As a busy professional, planning a wedding can be overwhelming. Between the endless lists of to-dos and the mounting pressure to create the perfect day, it can feel like you’re drowning in details.
That’s why my husband and I decided to get married aboard a cruise ship, and it was the best decision we ever made! Although it was a few years ago, I want to share my experience with my blog readers.
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We wanted stress-free and easy to organize
When we started planning our wedding, we knew we wanted something that was stress-free and easy to organize. We had friends and family coming from all over the world, and we wanted to make sure that everyone could attend without having to worry about travel logistics. Our guests were provided the all-expenses-paid cruise, and they purchased and arranged their own ways to get to and from the cruise port.
Getting married aboard a cruise ship
I’ve been on quite a few cruises as a Cruise Speaker, and getting married aboard a cruise ship was an easy decision for me. I love the beauty of cruising: the sights and sounds of the open seas, seeing the happiness of fellow cruisers aboard, the abundance of delicious foods and entertainment, uniquely designed lounges and piano bars, the pools… I could go on and on about my love of cruising.
Getting married on a cruise ship was the perfect option for us because everything would be taken care of in one big wedding package. From the cake to the wedding officiant, the photo sessions to the champagne reception, everything was included for our Wedding Planner to coordinate. We simply chose the very best package they offered, and we were extremely happy.
All we had to do was show up and say our “I do’s” in front of our closest friends and family members.
One of the biggest benefits
One of the biggest benefits of getting married on a cruise ship was the convenience. When you book a wedding package, everything is organized for you. There’s no need to stress about finding vendors or coordinating with multiple people. The cruise line takes care of everything, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your special day.
Another great benefit of a cruise wedding is the flexibility. You can choose to have your wedding on board the ship or at one of the ports of call. A cruise wedding gives you the opportunity to have a unique and memorable experience that you and your guests will never forget.
We chose to have our ceremony on the ship before we set sail to the Bahamas, and it was absolutely beautiful. The ocean provided a stunning backdrop, and the ship’s staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect.
One of the things that we loved about our cruise wedding was the intimacy of the experience. We only invited our closest friends and family members, so the guest list was small and intimate. This allowed us to spend quality time with everyone and create lasting memories that we will cherish forever.
Plus, because everyone was on the same cruise, we were able to spend time together throughout the week and really make the most of our time together. We did have each guest choose their own excursions, as some guests wanted to go scuba diving, while some guests just chose to stay on the ship and relax.
Of course, one of the biggest perks of getting married on a cruise ship is the destination aspect. We chose to get married sailing to the Bahamas (we live in Florida), and it was a dream come true. We were able to visit the island and experience the culture and cuisines. It was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, and it made for a truly unforgettable honeymoon.
Onboard amenities
Because you’re on a cruise, you can take advantage of all the onboard amenities and. We were all able to enjoy live shows, gourmet meals, boutique shopping and a variety of activities throughout the week, all included in the price of our wedding package.
Overall, getting married on a cruise ship was the perfect option for us as busy professionals. It allowed us to have a stress-free, intimate, and unforgettable experience without having to worry about the details. The convenience, flexibility, and affordability of a cruise wedding made it the perfect choice for us, and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and memorable way to tie the knot.
As I previously mentioned, a cruise wedding can provide a stress-free and memorable experience for the couple and their guests. However, as with any option, there are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether a cruise wedding is the right choice for you.
Now, here are some of the pros and cons of getting married aboard a cruise ship:
Pros of getting married aboard a cruise ship:
Convenience:
The cruise line takes care of everything, from the ceremony to the reception, making it a stress-free experience for the couple. This makes it ideal for busy professionals who don’t have the time to plan a wedding.
Destination wedding:
A cruise wedding allows the couple and guests to explore new destinations and have a vacation at the same time. It provides a unique and memorable experience that traditional weddings may not offer. A few of our guests had never been on a cruise before!
All-inclusive packages:
Cruise lines offer wedding packages that include everything from the cake to the officiant, making it easier for the couple to budget for their big day.
Intimacy:
With a smaller guest list, a cruise wedding can provide a more intimate experience for the couple and their loved ones, allowing them to spend more quality time together.
Variety of venues:
Cruise ships offer a range of venues for the ceremony and reception, from a small chapel to a grand ballroom, providing options for different tastes and preferences. Our wedding was held in a small reception room, which had a beautiful ceiling of stained glass, and the borders along the room had gorgeous vintage illustrations of cruise ships.
Cons of getting married aboard a cruise ship:
Limited customization:
While cruise lines offer wedding packages, there may be limited options for customization, making it difficult for couples who want a more personalized experience.
Limited guest list:
Cruise ships have limited space and capacity, which may limit the guest list for the wedding. This can be a challenge for couples who have a large family or social circle.
Additional costs:
While the wedding package may cover the basics, couples may need to pay extra for upgrades or additional services. This can add up quickly and may put a strain on the budget. We also purchased drink package tickets, so our guests had drink and cocktail tickets to easily use.
Limited privacy:
With a cruise wedding, the couple and their guests are in close proximity to other passengers, which may limit privacy and quiet time. We had no complaints… it was fun “bumping” into our guests all over the cruise ship… on the elevator, down the hall, in the restaurant, at the pool!
Weather concerns:
A cruise wedding is dependent on weather conditions, which may be unpredictable. Inclement weather can impact the wedding and may force the couple to change their plans.
Also, here are some do’s and don’ts when getting married aboard a cruise ship:
Do’s:
Do book early:
It’s important to book your cruise wedding well in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates.
Do communicate with your wedding planner:
The wedding planner on the ship can help you plan your wedding and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Keep them informed of your preferences and any special requests you may have.
Do consider the weather:
Check the weather forecast for your chosen destination and time of year. This will help you prepare for any potential weather-related issues that may arise.
Do plan a pre-wedding meeting with your guests:
If you have guests attending the wedding, plan a pre-wedding meeting to discuss the itinerary and any important details they need to know, or at least communicate well by phone and email.
Do have a backup plan:
In case of inclement weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, it’s important to have a backup plan in place for the ceremony and reception.
Don’ts:
Don’t wait until the last minute to plan:
Planning a cruise wedding takes time and effort. Don’t wait until the last minute to plan and book your wedding. I booked our wedding 3 months out, and it was more than enough time for everyone to take off work and book travel.
Don’t assume everything is included:
While the wedding package may cover the basics, there may be additional costs for upgrades or additional services. Make sure you understand all the costs involved before booking.
Don’t forget about legal requirements:
Depending on the destination, there may be legal requirements for getting married. Make sure you research and understand the legal requirements before planning your wedding.
We officially got married while we were still in port in the United States.
Don’t forget about your guests:
While the wedding is about the couple, it’s important to consider the needs and preferences of your guests. Make sure you communicate with them and plan activities that everyone can enjoy.
One of our guests needed wheelchair accessibility, and the cruise ship and cruise port was more than accomodating.
Don’t forget to relax and enjoy yourself:
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it’s important to take a step back and enjoy the moment. Don’t forget to relax and have fun on your special day!
Time to set sail!
In conclusion, getting married aboard a cruise ship can be a great option for busy professionals who don’t have the time to plan a traditional wedding.
It offers a unique experience that allows the couple and their guests to enjoy the wedding while also exploring exotic destinations.
The all-inclusive wedding packages offered by cruise lines can take the stress out of wedding planning, making it an attractive option for those who want to focus on enjoying their special day.
However, there are also potential downsides to consider, such as limited customization options, additional costs for certain services, and potential weather-related issues.
Couples should carefully consider their preferences and priorities before deciding if a cruise wedding is right for them.
Do you have a cruise wedding experience to share?
Have you had experience with a cruise wedding, or know someone who has?
We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
Share your tips and advice for anyone considering a cruise wedding, or let us know about any challenges you faced. Your insights can help others make informed decisions about their own cruise wedding plans.
I have always wanted to get married on a ship, too. I have talked to my fiance about it, and we have decided yes! Thank you, Michelle, you helped us with our decision! Love your blog!!!
You are very welcome, Tracie. Have a beautiful wedding!