Agents get engaged at sea after winning Holland America Line Caribbean cruise

Two agents have got engaged on a Caribbean cruise with Holland America Line which they won in a booking incentive after meeting last year on a fam trip to Sri Lanka.

Dan Hammond, a cruise and travel specialist for GoCruise & Travel, and Mary Barnes, assistant manager at Tui’s Chippenham high street shop, were on board Nieuw Statendam in The Bahamas when Hammond went down on one knee.

The couple met at Heathrow Terminal 3 last year while travelling to a Riviera Travel fam trip in Sri Lanka and since then their romance has blossomed.

Hammond won the HAL cruise in a themed incentive launched during Clia Cruise Week in September 2025 and said proposing at sea “felt completely natural” to him.

He has been a regular cruiser since taking his first voyage at 18 months old, and his parents founded the agency GoCruise & Travel, while it was Barnes’ second time at sea and her first time in the Caribbean.

Hammond worked with the ship’s crew to arrange a private proposal at sunset at the bow of the ship after a “picture-perfect” day at private destination Half Moon Cay.

Hammond said: “The white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water and relaxed atmosphere made it incredibly special, especially as it was Mary’s first time in the Caribbean.

“We spent the day swimming, soaking up the sunshine. It felt like one of those days you wish you could bottle up and relive.

“With the support of the captain and crew, I was given permission to use the bow of Nieuw Statendam to propose, which made the moment even more meaningful.

“The team onboard were fantastic in helping coordinate everything discreetly, ensuring it was private and perfectly timed.”

He said proposing at the front of the ship with nothing but the ocean ahead of them “felt symbolic of the next chapter” of their lives together.

Hammond added: “As soon as Mary said yes, the captain sounded the ship’s whistle - something I will never forget.

“It was an incredible, emotional moment, made even more special by the warmth and support of the crew who helped bring it all together.”

Holland America Line vice-president of sales and marketing for the UK and Ireland Karen Farndell offered her congratulations to the couple on behalf of the line, calling it “the perfect proposal”.  

She said: “Our frontline partners are at the heart of everything we do, so it’s fantastic to see our incentive create such a memorable experience.

“We’re proud to support agents, not only with trade-friendly opportunities, but also with moments that showcase the magic of cruising.”