Two P&O Cruises colleagues, who met while working as crew, have tied the knot during a sailing on Iona

Assistant shore excursions manager Yricka Espinosa Fausto, from the Phillippines, and customer services manager René Palguta, from Slovakia, first met on board Azura in 2023.

During their relationship they worked across different ships and contracts, which the couple say “strengthened their relationship, making every reunion more meaningful”.

They got engaged in the Phillippines in December and were married last month on Iona midway through their contracts. They spent the day carrying out their regular duties before the ceremony in the afternoon which was officiated by the ship’s captain and attended by their family, friends and fellow crew.

“Getting married on board felt like the perfect way to celebrate our story because it’s where everything began,” said Fausto. “We met through P&O Cruises and fell in love while working at sea.

“Being surrounded by colleagues who have become close friends made our wedding day incredibly special. We joined P&O Cruises to build our careers but we found so much more.

“Life at sea teaches you resilience, patience and teamwork. Living and working together in such a unique environment meant we learned how to support one another and appreciate the time we had together. Being apart during different contracts also made us value every reuinion even more.”

Paul Ludlow, Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president, said: “René and Yricka’s story is a wonderful example of the friendships and connections that can develop through life at sea.

“Our ships bring together talented people from around the world, creating a unique community where colleagues support one another both professionally and personally.

“We were delighted to celebrate this very special milestone with them on board Iona and wish them every happiness for their future together.”