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Cruise ships are one of the most romantic places in the world for weddings, honeymoons and renewal of wedding vows. And most cruise lines offer special packages that help ensure many special moments at sea. In fact, Princess Cruises even has a “department of romance” that’s dedicated to creating romantic packages, settings and celebrations for its passengers.

So whether you’ve just embarked on a new romance, or you’re celebrating many years together, there are a number of special ways that you can mark the occasion at sea.

Renewal of vows

Many cruise lines have special packages for couples seeking to renew their vows at sea. The ceremony usually takes place in a chapel if the ship has one, or in a specially decorated room. The ceremony is usually followed by a champagne reception, and couples are given certificates to mark the renewal of their vows. Most cruise lines charge for the renewal of vows package, but a few ships still conduct a basic ceremony for free. The ceremony is getting very popular: in fact, on Valentine’s Day in 1998 a record 5,000 couples renewed their vows aboard the ships of Princess Cruises!

Honeymoons

Cruising has become a popular choice for honeymooners because sea voyages are very romantic and the ships visit exciting destinations. In addition, cruise staff usually fuss over honeymooners and sometimes give them special treatment. Many ships also have convenient Saturday and Sunday departures (especially in the Caribbean), that suit the schedules of newlyweds.

When you book your honeymoon cruise, ask your travel agent to advise the cruise line that you are newlyweds. In addition, make sure your agent books a king- or queen-sized bed, reserves a romantic table for two in the dining room (do it early because small tables are at a premium), and books an evening in one of the cozy alternative restaurants.

If you really want a special honeymoon, most cruise lines also have a variety of romantic extras that you can purchase for fees that range from $50 to $500. For example, the Celebrity Cruises Signature honeymoon package includes a bottle of champagne, two engraved glasses, flowers, plush cotton bathrobes and special candy. Holland America has a Honeymoon at Sea party for all guests registered as newlyweds, and several special packages for purchase including a “Just for Us” deal that includes a dozen roses, champagne, two terrycloth bathrobes, a couples’ massage, a framed photo, dinner at the Pinnacle Grill and a guaranteed table for two in the dining room.

Weddings

Most people getting married on a cruise ship do so when the ship is tied up in a port of call, or on land in one of the ports. That way they can have a locally licensed minister perform the ceremony and avoid the complications of getting married at sea. 

Ship captains can perform marriages at sea if properly certified, and if the ship’s country of registry will recognize the marriage. However, most cruise lines won’t perform marriages at sea, and if they do, the onus is on passengers to inquire in their own countries to see if the shipboard marriage will be legal, and to find out what paperwork is required for the captain (birth certificates, divorce decrees if previously married, etc.).

Even if you don’t get married at sea, you can still have your wedding reception aboard the ship. And most major cruise lines can help organize your shipboard or landside wedding – for a fee! Do get an idea of the various possibilities, ask your travel agent or contact the cruise line’s special services department. Whatever romantic option you choose, it’s likely your cruise agent and cruise line can help. So make sure you check out what’s available, determine the cost upfront, make your booking early, and then just let your romance blossom at sea.