras priced at £500 or less are payable in full at the time of booking. For Optional Extras over £500, payment is made in two instalments: 50% at the time of booking and remaining balance due 120 days before the holiday Package departs.
Prices shown in our brochure are correct at the time of publication. P&O Cruises reserves the right to change all prices, including those shown on www.pocruises.com without prior notice. If Guests fail to pay any payment associated with a Ceremony Package by the applicable due date, P&O Cruises reserves the right to cancel the Ceremony Package whereupon Guests will be liable to pay the cancellation charges set out at Clause 5.
3. Optional Extras – Ordering and Cancellations
All Optional Extras must be ordered by Guests no later than 120 days before the departure date of their holiday Package. Once ordered, Optional Extras may only be cancelled by Guests as follows:
Ceremony at Sea: Optional Extras can be cancelled up to 7 days before departure of the holiday Package at no charge. After this period a 100% cancellation charge will apply.
Ceremony on Shore: Optional Extras of £500 or under can be cancelled up to 90 days before departure of the holiday Package at no charge. Optional Extras of over £500 cancelled up to 90 days before departure of the holiday Package will incur a 50% cancellation charge. All Optional Extras cancelled within 90 days of departure of the holiday Package will incur a 100% cancellation charge.
4. Changes to Ceremony Package by Guests
P&O Cruises will try to accommodate requested changes to a Ceremony Package once booked, subject to availability and payment of any resulting costs. All changes to a booked Ceremony Package are at P&O Cruises’ discretion. No changes can be made within 28 days of departure of the holiday Package.
For a Ceremony at Sea Guests may request a change to the ceremony date up to 60 days before departure of their holiday Package provided the new date is during the same cruise and any Bermuda marriage licence previously issued is still valid (or a new licence can be obtained in sufficient time). Requests to move the Ceremony Package to a different cruise must be made at least 120 days before departure and are subject to availability, a £100 administration fee and payment of any additional costs incurred by P&O Cruises. Cancellation charges for the holiday Package as set out in our Booking Conditions may also apply.
Transfers from a Ceremony on Shore to a Ceremony at Sea package are not permitted without the payment of cancellation charges set out in these terms and conditions. Requests to transfer from a Ceremony at Sea to a Ceremony on Shore will be considered by P&O Cruises on a case-by-case basis.
5. Cancellation of the Ceremony Package by Guests
Guests may cancel a Ceremony Package at any time by emailing ceremonies@carnivalukgroup.com. In the event of any Cancellation of a Ceremony Package all Optional Extras will also be deemed cancelled. In that event, P&O Cruises shall be entitled to levy a cancellation charge to cover their anticipated losses as set out in the table below:
Date of Cancellation Notice |
Ceremony at Sea (% of Base Ceremony Package Price) |
Ceremony on Shore (% of Base Ceremony Package Price) |
> 91 Days prior to departure of holiday Package |
25% |
25% |
90 to 57 days |
50% |
50% plus, Legal Fees |
56 to 42 days |
60% |
60% plus, Legal Fees |
41 to 16 days |
75% |
75% plus, Legal Fees |
15 to 6 days
|
90% |
90% plus, Legal Fees |
<6 days or failure to embark |
100% |
100% plus, Legal Fees |
Any cancellation of the Ceremony Package does not cancel the holiday Package contract between P&O Cruises and Guests. Guests should see the Booking Conditions available at pocruises.com for details of cancellation charges payable in the event of a cancellation of their holiday Package.
6. Changes To Ceremony Package by P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises aims to deliver the Ceremony Package as booked but may occasionally need to make changes for operational or commercial reasons.
These changes will not usually be significant and may include (without limitation) substitutions of advertised package elements for other items of comparable quality, changes to the ceremony date (within 48 hours of the original date), a change in location or venue for a comparable alternative, or a change in preferred supplier of any Optional Extra. We will advise you at the earliest possible opportunity where such a change is necessary. P&O Cruises will not be responsible for any costs or losses incurred by Guests or their travelling party because of a non-significant change. P&O Cruises advises against Guests ordering personalised commemorative items showing anticipated date of ceremony in advance of a ceremony taking place.
If we need to make a significant change to your Ceremony Package and there is sufficient time before departure, we will inform you promptly. Guests may then choose to:
- Accept alternative arrangements proposed by P&O Cruises, subject to availability, or
- Cancel the Ceremony Package and receive a full refund of all monies paid.
7. Cancellation of the Ceremony Package by P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises will use all reasonable efforts not to cancel a Ceremony Package once booked. However, we reserve the right to cancel where it is necessary for operational, legal or commercial reasons, or this is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (as defined in our Booking Conditions).
If P&O Cruises cancels the Ceremony Package or makes a significant change to it and the Guest chooses not to proceed with their Ceremony Package with any alternative arrangements offered, the Guest may then cancel their holiday Package without incurring the cancellation charges set out in these terms or our Booking Conditions. In such cases, provided the cancellation or significant change was not due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, Guests may also be entitled to compensation in the amounts set out in the Booking Conditions.
Where cancellation or significant change of a Ceremony Package is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, Guests will receive a full refund of the Ceremony Package only. No additional compensation or reimbursement of related costs will be payable, and P&O Cruises will not be liable for any additional costs or losses incurred by Guests or their travelling companions.
8. Legal Requirements - Marriages Under Bermudian and Barbadian Law
Under Bermudian and Barbadian law, the following general conditions must be met for a marriage to be valid:
- The parties must be of opposite sex.
- Both must be over 16 years of age. If either party is under 18, written and notarised parental or guardian consent is required.
- The parties must not be closely related by birth, marriage or adoption and neither party may be married to another person.
- Neither party can suffer from a recognised mental disorder (as defined by the Bermudian Mental Health Act 1968 for Bermudian law marriages) and both must be capable of giving free and informed consent to the marriage.
- No false names may be used and proper local notice requirements and licensing must be in place.
- The ceremony must be conducted by a recognised marriage officer and witnessed by two persons. Note: A marriage officer and witnesses (if required) are included with a Ceremony Package. The Captain or Deputy Captain acts as marriage officer for a Ceremony at Sea.
This information is provided for guidance only. P&O Cruises recommends that Guests seek their own legal advice if they think they may not satisfy the legal requirements to be married under Bermudian or Barbadian law. Further guidance can be viewed at www.pocruises.com/ceremonies-sea-shore.
Important: All marriages performed in a Ceremony at Sea package are performed under Bermudian law. Wedding Banns and the announcement of a Bermudian marriage will be published in two local newspapers in Bermuda, including the Bermudian online newspaper, the Royal Gazette www.royalgazette.com. Guests’ name and addresses will be published online in this publication and filed subsequently with Registrar General in Hamilton, Bermuda. For Ceremonies at Sea, the Guests’ names and information needed to register the marriage will be noted in the ship’s logbook. If the Registry General of Bermuda receives an objection to a Guests’ intended marriage it may prevent a marriage licence from being issued. In such a case, it is the Guests’ sole responsibility, at their cost, to liaise with the Registry General to resolve the issue prior to the applicable ceremony date. P&O Cruises will provide reasonable assistance to support this communication but is not responsible for delivering the legal marriage element of a Ceremony Package while such unresolved objection remains in place.
Due to local legal requirements in Barbados, all marriage ceremonies included in our Ceremony on Shore packages feature references to the Christian religion and God, throughout. By booking Guests acknowledge and accept this as part of the ceremony format.
9. Recognition of Marriage in Guests’ Country of Domicile
It is the responsibility of Guests to ensure compliance with the legal requirements of their country of domicile if they wish their Bermudian or Barbadian law marriage to be recognised there.
Marriages conducted under Bermudian or Barbadian law will generally be recognised as valid in the United Kingdom provided all legal formalities are met in Barbados or Bermuda and both parties comply with the corresponding legal requirements for marriages in their respective countries. For further guidance guests should visit www.pocruises.com/ceremonies-sea-shore
P&O Cruises is not liable if a marriage conducted under a Ceremony Package is not legally recognised in the Guests’ country of domicile due to any non-compliance with laws there. Guests are strongly advised to seek independent legal advice regarding the law of their country of domicile before booking a Ceremony Package.
10. Guest Documentation
Where a Ceremony Package includes a legal marriage, Guests are responsible for obtaining and producing any Guest Documentation needed to facilitate the marriage in the form and in the timeframes advised by P&O Cruises. This includes arranging and paying for any certified English translations (where necessary) and liaising directly with relevant local authorities in Bermuda or Barbados if additional documents are required. A full list of required Guest Documentation will be provided to Guests when booking a Ceremony Package but usually include, at a minimum:
- Original Passports for both Guests.
- Original, full birth certificates, showing Guests’ parents’ full names.
- Original Legal evidence of Guest’s ‘single’ status if previously married.
- If applicable, adoption and/or evidence of any name change for either Guest (i.e. deed poll certificates).
For Ceremony on Shore bookings Marriage Documentation must be provided by Guests in original form on arrival in Barbados and advance copies sent to P&O Cruises no later than 120 Days prior to the departure of their holiday Package.
Guests are responsible for ensuring any documents prepared by P&O Cruises using details contained in Guest Documentation are reviewed for accuracy. Failure to provide any Guest Documentation in correct form and/or within the required time may mean that the Guests’ marriage cannot proceed. P&O Cruises is not liable for any delays, additional costs, or losses incurred by Guests due to any failure to provide Marriage Documentation in the form or within the timeframes required.
Copies of Guest Documentation should always be by email to ceremonies@carnivalukgroup.com. P&O Cruises does not accept delivery of Guest Documentation by post or by in person delivery. Guest Documentation requirements may change at any time and could lead to Guests incurring additional costs. Further details can be found by visiting www.pocruises.com/ceremonies-sea-shore
11. Insurance and liability
Suitable travel insurance is a requirement of travel on a P&O Cruises holiday Package. P&O Cruises requires that Guests also purchase adequate wedding insurance to cover additional risks associated with a Ceremony Package such as weather-related postponement, loss or damage of wedding items or venue cancellation or closure.
P&O Cruises is not liable for any failure to perform this Contract where this failure is caused by; actions or omissions of the Guests or any third parties that P&O Cruises is not responsible for; any unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances and/or criminal acts committed by employees, subcontractors, or agents of our suppliers. In any event, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, P&O Cruises’ liability to the Guests is limited to a maximum of twice the cost of the Ceremony Package booked with us.
12. Personal Data
To arrange and deliver your Ceremony Package, P&O Cruises will collect and process Guest personal data including names, contact details, dates of birth, addresses, passport information, marital status, parental names and ceremony preferences. This data is used solely for service delivery of a Ceremony Package by managing bookings, applying for a marriage licence and marriage registration in Bermuda or Barbados (if applicable), coordinating delivery Optional Extras and supporting logistics and communication. If one Guest provides data about others, they confirm they have consent and that the information is accurate.
Guests’ Personal data may be shared with our third-party suppliers, including for Ceremony on Shore packages, registrars, church ministers and local government authorities, as well as our Barbadian wedding planning companies and their subcontractors (such as venue operators, photographers and videographers) and the applicable ministries of the Barbados government.
We will only use your personal data as set out in our privacy notice which is available at www.pocruises.com. You have rights to access, correct, delete or restrict the use of your personal data, and to withdraw consent where applicable. Data may be processed in the UK, EU, and other jurisdictions where services are delivered.
13. Miscellaneous
Photographs, descriptions and other examples provided in relation to our wedding services are intended to offer a general representation of services and products provided under a Ceremony Package. These materials are illustrative only and are not intended to be a guarantee of specific outcomes. Due to variations in venues, availability, and other factors, the final presentation or product may differ from exactly what is shown. For Ceremonies at Sea, where the Ship’s Captain is unavailable for operational reasons, the Deputy Captain may perform a Ceremony in his place.
14. Law and Jurisdiction
This Contract shall be governed by English law and any dispute arising under it shall be determined by the courts of England and Wales.
The following information is for guidance purposes only:
1. Guidance on Recognition of Marriage in Guests’ Country of Domicile
Marriages conducted under Bermudian or Barbadian law are generally recognised in the United Kingdom provided that:
- The ceremony takes place in Bermuda or Barbados (or on the high seas in a Ship registered there);
- All required formalities under Bermudian law or Barbadian law are met; and
- Both parties meet the legal capacity requirements to be married in their own country of domicile.
For Guests domiciled in the United Kingdom:
- Guests must be over 16 and not be closely related.
- Unless domiciled in Scotland, parental or guardian consent is required if under 18.
- Both must be capable of giving valid consent to be married.
- Neither Guest may be married or in an undissolved civil partnership.
- Prohibited degrees of ‘close relationship’ differ slightly in Scotland to that in the rest of the UK. Guests domiciled in Scotland should seek local legal advice.
For further guidance on the legal requirements to be married in Bermuda or Barbados Guests can visit:
Bermuda : www.gov.bm/getting-married-bermuda
Barbados: www.gov.bb/Citizens/marriage-licence
2. Guest Documentation Requirements:
For Ceremony on Shore bookings the following documents must be provided by Guests in their original form on arrival in Barbados. Advance copies must be sent to P&O Cruises no later than 120 Days prior to the departure of their holiday Package. Any documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation from a Notary Public (not a Justice of the Peace).
1. Original valid Passports for both Guests.
2. Printed proof of Barbados Immigration Online ED Travel Form showing arrival and departure dates.
3. Original or certified copies of birth certificates.
4. If divorced: original or certified copy of the Decree Absolute or Final Judgment (not Decree Nisi).
5. If widowed: original or certified copy of the marriage and death certificate of the deceased spouse.
6. If name changed: all supporting documentation (e.g. Deed Poll or adoption papers).
7. Guests aged 16–18 require parental or legal guardian consent, evidenced by presence or a notarised affidavit.
8. If applicable, details of the two persons who Guests wish to attend the ceremony to act as witnesses to the marriage.
FAQs
Those sailing from Antigua can choose a Ceremony on Shore in Barbados mid-way through their cruise holiday, giving time to relax and prepare for the big day as well as celebrate after. Guests who choose to fly into Barbados can indulge in two blissful weeks before tying the knot on their last full day of the cruise, flying home to celebrate with loved ones.
Please visit pocruises.com/ceremonies-sea-shore for full details of departure days, ceremony times, additional guests and prices or call the friendly Ceremonies team on 0344 3388 595 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
Our range of Ceremonies at Sea packages are designed to meet individual needs, big or small, with lots of optional extras available. You can take a look through our packages here, request a brochure or contact our expert team of wedding specialists to work out the best choice for you and your partner.
You can contact our Ceremony Specialist team on 0344 3388 595 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays) or email ceremonies@carnivalukgroup.com.
Yes. We can perform legal weddings across all seven ships in our fleet. To help you decide which ship or destination is best for your day, please contact our Ceremonies team on 0344 3388 595 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays) or email ceremonies@carnivalukgroup.com.
Yes. Our Ceremonies at Sea package includes a ceremony performed by your captain, who can also legally officiate the wedding. They will also sign a keepsake certificate for you to commemorate your special occasion for years to come. In the unlikely event that your captain is unavailable, your deputy captain will be happy to conduct your ceremony and sign your certificate.
Yes. On selected Caribbean fly-cruise holidays, couples can get married ashore in Barbados from 8 October 2025. You simply have to choose between a barefoot beach wedding or a private ceremony in the Fairmount Royal Pavilion luxury resort's beach or garden. We will liase with the resort team on your behalf so you can relax and enjoy your cruise with us.
Here’s our new brochure for explanation and inspiration! [link].
Your Ceremony at Sea takes place on board one of our beautiful ships. It’s a unique way to wed in a sophisticated venue, perfect for lasting memories and stunning photographs. The on board dedicated Ceremonies team will take care of every detail for you, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the ship, the spa, the gym, the world-class dining and show-stopping entertainment. Ceremonies at Sea are available across the fleet on cruises of five nights or more. Please visit pocruises.com/ceremonies-at-sea for details.
On a Caribbean fly-cruise holiday your Ceremony on Shore can take place on the sand by the water or in the Royal Fairmount Hotel luxury resort’s beach or garden. Shore weddings are organised independently by the resort team, not by P&O Cruises. Visit pocruises.com/ceremonies-on-shore for details.
If you have any other questions, please get in touch with our friendly Ceremonies team who will be happy (and excited!) to help. Call 0344 3388 595 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays) or email ceremonies@carnivalukgroup.com