Love & New Beginnings Aboard Insignia: A 2019 Around the World Wedding

Some may go in search of love the world over, but few expect to find that special someone days after they’ve set sail on a 180-day journey around the world. That’s true life – and love – for recent Around the World cruisers Betsy Horner and Bob Brown, happy newlyweds as of July 9^th, 2019 aboard Insignia.

The couple first met just a few days into the epic journey at the initial gathering for solo cruisers. Bob shared that he immediately noticed Betsy and soon they were dining together, meeting up for shows, partnering up during activities to win Big O Points and exploring destinations on the same shore excursions.

“We spent months getting to know each other – far better than most dating couples ever do since we were together all of the time,” Bob said.

“We both loved sea days – we met every morning in Horizons together before heading off to play golf, shuffleboard or ping pong. We went to lectures, worked on Mensa…we had dinner together and went to shows. We slowly fell in love,” Betsy added. “I couldn’t be happier.”

Just a month shy of the end of the ATW cruise, Bob suffered a heart attack as Insignia arrived in Bordeaux. Betsy, along with a few close friends, were waiting for him in the intensive care unit once his surgery was over.

“I thanked them all for coming to see me, but then I told them to be sure to catch the ship,” he said. “But Betsy would not hear of it and told me she was never going to leave my side. Right there in my hospital bed, I begged Betsy to make me the happiest guy in the world and marry me.”

Several days later, Betsy and Bob were married in the Lounge as Insignia cruised the Atlantic en route to Miami. Bob’s close friend, Jim Beach, served as best man and Tricia Blake, ATW Hostess and friend of Betsy’s, served as matron of honor. Cruise Director Ray Carr conducted the ceremony and Captain Maroje Brajcic officially pronounced the couple husband and wife. General Manager Damien Lacroix along with several other staff members and 250 fellow guests attended the wedding, toasted to Betsy and Bob and enjoyed cake and merriment with the newlyweds. Accompanied by the timeless tune of Andy Williams’ “Moon River,” the beaming couple then adjourned to enjoy lunch in The Grand Dining Room.

And it should come as no surprise that a love begun at sea is off to see the world again soon. Both avid travelers, Betsy and Bob already have their first cruise as a married couple on the horizon – they’ll be sailing the Baltic aboard Nautica next September. On behalf of the officers, staff, crew and shoreside team at Oceania Cruises, warmest wishes for many years of happiness and new adventures together.

Photo Credit: Henry Tom

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