P&O Cruises colleagues René Palguta and Yricka Espinosa Fausto are celebrating after meeting and then getting married on board Iona.

Customer services manager René, from Slovakia and assistant shore excursions manager Yricka, from the Philippines, exchanged vows in Iona’s Ivory Suite, with the ship’s Captain officiating the ceremony in front of family, friends and fellow crew members.

The newlyweds tied the knot midway through their contracts at sea, spending the day carrying out their regular duties before donning their wedding attire and celebrating with loved ones and colleagues.

The couple first met aboard Azura in 2023, when René was showing Yricka around the ship during her first days on board.

René said: “At the time, I never imagined that a simple introduction would eventually lead us here. Yricka was incredibly kind, friendly and always smiling. She had such a positive energy that made everyone around her feel comfortable.”

Yricka added: “René made me feel welcome from the very beginning. He was patient and genuinely cared about helping others. Looking back now, it’s funny to think our story started with something so ordinary.”

As they worked across different ships and contracts, their friendship gradually developed into something more. Time spent apart presented challenges, but the couple say it only strengthened their relationship, making every reunion even more meaningful.

Their time together on board Iona confirmed they had found something special, with everyday moments such as sharing a coffee after work, watching the sunset from the open deck and exploring destinations together becoming some of their happiest memories.

René proposed at sunset on the private island of Lakawon in the Philippines in December 2025, before the couple decided there was only one place they wanted to begin married life together.

Getting married on board Iona was a natural choice, reflecting a love story that began at sea.

Yricka said: “Getting married on board felt like the perfect way to celebrate our story because it’s where everything began. 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 reunion even more.”

“Working at sea offers a chance to grow personally and professionally, experience incredible places and build friendships with people from all over the world. You never know where one chance meeting might lead.”

Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, 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.”