Maritime laws are constantly changing; something our attorneys at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. know all too well. While laws tend to be amended or created following accidents or injuries at sea, we are happy to report a new maritime law that will bring joy to many couples who wish to celebrate their love at sea. A new law, recognized by the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, will allow couples on Royal Caribbean International cruise ships to be married onboard while in international waters. The law, known as the Marriage Act, allows the captain of RCL ships to legally perform onboard wedding ceremonies in waters outside the 12-mile limit of the territorial waters of the Bahamas.
“Thanks to the support of the Bahamas, our guests can now be married during the course of their Royal Caribbean International cruise and bask in the romance of the sea as they exchange their vows,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
The ceremonies will be performed as part of RCL’s ‘Royal Romance at Sea’ wedding program, which offers couples several choices for destination weddings and catering packages from smaller, more intimate packages to larger wedding celebrations. Ceremonies are performed by the captain and include photography services, food, music, and other special perks for the couple. Wedding specialists are also available to help couples plan the details of their weddings and finalize legal requirements while onboard the vessel.
Couples can also opt for an introductory ‘Sweethearts at Sea’ promotion, which includes a complimentary ‘Romance at Sea’ package if their wedding party books twelve or more staterooms on a cruise vacation lasting five or more nights in 2013. They can also enjoy a complimentary stateroom upgrade, reception with hors d’oeuvres and bar service when the party books 25 or more staterooms.
For couples who are already married, the Royal Romance program also offers vow renewal packages, featuring ceremonial services and customized proposals. If couples choose not to enroll in a wedding registry, they can opt for their friends and family to use RCI’s honeymoon registry to contribute toward the cost of their cruise, onboard activities and excursions.
“The Bahamas is happy to participate in this venture with Royal Caribbean International. This premier cruise line has been bringing visitors to our beautiful country for many years, and we know that the Royal Romance weddings and vow renewal program will encourage even more visitors to our beautiful shores,” added Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson, attorney general and minister of legal affairs of the Bahamas.
To keep up with the latest maritime news and laws, visit our Lipcon law firm blog today.
PHOTO SOURCE: About.com via Royal Caribbean
Published on November 6, 2012
Categories: International Maritime
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