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Celebrity Cruises Introduces New Vow Renewal Program
MIAMI, Oct. 17
Celebrities ranging from pop star Celine Dion and husband Rene Angelil
to actor Robert DeNiro and wife Grace are among the increasing number
of couples choosing to renew their wedding vows in recent years.
Celebrity Cruises is keeping pace with the trend by introducing a new
vow renewals program, which the line launched in a particularly
meaningful way.
Dr. Charles Garbarino booked Celebrity's vow renewal package as a
surprise for his wife, Lydia, while the couple sailed this season in
Alaska on Celebrity's Summit with two other couples, one of whom they
met on a cruise during their honeymoon 20 years ago.
Garbarino, an Army colonel and pediatrician, has served twice in
Operation Iraqi Freedom and is being deployed to the region again in
April 2007.
"I have always lived my life to its fullest, and never feared death,
but if I don't return from my next tour, I wanted something for Lydia
- the love of my life and my soul mate - to remember always," said
Garbarino. "My wish was to celebrate our 20th anniversary onboard by
having the Captain perform our vow renewal ceremony. And my wish was
granted."
While Celebrity has offered vow renewal ceremonies for several years,
Dr. and Mrs. Garbarino's ceremony was the first officiated by a
Celebrity captain; in this case, Summit's Captain Panagiotis
Skylogiannis.
"It was formal night, and our friends and I went to Michael's Club;
but, before we entered, I asked Lydia if she would consent to renewing
our vows and stay married to me for another 20 years," said Dr.
Garbarino. "She was caught by complete surprise. The ceremony was
simple and elegant, and a night we'll remember forever."
"Vow renewals are the perfect romantic gift for spouses to give each
other, or the ultimate celebration for family and friends traveling
with them to commemorate their anniversary," said Celebrity's Vice
President of Fleet Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.
Celebrity, in partnership with The Wedding Experience, now has two vow
renewal packages available to guests: "True Love Knot Renewal" and the
"Aisle to Isle Renewal" ceremony.
The True Love Knot Renewal package includes a ceremony officiated by
the ship's captain in an intimate location onboard the ship;
commemorative vow renewal certificate signed by the captain; recorded
ceremony music; floral bouquet for the bride; matching boutonniere for
the groom; photography service; one 8x10 photo of the couple with the
captain, signed by the captain; one 8x10 photo of the ship; a bottle
of champagne; two engraved champagne flutes; cake for two, and
breakfast designed by Celebrity's Master Chef Michel Roux, delivered
to the couple's stateroom.
Celebrity's Aisle to Isle Renewal Ceremony includes a ceremony led by
a shipboard ceremony officiate; recorded ceremony music; bottle of
champagne; cake for two; commemorative vow renewal certificate;
long-stemmed rose for the bride; matching boutonniere for the groom,
and photography service. Each Celebrity Vow Renewals program can be
customized further, with a la carte options such as receptions, live
music, salon appointments, and more.
Celebrity's vow renewal packages are offered through the line's
"Celebrity Weddings" program and can be arranged by calling
1-866-535-2352. Once onboard, the ship's event coordinator will meet
with the couple to confirm the ceremony date, time, location and
details.
Incurable romantics inspired to arrange for a vow renewal ceremony
while onboard also are welcome to do so, by visiting the ship's Event
Coordinator.
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise
experiences with highly personalized service, authentic five-star
dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in
Alaska, Bermuda, California, Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands,
Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and South America, and will
begin sailing in Australia and New Zealand in 2007. Noted for "The
World's Best Large Ships," as voted by the readers of Conde' Nast
Traveler (February 2006 Cruise Poll), Celebrity's current nine-ship
fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox
in 2009, and a third Solstice-class ship in 2010. For more
information, call your travel agent. |