How to Choose the Best Cruise Line for Your Wedding?

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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.

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.

Conclusion

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.