Planning A Cruise Wedding: What You Need To Know

Planning a wedding on a cruise ship can be a fun and unique way to celebrate your big day. There are many things to consider, from choosing the right cruise line to letting your guests know what to expect. You'll want to make sure you book early to avoid disappointment, and be mindful of possible holiday surcharges. It's also a good idea to arrive at the port a day early to ensure everything is in order. When it comes to your guests, it's important to provide them with all the details they need, from hotel information to directions to the cruise port.

Choosing a cruise line

When choosing a cruise line for your wedding, it's important to select one that fits your needs. While most cruise lines offer onboard weddings, not all do, so it's worth checking. Some cruise lines offer wedding packages, which can include your honeymoon, but these vary, so it's worth shopping around.

You'll want to choose a cruise line that matches your style and offers the dining, entertainment and amenities you'll enjoy on your honeymoon. Windstar Cruises, for example, offers a more personal experience with uncrowded ships and attentive staff. Princess Cruises, meanwhile, was the first cruise line to offer onboard weddings, so they have plenty of experience.

It's also worth considering the weather and season when planning your wedding, as well as the possibility of choppy waters affecting your guests. Arriving at the port a day early can help ensure everything is in order and give you time to relax.

Inviting guests

When it comes to inviting guests to your cruise ship wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to give your guests a heads-up about your plans before sending out formal invitations. You can do this by emailing, calling, or texting them. This way, they can start making arrangements, such as requesting time off work.

On your wedding website or Facebook page, be sure to include essential details such as hotel information, directions to the cruise port, and where to meet for the wedding. It's also crucial to inform your guests about any documentation they may need, such as IDs for non-sailing guests and passports for sailing guests.

When considering your guest list, keep in mind that some individuals may be prone to seasickness. While this shouldn't be the only factor in your decision-making, it's important to be mindful of your guests' comfort and well-being. Additionally, don't plan your entire wedding around the intended stopping points of the cruise ship. Cruises sometimes cancel in-port weddings due to unforeseen weather circumstances, such as hurricanes or storms.

Finally, remember to book early to avoid a sold-out sailing and be mindful of possible holiday surcharges. Arriving at the port a day early can help ensure that everything is in order and give you time to relax before the big day.

Weather considerations

Secondly, it is important to remember that cruises can be cancelled due to unforeseen weather circumstances. From unpredictable hurricane warnings to storms that prevent ships from stopping at certain islands or beaches, there are many different risk factors at play. Therefore, it is recommended not to plan your entire wedding around the intended stopping points of the cruise ship.

Thirdly, consider the comfort of your guests. While seasickness may not be the only factor when planning a sea-based wedding, it is important to keep in mind. If your cruise takes place on especially choppy water, this could spell disaster for the land-lovers in your life.

Finally, consider the weather at the various ports of call. Different destinations will have different weather patterns, and you will want to ensure that your wedding day is as comfortable as possible.

Legalities of the ceremony

When it comes to the legalities of the ceremony, cruise-based weddings can be a little more complicated than traditional weddings. Unlike traditional weddings, cruise weddings don't usually feature a clergy member or a vow master, which can make it trickier to legally certify your vows.

It's important to note that sometimes, cruises cancel in-port weddings due to unforeseen weather circumstances. From unpredictable hurricane warnings to storms that prevent ships from stopping at certain islands or beaches, there are many different risk factors at play. Therefore, it's not a good idea to plan your entire cruise ship wedding around your in-port ceremony.

To ensure your wedding is legally recognised, it's a good idea to choose a cruise line that fits your needs. Certain cruise lines offer wedding packages, but they aren't all equal. For example, Windstar Cruises offer a more personal treatment with uncrowded ships and attentive staff, while Princess Cruises was the first cruise line to offer onboard weddings.

It's also important to consider the weather and the season when planning your wedding. Arriving at the port a day early can help ensure everything is in order and give you time to enjoy the city.

Honeymoon packages

When it comes to planning a wedding on a cruise ship, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, not all cruise lines offer onboard weddings, so it's important to do your research and choose a cruise line that fits your needs and offers wedding packages. Some popular options include Windstar Cruises, known for their personal treatment and uncrowded ships, and Princess Cruises, the first cruise line to offer onboard weddings.

It's also important to consider the weather and the season when planning your cruise ship wedding. Cruises sometimes cancel in-port weddings due to unforeseen circumstances like hurricanes or storms, so it's best not to plan your entire wedding around the intended stopping points. Arriving at the port a day early can help ensure everything is in order and give you time to enjoy the city.

When it comes to invitations, it's a good idea to let your guests know your plans in advance so they can make arrangements, but you don't need to send out formal invitations right away. You can provide guests with hotel information, directions to the cruise port, and where to meet for the wedding through email, phone, or social media. Don't forget to inform them of any ID or passport requirements, especially if they plan to sail with you.

Some cruise lines offer package deals where you can plan your honeymoon directly following the wedding ceremony. When choosing a cruise line, look for one that matches your style and offers the dining, entertainment, and amenity options you desire for your honeymoon. For example, Carnival cruise ships are known for their great amenities that both you and your guests can enjoy. Consider the weather and season of your cruise, as well as the possibility of choppy waters, which may not be ideal for guests prone to seasickness.

Frequently asked questions