Weddings, Honeymoons and Vow Renewals: It's all about you!

Always dreamed of getting married on a white sandy beach or a romantic villa in Italy?  Or maybe, saying your vows in a chapel suspended 15 floors above the sea?

Your Cruise Holidays experts can make that happen! 

Many wedding couples and honeymooners avoid the stress of organizing a wedding.  Instead of worrying about napkin colors, hotels for out-of-town guests, and menu options for your reception, escape with your closest friends and family and get married overlooking the clear blue Caribbean Sea, or in a historic Mediterranean village, or any of a host of other unique locations.

But let's face it: your wedding day may be the most important day in your life!  So to ensure that everything goes smoothly, don't try to organize it all yourself.  Let your Cruise Holidays expert take care of the details of your cruise, while the cruise line's wedding department fine tunes the ceremony, marriage licenses and other events of the big day!  Together, we'll do the hard work, so you can enjoy yourself!

Cruises are perfect for weddings

What is more romantic than a full moon reflecting on the waves of the wide ocean? But that's not all: 

• A cruise is a great way to spend time with your closest family and best friends.  Share your special day, then enjoy a fantastic vacation.
• Especially a couple of newlyweds will need some "quiet time".  On a cruise ship, you'll have plenty of opportunity to be with the rest of your family and friends, but also be alone with your new spouse: a romantic dinner, a glass of wine, or that rare luxury in today's busy world: a chance to sleep in and enjoy eachother's company.  

Practical Considerations

• Can the average banquet hall offer your dinner guests eight, ten or more menu options - all at the same time?  The wide variety of cuisines on a cruise ship easily beats those available in regular wedding venues - and best of all, meals are included in your cruise fare.
• On most ships you will have a full-service spa and hair salon at your disposal to ensure you look fabulous for the big event!
• If not everyone can be with you, some cruiselines even will broadcast your ceremony on a webcam!
• Any kids in your family?  Many cruise lines employ crew members specifically to entertain children - and to ensure that drinking ages, adult-only zones and other restrictions are respected, so parents can relax.

Budget

• A cruise is more affordable than you think: your cruise fare includes accommodation, meals, entertainment, use of fitness facilities, swimming pools, 24-hour room service, and of course the transportation between the various ports of call.
• Depending on the number of guests in your group, you might be entitled to a free cruise for yourself.
• We will negotiate with the cruise line on your behalf to get amenities only available to group members.  For example, you might enjoy a free upgrade, wine or chocolates in the stateroom, a cocktail party, a casino credit or other amenities.
• Your family and friends can choose from a large variety of accommodation depending on their budget or needs, while still enjoying the same restaurants, facilities and entertainment.
• Don't get caught in the middle: rather than having to chase everybody for payments and ensuring that bills are paid, don't worry about the finances.  We will work with the cruise line and your wedding party to ensure everybody's trip (and bills) are taken care off in time.
• Your trip will be largely pre-paid, which means that you'll have no budgetary surprises.  With plenty of lead-time, your group members can save and pay for their cruise far in advance.
• Even when traveling overseas, your pricing will be in US Dollars, so no need to worry about exchange differences.

What you should keep in mind

• Book early: the number and type of amenities offered vary based on how busy a particular sailing is expected to be.  The best rates, best located staterooms and amenities are available far in advance.  We suggest you start booking your wedding cruise as soon as you can and ideally at least one year in advance.  But if you have last-minute plans, still give us a call, as we might be able to assist regardless.
• You'll need marriage licenses for many locations so plan ahead!
• Full payment for your cruise is usually required about 60-70 days before your departure, or 90 days for holiday cruises.
• Group size: if your group falls below the minimum required number of guests, the cruise lines may cut back on all or some of the amenities offered.
• Name changes: if one of your group members can no longer travel, you can often still substitute another group member.  The cruise lines might charge a service fee for such a name change.

Interested?  Give our group specialists a call to discuss your options: (312) 266 7447 or toll-free (888) 744 7397.