June is high tide for weddings and romantic honeymoons. In increasing numbers, thousands of couples are turning to cruise ships each year for everything from a formal Wedding Ceremony to a Renewal of Vows Ceremony, Commitment Ceremony or Celebrations program.
The reason? It's more convenient, with the cruise lines' wedding planners and event organizers taking the hassle out of the process. It's generally less expensive than ceremonies on land. (A few years ago, Holland America did a price comparison and found that a wedding that cost $10,250 on land cost just $2,500 at sea.) And it adds a distinctive touch of adventure, with wide-ranging itineraries that provide a ready-to-go honeymoon.
Here are 12 cruise lines that offer wedding ceremonies at sea or on land. If you're thinking of a wedding or commitment ceremony for 2017 or 2018, now's the time to start planning!
Cruise line wedding services
- Princess Cruises
- Celebrity Cruises
- Crystal Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Windstar Cruises
- SeaDream Yacht Club
- MSC Cruises
- Cunard Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is one of the most popular cruise lines for shipboard weddings because of their wide array of options, services and venues.
Princess offers three different options for couples who want to get married. For the Tie The Knot At Sea package ($2,998), Princess can provide the couple with a venue (i.e., onboard wedding chapel), a captain to perform the legal ceremony, a bouquet made with a dozen roses, a wedding cake and bottle of champagne, two Princess logo toasting flutes, a champagne breakfast for two and dinner for two at a specialty restaurant. Several of its ships, including Caribbean Princess, Diamond Princess, Grand Princess, and Star Princess, have dedicated wedding chapels. Nice added touch: In many cases, technology allows you to broadcast the ceremony via live webcam to friends and family back home.
For couples with guests who are not sailing on the ship, Princess offers its Tie The Knot Harborside package for ceremonies on the ship while it’s docked at port. The ceremony is performed by a local officiant and you get a half dozen roses bouquet, boutonniere, 9-inch single layer wedding cake, bottle of sparkling wine and wedding certificate. Prices vary depending on the destination.
A final option, the Tie The Knot Ashore package (prices vary), is for couples who want a wedding ashore at one of the many destinations where Princess sails. It includes a beach or garden setting, an officiant to perform the ceremony, a photographer, a wedding cake for two and round-trip transportation service for guests. Princess also offers a range of special photography packages.
Where to sail
Princess ships sail all over the world. Here are some Princess cruises as a starting point as you plot your wedding route or honeymoon escape. Use the Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of experience you're after, then contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773. It's free, and you'll want someone on your side to help with the planning.
Some itinerary ideas:
- 7 Night Alaska Inside Passage With Glacier Bay (Seattle Roundtrip) (Ruby Princess)
- 11 Night Scandinavia & Russia (Berlin Roundtrip) (Regal Princess)
- 10 Night Panama Canal (Caribbean Princess)
Celebrity Cruises
Each year, more than 300 couples exchange vows on board a Celebrity Cruises ship. Celebrity offers couples all-inclusive wedding packages, coordinated by the line’s specialist partner, The Wedding Experience. They also organize in-port weddings. Engaged couples can tie the knot on board a ship or while docked in ports such as Aruba, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, Civitavecchia (near Rome), Hawaii, Alaska, Seattle or Santorini, Greece.
On Celebrity Reflection, weddings and receptions can be held at the ship’s conference center, a 2,853-square-foot venue that can hold up to 220 guests. Expect prime catering from the ship’s James Beard-awarded chef cooking up pre-set appetizers, entrees, soups/salads and dessert menus for the wedding guests. If the guest list doesn’t reach triple digits, a cozy alternative is the half-acre Lawn Club (with real grass) located on the upper deck of the Solstice-class ships.
Receptions can also be held at the specialty restaurants on all Millennium-class ships; a minimum of 25 guests is allowed for private functions with either a set menu or buffet.
Where to sail
Here are some Celebrity cruises as a starting point as you look into romantic escapes. Use the Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of experience you're seeking.
Some itinerary ideas:
- 7 Night Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord (Celebrity Solstice)
- 10 Night Italy & Greek Isles (Rome Roundtrip) (Celebrity Reflection)
- 10 Night Southern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) (Celebrity Equinox)
Crystal Cruises
Since 2013, luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises has been featuring a Crystal Celebrations program, offering cruise passengers top-notch service for any occasion they wish to host on board Crystal Serenity or Crystal Symphony. Crystal partners with Imagine VIP, a global event-planning company, to create special tailor-made events for guests looking for a wedding or other celebrations, such as birthdays, reunions or anniversary parties — all with the assistance of an Imagine VIP Crystal Celebrations consultant.
Services include reserving an ideal location on the ship, or at a venue in or near a port of call, to host the ceremony. (There are no onboard ceremonies.) As a pre-event offering, the couple receives a tailor-made wedding website, a wedding registry and 25 save-the-date cards. Additional wedding amenities include a specially decorated stateroom, live music, an 18-rose bouquet hand-tied with Swarovski crystals for the bride, a specialty cake for two, keepsake toasting flutes, bottle of champagne, an hour of photography service, dinner reservations for two in one of the ship’s specialty restaurants, and a 20% spa voucher.
Pricing: The Wedding Ceremonies package starts at about $3,500. Choose from a choice of four classy themed reception decor packages (black and white, beach, tea party, traditional white). To be married on shore, the ceremony includes pre-planning with an event consultant, a wedding website, wedding registry, local wedding venue and officiant, commemorative certificate, on-site coordinator and your choice of amenities from a set list; rates start at $4,295.
Where to sail
Use the Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of romantic Crystal Cruises voyage you're seeking. Remember that Crystal now has two ocean ships, an expedition ship that launches in 2018 and a small fleet of luxury river yachts.
Some itinerary ideas:
- Grand Panama Canal (Crystal Symphony)
- Best of Paris, Seine River & Normandy (Crystal Debussy)
- Mediterranean Images (Crystal Serenity)
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean, which boasts the largest, most technologically advanced ships in the world, offers an Ultimate Love Story package that includes a personal Wedding Planner, day-of-wedding coordinator, private wedding venue, nondenominational wedding officiant, wedding photographer, pre-recorded music, three-tier wedding cake, bottle of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, mimosa breakfast in bed for the betrothed, decorated honeymoon room, honeymoon dinner for the couple at a specialty restaurant, gift registry and more. Cost: $3,800 for up to 50 guests; $4,600 for 51 to 100 guests.
You can get married on the ship or on shore, with a wide variety of options for a shoreside ceremony, ranging from a beach in San Juan to a glacier in Juneau, Alaska. Prices vary by itinerary and by time of year.
Another option is the Royal Proposal package, where Royal provides a private location, event planner and event coordinator when you want to pop the question. Cost: Starting from $450.
Where to sail
Here are some Royal Caribbean cruises as a starting point as you look into romantic escapes. Use the Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of experience you're seeking.
Some itinerary ideas:
- 9 Night Greek Isles (Rome Roundtrip) (Jewel of the Seas)
- 12 Night Northern Delights (Southampton Roundtrip) (Navigator of the Seas)
- Southern Caribbean (Adventure of the Seas)
Windstar Cruises
One of our favorite cruise lines, Windstar Cruises, offers an intimate small-ship experience, whether you're looking for a wedding, honeymoon or commitment ceremony. On Windstar’s private yacht style sailings, you'll be joined by 148 to 310 passengers on board as its ships access small, out-of-the-way ports with a crew that delivers exceptional personal service and unique experiences on shore.
Honeymooners will swoon on a Windstar Cruises sailing yacht: the sound of the billowing sails, an idyllic sunset and itineraries that have won it awards as “The World’s Most Romantic Cruise Line” year after year. Three of the ships are computer-powered sailboats and three are power yachts. From a romantic breakfast in bed to a relaxing massage to dining on gourmet cuisine at an intimate table for two, Windstar yachts offer an unforgettable experience.
A top wedding and honeymoon destination for Windstar is Tahiti, where guests sail from one picturesque island to another for some snorkeling and exploring the island’s rainforests. In Bora Bora, Windstar offers a romance package that includes a night in a secluded overwater bungalow, a private beachside dinner for two, and breakfast the next morning delivered by canoe and served on the bungalow’s private deck. Other popular choices include sandy beaches in the Caribbean and classically beautiful Greek Isles. Each wedding and special event is priced individually.
Where to sail
Here are some Windstar cruises as a starting point as you look into romantic escapes. Use the Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of experience you're seeking.
Some itinerary ideas:
- 7 Night Treasures Of The Greek Isles (Athens Roundtrip) (Wind Star)
- 7 Night Dreams of Tahiti (Wind Spirit)
- 7 Night Best Of The Abc Islands (Oranjestad To Bridgetown) (Star Pride)
SeaDream Yacht Club
Another phenomenal small-ship cruise line that makes us swoon, SeaDream Yacht Club ("it's yachting, not cruising"), also offers yacht-like cruise options for engaged couples. SeaDream's two ships, which sail mostly in the Caribbean and Mediterranean at small, off-the-beaten-track ports, carry 112 passengers and 95 crew members, guaranteeing a high level of personal service for your wedding party.
SeaDream has a Couple's Package for a wedding ceremony officiated by the ship's captain, at sunrise or sunset. It includes flower arrangement and lapel florals, live musical accompaniment, champagne toast with the captain following the ceremony, bottle of chilled champagne and canapés, private breakfast (Sunrise option), SeaDream wedding certificate, single tier cake, and more. Cost: $750 (plus the itinerary cost, of course).
Assuming you want additional guests to attend, the Friend’s Package includes a Champagne Breakfast or Cocktails & Canapes at sunet, a large cake/special dessert, and more. Cost: $85 per additional guest. For parties larger than 18 total attendees, contact Cruiseable to get additional savings on your group's cruise fare.
Where to sail
Here are some options for you on SeaDream if you use our Bliss Filters. You'll notice that SeaDream's yachts have dozens of unique itineraries throughout the year.
Two itinerary ideas we like:
- From Malaga to Nice cruise (SeaDream II)
- From Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome) cruise (SeaDream I)
MSC Cruises
The only MSC Cruises ship to home port in the United States (in Miami), MSC Divina now gives couples the option to have a legal wedding shipboard or ashore while docked in Miami, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, San Juan, St. Maarten or Falmouth, Jamaica. But she'll soon be joined by MSC Seaside, debuting in December 2017. Other MSC ships sail the Mediterranean and around the world.
MSC offers:
- Onboard Wedding package with wedding venue, local non-denominational wedding officiate, special destination vows, wedding day Ceremony Coordinator, traditional ceremony music, modern bridal bouquet, matching boutonniere, traditional cake for two, wedding photographer, deluxe in-cabin breakfast for the newlyweds the morning after and more. Prices varies with itinerary.
- Shoreside Wedding package with Pre-sailing Event Manager, romantic wedding ceremony at an exotic location (most ports offer a beach or garden setting), local non-denominational Wedding Officiate, wedding day Ceremony Coordinator, bridal bouquet, matching boutonniere, artistic wedding cake for two, wedding photographer and more. Price varies with location.
Where to sail
Here are some MSC cruises as a starting point as you look into romantic escapes. Use the Bliss Filters sliders to get matched with the kind of experience you're seeking.
Some itinerary ideas:
- 11 Night Southern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) (MSC Divina)
- France, Spain, Italy (MSC Orchestra)
- 14 Night Eastern/Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) (the new MSC Seaside)
Cunard Line
Couples looking for either a large wedding celebration or an intimate commitment ceremony with only their closest family and friends can opt for any of Cunard’s three high-end ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth or Queen Victoria.
The history-rich, British-accented cruise line’s Wedding Ceremony package includes a list of nuptial services, from a wedding coordinator helping the bride and groom with all the logistics and a romantic reception, to floral arrangements and wedding music, a wedding certificate, bottle of champagne and a White Star Bellman to escort the bride to the ceremony.
Pricing: Package pricing varies. On Queen Mary 2, pricing starts at $3,900, and the cost aboard Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth is $3,300.
Where to sail
Here are some Cunard sailings as a starting point as you research romantic getaways. Adjust the Bliss Filters sliders to find the kind of experience you're looking for.
Some itinerary ideas:
- 7 Night Norwegian Fjords (Southampton Roundtrip) (Queen Mary 2)
- 14 Night Baltic Highlights (Southampton Roundtrip) (Queen Elizabeth)
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line now offers legally recognized weddings at sea — performed by the ship’s captain with the couple’s marriage license issued by the Bahamas — on three of its ships: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway.
The cruise line’s Wedding at Sea package starts at $2,995 and includes the wedding essentials, from an onsite coordinator to a wedding cake and champagne toast. In addition, Norwegian is offering couples a chance to select a Harborside Ceremony, which is performed on board the ship while docked in select ports of call, or a Destination Ceremony, which is performed ashore. Destinations include Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean, and prices vary depending on the port or destination.
Additional enhancements and services available include spa and beauty treatments, flowers (including custom orders), professional photography and videography, transportation to and from the ship or wedding location, priority check-in, and a variety of wedding reception options, ranging from a cocktail reception with gourmet selections and open bar to a four-course sit-down luncheon with wine service.
LGBT couples can also exchange vows with Norwegian, which is now offering legal same-sex ceremonies in stops where the union is recognized, including Hawaii, Los Angeles, Tampa, Miami, Port Canaveral, New York, Seattle and Vancouver.
Where to sail
Use Cruiseable's Bliss Filters to find a cruise that looks like a perfect match.
- 7 Night Hawaii (Pride of America)
- 9 Night Baltic Capitals (Copenhagen Roundtrip) (Norwegian Getaway)
- 7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) (Norwegian Escape)
Holland America Line
10Wedding cruise packages are available on every ship in Holland America Line’s fleet. For those not in the know, Holland America has one of the richest histories of any cruise line, harking back to the 19th century and the era of ocean liners. Choose to get married on board, under the palms on an exotic Caribbean island beach or on top of a grand Alaskan glacier.
Wedding packages include a personalized ceremony, wedding coordinator services, cake, champagne, a photo album and a keepsake wedding certificate. Additional services from photography to music, receptions and pampering appointments can be added to the package. And group bookings bring added incentives for couples who say “I do” with Holland. If eight or more staterooms are booked, the couple gets a free upgrade and a complimentary wedding cake for up to 16 guests. Guests benefit, too, with a Pinnacle Grill lunch, chocolate-dipped strawberries per stateroom, a bottle of Pierre Larousse Brut sparkling wine and a private one-hour wine tasting per guest.
Rates vary from $795 for a simple ceremony sailing for two (no guests) on North America and Caribbean itineraries as well as a wide variety of packages at other price points, depending on number of guests, itinerary and ceremony add-ons. A word of caution: Don't expect waterslides or similar big-ship activities on Holland America, where the vibe is more laid back. But it's a good choice for a multigenerational event.
Where to sail
Here are some Holland America cruises as a starting point as you look into romantic escapes. Use the Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of experience you're seeking.
Some itinerary ideas:
- 14 Night Bermuda & New England/Canada Collector (Boston To Montreal) (Veendam)
- 14 Night Northern Isles (Amsterdam Roundtrip) (Koningsdam)
- 7 Night Alaska Inside Passage (Vancouver Roundtrip) (Westerdam)
Carnival Cruise Line
11Carnival Cruise Line, the world's largest cruise line, offers wedding programs that give couples a cost-effective, hassle-free way for couples to begin their lives together on a vast variety of ships. In addition to affordable prices, Carnival offers a wide variety of dining, bar and venue choices.
On average, Carnival hosts about 2,600 ceremonies a year, and that number could increase now that the cruise line recently completely revamped its wedding program by offering upgraded amenities from floral arrangements to new multi-tiered wedding cake options — coconut cream, red velvet and chocolate ganache — baked on board.
The Just You & Me package (starting at $1,355 for eight guests) includes the wedding ceremony, bouquet and boutonniere, the tiered wedding cake, champagne toast, photography services, decorated aisle and officiant. If a party of eight is just too small for the couple, there is the Time to Celebrate…Big! package (20 guests; $1,975 for 20 guests) that includes all amenities from the “Just You & Me” package, but adds a 1 1/2-hour reception, open bar, hors d’oeuvre and a custom-designed ice carving. Packages for larger parties are available as well.
Wedding ceremonies can be held both on and off the ship. Recently, Carnival added Grand Turk and Freeport to the list of ports of call where couples can tie the knot; other Caribbean locales include Barbados, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.
Where to sail
Use Cruiseable's Bliss Filters to find the right Carnival sailings for your wedding party. Some itineraries you might like:
- 8 Night Southern Caribbean (on the new Carnival Vista)
- 7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston roundtrip) (Carnival Freedom)
- 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) (Carnival Magic)
Disney Cruise Line
12For couples who are truly kids at heart, and hoping to have Donald Duck bust a move at their wedding reception, Disney Cruise Line is a fun option for a wedding or honeymoon at sea. Couples can decide to exchange vows on board the ship at locations such as the Outlook, a private party space with ocean views on Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream or Disney Wonder.
The couple can opt for a beachside ceremony on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay — all arrangements can be made with a Disney wedding planner.
Prices for an onboard wedding begin at about $3,000, and $4,000 for a ceremony on Castaway Cay.
Although Disney Cruise Line is made for families, honeymooners can find some private and romantic time on board one of the line’s ships. The Quiet Cove Pool is an adults-only space with whirlpool spas and a poolside bar, while the Senses Spa & Salon on Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream and Disney Magic, and the Vista Spa & Salon on Disney Wonder, are perfect for some alone time.
Newlyweds can also indulge in a couples massage in a Spa Villa featuring an indoor spa treatment suite with a private outdoor veranda, whirlpool, open-air shower and chaise longue. While on Castaway Cay, the newlyweds can stretch out on Serenity Bay, a section of beach only for adults and located about a mile from the family beach.
Where to sail
Use Cruiseable's Bliss Filters to find Disney sailings that are high on romance.
- 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) (Disney Fantasy)
- 7 Night Bahamas (Galveston Roundtrip) (Disney Wonder)
Use a Cruiseable travel advocate — for free
Use Cruiseable's ship write-ups and travel guides for details about each ship, the itineraries they sail and the ports they call on.
And, when you've discussed it with your special someone, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate to find you the best cruise at the best rate — at no charge to you.
