P&O Cruises has made cruising even more romantic with the launch of its new Ceremonies at Sea program for passengers wanting to tie the knot onboard their favourite ship.

A first for the cruise line, the program offers wedding services, commitment ceremonies and vow renewals on all four P&O Cruises’ ships, with P&O Cruises handling everything from photographers and flowers through to private post-wedding dinners in its fine dining restaurant.

Announcing the new offering, Jenny Lourey, Senior Vice President of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said there was nothing more romantic than a holiday at sea.

“Thousands of our passengers have found their true love on our ships and many of them take their honeymoons with us, but now we’re offering the ultimate in romance with weddings onboard,” Ms Lourey said.

“Couples are always looking for a memorable wedding location and running away to sea to get married on a ship has to be one of the best.”

Wedding ceremonies will be available in port in Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle, Fremantle and Auckland on embarkation day and will be performed by a celebrant.  Meanwhile vow renewals and commitment ceremonies will be performed at sea by the Captain or a senior officer.

The wedding package includes priority boarding, a dedicated venue, music, a rose bouquet and buttonhole, photographer, sparkling wine and wedding cake as well as dinner for two in the ship’s fine dining restaurant and group travel discounts for wedding party.  Optional extras include cocktail receptions as well as the wedding party’s exclusive hire of Salt Grill by Luke Mangan onboard Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl and the Seafood and Steakhouse Restaurant on Pacific Sun.

Passengers wanting to renew their vows or declare their commitment during their cruise can also enjoy a loving occasion with a tailored ceremony onboard. The package includes music, a rose bouquet, a photo of the special occasion and sparkling wine, along with dinner for two in the ship’s specialty restaurant.

Ceremonies at Sea bookings will open in September for cruises from October 2010. Wedding packages are priced from $1320 and commitment ceremonies from $450.