By Margaret Waller
Let’s face it! Some couples want much more than the typical 4-hour wedding ceremony. Some couples may even say “been there, done that.” They want a total experience that lasts much longer and the ability to share that experience with close friends and family.
So, what is a great alternative? The answer is quite simple. It is getting married at sea!
It is different, exciting, fun and much more memorable than the traditional wedding because it involves festivities that can last several days while also having the opportunity to spend time in new and exciting ports-of-call. Fun events can be planned both on board and ashore throughout the cruise, and the entire celebration can involve a small wedding party or a group of friends and family.
Value
Cruising just happens to be one of the very best values, not only for vacations but also for group celebrations including weddings. Meals are included at all of the ship’s non-specialty restaurants and the alternative restaurants are very reasonably priced. Most of the activities, games and entertainment are provided at no-charge with the exception being things like bingo, the casino, arcade games, golf simulators, and spa treatments.
One of the great benefits of a cruise is the ability to visit several ports-of-call in one vacation. You can decide to visit and explore each port on your own or invest in one or more of the excursions offered through the ship or your travel agent. Either way, you have the opportunity to add more celebration memories at every destination.
Ceremony
It is important to know the options that are available as well as the legal requirements when it comes to the wedding ceremony on the cruise ship or in one of the ports-of-call.
If you want to be married by the cruise ship’s captain, you will want to cruise with ships that are registered in countries that recognize marriages in international waters. Celebrity, Azamara, Princess and Cunard are several that can “officiate” weddings at sea. The captains of Disney cruise ships can “lead” weddings on board or on their private island but the actual “legal” marriage has to take place at the cruise terminal before the ship leaves. When Holland America cruises the Caribbean and Panama Canal, the captains conduct weddings and vow renewals on Half Moon Cay, which is their private island.
In situations where certain friends and family want to attend the ceremony but are not sailing on the cruise or you want clergy to perform the wedding ceremony, you should consider the option of conducting the wedding on board while the ship is docked at the home port and before it leaves for its cruise. Your travel agent can help you determine the cruise lines that offer this option and coordinate the timing and arrangements.
Your ceremony can also take place in one of the ports-of-call on the cruise ship’s itinerary. Most cruise lines have access to local authorities who can perform ceremonies while the ship is in port. Imagine, for example, getting married on a beach in the Caribbean or on a glacier in Alaska. There are a variety of romantic choices!A very important point to remember with weddings at sea or in ports-of-call is that each one has legalrequirements, procedures and logistics that must be followed. For example, knowing the “residency requirements” for the country prior to the wedding; the required forms of identification; the conditions needed for the marriage to be recognized by your U.S. state of residence. It is also important to begin your planning well-in-advance, usually 9 to 15 months if your dream is to have a wedding at sea or at a port-of-call. Your travel agent can assist you with these various planning needs and requirements. You can also get information on our website at http://www.funfilledtravelers.com/page/17266-Marriage%20License%20Overview and we can assist you with all aspects of tying the knot at sea or at a select port-of-call.
Activities
Remember, this is not your traditional 4-hour celebration. It is a multi-day experience where you can pick and choose as few or as many activities you and your group desire. You can also choose to accomplish activities as a group or simply go-it-alone when needed.
Some examples of the activities your travel agent can help you plan in conjunction with the cruise ship and ports-of-call might include a pre-cruise reception and dinner; a sail-away party on deck; beach Olympics on a private island with your group; wine tasting; separate programs for kids; and amazing shore excursions that can be tailored to the couple or the group’s personality. The possibilities are endless!
Memories
There you have it! A wedding venue and experience that is unlike any traditional wedding you could imagine. Tying the knot at sea can offer you a variety of excellent options to make your special day satisfying and memorable. Even more, however, it gives you the ability to extend the enjoyment of your special day to several days versus several hours. Not only will tying the knot at sea be a great experience for you, it will also give your friends and family something to talk about for many years to come!For assistance in planning and reserving your cruise wedding, contact Margaret Waller at
847-825-7761 or margaret.waller@cruiseplanners.com.*****
Thanks for reading this blog post.
We have an important favor to ask. Please…
“Like” us on Facebook @ facebook.com/funfilledtravelers
“Follow” us on Twitter @ twitter.com/#fftravelers
“Connect” with us on LinkedIn @ linkedin.com/in/funfilledtravelers (use email gerry.waller@cruiseplanners.com)
Check us out at www.funfilledtravelers.com
Call us to plan your next dream vacation!
847.825.7761Margaret Waller
Margaret combines her years of travel experience and passion for dream vacations to help clients get the most out of theirs. She provides thoughtfulness, patience, and careful attention to details in planning and accomplishing every client’s needs and desires for new and exciting vacation opportunities. Whether it is a luxurious cruise, relaxing resort and spa, or an adventurous escape from day-to-day lives, Margaret goes above and beyond to help turn vacation dreams into reality.
