While many individuals encounter their soulmates during evenings out, through mutual acquaintances, or via digital dating platforms, Hannah and Mitchell Still discovered their profound connection amidst the vast expanse of the ocean. Their extraordinary love story unfolded aboard a cruise ship, where a chance meeting evolved into a lifelong partnership.
A Serendipitous Meeting at Sea
Hannah, now aged 24, and Mitchell, 28, both residents of St Neots in Cambridgeshire, first crossed paths in 2019 during a P&O Cruises voyage to Amsterdam and Bruges. At the time, Hannah was a 19-year-old teenager residing in Southampton, while Mitchell was experiencing his inaugural cruise holiday.
The encounter occurred on the initial evening aboard the Ventura liner, when Hannah was introduced to Mitchell's circle of friends during onboard festivities. "I met his friends first and they mentioned Mitchell was asleep in his cabin," Hannah recalls. "They dared me to wake him up as a playful prank."
An Unconventional First Interaction
With mischievous encouragement from his companions, Hannah ventured to Mitchell's cabin and delivered what would become a prophetic greeting. "I remember saying to him, 'hello, it's the girl of your dreams' and somehow, I was absolutely right!" she reflects with amusement. What began as a lighthearted joke rapidly transformed into a genuine romantic connection that deepened throughout the cruise duration.
The couple enjoyed their inaugural date exploring the picturesque streets of Bruges, followed by their first kiss in Havana, Ventura's Cuban-themed nightclub. Hannah humorously notes, "My father happened to be nearby during that moment, giving Mitchell the classic 'I have my eyes on you' look reminiscent of Robert De Niro in Meet the Parents."
The Unique Chemistry of Ocean Romance
Both Hannah and Mitchell attribute the success of their early relationship to the distinctive environment of being at sea. "We spent countless hours simply conversing, including an entire evening at the ship's buffet," explains Hannah, who works professionally as a project manager. "Everything clicked perfectly between us. The tranquil maritime backdrop combined with the vibrant onboard atmosphere fostered this beautiful, undeniable chemistry."
When their dreamy voyage concluded, Hannah confesses she wept throughout the journey home. The geographical separation presented initial challenges, as Mitchell, proprietor of a wood burner business originally from Milton Keynes, maintained a long-distance relationship with Hannah for a considerable period.
Continuing the Nautical Tradition
Cruise holidays remained integral to their evolving love story. Four years following their initial meeting, during a 2023 cruise through Norway's majestic fjords, Mitchell orchestrated a breathtaking proposal. He knelt on one knee ashore in Flåm beside a cascading waterfall, creating an unforgettable moment against nature's spectacular canvas.
The couple swiftly decided their wedding would similarly occur on the ocean. "When I discovered you could actually marry at sea, there was absolutely no question," Hannah emphasizes. "It had to be aboard a P&O Cruises vessel. Nothing else mattered to me."
A Maritime Wedding Celebration
In May 2025, Hannah and Mitchell exchanged vows in Planet Bar aboard the Azura liner, with panoramic ocean views serving as their backdrop as the ship navigated the Greek Islands. "Walking around the ship afterward with everyone applauding felt surreal—I truly felt like a film star," Hannah describes. "Even the entertainment hosts remembered us from our very first cruise years earlier and presented us with a wedding gift. It genuinely felt like all the stars had aligned perfectly."
Cruising continues to hold profound significance in their relationship. The couple recently welcomed their daughter Mae, now three months old, and plan to introduce her to their cherished maritime tradition. In June, the family will embark on P&O's Iona to the Norwegian fjords alongside extended relatives.
Passing the Nautical Torch
"Being able to introduce our daughter to our cruising tradition feels incredibly special," Hannah expresses. "Watching her gaze out at the fjords for the very first time—I simply cannot wait for that moment." The mother-of-one adds, "We eagerly anticipate telling Mae one day that our entire love story originated aboard a ship. I feel tremendously privileged to have spent so much time sailing the world, and I'm immensely excited for Mae to experience that same spark for cruising that I cherish."
Reflecting on their extraordinary journey, Hannah concludes, "Meeting Mitchell at sea truly feels like destiny. I spent much of my childhood sailing globally with P&O Cruises, and it seems wonderfully magical that cruising constitutes such a monumental part of our shared narrative."
