Shaq Officiates Massive Vow Renewal Ceremony Across Carnival Cruise Ships

Carnival Cruise Line celebrated Valentine’s Day by performing the largest renewal of vows ceremony at sea this week. 

Couples sailing onboard Carnival’s 26 ships were invited to join the event. Like last year, retired NBA star and Carnival Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal virtually officiated it on the big screen. 

In 2023, over 1,220 vow renewals and weddings took place onboard Carnival ships. With the addition of its latest vessels, Carnival Jubilee and Carnival Venezia, the company estimates that even more couples participated. 

According to Carnival President Christine Duffy, “People meet, get engaged, and get married on Carnival cruise ships, and our Valentine’s Day vow renewals are an extension of how couples love to cruise with Carnival, and we’re delighted to offer this ceremony to more guests than ever before.”  “Love and fun go hand in hand, so a vow renewal or wedding ceremony is even more special when it’s part of a Carnival cruise. We have a team of experienced planners who make it their mission to ensure unforgettable celebrations between loved ones and their friends and families,” Duffy added.

The vow renewals took place while the vessels were docked at gorgeous cruise destinations. After the ceremony, the Carnival fleet hosted receptions for the participants with champagne toasts, DJs, and dancing. There were also kiss cams onboard that showed couples on the large LED outdoor screens.

The event is part of the cruise operator’s Weddings by Carnival program. In addition to the mass renewal of vows, the cruise line offers private ceremonies, honeymoon cruises, and engagement packages with personalization options to passengers throughout the year.

Carnival’s exclusive resort in the Bahamas, Celebration Key, will also have a pavilion that can host weddings and the renewal of vows.