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How to Get Married on a Royal Caribbean Cruise: A Complete Guide

Planning a wedding is no small task, but if you've ever dreamt of saying "I do" in a unique, picturesque setting, then getting married on a Royal Caribbean cruise might be the perfect option for you. Imagine exchanging your vows surrounded by the dazzling blue sea, with a gentle breeze in the air and the sound of waves lapping against the ship's hull. It's a truly magical experience that combines the joy of matrimony with the excitement of a vacation. However, planning a cruise wedding does require some careful consideration and meticulous planning, as there are various details and logistics to account for. In this complete guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and unforgettable wedding ceremony aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. From choosing the right wedding package to navigating legal requirements and coordinating all the necessary arrangements, we've got you covered. So, if you're ready to embark on a one-of-a-kind wedding adventure, let's set sail and discover how to get married on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Can You Legally Get Married on a Cruise Ship?

Getting married on a cruise ship is a dream for many couples looking to tie the knot in a unique and memorable way. However, before embarking on this romantic adventure, it’s essential to understand the legalities involved. Can you legally get married on a cruise ship? The answer is yes, but it comes with some important considerations.

It’s important to note that even if you depart from the United States, the ship may not be registered there. Cruise ships are often registered in countries such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, or Malta for various reasons, including taxation and international regulations. Therefore, it’s crucial to determine the registration country of your chosen cruise ship.

Once you know where your ship is registered, youll need to follow the legal requirements of that country to obtain a marriage license. The specific process and documentation required may vary from country to country. Some jurisdictions may require you to be present in the country for a specific period before getting married, while others may have different age or residency requirements. It’s essential to research and understand these requirements well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises.

To simplify the process, many cruise lines offer wedding packages that include assistance with obtaining the necessary licenses and navigating the legal procedures. These packages often include the services of an onboard wedding coordinator who’ll guide you through the process and handle all the necessary paperwork. It’s advisable to contact your chosen cruise line in advance and discuss their wedding packages and related services.

For example, the ceremony may need to take place while the ship is in international waters, which may require some careful planning. Additionally, there may be extra charges for certain services, such as photography, floristry, and venue decorations. It’s important to carefully review all the terms and conditions of your chosen wedding package to understand what’s included and what may incur additional costs.

However, it’s essential to understand that the legalities surrounding cruise ship weddings depend on the country of registration. By researching and following the requirements of the registration country and working closely with the onboard wedding coordinator, you can navigate the process and have a memorable and legally recognized wedding ceremony at sea.

Cruise ship weddings offer the perfect blend of romance and adventure, with the added bonus of a built-in honeymoon. However, before embarking on this dreamy journey, it’s essential to consider the cost. Carnival’s Intimate Gold wedding package, for instance, starts at approximately $1,500, excluding the cruise expenses.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married on a Cruise Ship?

When it comes to getting married on a cruise ship, one of the first things youll want to consider is the cost. After all, weddings can be expensive affairs, and a cruise ship wedding is no exception. However, the cost can vary depending on the cruise line and the package you choose.

For example, Carnival offers a variety of wedding packages, with their Intimate Gold package starting around $1,500 (plus the cost of the cruise). This package includes a ceremony performed by a shipboard officiant, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, a wedding cake, recorded music, and more.

Royal Caribbean also offers several wedding packages, with their basic package starting at around $2,695 (plus the cost of the cruise).

For example, many cruise lines offer complimentary upgrades for the bride and groom, as well as discounted rates for wedding guests. Additionally, a cruise ship wedding comes with a built-in honeymoon, allowing you to begin your newlywed life in a relaxing and luxurious setting.

It’s important to carefully consider your budget and do your research to find the best option for you. With a little planning and preparation, you can have the wedding of your dreams in a truly breathtaking setting.

Factors That Can Affect the Cost of a Cruise Ship Wedding

• Location of the wedding
• Size of the guest list
• Included amenities and services
• Time of year and peak seasons
• Duration of the cruise
• Additional customization and decorations
• Photography and videography packages
• Cruise line and ship chosen
• Food and beverage options
• Entertainment and activities
• Transportation for guests
• Wedding attire and accessories
• Additional activities or excursions
• Administrative fees and marriage licenses
• Currency exchange rates
• Special requests or upgrades
• Insurance and cancellation policies
• Gifts and favors for guests
• Professional wedding planner services
• Vendor fees and gratuities

Getting married on a cruise ship is becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples. Not only does it offer a picturesque and unique backdrop for the ceremony, but it also provides a convenient and all-inclusive experience. When choosing this option, the cruise line usually provides a dedicated wedding coordinator as part of their package. This coordinator will assist with all the necessary arrangements, including flowers, music, photographer, and officiant, often even including the captain of the ship as the officiant. However, it’s worth noting that additional charges may apply for certain services.

How Does Getting Married on a Cruise Ship Work?

Getting married on a cruise ship can be a unique and unforgettable experience. It offers couples the opportunity to combine their wedding ceremony with a fun and relaxing vacation. Well, the first thing to know is that most cruise lines offer wedding packages that include a wedding coordinator.

The wedding coordinator will assist you throughout the planning process and ensure that all the necessary arrangements are in place for your special day. They’ll work closely with you to understand your vision and preferences for the ceremony, helping you customize it according to your desires. From choosing the flowers and music to selecting the photographer and officiant, the coordinator will handle all the details.

Speaking of details, many cruise line packages include the essential components of a wedding, such as flowers, music, a photographer, and an officiant. In some cases, the captain of the ship may even officiate the ceremony, adding a unique touch to the experience. However, it’s important to note that while these elements are often included in the package, some may come at an additional cost.

To ensure that your wedding on a cruise ship goes smoothly, it’s recommended to book your wedding package well in advance. This will give you ample time to communicate with the wedding coordinator and make any necessary decisions.

With the assistance of a dedicated wedding coordinator, you can relax and enjoy your special day while the cruise line takes care of the details.

Marriage Requirements and Legalities of Getting Married on a Cruise Ship

Getting married on a Royal Caribbean cruise can be a wonderful and unique way to exchange vows. However, it’s important to understand the marriage requirements and legalities involved in such a wedding.

Firstly, you need to check the legal requirements of the country where the ship is registered, as they vary depending on the cruise line and ship. Royal Caribbean has ships registered in multiple countries, such as the Bahamas or Bermuda, and each has it’s own regulations.

Typically, cruise ship weddings aren’t legally recognized ceremonies, but rather symbolic or ceremonial in nature. Therefore, you’d need to legally marry before or after the cruise, either through a civil ceremony or religious service in your home country or at a port of call.

If you wish to have a legal wedding onboard, some cruise lines offer specific packages that include a marriage license issued by the ship’s registered country. This can allow you to tie the knot while sailing, but it may require additional documentation and fees.

It’s crucial to research and consult with the cruise line’s wedding coordinator, who’ll guide you through the process and provide all the necessary information regarding marriage requirements, legal documents, fees, and any other specific details.

Remember, each cruise line and ship has it’s own policies and procedures for weddings, so it’s essential to communicate your desires and requirements early on to ensure a smooth and unforgettable wedding experience.

Source: Cruise Weddings: Everything You Need to Know – WeddingWire

With careful planning and coordination with the cruise line's wedding services team, couples can create their dream wedding at sea. From intimate ceremonies on the ship's deck to grand celebrations in elegant venues, Royal Caribbean provides a range of options to suit every couple's preferences. The convenience of having all the wedding details handled by experienced professionals allows couples to relax and enjoy their special day, while their guests can partake in the numerous onboard activities and explore exotic destinations. Whether it's a small, intimate affair or a larger celebration with family and friends, saying "I do" on a Royal Caribbean cruise promises an unforgettable and unique experience that will be cherished for a lifetime.

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A Comprehensive Guide for the Perfect Royal Caribbean Wedding

Want to have an exciting wedding? Why not get married on the sea instead of on land? If this idea intrigues you, a Royal Caribbean wedding just might be the thing you’re looking for. Whether you want an elopement or a grand wedding, a cruise wedding can make your dreams come true.

A cruise ship is like a huge floating resort that offers all the essentials you need in a wedding venue. They offer food, drinks, accommodation, entertainment, and so much more. You might be looking for one single event or multiple events such as a ceremony, reception, cocktail, and others. No matter what you want, it’s all possible on a cruise.

At Royal Caribbean, the cruise staff is trained in hospitality, which means you and your guests will feel like a celebrity when you’re there. Plus they’ve got bakers, photographers, chefs, bartenders, and all kinds of specialists you’d want in your wedding.

And imagine the photographs you’ll have – just the two of you with nothing in view but the ocean for many, many miles. What a perfect backdrop!

Boat or Port Royal Caribbean Wedding?

When you decide to get a Royal Caribbean wedding, you need to decide whether you want to read the vows in the middle of the ocean, at the port, or on the embarkation day.

If you select the embarkation day, you can invite non-sailing guests as well. If your destination wedding budget doesn’t allow you to invite all your friends but you want them to celebrate your special day with you, can select the embarkation day. That way, you won’t have your mother-in-law tagging along on your honeymoon.

Getting married at the sea has its charm. No matter how far you look, there’s water everywhere. You’re floating on top of the ocean, lost in each other. Besides, when you tie the knot at the sea, you don’t have the pressure to complete the ceremony quickly, unlike on the embarkation day.

Another option you get is to celebrate your relationship on a private island belonging to the cruise ship. Or you can select a port from another country. Royal Caribbean will arrange for your transport from the ship to the port and back.

However, getting married at the port means that you cannot control all your surroundings and there might be people around. But if you prefer the sunny beaches of the Caribbean for your nuptials, you can easily plan it on your cruise.

Is a Royal Caribbean Wedding Legal?

Yes, in most cases. However, you need to make sure that the paperwork is complete. The kind of paperwork you need depends on where you plan to tie the knot.

If you get married on the embarkation day at a local port, you can bring your officiant and the rules will be the same as with any land-based venue.

If you want to get married at the sea, the Royal Caribbean will provide an officiant for your wedding. The legalities depend on what waters the ship is on currently. For example, if the ship is sailing through U.S. waters while you tie the knot, it will be registered in the United States .

But you don’t have to worry about that. Royal Caribbean has its own religious officiant or notary who can help you with the wedding.

Regarding marriage licenses, each country has different requirements. Royal Caribbean has a wedding department that will help you get the license.

For example, if you want to read the vows while the ship is sailing in The Bahamas , you need to apply for a marriage license for that country. This can take up to 90 days so you need to apply on time. And if you want to get married in the U.S., you’ll need a marriage license from the right state.

Royal Caribbean visits over 200 ports worldwide but the most popular wedding destinations are the Bahamas, Florida, Bermuda, Grand Cayman, and St. Thomas.

You can get Maritime License for your wedding. You’ll have to pay $900 for the license processing fee.

Royal Caribbean Wedding Packages

Whether you want a formal wedding or fun nuptials, an intimate ceremony, or a grand event, you’ll find the right package by Royal Caribbean.

Here are the four packages to choose from:

Vows at Sea

Celebrate your love in the middle of the ocean. Choose any of the spectacular venues on the ship and tie the knot there. If you’re sailing with friends and family, they can be a part of the ceremony as well. With this package, you’ll get exclusive treats such as a dinner for two, a bottle of Moet, and a mimosas breakfast in bed for the couple, along with the right décor for the event.

This is the most popular package and most couples want to get married at the sea. Here are some package inclusions:

• Non-denominational wedding officiant
• Wedding planner
• Wedding coordinator
• Pre-recorded music for the wedding
• 3-tier wedding cake
• Keepsake wedding certificate
• Stateroom décor

The package cost is $3,850 for up to 50 guests

Embark on Romance

You can read your vows on the embarkation day. If you have guests you want to invite to the wedding but don’t want them to accompany you on the cruise, this is the package for you. There are several venues onboard and you can select any one of them.

With this package, you will get VIP treatment as you sail. This will include a dinner for two at a specialty onboard restaurant, a bottle of Moët & Chandon, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Also, since you’ll get priority check-in, you will board the ship in no time and get ready for the adventure together.

Here are some package inclusions:

• Priority check-in
• Allows up to 75 non-sailing guests
• Pier-to-ship escort for all wedding guests

The package cost is $5,600 for up to 50 guests.

Intimately Yours

This package has everything you need for an intimate celebration. It offers you a choice of venue, a honeymoon dinner at a specialty onboard restaurant, a bottle of Moet & Chandon, breakfast in bed for the couple, and chocolate-covered strawberries. If you have fewer than 10 guests, this is the package for you.

• 2-tier wedding cake

The package cost is $1,950 for up to 10 guests

Destinations I Do

Celebrate with a seaside romance at the destination of your choice or on the ship. Royal Caribbean offers a range of available venues to choose from. No matter which venue you choose, they’ll treat you with a bottle of bubbly and transportation to take you to the venue and back to the ship.

Before you get on the cruise, they’ll inform you about the destinations you can visit. From those places, you can select the right one for your special day. You just have to choose the place and Royal Caribbean will take care of the rest.

• Bridal bouquet and boutonniere
• Couples wedding cake
• Transportation for the couple

The package cost is $4,650

Reception and Parties at a Royal Caribbean Wedding

With impeccable services, beautiful onboard spaces, and several gourmet options, you can guarantee a fun wedding party at the Royal Caribbean.

Wedding cake

All wedding packages include a wedding cake. It is made on board with your choice of colors and flavors. There are five designs to choose from and you’ll get a fondant cake masterpiece. The flavor choices include carrot, chocolate, red velvet, and vanilla chiffon. The filling choices include raspberry, Dulce de Leche, cheesecake frosting, and lemon cream cheese.

Photography

Royal Caribbean has onboard wedding photographers who will capture the best moments of your big day. Here are the packages you can get:

Exquisite package

It consists of 2 hours of photography and will cost you $999. You’ll get thirty 8×10 portraits and thirty hi-res digital photos.

Deluxe package

It consists of 4 hours of wedding photography and will cost you $1,999. You’ll get fifty 8×10 portraits and fifty high-res digital images. You’ll also get a 16×20 enlargement of any wedding photo of your choice in a premium finish.

Platinum package

It consists of 5 hours of wedding photography and will cost you $2,999. You’ll get 75 8×10 portraits and all captured high-res digital images. It also includes a post-ceremony private photo session and a premium wall art collection.

Apart from these standard packages, there are several add-ons. An additional hour of photography will cost you $199 and the premium wall art collection will cost $799. There are many other add-ons as well.

Entertainment

If you want live music and entertainment, you can get it at Royal Caribbean. They have several artists onboard who can entertain you and your guests on your special day. As you walk down the drums, enjoy the gentle acoustic strumming or beautiful tunes of a piano.

And if you want, you can have full lights and a music show at your reception. The soloist will charge $120/hour and the two-piece band will cost you $320/hour. The DJ charges are $150/hour and sound and light technology will cost you $75/hour.

Hors D’oeuvres

Select from a range of yummy appetizers. Here are the options:

There are 7 pieces including Smoked Salmon and Guacamole on Crostini, Artichoke & Manchego Cheese Tart, and others. Cost: $15/person.

There are 7 pieces including Asian Shrimp Ceviche with Crispy Wontons, Grilled Sesame Shrimp, and others. Cost: $17/person.

There are 8 pieces including Goat Cheese & Marjoram Cream, Pork Belly & Sprouts Crepes, and others. Cost: $21/person.

Food Stations

Enjoy exquisite treats at the food stations available at the Royal Caribbean wedding. There are three choices. The veggie table costs $10/person and serves delights made of cauliflower, baby carrots, and other vegetables.

The cheese tray costs $14/person and consists of an assortment of artisan and international cheeses with nuts, dry fruits, berries, and a lot more.

The pasta station costs $17/person and includes a range of fettuccini, ravioli, linguini, and other pasta dishes made with the choicest vegetables and meats.

Bar Service

Enjoy a wide selection of drinks at your Royal Caribbean wedding. Soft drinks and juices cost $12.95 per person for an hour.

Beer and wine by the glass will cost you $16.95 per person for an hour.

A full bar with international and domestic beer and house wine will have different charges depending on the drinks you want to include. All premium drinks will cost $25.95 per person for an hour.

When You Should Book a Royal Caribbean Wedding

As a rule, you have to book your wedding slot at least 90 days in advance but it’s always best to book earlier than that. Since many couples want a Royal Caribbean wedding, the slots get filled quickly. You might have to fly to a port for a cruise wedding . The sooner you book, the better flight prices you’ll get.

If you can, try to book the wedding at least four months in advance. This will also give you ample time to arrange the marriage documents.

What You Can Expect From Your Royal Caribbean Wedding

When you’re in international waters, you can ask the captain to perform the wedding. It’s always fun when the captain becomes a part of the ceremony because their captains are generally fun people who love entertainment.

You’ll get a personal wedding planner who can help you and guide you through the process. There’s also a wedding coordinator who will make sure everything goes as planned and you and your guests can have fun.

There are many facilities on the ship that you can enjoy. There’s entertainment, flowers, receptions, a spa and salon, photography, and honeymoon options.

Want to get married in the land? Check out our guides to help you with a St. Thomas wedding , Virgin Islands wedding , or an Amalfi Coast wedding .

About The Author

Jim Campbell

Jim is the owner of Honeymoons.com. A lifelong traveler, Jim's wanderlust has led him to spend months living on the Mayan Rivera, instruct SCUBA diving in Croatia, sail from San Diego to Hawaii, and cruise the Caribbean on a catamaran. Jim launched his honeymoon business while planning his own honeymoon in 2019. Since then, he has helped thousands of honeymooners plan their trips through his honeymoon travel agency .

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CRUISING IS BACK!

Learn about the extra measures all of our cruise line partners are taking to ensure your next cruise is safer than ever.

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Weddings at Sea on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships

Engaged couples can now experience the romance of being joined at sea by the Captain aboard a Royal Caribbean International ship through the Royal Romance weddings and vow renewal program. The Commonwealth of the Bahamas has cleared the cruise line to conduct legal weddings aboard the world's most innovative cruise ships while they are at sea. A Royal Caribbean ship is an ideal option for a 'multi-destination' wedding, able to cater to large parties, attended by family members and friends, to smaller - but still unforgettable - affairs. Couples wishing to share this special moment with friends and family can enjoy the Sweethearts at Sea promotional offer, inclusive of a ceremony performed by the Captain, photography and more, when booking 12 or more staterooms on a 2013 Royal Caribbean International sailing during the special introductory offer.

"Thanks to the support of the Bahamas, our guests can now be married during the course of their Royal Caribbean cruise and bask in the romance of the sea as they exchange their vows," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.  "Royal Caribbean's staff and crew will cater the affair with our world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service to help make the day extra special for the couple and their guests."

 "The Bahamas is happy to participate in this venture with Royal Caribbean International," said Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Bahamas.  "This premier cruise line has been bringing visitors to our beautiful country for many years, and we know that the Royal Romance weddings and vow renewal program will encourage even more visitors to our beautiful shores."

The Royal Romance team of wedding specialists are poised to assist couples during this momentous occasion in their lives and are eager to help create a beautifully personalized event that reflects the bride and groom's desires. From day one, the Royal Romance team assists in wedding planning services, including any legal requirements pre-departure, and once onboard, the Royal Romance Coordinator ensures every last detail is taken care of for the special moment.

Brides and grooms looking to marry onboard a Royal Caribbean ship will be married in a manner that is legally recognized by the Bahamas through the newly passed Marriage Act.  The act allows for marriages while in international waters, which is defined as outside the 12-mile limit of the territorial waters of any nation. The actual location of the ship when the marriage takes place is then recorded in the Marriage Record book of the Bahamas.

 Couples have several customizable Royal Romance Package options that celebrate their big day and include all the essentials for creating the perfect wedding. For example, the Royal Romance at Sea package includes: the ceremony performed by the ship's captain, a groom's boutonniere, a rose bouquet for the bride, freshly-made cake, recorded music and a live soloist during ceremony, wine at the ceremony, dinner for the bride and groom at an onboard specialty restaurant, photography services, plus champagne and strawberries in the couple's stateroom. 

The Sweethearts at Seas promotion offers couples a complimentary Romance at Sea package when they share their happy memories with family and friends and their wedding party books 12 or more staterooms on a 2013 cruise of five nights or longer.  Those couples booking 25 or more staterooms can enjoy the above, plus a complimentary stateroom upgrade, bar service and an hors d'oeuvres reception. 

Royal Romance also offers vow renewal packages, symbolic services and customized proposal packages. Complementing Royal Romance's packages is Royal Caribbean's Honeymoon Registry which continues the romance with friends and family contributing to a couple's ideal Royal Caribbean honeymoon cruise.  Instead of the standard pots and pans, the couple's family and friends can contribute to a dinner at a specialty restaurant, a couple's massage, or an excursion.  Couples can add all of the onboard activities they'd like in the registry, where their family and friends can even contribute to the cruise fare and help make the dream of vacationing to far-off places a reality.

The Sweethearts at Seas is now available to be booked for cruises starting January 1, 2013.

 For more information about the Royal Romance Program contact your preferred travel agent, visit us at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/weddings or call 888-WED-RCCL (888-933-7225).

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How to Choose the Best Cruise Line for Your Wedding?

Listed here are 8 Top cruise lines that offer a fantastic variety of options for couples planning their dream cruise wedding.

Book A Cruise Now

Cruise weddings offer a unique and stress-free way to tie the knot, but with many couples sharing the same ship, concerns about personalization may arise. Fortunately, cruise lines provide options to customize your wedding and make it truly memorable for you and your partner, as well as the guests attending them.

In this article, we will delve into the world of cruise weddings, exploring the best cruise lines for weddings . These cruise lines offer customized options to ensure your special day stands out amid the sea of matrimonial celebrations. Discover everything you need to know for a dreamy cruise wedding experience.

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What are the Best Cruise Lines for Weddings?

Choosing a cruise line where you could marry your special person can be a challenging task. Here is a list of the best cruise lines for weddings:

1. Princess Cruises

If you are looking forward to experiencing the best cruise wedding on the sea, then look no further than Princess Cruises . With their "Tie the Knot at the Sea'' package, you can get a seamless and personalized experience that caters to all your wedding needs. From live music to floral arrangements and even a captain-officiate ceremony, this package ensures a legally documented and breathtakingly beautiful wedding ceremony.

Related:   Get Exclusive Offers and Deals on Princess Cruises

Why Choose Princess Cruise Lines for a Cruise Wedding?

It is considered one of the best cruises to get married on , as there are professional wedding coordinators who will be with you at every step of the arrangement. They ensure that your friends and family can even watch the ceremony live from the ship, no matter where they are in the world. Princess Cruises truly offers an all-inclusive and unforgettable wedding experience to people getting hitched.

Also, Princess Cruises offers some of the best wedding cruise packages to suit different budgets and needs. Here are all the Princess Cruise wedding packages:

• Perfect Pair Wedding (Prices ranging between $2,900 and $3,500): The package is the most basic one and comes in two options, a symbolic ceremony starting and a legal ceremony. This package includes a range of services such as a dedicated wedding cake, sparkling wine toast, photographer services, ceremony, officiant, fresh florals, memorable prints, romantic breakfast for the couple, stateroom gifts and goodies, pre-cruise and onboard wedding coordinator, and keepsake certificate to make your special day unforgettable.
• Timeless Ceremony at Sea (Prices ranging between $3,900 and $4,500): If you are looking for a more extravagant wedding ceremony, then the Timeless Ceremony at Sea plan is perfect for you. The package includes all the features of the Perfect Pair Wedding package, as well as a live musician who will play during the ceremony, lasting memories in the form of prints and digital high-resolution photographs, and a top-of-the-line dining experience for the couple.
• Timeless Wedding at Sea (Prices ranging between $5,900 and $6,500): It is the most luxurious wedding package offered by Princess Cruises. This package offers both symbolic and legal ceremonies. It includes all the features of the Timeless Ceremony at Sea package, in addition to bridal hair styling and makeup, a separate venue for celebrating post-ceremony, special welcome cocktails crafted by the couple, and a memento certificate.
• Other Wedding Packages: In addition to the wedding packages, Princess Cruises also offers a variety of add-ons, such as a proposal setup, a vow renewal ceremony, and a honeymoon cruise.

2. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has various exclusive wedding packages, the most popular one among them being known as "Wedding at Sea." This package includes important things for this auspicious ceremony, like food, entertainment, and creating a nice atmosphere. They also organize weddings for same-sex couples, making sure they adhere to the regional laws. This means that everyone can have a special wedding ceremony on a Norwegian Cruise, as it assists couples in arranging everything they want to make their special day memorable.

Related:   Find the Best Norwegian Cruise Deals

Why Choose Norwegian Cruise Lines for a Cruise Wedding?

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a popular choice for cruise weddings due to the availability of a variety of wedding packages that are perfectly suitable for your needs. Here are some of the exclusive packages from which you can choose the right one for your special day:

• Symbolic At Sea (Average starting price between $2,000 and $2,100): This is the most basic package and is perfect for couples who want a simple and affordable wedding. The package includes a ceremony on board the ship, a bouquet and boutonniere, and a commemorative certificate.
• Harborside (Average starting price between $3,000 and $3,100): This package is a step up from the Symbolic At Sea package and includes a ceremony in a port city, such as Bermuda or Nassau. The package also includes a reception with hors d'oeuvres and champagne, as well as a wedding cake.
• Legal At Sea (Average starting price between $3,000 and $3,100): This package is for couples who want to get legally married on board the ship. The package includes everything in the Harborside package, plus a ceremony performed by a ship's captain or another authorized officiant.
• Destination (Average starting price between $3,000 and $3,200): In this inclusive package, couples can get married in their dream destination, and it is perfect to make the wedding a truly memorable experience. The package includes everything in the Legal At Sea package, plus a pre-wedding cruise and a post-wedding honeymoon.

Related:   How much does it cost for a wedding on a cruise ?

3. Carnival Cruise Line

Ideal for couples seeking a unique and budget-friendly cruise wedding, Carnival Cruise Line caters to youthful spirits with chapels on ships such as Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Miracle. You can opt for the intimate "Just You and Me" Carnival wedding package or the more elaborate "Time to Celebrate" package, which is suitable for larger guest lists. Both options encompass standard cruise ship wedding packages, ensuring a dreamy and memorable celebration.

Related: Find the Best Carnival Cruise Deals for Cruise vacation

Why Choose Carnival Cruise Line for a Cruise Wedding?

If you are looking for a fun, affordable, and stress-free ambiance to get married, then the wedding on a carnival cruise is the perfect option for you. Here are all the wedding packages Carnival Cruise Line offers:

• The Signature Ceremony (Average starting price between $1,700 and $1,800): This is the most basic package and includes a 15-to-20 minute ceremony, pre-recorded ceremony music, a local officiant, a keepsake wedding certificate, a two-tier cake, sparkling wine toast, and two honeymoon dinners for the couple.
• The Celebration Package (Average starting price between $2,800 and $2,900): It includes all of the amenities of the Signature Ceremony, plus a one-hour reception with hors d'oeuvres and a premium beverage package.
• The Love Ashore Package (Average starting price between $2,600 to $2,700): It is the most comprehensive package and includes a ceremony on a beautiful island setting, a wedding coordinator, transportation to and from the ceremony location, a wedding cake, champagne toast, honeymoon dinner, and one-hour photography service.

4. Celebrity Cruises

For a wedding in the middle of the ocean and traveling to a picturesque destination, Celebrity Cruises wedding packages are a perfect option. They exude luxury and hospitality that acts as a cherry on the cake for young couples. Choose for a pre-packaged wedding with added fun elements on Celebrity ships, where the ocean serves as a stunning backdrop.

The "Nautical Nuptials at Sea" package features a captain-led ceremony with live music, one hour of photography, a wedding cake, champagne, and additional amenities. Also, there are several post-ceremony indulgences that include chocolate-covered strawberries, personalized bathrobes, and floral embellishments in your cabin.

Related:   Special Offers: Celebrity Cruise Deals

Why Choose Celebrity Cruise Line for a Cruise Wedding?

Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line that offers a variety of wedding packages and options to make your special day truly memorable. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should choose Celebrity Cruises for your cruise wedding:

• Get Married at Sea Wedding Package (Varied Prices): This package is perfect for couples who want to exchange vows in a romantic and intimate setting. The package includes an onboard event coordinator, a ceremony location with stunning ocean views, flowers, live music, a traditional cake, and an on-site photographer.
• Shoreside Wedding Package (Varied Prices): This package is ideal for couples who want to get married on a beautiful beach or in a charming port town. The package includes an onboard event coordinator, transportation to and from the shoreside venue, flowers, live music, a traditional cake, and an on-site photographer.
• Shipboard Weddings Package (Varied Prices): It is perfect for couples who are planning to have a traditional wedding on board a Celebrity Cruise ship . The package includes an onboard event coordinator, a ceremony location in one of the ship's elegant venues, flowers, live music, a traditional cake, and an on-site photographer.

Related:  Things to Know When Planning a Cruise Wedding

5. Disney Cruise Line

You can transform your dreams of a "Fairy Tale Wedding" into reality with Disney Cruise Line . This exclusive package includes a dedicated coordinator, officiant, and solo musician to set the perfect ambiance, a delightful champagne toast, an exquisite wedding cake, and a cherished wedding certificate. Experience the magic of your special day surrounded by the charm and allure of Disney World, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Related:   Best Disney Cruise Deals for Next Cruise Vacation

Why Choose Disney Cruise Line for a Cruise Wedding?

Disney Cruise Line ships are known for their enchanting and immersive environments, making them the perfect backdrop for a fairytale wedding. Here are all the Disney Cruise Line wedding packages:

• The Castaway Cay Wedding (Average starting price from $5000): This is the most popular option for Disney Cruise Line weddings, and for good reason! Castaway Cay is a private island in the Bahamas with stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and lush vegetation. The Wedding Pointe is a beautiful gazebo located on the beach, and it is the perfect setting for a romantic ceremony.
• The Atrium Wedding (Average starting price from $5000): The Atrium is a stunning two-story space located in the heart of the ship. It is a popular choice for weddings because it can accommodate a large number of guests and it offers stunning views of the ocean.
• The Wedding Point (Average starting price from $5000): It is perfect for couples who want a romantic and intimate wedding setting. The ceremony takes place on Wedding Pointe, a private gazebo on Castaway Cay.

6. MSC Cruise

MSC Cruise offers couples the flexibility to choose between an onboard wedding and an onshore wedding. For onboard weddings, couples can opt for a pre-cruise consultant to assist with planning and arrangements. For onshore weddings, MSC Cruise can arrange for a beach setup and escort the couple and their guests to the ceremony.

Related:   Check Out All the MSC Cruise Deals

Why Choose MSC Cruise Line for a Cruise Wedding?

There are many reasons to choose MSC Cruise Line for a cruise wedding. Here are a few of the most exclusive wedding packages offered by the cruise line:

• Classic Celebration (Varied Prices): This is the most affordable package and includes a pre-cruise wedding planner, an onboard wedding coordinator, a symbolic ceremony with a ship's officer, a ceremony venue with floral arrangements, a preserved bouquet and matching boutonniere, a symbolic ceremony certificate signed by the captain, and stateroom décor.
• Romantic Celebration (Varied Prices): It includes all of the amenities of the Classic Celebration package, plus a romantic dinner for two, a champagne toast for the wedding party, and a spa treatment for the bride and groom.
• Deluxe Celebration (Varied Prices): In this package, you will get all of the amenities of the Romantic Celebration package, plus a larger ceremony venue, a custom wedding cake, and a photographer and videographer to capture your special day.
• Ocean Cay Celebration (Varied Prices): This is the most exclusive and expensive package and includes all of the amenities of the Deluxe Celebration package, plus a ceremony on MSC Cruises' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

7. Royal Caribbean International

You can choose Royal Caribbean International's "Vows at Sea" package for a private wedding on the ship. This Royal Caribbean wedding package includes a three-tier wedding cake, a romantic dinner for the couple at a special restaurant, and breakfast in bed in a beautifully decorated room. If you want to include more people, then the "Intimately Yours" package allows you to invite 10 extra guests and includes all the essential wedding arrangements. It is a great way to make your wedding day extra special on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Related:   Most Affordable Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals

Why Choose Royal Caribbean International for a Cruise Wedding?

Royal Caribbean International offers a unique and unforgettable experience for couples seeking a romantic and exotic wedding destination. Here are some of the primary reasons to choose Royal Caribbean International for your cruise wedding:

• Vows At Sea (Average starting price between $3,800 and $3,900): This is the most basic package and includes a ceremony performed by a ship's officer, a bouquet and boutonniere, a champagne toast, and a commemorative certificate.
• Embark On Romance (Average starting price between $5,600 and $5,700): It includes all of the amenities of the Vows At Sea package, plus a romantic dinner for two, a spa treatment for the bride and groom, and a stateroom upgrade.
• Intimately Yours (Average starting price between $1,800 and $1,900): This is a perfect wedding package for couples who want a more intimate wedding experience. It includes all of the amenities of the Embark On Romance package, plus a private ceremony location, a custom wedding cake, and a photographer and videographer.
• Destinations I Do (Average starting price between $4,600 and $4,700): It is mostly suitable for couples who want to get married in a specific destination. This package includes all of the amenities of the Intimately Yours package, plus airfare and accommodations for up to four guests.

8. Holland America Cruise

Holland America Cruise Line offers an "At Sea Symbolic" package that caters to a mature and sophisticated clientele. This package provides intimate wedding preparations for up to 8 guests, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a smaller, more personal ceremony.

Related:   Find the Amazing Holland America Cruise Deals

Why Choose Holland America Cruise for a Cruise Wedding?

Holland America Line (HAL) is a popular choice for cruise weddings, and for good reason. The company offers a variety of wedding packages and amenities that can help you make your big day truly special. Here are all the best cruising packages offered by the cruise line:

• Symbolic At Sea (Average starting price from $1800): This budget-friendly package offers a ceremony conducted by the ship's captain, a commemorative wedding certificate, and a petite wedding cake.
• Harborside (Average starting price from $2000): The Harborside package features a ceremony led by a non-denominational officiant, accompanied by a bridal bouquet and a groom's boutonniere.
• Destination (Average starting price from $3000): This package presents a ceremony officiated by a non-denominational officiant, inclusive of transportation for the bridal couple and a wedding cake designed for the couple.

Which Tips Should You Remember When Choosing the Best Cruise Lines for Weddings?

Here is a list of some effective tips to remember when booking the best cruise lines for weddings:

Beware of Seasonal Surcharges

Weddings on cruise ships have become increasingly popular, so much so that some lines have started charging surcharges for weddings during certain times of the year. These surcharges are often applied during Valentine's Day, other holidays, and popular wedding months like May and June. Carnival Cruise Line even imposed surcharges for weddings on its newest and most popular ships.

Not All Cruise Lines Offer Wedding Packages

While many cruise lines have embraced the trend of hosting weddings onboard, not all offer this service. For the most part, it is the large, mass-market cruise lines that cater to weddings. Some lines, such as Seabourn, offer customized amenities for small-scale events but do not provide packaged wedding services.

Not All Captains Can Perform Weddings

If you envision exchanging vows with your beloved under the watchful eye of the ship's captain, then be aware that not all captains are legally authorized to officiate weddings at sea. This is due to legal limitations that vary based on the ship's country of registry. Only a handful of cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises, have ships registered in countries that permit their captains to perform weddings.

Pre-sail Away Ceremonies Provide Flexibility

If you want to get married abroad but want to choose your own officiant or invite guests who will not be sailing, then consider having your wedding while the ship is still docked at its homeport. This approach offers more flexibility in terms of clergy selection and guest attendance.

Private Island Ceremonies May Not Be Legally Binding

Several cruise lines, such as Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Holland America, offer wedding ceremonies or vow renewals at their private islands. However, these ceremonies may not always be legally binding. In some cases, the actual legal ceremony and paperwork signing must take place before the ship departs from the port of embarkation.

Getting married legally while at sea can be a complex process, so it is crucial to understand all the legal requirements and plan well in advance. Consult with your wedding planner to determine the best port of call for your wedding and to ensure that your ceremony complies with local laws.

Also Check :  Romantic Cruise Lines for Couples

Things to Consider for Cruise Wedding

Here are some things to consider when selecting a cruise for your wedding ceremony:

Consider Your Budget

Cruise weddings can range in price from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars or more. It is important to set a budget and stick to it.

Think about the Size of Your Wedding Party

Cruise ships can accommodate a wide range of wedding party sizes, from small and intimate to large and extravagant. So, choose the one that perfectly suits your needs.

Choose a Destination

Choosing a destination that appeals to you and your guests can be crucial. Cruise ships travel to all corners of the world, so you are sure to find a destination that's perfect for your wedding.

Consider the Amenities

Cruise lines offer a wide variety of amenities and activities, so you can easily find a ship that has everything you need to make your wedding day special.

Book Your Wedding Early

Cruise weddings are becoming increasingly popular, so it is important to book your wedding early to get the discounted rates and availability of preferred amenities.

The world of cruise weddings offers diverse options, each catering to different preferences and budgets of couples. The choice of the best cruise lines for weddings depends on individual preferences. This comprehensive guide equips couples with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision.

Whether it is exchanging vows under the watchful eye of a Disney character or enjoying an intimate ceremony at sea with Princess Cruises, the world of cruise weddings offers a unique and enchanting way to begin the journey of marital bliss. You can visit CruiseBooking.com to get a more comprehensive idea about cruise weddings and plan your special day easily.

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Cruise weddings: Everything you need to know about getting hitched at sea

Are you considering a cruise wedding? At-sea nuptials have many selling points — including a wedding planner and a built-in honeymoon — especially for couples looking for smaller, more intimate weddings (up to 125 guests). They're also ideal for elopements. Yet before you decide to get married on a cruise ship, you'll want to understand all the pros and cons.

Think of cruise ships as floating hotels that can offer all the essentials a wedding venue needs, including food, drinks and overnight accommodations for guests. You've got space to host wedding-related events over several days — such as a pre-reception cocktail hour, pre-ceremony spa day with the girls and morning-after brunch. Cruise ship employees are trained in hospitality, with photographers, bakers and DJs already on board. Plus, imagine how gorgeous your wedding photos will be with the wide, open sea as a backdrop!

"This is a type of wedding that can fit anybody. People are ready to sail [again], they're ready to cruise, and they've waited a while to get married," due to COVID-19, says Liz Bernal, a travel planner who helps couples arrange their cruise weddings on behalf of Celebrity Cruises . "It's not just couples getting married for the first time, [and] not just second or third marriages."

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're leaning toward swapping wedding vows on a cruise, know that cruise weddings aren't all "Love Boat"-inspired glamour. You'll need to make decisions around where to get married (at sea or in port) and understand how those choices affect your guest list, risk of cancellation and the legality of the ceremony. Perhaps the biggest question is whether you want friends and family sailing with you on your honeymoon.

Before you say "I do" to a cruise ship wedding, take some time to school yourself on the fine print and important decisions you'll need to make.

Should I get married on board or in port?

One of the first decisions couples need to make is whether to schedule their nuptials for embarkation day, at sea or in a port of call.

"We find most weddings are celebrated on board during embarkation day. This allows attendees who aren't sailing with the couple to visit the ship for the ceremony," says Matt Lupoli, of Carnival Cruise Line media relations. This option allows you to not only invite friends and family to your wedding but also enjoy a private honeymoon — without your mother-in-law or best man tagging along.

Another popular option is to get married while the ship's at sea. This is a fantastic option because you won't have the time pressure of embarkation day, nor will you have to give up any fun activities or beach time in port. Princess Cruises reports that 75% of its weddings are at sea.

One drawback of an at-sea wedding is that you may be forced to host events indoors because of high winds, rain or limited deck space, and the hours to rent a specific venue have to mesh with the ship's other programming needs -- including other weddings. Plus, if you want guests at your ceremony, they will need to book and pay for the entire cruise (or you'll have to pony up for their cabins).

With an at-sea wedding, you can ask the ship's captain to marry you, a perk only available on a few cruise lines (Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises , Cunard and Royal Caribbean , for example) when sailing in international waters. Your photos will look amazing, but buyer beware: Unless the captain is also a judge, notary public, justice of the peace or minister, your at-sea nuptials will be a symbolic, not a legal, wedding.

Related: 5 best honeymoon cruises for newlywed bliss

The final option is to get married at a cruise line's private island or during a port stop in another country. About 5%-10% of Princess Cruises' weddings are in port. For local flavor, you might be able to weave in reggae music in the background while in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, or gift guests leis in Honolulu. The drawback is that you can't control all of your surroundings; for example, the ceremony might be on a public beach.

One thing's for sure: The Caribbean's sunny ports are as popular as ever for a wedding ceremony.

"We're starting to see more weddings on the islands, whether their whole group is sailing with them or meeting them there," says Bernal.

Is getting married on a cruise ship legal?

The short answer is yes, in most cases. But you do need to get your paperwork in order before the wedding day.

If you're getting married on embarkation day at a domestic port such as Miami, Seattle, New Orleans or Fort Lauderdale, you can bring your own officiant to conduct a legal wedding, the same as you would at any land-based wedding venue. If your ceremony will take place during the cruise, either a local notary public (for ports in the U.S.) or a nondenominational officiant (international ports) will preside over the ceremony, making the wedding legal.

Don't worry — you don't have to find an available officiant in Jamaica or the Bahamas. The cruise line's wedding planners will do it for you. For example, all three of Princess Cruises' wedding packages include either a legal ceremony by the captain or one performed by a local officiant in port.

However, at-sea weddings on lines other than Princess get tricky: When a ship is sailing, it's in international waters, yet the ship is registered to a particular country. For example, Celebrity Cruises requires you to obtain a marriage license from Malta, as that's where its ships are registered. A notary public or religious officiant is always provided with any cruise line's wedding package.

Once you have an officiant, what about marriage licenses? Each country has its own requirements for in-port and at-sea weddings, and the cruise line's weddings department will assist in obtaining the information and, ultimately, the license. For example, if you want to get married while the ship is in the Bahamas, you need to first obtain a marriage license from that country, a process that can take up to 90 days. To get married in a U.S. port, you only need a marriage license from that state.

How big can a cruise wedding be?

Cruise weddings can range in size, though cruise lines do limit numbers. In many cases, the size of the venue restricts the number of guests allowed. The maximum size for a cruise wedding is about 150 guests.

According to Princess Cruises, two-thirds of its weddings have fewer than 10 people in the group and the average size of larger weddings is 25, with about two weddings each year with 40 or more guests. As the cruise line returned to service after the COVID-19 pandemic began, it reported that smaller, more intimate ceremonies were becoming more popular. Being married at sea by the captain is still, by far, the most sought-after package, says Princess Cruises.

Carnival's weddings run larger. "The average number of guests is about 40, but we host weddings of all sizes — from only the couples themselves to very large parties," said Lupoli. Celebrity Cruises has also started to see more larger cruise weddings post-pandemic.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Can I invite guests who won't be sailing with us?

Beyond total guest numbers, each cruise line has strict rules about how many non-sailing guests can attend your embarkation-day wedding. For example, Royal Caribbean allows a maximum of 75 wedding guests (out of 150 total) to be day visitors who come for the shipboard ceremony and then leave before the ship sets sail.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it's not as easy for non-sailing guests to come onboard as before. They may need to submit their vaccination card or negative COVID-19 test results. You'll need to make these rules clear to your attendees and know that they can change between when you book the cruise wedding and the big day itself.

Shoreside ceremonies — in a port of call on the ship's itinerary — also welcome non-sailing guests but have capacity limits. The available venues can only fit so many people. This option is trickier, however, because you are only in port for one day, most likely. What if your aunt's flight into the port is delayed? She will miss the wedding altogether.

Even so, Bernal is seeing more of this in the Caribbean. "They'll jump on the flight to the island and meet the couple and then stay on the island for a few days," she says. "You can have non-guests in ports of call come on the ship but usually the couple comes off the ship to get married on the beach."

"The norm [for in-port weddings] is to sail with the whole group," she says, rather than have guests fly in for the ceremony.

Which cruise lines offer weddings, and which should I pick?

Name a popular cruise line and chances are you can get married on one of its ships. Viking is a notable exception that does not offer weddings.

Your best bet is to choose a ship whose personality and amenities match your preferences. But a few lines stand out for their wedding offerings.

Princess Cruises was the first cruise line to offer legal marriages at sea by the captain.

Princess Cruises' three packages (At Sea Wedding Cruise, Harborside Wedding Cruise and Ashore Wedding Cruise) fold in all the details for a flat fee and also offer a registry so that guests can help amp up the luxuries on their honeymoon at sea. Guests and friends can gift shore excursion credits, specialty-dining experiences, spa treatments and a private breakfast or dinner on the balcony. Celebrity Cruises also offers legal weddings at sea by the captain .

Royal Caribbean's and MSC Cruises' family-friendly onboard amenities, such as waterslides and large kids clubs, are a huge hit for couples planning to invite guests of all ages. Royal Caribbean offers four packages for weddings at sea with sailing guests, embarkation-day ceremonies with sailing and non-sailing guests, portside events around the world and elopements with just the couple or up to 10 guests.

Just like its parks, Disney offers Fairy Tale Weddings on its ships . Disney Cruise Line offers six venues, including indoor and outdoor spots on its ships (accommodating up to 40 guests) and on Castaway Cay (the line's private island in the Bahamas, which can host up to 100 guests). You can have costumed Mickey and Minnie join you for photos or offer a Dole Whip unity ceremony, as one couple did .

Windstar Cruises ' yacht-style smaller ships entice many couples planning a cruise elopement , with either just them or only a few guests. Many couples like the upscale yet low-key feeling of getting away on their own yacht, where entertainment focuses on fine dining, relaxing on deck and exploring in port, rather than running around to shows, rock climbing walls and other crazy big-ship attractions.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for romance

What are examples of cruise wedding packages?

Exact wedding package inclusions depend on the cruise line you're sailing, whether you're getting married at sea or in port, and the level of package you choose.

Wedding coordinators and event managers for cruise lines — included with all packages — make the decision-making easy. They'll help you nail down specifics in advance so you can have a relaxing time on board. There are also third-party travel planners specializing in cruise weddings, such as The Wedding Experience , the exclusive wedding service provider for Celebrity Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.

To give you a general idea, most cruise wedding packages are going to include a dedicated, private venue for the ceremony, a photographer, floral arrangements and a private space for the reception, whether it's a simple cake-cutting event or a plated meal. Some will also include Champagne to toast the couple.

Examples of extra-fee add-ons include videography, photography or live entertainment at the ceremony or reception (Carnival Cruises charges $150-plus for some tunes to accompany your celebration).

"We start with a package and design your ceremony to be just for you," says Bernal. "There's so many possibilities."

Bernal says one couple arranged a fireworks show off the coast of Puerto Rico and worked with Celebrity Cruises to stop the ship in the middle of the ocean for the best view. It's becoming more popular for couples to host a series of events on board the ship during the wedding week, says Bernal. Previously, couples have organized a whiskey tasting for the guys; afternoon tea for the girls; bachelorette parties at a ship's bar, club or lounge; or a private dinner in an onboard restaurant for guests the day after the wedding. All of these can be arranged by the ship staff.

How much does a cruise wedding cost?

The average price for a cruise wedding falls between $7,000 and $20,000, according to GroupTravel.org , a sliver of what a land wedding normally costs (an average of $30,000). Your specific cost will depend on which cruise wedding package you choose and which inclusions and add-ons you select.

On the more casual and festive end, Carnival Cruise Line weddings start at $1,499; MSC Cruises' weddings cost roughly the same. On the luxe end, Cunard's Royal Ceremony at Sea package starts at $3,300. Of course, you will still need to pay for your own cruise fare, on top of the wedding package rates, as do your guests.

The good news is that with these all-inclusive packages, you know exactly how much your at-sea wedding will cost from the beginning.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on a cruise

How far out should I book my wedding date?

If your goal is to make guests happy, the further out you book, the better access they have to cabin categories and locations, as well as flights. This also goes for pricing. Sailings and flights booked months out are often cheaper. Use those save-the-date mailings to your guests wisely and provide them with as much information as possible.

Plus, cruise ships have limited spots for weddings each week. For example, as of July, Royal Caribbean is fully sold-out for 2022 weddings and is not accepting bookings for additional nuptials this year.

The caveat, however, is that the further in advance you book, you run a risk of change or cancellation as ships are known to swap itineraries or take ships out of service. In other words, don't play up Aruba or a specific ship — all your guests need to know early on is that it's a Caribbean sailing.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

Bottom line

If you don't like being the center of attention, then a cruise wedding may not be for you. Everyone on board and in port is going to ooh and aah at you as you sashay by in your wedding finery. This type of ceremony is also not ideal for couples who want to invite hundreds of guests or want the flexibility to select the perfect caterer, photographer, cake, florist or musicians.

On the other hand, if you want to plan a simple, stress-free wedding, it doesn't get much easier than this. Cruise weddings are ideal for couples who want a small event and love the one-stop shopping of having all the event details taken care of by the cruise line.

Which brings us to the honeymoon. Many couples use the sailing as their honeymoon — yet another aspect of the wedding you won't need to plan. But if your guests are joining the sailing, your romantic getaway may not be very private. If you want family and friends to attend your at-sea wedding, consider whether you can sneak away when needed without hurting anyone's feelings.

If you can't stand the thought of sharing a romantic vacation with your extended family, consider an embarkation-day wedding and bid your guests goodbye after the reception. The trade-off is your pierside event might not be as scenic as an onboard ceremony with expansive sea views.

Ultimately, if you're a person who wants a hassle-free wedding, with a one-stop shop for planning and a built-in honeymoon, then swapping vows ashore, in port or at sea might just be your dream affair.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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Plan the Cruise Ship Wedding of Your Dreams

What’s more romantic than a wedding at sea? Tie the knot aboard one of Celebrity Cruises’ luxury cruise ships, where you can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of getting married by a cruise ship captain or recite your wedding nuptials in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. 

The best part of it all is that we’ll take care of all the details. Whether you’re having a large beachside celebration in the Caribbean or an intimate cruise ship wedding surrounded by your loved ones, you won’t have to lift a finger while we make sure all of your cruise wedding dreams come true.

Unforgettable Cruise Wedding Packages

Get married at sea wedding package.

Tie the knot on board in a marriage ceremony officiated by the captain of the ship. Walk down the aisle while surrounded by stunning views of the open sea and say “I do” under the Maltese flag. The nautical nuptials package also includes an onboard event coordinator, a romantic indoor wedding location, flowers, live music, a traditional cake, and an on-site photographer to capture your special day.

Shoreside Wedding Package

If you’re looking for the perfect location for a destination wedding, look no further. We travel to over 280 ports around the world, giving you plenty of dreamy options for your wedding ceremony location. Our cruise wedding event managers will help coordinate all of the details, from transportation to and from the venue to finding a romantic wedding location in port, usually at a beach or garden setting. 

Shipboard Weddings Package

Exchange vows at an exotic port of call or on embarkation day before your ship sets sail. Shipboard wedding packages make it easy to plan a lovely ceremony on board and include an indoor wedding location, a non-denominational wedding officiant, a wedding day coordinator, recorded music, flowers, a cake, and a keepsake wedding certificate.

Spa & Salon Services For Weddings & Vow Renewals

As you begin your voyage toward a lifetime of happiness, our spa will share its beauty and grooming secrets and keep you at ease while celebrating your special day. We promise to be your spa confidant, treat you to uninhibited relaxation, and provide you with our expertise – from now until your wedding day. Our spa and salon packages will bring brilliance and bliss to your wedding day.

Vow Renewals, Engagements & Celebrations

Aside from our cruise wedding packages, there are other ways to celebrate your love at sea. Host a post-wedding reception on board with all of your loved ones. Propose to your sweetheart while surrounded by the ocean. Or mark a special anniversary with an unforgettable vow renewal ceremony on board.

Vow Renewals

Celebrate your next big anniversary with a special vow renewal ceremony on board. Vow renewals can be performed by the captain or a shipboard ceremony officiant and include an onboard location, ceremony flowers, one hour of photography service, and a bottle of champagne and cake for two.

Engagements

Pop the question on board Celebrity Cruises and make memories that will last a lifetime. Our engagement packages help you plan the perfect proposal with a romantic dinner for two at one of our specialty restaurants, photography services to capture the big moment, and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered straight to your stateroom on the night of your engagement. 

Celebrations

Host a magical wedding celebration on board with a shipboard celebration package, which includes an indoor event venue, photography service, and an event manager to ensure each detail is taken care of, such as custom food and beverage packages.

How To Book Your Cruise Wedding Package

Sit back and relax while we take care of all the wedding planning for you—from start to finish. Our event managers will be there every step of the way. We’ll help you choose the perfect cruise wedding package, settle on your dream location, select the best food and drink package for your reception, and suggest any special touches you might want to add along the way.

Step 1: Choose Your Itinerary

Choose the perfect itinerary for your wedding from our endless array of sailings around the world. From short and sweet trips close to home to lengthier journeys to exotic locations, you’re sure to find the dream destination for your dream wedding with Celebrity.

Step 2: Review Cruise Wedding Packages

Once you’ve settled on the itinerary, it’s time to choose your wedding package. Our wedding planners will help you decide which package is best for you and your sweetheart.

Step 3: Get in Touch

After you’ve narrowed down your preferred itinerary and wedding package choices, call 1-866-535-2352 or email us and one of our event specialists will be in touch as soon as possible.

Start Planning Your Dream Cruise Wedding

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Princess ® Perfect Weddings (And More To Love)

Creating celebrations with heart on your cruise, dream big for your big day.

That perfect wedding you've always wanted? You deserve it. And with Princess® Perfect Weddings it's within reach.

Just tell us your dream destination, wedding date and ceremony style, and we'll take it from there. We have a world of options — grand ceremonies in The Piazza, outdoor settings with an ocean backdrop — and packages at a value that beats land-based venues.

Wedding Packages To Fit Your Lifestyle

Browse our three At-Sea wedding packages, all offered as either legal or symbolic ceremonies.

By clicking the below link, you are now leaving the Princess Cruises website and navigating to a 3rd party website that is not owned, operated, or controlled by Princess Cruises or any of its affiliates.

Perfect Pair Wedding

The perfect package for couples getting hitched before only a few of your favorite people (includes the couple and up to 2 guests).

Package highlights:

Indoor or outdoor ceremony by the ship’s captain

Fresh florals, wedding cake and sparkling wine toast

• Dedicated photographer and memorable prints

Romantic breakfast for the couple

• Stateroom gifts and goodies
• Pre-cruise and onboard wedding coordinator
• Keepsake certificate

Timeless Ceremony at Sea (Ceremony Only)

Celebrate in style with a romantic ceremony at sea (includes the couple and up to 8 guests).

Solo live musician during the ceremony

Dedicated photographer service

Memorable prints and digital high-res photos

Timeless Wedding at Sea (Ceremony + Reception)

This package includes everything from the ceremony to the reception to celebrate with your whole crew (includes the couple and up to 18 guests).

Fresh florals for the couple

Fresh florals for the wedding party

Two treatments from select salon services

1-Hour dedicated venue to celebrate after ceremony

Solo live musician during the reception

Good Spirits welcome cocktails, curated by the couple

2-Tier wedding cake and sparkling wine toast

Memorable prints and all digital high-res photos

One specialty dining reservation for the couple

So we offer additional packages about more than just matrimony

Renew the love

(Includes just the couple)

There's no better place to renew your vows than The Love Boat®. Our crew's got you covered!

Package highlights

• Short, sweet indoor or outdoor ceremony by the ship's captain
• Fresh florals, celebration cake and sparkling wine toast for the couple

Princess perfect proposals

"Will you…" have a proposal that’s one for the books (just the right setting and setup)? You will.

• Secret proposal setup in a private indoor or outdoor location
• Proposal rose and rose petal décor
• Celebration cake
• Pre-cruise and onboard coordinator

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We're elevating our Loyalty Status Match program to give you the best benefits at sea. Captain's Club members will now receive one-for-one tier matching across all three Royal Caribbean Group brands: Celebrity Cruises®, Royal Caribbean®, and now also Silversea®. This shared status gives you more benefits than ever before, and more ways to see the world-with more than 50 incredible ships sailing to nearly 1,000 destinations.

Find your Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club tier below and discover your loyalty match for Crown & Anchor® Society andVenetian Society.

For Crown & Anchor Society and Captain’s Club: Enroll through the Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises websites, or their respective apps. Guests who are currently only members of Venetian Society should call 1-888-978-4070 (North America) or call your local Silversea Office (charges may apply).

For Venetian Society: Enroll through the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises app once you are a member of those programs.  Pre-gold and preview members are not eligible for status match with Venetian Society. 

For more information regarding our Loyalty Status Match program, view our Frequently Asked Questions.

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Royal Caribbean bets big on a new concept and Carnival follows

P erfect Day at CocoCay, a $250 million reimagining of Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, set a new standard and left rival cruise lines lacking a similar asset.

Prior to Royal Caribbean adding a dock that could accommodate two of its largest ships, visiting any cruise line's private island meant taking a tender — a small boat — from the ship to the island. That made some passengers already unwilling to go because while you may not get seasick on a massive cruise ship, a tender ride can be a very different story. 

Related: Carnival and Royal Caribbean add new nonsmoking areas

Both Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) and Norwegian Cruise Line still use tenders to reach their private islands. And, once you get there, they basically offer a beach day with some food, maybe some music, drinks, and not much else. MSC Cruises does dock at its Ocean Cay Marine Preserve, but it can only accommodate one ship at a time, and like Carnival and Norwegian, it's basically just offering a beach day (albeit a very nice one in all three cases).

Perfect Day at Coco Cay lets passengers walk off the ship (or take a tram) and then choose their experience. They can opt for the traditional beach and BBQ offering across multiple beaches. 

In addition, they can swim in the largest pool in the Caribbean, all without paying any extra money. If they want more, however, CocoCay offers an added-fee waterpark, a quiet Beach Club that offers an upgraded lunch, or the new Hideaway Beach, an adults-only area with a beach, heated pool, its own dining options, and a DJ that gives a little bit of a day club feel.

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

All of those, of course, cost extra (prices vary based on demand) but CocoCay has consistently been Royal Caribbean's highest-rated destination. That's something the company plans to build on and Carnival has plans to follow.

Royal Caribbean adding Beach Club experiences  

Many Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and MSC cruise ships stop in either Nassau or Cozumel. Those are both ports where frequent cruisers might just stay on the ship and in Cozumel many book private beach club experiences not through the cruise line.

After seeing the success of CocoCay, Royal Caribbean created a new concept, the Royal Beach Club, and it's already working on one for Paradise Island, a short trip from Nassau, and has plans for another in Cozumel. 

"When we think of the Beach Club portfolio that we're planning on developing, along with Perfect Day, they're incredibly complementary destination experiences and they fit really in the sweet spot of our demographics and really in terms of what our guests are seeking, looking for when they go on a Caribbean cruise, they really knock it out of the park in terms of satisfying that demand, that need. So very similar type of product, different vibe," Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley said during his company's first-quarter earnings call .

Bayley sees the private island and the Beach Clubs as related, but different experiences.

"Perfect Day is a full day for thrill and chill and the Beach Club is, as you imagine, just an incredible day at the beach, which is what most guests are seeking in the Caribbean. And it's curated by Royal Caribbean. It's a stunning experience. And of course, it's very authentically connected to the culture, for example, in the Bahamas or Mexico," he added.

CocoCay will have 3.2 million visitors in 2024, up from 2.6 million in the previous year.

"People want to sail on the ships that go to Perfect Day and they want to sail on the ships that go to the Beach Club," Bayley added.

Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Carnival tries to build a CocoCay rival

Carnival has been slowly sharing plans for Celebration Key, its own take on a CocoCay-like experience that will feature pools, a water park, and multiple dining options. It's on an island, but it's not a private island as it's being built on a section of Grand Bahama.

"Honoring the natural beauty and culture of Grand Bahama, Celebration Key will deliver endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation across five distinct areas called portals, featuring the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, a breathtaking white sand beach, an exclusive adult-only private club, spaces designed to maximize family fun and a variety of dining venues and libation stations all in one breathtaking place," the cruise line shared.

Celebration Key, which is clearly the cruise line seeing what has worked for its rival and building on it, will open in July 2025.

Carnival ships will dock at an adjacent cruise pier that can accommodate up to two of the cruise line's largest ships simultaneously. Celebration Key will also include an events pavilion that is dedicated to hosting weddings, vow renewals, and other special celebrations.

Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser

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Why royal caribbean does not have to share details of passenger who died on world’s largest cruise ship.

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The public may never know the full details surrounding the death of a passenger who reportedly jumped from the world’s largest cruise ship earlier this month.

Under maritime law, Royal Caribbean is not obligated to release the findings of its investigation into the death of the passenger on the Icon of the Seas.

The law allows the company, and other cruise lines — to downplay details that might cast them in a negative light, said Florida-based lawyer Keith Brais, whose firm specializes in injuries and incidents at sea.

“They wouldn’t even need to report on how much alcohol might have been involved if it makes them look bad,” he told The Post.

Royal Caribbean has not commented on the specific details of the incident and has only expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased.

The US Coast Guard in Miami said it assisted with the search, but it is not involved in the investigation into the passenger’s death.

Deaths on cruise ships are rare — but unique circumstances of a floating city in international waters — the Icon of the Seas can carry up to 7,000 people — means that they are not handled like deaths on land.

What happens to someone who dies on a cruise ship?

When an unidentified man jumped from Royal Caribbean’s new 1,200-foot-long Icon of the Seas on the first day of a seven-day voyage on Sunday, a rescue boat from the ship found him and brought him back aboard.

Passengers were initially told that the man was in the intensive care unit, but the Coast Guard confirmed to The Post that he died.

The Icon of the Seas proceeded on its voyage around the Gulf of Mexico after the incident.

It’s not clear where the man’s body is now, but it was likely taken to the ship’s morgue until it can be transferred to authorities on land, Brais said.

The ship has stopped in Honduras and Mexico, and is set for one more port of call in the Bahamas before it returns to Miami on Saturday.

Who investigates deaths at sea?

While the US Coast Guard assisted Royal Caribbean in the search and rescue of the man who fell overboard, officials said it was the cruise line’s rescue boat that ultimately found and transported the body, and it would be up to the company to investigate the case.

Brais said Royal Caribbean is not required to release its findings to the public, adding that it is rare for a company to publish anything that could make them seem liable for the death.

“As a result, the cruise line is likely to find that the passenger’s death resulted from ‘natural causes,’ even if the totality of the circumstances at hand suggests otherwise,” according to his law firm.

Braise noted that in his decades of experience in the industry and law, alcohol is involved in the majority of cases.

Royal Caribbean did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Does the family have any recourse about the investigation?

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety act, which was passed in 2010, mandates that cruises not only follow strict regulations to ensure passengers are safe, but to also track crimes aboard their ships.

In regards to Sunday’s incident, Brais said the man’s family should look at whether Royal had the proper barriers in place to keep people from falling overboard and if they had Man-Overboard cameras installed that alerted them to the incident.

Even if Royal Caribbean was found to be negligent in the man’s death, the compensation could be limited to just covering funeral expenses under the Death of the High Seas Act, Brais added.

How common are deaths on cruise ships?

It can be difficult to determine how many deaths have occurred on cruise ships as it’s up to the companies to report such incidents.

According to the Department of Transportation’s Cruise Line Incident reports, there have only been four deaths aboard major cruise lines between January 2020 to March 2024.

Despite these numbers, Brais said it’s not rare for such man overboard stories to make headlines once every three weeks.

According to cruise expert Dr. Ross Klein, who maintains a master list of media reports of incidents where passengers have gone overboard, there have been at least 410 people who have fallen off cruises or ferries in the last 24 years.

Icon of the Seas death is the second so far this year aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. In April, a drunk 20-year-old passenger reportedly jumped to his death from the Liberty of the Seas following a dispute with his father.

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The Ambanis are reportedly throwing another lavish prewedding party, this time on a cruise ship

• Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant had a weekendlong prewedding party in March.
• The couple continue their festivities next week with a luxury cruise, the Deccan Chronicle  reported.
• They'll reportedly be joined by about 800 guests on a cruise from Italy to the south of France.

The Ambanis are continuing their glitzy prewedding celebrations with another set of festivities. Anant Ambani, the son of India's richest person, Mukesh Ambani, and his fiancée, Radhika Merchant, threw a weekendlong affair in March to commemorate their upcoming wedding. They are now said to be embarking on a luxury cruise next week, which is scheduled to set sail from Italy to the south of France with about 800 guests and 600 staff, according to the Deccan Chronicle . Bollywood stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt are expected to join them on the cruise, the report said.

The couple held lavish star-studded parties in March as part of the festivities, with Rihanna performing. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan , the Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, and Ivanka Trump also came out for the events.

Related stories

Zuckerberg and Chan wore Alexander McQueen ensembles that cost $22,000 in total.

The couple also hosted a communal dinner for thousands of local residents in Gujarat before the weekend parties, The Hindu reported. The wedding is said to be taking place in July, though the venue remains unclear.

Mukesh Ambani is the chair of the Fortune 500 company Reliance Industries and worth an estimated $114 billion, per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index . He's in 12th place overall and $5 billion ahead of the next Indian on the list, Gautam Adani.

Representatives for the Ambanis at Reliance Industries did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Watch: Crowd boos Elon Musk at Dave Chappelle's comedy show

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