P&O Cruises Australia is on the Search for Couples to Say “I Do” in History Making Cruise Ship Wedding

Bob Downe, one of Australia's most loved
and enduring comedy characters.

P&O Cruises Australia is setting out to make history, by hosting the largest marriage ceremony ever onboard a cruise ship, celebrating Same Sex, Gender Diverse and LGBTQIA+ Supporter/ally couples. And from today, the homegrown cruise company is inviting loved up couples to enter to win one of ten coveted spots on board its inaugural Pride Cruises this year, valued at over $3,700 per couple.

Five winning couples will legally wed onboard the three-night Sydney Pride cruise on 4 November, with another five taking their vows onboard the Melbourne Pride cruise on 9 December. Hosting the ceremonies and performing during the voyages, is one of Australia's most loved and enduring comedy characters, Bob Downe.

Guaranteed to bring the joy and excitement to P&O’s largest wedding ceremonies at sea, he says, “Engaged? Well then let me help you say ‘I DO’ in front of 2,500 of your closest friends, in the largest ever marriage ceremony on a cruise ship! I’ll be hosting the fun as ten lucky couples - whether LGBTQIA+ or our allies - are chosen to get hitched on a P&O Pride Cruise. Bring your family and friends along for a wedding we won’t ever forget!”

Chris Rich, P&O Cruises Partnerships Manager says P&O Cruises has previously supported legislation that legalised same-sex marriages and celebrated with the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia when it happened in November 2017.

“Over the last 2 years it has been challenging for any engaged couple to wed, with COVID-19 impacting nuptial plans or couples affected by last minute cancellations/reschedules. So we are excited to be able to host weddings again and our Pride Cruises are a fantastic opportunity to further extend our support to the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia.”

In addition to accommodation and meals for the winning couples onboard the Pride Cruise, the prize package includes a legally binding marriage ceremony, dedicated wedding coordinator and photographer, commemorative wedding certificate, reserved group seating for 10 people on the night of embarkation, a wedding cake, spa treatment and complementary take-home robes.

To win one of ten all expenses paid weddings on board the P&O Pride Cruises, visit P&O Cruises competition entry page and explain in 25 words or less why you would like to get married onboard P&O’s Pride Cruise and how you will celebrate with your 2,500 new friends onboard! Entries close midnight on 8 September 2022.