STOWING away to get married on the open sea in a ceremony performed by the captain is as old a notion as romance itself.
But while many cruiselines allow weddings to be carried out when the ship is in port, only one vessel, Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess, has a special licence to hold weddings while it is sailing.
Over 100 weddings have taken place on board Grand Princess, which is currently the largest ship afloat with a dedicated wedding chapel.
Princess Cruises marketing manager Gill Haynes said:”A lot of people are swayed by the idea of being married at sea at leisure rather than having a rushed ceremony in a port before setting sail. The open sea is the perfect, romantic backdrop to a special day.”
The cruiseline limits the number of weddings it performs to three a day, and as demand is very high, Haynes advises early booking.
The Caribbean is the most popular destination for an on-board wedding and honeymoon cruise, closely followed by the Mediterranean.
Some clients opt for a quiet affair, while others take friends and family along to celebrate with them. Haynes said: “Quite a few couples choose to go on their own. They make a few friends on board during the first few days of the cruise and then invite their new-found friends to join in the celebrations.
“Others take friends and family with them, which makes for quite a party. This is good news for travel agents who can earn a lot of commission.”
Royal Caribbean International operates weddings in port at Miami and St. Thomas in the Caribbean. For the more sporty couple, Royal Caribbean’s new ship, Voyager of the Seas, due to be launched next month, is a good choice for a honeymoon as on-board activities include an ice-skating rink and a rock-climbing wall.
The cruiseline’s basic wedding package costs $800 per couple. The price includes the wedding ceremony, champagne, wedding cake, services of a professional photographer and priority check-in for bride, groom and 10 guests.
Norwegian Cruise Line head of sales NickSharps said Alaska and the Caribbean are popular destinations for honeymooners.
“The popular time is when we have ships sailing on a Sunday or a Monday.
“A lot of people get married on a Saturday and this allows them to jet off to their destination and join the cruise ship.
“In Alaska, for example, passengers fly out on a Sunday and stay in a hotel for one night before joining the ship.”
At no extra cost to the cruise price, NCL supplies a honeymoon package including hors d’oeuvres, photographs, breakfast in bed, and £30 on-board credit per couple on a three or four-night cruise and £45 on-board credit per couple on a seven-night cruise.
To qualify, passengers must send a copy of their marriage certificate before they cruise.
WEDDINGS AT SEA
Ship: Grand Princess.
Operator: Princess Cruises.
Passenger capacity: 2,600.
Sample product: nine-night Tropical Delight cruise in the Caribbean starts from £1,195.
Wedding package: includes documentation, ceremony, flowers, cake, photographs and video. From £875.
Reception package: basic package includes hot and cold canapes and drinks. From £43.75.
Honeymooners: receive complimentary champagne, roses, engraved souvenir champagne glasses, framed portrait photograph and cabin upgrade (subject to availability).
Deluxe honeymoon package: champagne breakfast in bed, two bathrobes, spa treatments and a visit to the bridge costs £195.