The Latest on Cruise Ship Weddings
Spring has arrived and the weather warming up, so clients are beginning to look for different options and destinations to tie the knot. Cruise ship weddings provide an ideal opportunity for couples hoping to celebrate that special day either on the ocean or at an exotic port of call.
More than 2,600 couples each year exchange their vows on Carnival Cruise Line ships, and this year the line has completely revamped its wedding program, with upgraded amenities and new choices for flower arrangements, decorations and photography, as well as new culinary selections and a greater variety of on-island ceremonies. Some of the destinations include Grand Turk and Freeport, complementing Barbados, Grand Cayman, St. Thomasand the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay. The "Just You & Me" package provides a ceremony for up to eight people starting at $1,355 and includes a bouquet and boutonniere, tiered wedding cake with keepsake wedding topper, photography service, champagne toast with keepsake flutes and an officiant (couples are also welcome to bring their own clergy).
There are also packages which can cater to larger groups, such as the “Time to Celebrate…Big!” program, which can cater to up to 20 guests and starts at $1,975. All of the amenities of the Just You & Me package are included, along with a one-and-a-half-hour reception, open bar, a selection of hot & cold hors d’ oeuvres and a custom-designed ice carving.
Holland America Line is also offering a variety of wedding services this season, as well as packages for anniversaries and vow renewals. Wedding cruise itineraries include a personalized ceremony with wedding coordinator services, flowers, cake, champagne, a photo album and a keepsake wedding certificate. Photography, music, receptions and pampering appointments can also be added to customize wedding cruise packages.
Princess Cruises creates three different wedding itineraries for couples with varying styles. The first package is ideal for couples looking to tie the knot at sea, with a ceremony set in either the chapel or library, depending on the ship. The legal ceremony is performed by the captain, and the package includes a one dozen rose bouquet, boutonniere, 9-inch single layer wedding cake, a bottle of sparkling wine, two Princess logo champagne flutes and a keepsake wedding certificate.
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There is also a program designed to cater to couples who may have non-sailing guests, with similar offerings as the sailing package. The ceremony is performed by a local officiant at the specific port of call. For guests looking to take the celebration ashore, there is also an itinerary that includes a beach, garden or glacier ceremony (depending on the port of call), bridal bouquet, boutonniere, specialty cake for two, a bottle of sparkling wine and a keepsake wedding certificate.
Royal Caribbean has three different wedding packages for couples to select from, based on their personal preferences. The line’s "Royal Proposals Package" includes a personal event planner, day-of-event coordinator, and sets up a private location of the guests’ choosing. A photography service is optional.
Clients looking for a bit more of a lavish celebration can opt for the "Ultimate Love Story Wedding Package", complete with priority check-in with pier-to-ship escort for the couple and all guests, a private wedding venue, officiant, photographer, three-tier wedding cake and musical accompaniment. The couple will also enjoy a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and a decorated honeymoon room, among other amenities.
For guests looking to say their vows in a more private setting, the "Just Us" package is ideal. There’s nothing extravagant or over the top with this program, which includes a simple private venue, non-denominational wedding officiant, keepsake wedding certificate, photography service, a bottle of Moet & Chandon and a mimosa breakfast-in-bed for any morning of the couple’s choosing.
Good to know: These packages charge an additional fee for photography service.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers up a variety of wedding packages for that special day. Wedding celebrations can be created on multiple ships sailing through for the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii, Alaska or Europe.
Ceremonies can be celebrated with just the couple, or with friends and family, and the line’s wedding planners can also design for vow renewals and set up a honeymoon registry. Wedding photography packages, flower bouquets and boutonnieres, wedding cake choices and enhancements and décor can all be customized to the couple’s preferences. In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line also offers special group cruise discounts for guests booking eight or more staterooms for the ceremony.