Categories: Cruise Lifestyle

Cruise Lifestyle: Top 10 Cruise Ship Wedding Planning Tips

Getting married at sea is the ultimate romantic dream for many people. Ocean travel has been wrapped up with notions of romance since the golden age of the ocean liner and while the modern cruise industry is not quite the same, with proper planning and research, a wedding at sea can still be the ultimate location.

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Take a cruise. Start by test-driving the cruise experience, preferably on the ship you are considering for your big day. This is especially important if you have never been on a cruise.

Survey your friends and family. See if your important people in your life will join you for your cruise wedding. With enough guests you may qualify for discount fares.Think about venue. Shipboard options may include the wedding chapel, library, clubs, lounges, restaurants, the open deck or other public spaces. Pick the venue that’s right for you.

Reserve space early. With cruise weddings an increasingly popular option, you’ll want to start your planning as far in advance as possible.

Use a travel agent. You’ll need to reserve a block of staterooms, plan activities for diverse ages and make sure everyone gets to the ship on time. Consider calling in a pro.

Listen to your wedding planner. Your cruise line will assign a wedding planner. She’s your new BFF, the expert who is able to see the big picture and assure hassle-free planning.

Make your wedding your own. Wedding packages outline the basics, but the sky is the limit in terms of custom-crafting your experience. Want ice sculptures and a string quartet? No problem. There’s a shipboard creative team at your disposal.

Reserve playtime. With family and friends along for the cruise, plan in advance so your party can dine together. Also consider booking everyone on a celebratory shore excursion.

Share with others. Put your cruise on your bridal registry, so that friends and family back home can be part of the action. They may purchase onboard credits, which you can use for perks such as his-and-her massages (great for eliminating any pre-wedding jitters).

Choose the right stateroom. You are celebrating a special event, so go with the best you can afford. A private balcony for your stateroom is worth the splurge.

Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com.

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