On April 30, Dr. William DeLuca became the first American to wed aboard Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 since the company unveiled its Weddings Program in April. DeLuca, an anesthesiologist from Massachusetts met British executive chef Kelly Lewis one year ago while visiting England. Unable to decide between marrying in the U.S. or U.K., the couple chose to wed halfway between the two during a Transatlantic Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2.
Both first-time cruisers, the DeLucas were delighted to blow the ship’s noon whistle with Captain Oprey, enjoyed a tableside serenade by the servers in the Britannia Restaurant while cutting their wedding cake, and celebrated their first dance in the Queens Room that evening. During the rest of their voyage, they spent time engaging in Queen Mary 2’s many leisurely pursuits and particularly enjoyed the vast library and Illuminations, the only planetarium at sea.
“We were very pleased to welcome Dr. Deluca and Kelly aboard Queen Mary 2 and congratulate them on their wedding,” said Captain Kevin Oprey. “Cunard and the ship’s staff were honoured that they chose both to sail their first cruise with Cunard, and to be married aboard one of our crossings. It was a pleasure to preside over their wedding and we wish them all the best in their new life together.”
“It’s always been my dream to sail the Atlantic,” said Dr. DeLuca. “We chose Cunard for its distinguished history of Transatlantic Crossings and outstanding White Star service. Captain Oprey presided over a lovely ceremony, was very personable and made us feel very much at home. And I love that the longitude and latitude of our Atlantic location are printed on our wedding certificate! Getting married on one of Cunard’s famed Crossings was the perfect way to celebrate our transatlantic love story.”
“The entire experience exceeded our expectations,” said Kelly Lewis. “Our steward was impeccable and attended to our every need. On the day of the wedding, I was getting ready in the salon and had forgotten my headpiece. He ran to the room and returned within minutes!”
“I had never sailed before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but the crossing was fantastic from beginning to end,” Lewis added. “When we arrived into New York, we were wishing we could stay aboard for a few more days. We can’t wait to cruise again with Cunard and are now hoping to sail a Mediterranean voyage.”
Couples wishing to wed at sea can choose from the full spectrum of Cunard’s worldwide voyages lasting seven nights or more. In addition to Crossings, destinations include the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Far East and Australia.
To maintain exclusivity, only one wedding is arranged per day, at either 11:00 a.m. or 3:30 p.m., and the ceremonies take place only during days at sea. A dedicated on board wedding coordinator works with each couple, ensuring all wedding needs are met, from hairdressing, makeup and manicures in the spa, to the wedding ceremony itself, as well as photography and video, and the reception afterwards.
Cunard’s Wedding Package starts from $2500 and includes the ceremony conducted by the Captain, traditional wedding music, a White Star Bellman escorting the bride, floral arrangements, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and, of course, the wedding cake as well as priority check-in and luggage delivery.
Additionally, weddings can be tailored with Cunard’s “Finishing Touches” to reflect individual requests and preferences, and include such items as a Bride and Groom’s Champagne and Caviar Breakfast in Bed, a three-tiered fruit cake, accompaniment by the ship’s own harpist and a beautiful ice sculpture. Wedding gifts of fine wines, champagne and spa treatments are also available to be purchased in advance and arranged for on board.
