Romance at Sea
Weddings, Honeymoons and Vow Renewal Cruises
Continue to Gain Popularity
That special time has finally arrived and you’ve managed to reserve the same tried-and-true local wedding spot that everyone uses. Now, imagine that same special time on a Caribbean beach, a glacier in Alaska or even on a rock-climbing wall on a cruise ship.
Of all of the things that must be planned and coordinated for that special day, one of the most complicated and confusing can be choosing a memorable location for the ceremony and what to do and where to go afterward. An opportunity to make that planning much easier comes through the multitude of offerings from the major cruise lines.
Romance at sea has long been a reality for many but only a fantasy for others. Sailing to distant or exotic destinations while celebrating a new or renewed life together is an appealing vision to nearly everyone. Have a table for two in a specialty restaurant, take a romantic moonlight walk around the deck, dance the night away in one of the many nightclubs, have an al fresco balcony breakfast and if you want to spend even more time together, order room service 24 hours a day, free on most cruise lines.
Individual requirements for the celebration of romance varies wildly among participants, and invariably cruising will be able to cater to nearly everyone. Want a quiet ceremony with just a few friends or family and a relaxing time afterward? How about a larger ceremony and party time for the next week? Just want to get away, be pampered and enjoy each other? Choosing the right cruise line will provide just the right mix for your particular desires.
Nearly all cruise lines provide a wedding & vow renewal planner to help with the details, and with weddings especially, there are a large number of details to consider that the planner will assist with. Such items as where and how to get the proper marriage license must be done correctly. Because of some of the intricacies of cruise line weddings, planning the entire event yourself can be difficult; using an experienced travel agent is highly recommended. Vow renewal packages are similar to wedding packages, and unlike marriage licensing, usually only requires proof of current marriage.
Cruise ship weddings are comprised of 3 basic types: Onboard, where the wedding is performed onboard the ship, in port prior to sailing; Onshore at a port of call during your cruise; At-sea weddings, which are less commonly offered by, cruise lines. Most cruise lines will have a maximum number of non-sailing guests they will allow onboard for either the ceremony or a reception. Most lines have tier-pricing schedules that allow for additional guests in the higher tiers.
“Cruise vacations are unquestionably proving more and more popular with honeymoon and wedding couples of all ages, including second-marriage couples who sail with blended family and friends”, said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). “Because cruises are, by nature, virtually all-inclusive, they offer an incredibly convenient way in which to celebrate a wedding, honeymoon or vow renewal, or simply reconnect and revitalize romantic relationships.”
Keep in mind the options offered by the cruise lines when planning that special romantic celebration, even if it is just to get-away and enjoy each other while experiencing the romance of cruising.