A Cruise Ship Wedding???

As a dad of girls, weddings can be a pain in the you know where. We’ve already had one daughter get married, and it was mostly a standard wedding. It was within 45 minutes of our house, so both families were able to make it to the wedding and share in the experience. My pocket shared, but it was worth it. We enjoyed helping our daughter have the wedding she wanted.

Now it’s time for wedding number 2. Our oldest daughter just got engaged over the Thanksgiving break. We are very excited for her and she is wanting to do something different for her wedding. A few years ago, Jessica worked on the Celebrity Mercury cruise ship for the summer. She worked in their kids programs and had a great time meeting people from all over the country. Ever since then, she has wanted to get married on a cruise ship. So that is the plan.

September 23^rd, 2012, Jessica and her fiancé Scott are going to be married in New Orleans on the Carnival Conquest. I bet a lot of you didn’t know that you could get married on a ship. It is one of those little known secrets in the arena of destination weddings. Each of the cruise lines have their own wedding programs and locations. However, those of you thinking about having the captain marry you at sea, it has to be Princess. They are the only ones to offer that sort of ceremony.

When I was first approached about this, I thought, wow, this is going to be expensive. Then we started doing some research. You don't have to go on the cruise to attend the wedding. Jessica's wedding is going to happen before the ship sails. The wedding party and guests will be the first people on the ship. Those not sailing have to be off before the ship leaves, but will have access to the ship for the wedding. Mid-cruise weddings can also be performed at some ports, but of course all of your guests will need to go on the entire cruise.

Costs for a shipboard wedding start at around $1,150 and go up from there. (Note the information I'm giving in this section are for Carnival Cruises.) The port makes a difference as to the cost of the wedding, so remember where you get married, the prices can be different. The package my daughter is choosing is called the Deluxe Romance Package. Here is how Carnival describes the package:

For an unforgettable celebration, this package offers the ceremony with a one and a half-hour reception. Package includes: A dedicated Wedding Agent assisting you with every detail from selecting your package to "I do". On the day of your wedding, Priority check-in for the bridal couple and their guests, a local Wedding Officiant, A Wedding Coordinator to work solely with you and your guests, Photographer (Wedding photos/packages available for purchase separately onboard) Photography service includes the ceremony, reception, with various portraits taken around the ship and studio, Ideal wedding location, Romantic wedding set up, Selection of Wedding Vows and Poems/Readings, Recorded ceremony music, 8-Rose Bridal Bouquet with matching Rose Boutonniere for the groom *(Flowers may vary based on some locations, where tropical arrangements will be substituted for roses. Additional flower options are available, as an upgrade). One and a half-hour Open bar with selection of hot and cold hors d' oeuvres, Ice Carving, Champagne Toast, (1-set) of etched "Our Wedding" champagne flutes, 2-Tiered Wedding Cake* with keepsake topper. Cake Server and Coffee/Tea service provided. A bottle of Sparkling Wine and Chocolate Covered strawberries for the bride and groom's stateroom.(Additional items available upon request, such as unity candle lighting ceremony, additional flowers, etc. Inquire with your Wedding Agent for more details) *2-Tiered Wedding Cake provided up to a maximum of 50 guests. Based on number of guests, a 3-Tier or 4-Tier Wedding Cake will be provided. This package will accommodate up to 20 guests, including the Bride and Groom. Additional guests may attend at the extra cost of $30.00 per person (Subject to applicable State Sales Tax). Package fees pertain to all attendees.

The costs for this package is $1,795.00 in New Orleans for the first 20 guests. Since we will be having the wedding so far away from family, we aren't sure if we need to go beyond the 20 people, but if so, the cost is $30/person. All of the location searching, planning, catering, alcohol, photography, ceremony, etc is covered in this package. All my wife and I have to do is write the check. The planning will be completed with  Carnival's Wedding Coordinator and my daughter. That sounds a whole lot easier than what we did for our other daughter's wedding!

Anyway, we have set up a group for the wedding. If you want to come, either on the cruise or on the wedding, I have put together a flyer with additional information. You can find it here and download it. Note that with each cabin, we have been able to get a $100 on board credit and a few other goodies as well.

If you know someone who is thinking about a destination wedding, that is something I can help with, be it on a cruise or a resort in the Caribbean. Let me know and we will get something together.