Lyla Dejesus
Cruise weddings are a popular choice for couples who want a unique and intimate wedding experience. With the option of getting married at sea, in port, or on a cruise line's private island, cruise weddings offer a variety of scenic backdrops for the big day. However, the idea of a cruise wedding is not without its detractors, with some people considering it a tacky option. The debate surrounding the perceived tackiness of cruise weddings revolves around factors such as guest convenience, budget constraints, and personal preferences. While some may argue that cruise weddings are an inconvenience for guests and a costly affair, others highlight the benefits of built-in entertainment, dining options, and the convenience of a wedding and honeymoon in one. Ultimately, the decision to have a cruise wedding depends on individual preferences, logistical considerations, and the desire to create a memorable experience for the couple and their guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros | Built-in entertainment, array of dining options, built-in honeymoon, wedding planner, gorgeous wedding photos, floating hotels with essentials like food, drinks, and accommodations, space to host wedding-related events, cruise ship employees trained in hospitality, legal ceremony |
| Cons | Expensive for guests, time-limited reception, risk of cancellation, legality of the ceremony, strict rules about the number of non-sailing guests, control over surroundings, hurricane season, missed ports, expensive with upgrades, marriage license not included, additional costs for food and open bar reception, short receptions |
| Opinions | Not tacky, cheaper, lovely for a reception, tacky, rude, destination wedding, not a fan of boats, hard to accommodate a large group, some people may decline, tacky-looking, properly host your guests |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of cruise weddings
Whether a cruise wedding is tacky or not is a matter of personal opinion. Some people believe that hosting a wedding that requires guests to pay $500 or more to attend is rude and tacky, while others disagree, especially if the couple has family dispersed across the globe.
Now, here is a list of pros and cons to help you decide if a cruise wedding is right for you.
Pros
- Cruise ships can be thought of as floating hotels, offering food, drinks, entertainment, transportation, accommodation, and other hospitality services.
- You can have a wedding planner, and a built-in honeymoon.
- You can host wedding-related events over several days, such as a pre-reception cocktail hour, a pre-ceremony spa day, and a morning-after brunch.
- You can get married at sea or in a port of call, with the possibility of including local flair, such as reggae music in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, or gifting leis to guests in Honolulu.
- You can have full visibility of the costs, which can be a flat fee unless you add on-board items.
- Your wedding photos will be gorgeous with the open sea as a backdrop.
Cons
- You will need to decide where to get married (at sea or in port) and understand how this affects your guest list, risk of cancellation, and the legality of the ceremony.
- If you get married in port, you may not be able to control all of your surroundings, and the ceremony might be on a public beach.
- If you get married at sea, your nuptials may only be symbolic and not legally binding unless the captain is also a judge, notary public, justice of the peace, or minister.
- Each cruise line has strict rules about the number of non-sailing guests who can attend your embarkation-day wedding.
- Your guests may decline the invitation due to costs or a dislike of boats, and you may need to cover some of their expenses.
- There may be logistical challenges, such as not having enough time at port or the time-consuming process of legalizing a wedding in a foreign port.
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Cost implications for hosts and guests
The cost of a cruise wedding varies depending on the cruise line, the package chosen, and the number of guests. Cruise weddings are typically considered destination weddings, which means that guests usually pay their way if they choose to attend. This can include the cost of their cruise tickets, flights, and other travel expenses. While the couple getting married is not expected to pay for everyone, they should be prepared for the possibility of guests declining due to financial reasons.
Some cruise lines offer packages that include the ceremony, flowers, cake, photography, a wedding coordinator, and other enhancements. For example, Princess Cruises' "Perfect Pair Wedding" package costs $2,995 and includes a ceremony, fresh flowers, cake, photographer service, wedding coordinator, and a romantic breakfast for the couple and two guests. Their "Timeless Ceremony at Sea" package costs $3,995 and adds a live solo musician during the ceremony for up to eight guests.
Royal Caribbean's "Intimately Low" package starts at $1,950 and includes up to 10 guests, while their "Embark on Romance" package starts at $5,600 for up to 50 guests, with additional options for non-sailing guests. Carnival Cruise Line offers the "Signature Ceremony" package for $1,799 for 10 guests and the "Celebration package" for $2,899 for a minimum of 20 guests, with the option to add more guests for an extra cost.
Disney Cruise Line offers packages that include an on-site ceremony coordinator, choice of flowers, an officiant, a solo musician, cake and champagne celebration, dinner for the couple, a commemorative cruise line wedding certificate, and a $100 onboard stateroom credit for the couple. Their packages start at $4,000 for up to 16 guests, with additional guests costing $20 per person.
It is worth noting that these packages may not include the cost of the cruise reservation, taxes, gratuities, or additional fees. The legality of the ceremony may also affect the cost, as some ports require a marriage license.
For the guests, the cost of attending a cruise wedding can add up quickly. In addition to the cost of the cruise itself, there may be expenses for flights, hotels, food, drinks, and other onboard activities. Some couples may choose to subsidize the cost for their guests by offering stateroom credits or covering certain expenses such as drinks or a day of the cruise. However, this is not an expectation and guests should not feel obligated to attend if they cannot afford it.
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Cruise wedding packages and their customisations
Cruise wedding packages offer a unique and memorable way to celebrate your special day. With stunning ocean views, all-inclusive packages, and visits to multiple destinations, it's no wonder cruise weddings are becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples.
There are several cruise lines that specialise in wedding packages, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, and MSC Cruises. These cruise lines offer a range of customisable packages to suit different preferences, budgets, and party sizes. Couples can choose from a variety of romantic wedding destinations, from Caribbean beaches to Alaska's glaciers.
The basic wedding package typically includes an officiant to conduct the ceremony, floral arrangements, photography services, a wedding cake, and accommodations for the couple. Some packages may also include amenities like a bottle of champagne, dinner for two at a specialty restaurant, chocolate-covered strawberries, and priority check-in.
For those seeking a more personalised touch, many cruise lines offer customisable packages. Couples can select specific flowers, music, and other elements to match their vision. Royal Caribbean, for example, allows couples to customise their wedding packages with live musicians, custom floral accents, and photography packages. Carnival Cruise Line also offers customisable packages, allowing couples to add on an open bar, hors d'oeuvres reception, or a sit-down luncheon in the ship's formal restaurant.
It's important to note that cruise ship weddings are typically symbolic and non-legal ceremonies. Couples will need to obtain a legal marriage license beforehand and provide legal documents such as birth certificates, passports, and proof of marital status. Additionally, there may be restrictions based on destination ports and local laws, so it's crucial to consult with the cruise line's wedding coordinator for specific guidance.
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Cruise wedding destinations and legality
While some people may consider cruise weddings tacky, especially if they have to pay a significant amount to attend, others disagree and think they are a great idea.
If you are considering a cruise wedding, there are many options available to you. You can choose to have your wedding on embarkation day, at sea, or in a port of call. If you choose to have your wedding at sea, you can ask the ship's captain to marry you, but unless the captain is also a judge, notary public, justice of the peace, or minister, your at-sea nuptials will be symbolic rather than legal. Princess Cruises, Cunard, and Royal Caribbean all offer this option when sailing in international waters.
If you want your wedding to be legal, you can get married at a cruise line's private island or during a port stop in another country. Popular choices include the Caribbean and Honolulu. However, the drawback of a wedding in port is that you can't control all of your surroundings, and you may be limited by capacity. For example, Royal Caribbean allows a maximum of 75 wedding guests who are not sailing to attend an embarkation-day wedding.
There are also a variety of wedding packages available, depending on the cruise line. Princess Cruises offers three packages, while Norwegian Cruise Line offers four, starting at around $2,000. Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises also offer four packages, including elopements for just the couple or up to 10 guests. These packages can include everything from the venue to the menu, with room for customization and personal touches.
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Guest considerations and limitations
Guest Attendance and Expenses
One of the biggest considerations when planning a cruise wedding is that guests will need to pay their way if they choose to attend. This can be a significant expense, with some people estimating costs of $500 or more for flights, accommodation, and other travel expenses. As a result, you should expect that a large portion of invited guests may decline due to the financial burden. To mitigate this, some couples choose to cover certain costs for their guests or provide stateroom credits to help with onboard expenses. Additionally, it is important to understand that some guests may have a personal aversion to boats or experience motion sickness, which could influence their decision to attend.
Guest Numbers and Nonsailing Guests
Each cruise line has strict rules regarding guest numbers, including limits on the number of nonsailing guests who can attend an embarkation-day wedding. For example, Royal Caribbean allows a maximum of 75 wedding guests who are day visitors. Shoreside ceremonies in port locations may also have capacity limits due to space constraints. It is crucial to consider the possibility of travel delays for nonsailing guests, as they may miss the wedding if their flights are delayed.
Timing and Duration of Events
Cruise weddings may have time limitations for private events, with some receptions lasting only one to two hours. This can be a concern, especially if there are delays with the wedding timeline. It is important to manage your guests' time effectively to ensure they do not feel rushed. Additionally, consider the duration of the cruise itself, as some guests may not want to commit to a longer cruise or may have limited vacation time available.
Guest Activities and Entertainment
Cruise weddings offer built-in entertainment and dining options for guests, which can be a positive aspect. However, it is essential to provide a range of activities and events to keep your guests engaged throughout the cruise. This can include scheduling private events, such as cocktail parties, restaurant dinners, or unique experiences like chocolate and wine pairing classes. Ensure that your guests have ample opportunities to socialise and create memorable experiences.
Guest Accommodations and Comfort
When planning a cruise wedding, consider the comfort and preferences of your guests. Choose a cruise line that offers suitable accommodations, especially if you have a large guest list or guests with specific needs. Some cruise lines, like Disney Cruise Line, offer larger rooms and family-friendly entertainment, making them ideal for guests with children. Additionally, consider any potential limitations or special requests your guests may have, such as dietary restrictions or accessibility requirements, and ensure the cruise line can accommodate them.
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Frequently asked questions
There are differing opinions on whether cruise weddings are tacky or not. Some people believe that hosting a wedding that requires guests to pay a significant amount of money to attend is rude and tacky. Others argue that destination weddings inherently require guests to pay more, and that cruise weddings can be a fun and unique option for couples who want a smaller, more intimate wedding with built-in entertainment and dining options for their guests.
Cruise weddings can be a good option for couples who want a destination wedding with built-in entertainment and dining options for their guests. Cruise ships can also offer all the essentials of a wedding venue, including food, drinks, and overnight accommodations. Additionally, cruise ships often have wedding planners, photographers, bakers, and DJs on board.
One disadvantage of a cruise wedding is that guests may have to pay a significant amount of money to attend, which some may find rude or tacky. Another drawback is that the couple may have less control over their surroundings, especially if they choose to get married in a port. There may also be strict rules about the number of non-sailing guests who can attend, and the reception may be time-limited.
There are a few things to consider when planning a cruise wedding. Firstly, the couple will need to decide whether to get married at sea or in port, as this will affect their guest list, risk of cancellation, and the legality of the ceremony. They should also be mindful of the potential for higher prices during certain seasons and holidays. Additionally, the couple may want to consider providing a honeymoon registry or gift cards to help guests with expenses.
