Wedding cruises are gaining in popularity

Wedding cruises are gaining in popularity. Planning your wedding at the embarkation port gives your guests the option to disembark after the ceremony or continue on with a vacation. Either way, the honeymoon begins immediately for the newlyweds. If you’ve dreamed of having an intimate beach wedding, cruise lines can offer wedding options at many beautiful destinations.

There are several advantages to planning a wedding cruise. Wedding planners onboard the ship take care of the details, and the only thing the wedding party has to worry about is getting ready and showing up. If a stress-free wedding sounds good to you, read on…

Can I afford a wedding on a cruise ship?

Weddings can be expensive. Catering, photography, hair and makeup, flowers and music all add up. If you don’t want to spend a boatload (no pun intended) and still have a wedding that is unforgettable, a cruise ship wedding may be just the answer. Many cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, offer affordable packages for couples and their guests which include:

• Bridal bouquet with matching boutonniere for the groom
• Ceremony performed by a non-denominational official, minister or notary public
• Photography during the ceremony and reception
• Priority V.I.P. check-in and boarding for the bride, groom and guests
• Tiered wedding cake with cake topper
• Wedding coordinator that attends to the couples and guests needs the day of the wedding

In some cases, you may get a discount depending on how many people are cruising with you.

Consider a “destination wedding”

If you would rather say “I do” on an island with white sand, crystal clear waters and the ocean breeze, you could select a destination wedding at an exotic location. Some popular destination wedding sites are:

• Barbados
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
• Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
• Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
• Key West, Florida
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• St. Thomas, Puerto Rico
  

  Wedding cruises are gaining in popularity

These types of nuptials are perfect for couples because not only are they affordable, but like weddings aboard ships, they also take the stress out of planning. When you and your partner say “I do” at one of the locations above, many packages include:

• Island or traditional music of your choice
• Marriage license at destination port
• Photography service
• Sparkling wine and celebratory toast
• Tiered cake and souvenir topper
• Traditional ceremony performed by local officiant
• Wedding coordinator

Want to take advantage of onboard amenities?

Before your ceremony, plan for you and your guests to take advantage of all the fabulous amenities those luxury vessels have to offer. The night before, gather in the dining room for a gourmet dinner followed by a Vegas-style show with your family and friends. If you love to be pampered, reserve your spots at the salon for massages, nails and hair appointments before the ceremony. You can also shop for unique gifts for your wedding party on board the ship.

Ready to start planning?

If you are ready to begin planning your cruise ship or destination wedding and want more information on how to make this day absolutely perfect, then contact one of our dedicated and knowledgeable agents at CruiseExperts.com. We can help answer any questions you have about your nuptials or even vow renewal ceremonies (yes, those interested in renewing their vows have the same options as couples tying the knot!). Call us anytime at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or log onto our user-friendly website at www.CruiseExperts.com.