If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s as unique as your love story, a wedding cruise might be the perfect fit! Exchange vows with the ocean as your backdrop, surrounded by your closest friends and family, and then set sail to explore incredible destinations together.
A wedding cruise combines the romance of a destination wedding with the relaxation of a honeymoon, all rolled into one. Find out why wedding cruises are gaining popularity and some of the best cruise lines to help you plan your dream wedding at sea.
Why Couples Choose Wedding Cruises
Weddings at sea offer something many traditional weddings can’t match – a stress-free, all-inclusive experience and the chance to visit multiple destinations. For couples who want a beautiful wedding without the overwhelming planning, a wedding cruise makes it easy.
- You can visit multiple destinations – Whether you’re envisioning a tropical beach in the Caribbean or exploring the rugged landscapes of Alaska, wedding cruises let you choose from a variety of destinations and itineraries.
- All-inclusive options make it easy to have fun – Many cruise lines offer packages with meals, excursions, and drinks included, so the bride, groom, and guests can enjoy all the amenities without having to worry about additional costs. Many even have the option to include a reception and after-party, so it’s really a one-stop-shop for your big day.
- Wedding cruises come with a built-in honeymoon – Once the ceremony is over, the honeymoon begins. You don’t have to worry about additional travel planning since your dream vacation is already in motion!
- You won’t have to worry about coordinating the details – Wedding cruises take care of most of the planning, letting you focus on what really matters – celebrating your love with the people who mean the most to you.
How Much Does a Wedding Cruise Cost?
Another big perk of a wedding cruise is the cost. According to The Knot, the average wedding cost in 2023 was $35,000, and destination weddings cost an average of $41,000. Some cruise lines have 10-person wedding packages starting under $2,000 that include a pre-cruise wedding planner, officiant, onboard wedding coordinator, multi-tier wedding cake, private venue, specialty dinners, breakfast in bed, and more. And you won’t have to worry about coordinating plans with multiple vendors.
Granted, the wedding packages typically don’t include the cruise tickets themselves, so the total cost will vary by number of guests, the length of the cruise, destination, etc.
If you’re traveling with a large group and need help finding the best deals, send us a message – our Travel Advisors specialize in planning cruise vacations for groups requiring 10+ rooms.
Which Cruise Lines Offer Wedding Cruises?
Multiple cruise lines offer wedding cruises around the world, so there’s no dearth of options! Some important factors to consider when choosing your cruise line are the time of year you’re getting married, the destinations you’re interested in visiting, and whether or not you’ll be joined by children under 18.
Here are some popular cruise lines and a quick overview of their wedding package options.
Carnival Cruise Line®
If you’re interested in a lively and more budget-friendly wedding, Carnival Cruise Line® offers packages to suit different preferences and budgets, making it easy to plan an unforgettable celebration.
Wedding Options – Choose from onboard ceremonies, weddings at sea, or destination weddings at stunning ports. Venues range from elegant lounges to sunlit decks and tropical beaches.
Perks Included – Packages include a pre-cruise wedding planner, private ceremony venue, floral arrangements, music, photography, a wedding cake, and more.
Best For – Couples seeking a fun, high-energy celebration with a casual vibe and variety of activities to ensure there’s something for everyone. Carnival Cruise Line® welcomes all ages, making it a good option for couples and guests with children.
Top Destinations – Explore the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and more.
Royal Caribbean®
Royal Caribbean® blends excitement and elegance, offering wedding packages that cater to both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations. This cruise line is known for its innovative ships and huge variety of on-board activities available to enjoy before and after your big day.
Wedding Options – Exchange vows onboard, or choose a shoreside ceremony at one of Royal Caribbean’s picturesque destinations. For a tropical paradise setting, their private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is a top pick.
Perks Included – Every wedding package includes a personal event planner to handle the details, including finding an officiant and organizing your reception. You’ll also enjoy custom floral arrangements, live music, and the option to include fine dining at your celebration.
Best For – Adventurous couples seeking luxury and excitement. Royal Caribbean’s ships are packed with fun features, like rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and even skydiving simulators.
Top Destinations – Celebrate in stunning locations like The Bahamas, Mediterranean coastlines, or Alaska.
Norwegian Cruise Line®
With its casual and flexible approach, Norwegian Cruise Line® is ideal for couples who want a laid-back wedding experience. Their “Freestyle Cruising” option lets everyone in the wedding party enjoy the cruise at their own pace.
Wedding Options – Norwegian offers ceremonies at sea, onboard the ship, or at one of their scenic destinations.
Perks Included – Packages include a wedding planner, floral arrangements, a photographer, and an optional reception with champagne toasts and a customized cake. You can also add extras like spa treatments or private dining to enhance your celebration.
Best For – Couples looking for a relaxed, personalized wedding experience that doesn’t feel overly formal. Norwegian’s flexible approach lets you tailor your wedding to fit your style.
Top Destinations – Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Northern Europe are some of Norwegian’s most popular routes.
Disney Cruise Line®
For couples dreaming of a fairytale wedding at sea, Disney Cruise Line® creates a magical experience filled with charm and exceptional service. Every detail is crafted to create an unforgettable celebration that’s as enchanting as the destinations you’ll visit.
Wedding Options – Couples can exchange vows onboard the ship with breathtaking ocean views, on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, or at a destination port.
Perks Included – Disney’s wedding packages include a coordinator to ensure a stress-free day, live music, floral arrangements, a keepsake bouquet, a wedding cake, a champagne toast, professional photography, and a commemorative Disney Cruise Line® wedding certificate.
Best For – Couples who want a storybook wedding with Disney’s signature touch of magic.
Top Destinations – Choose from dream itineraries to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska’s fjords, and even transatlantic crossings.
In addition to wedding packages, many cruise lines – including AmaWaterways® and Virgin Voyages® – offer vow renewal and elopement packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I legally get married on a cruise ship?
Yes – many cruise lines offer legal ceremonies at sea, but the ship’s registry and location may impact the legality. Some ceremonies may be symbolic, with legal paperwork completed beforehand. It’s important to check requirements like licenses, officiants, and documentation in advance.
2. How far in advance should I book a wedding cruise?
It’s recommended to book 12-18 months in advance to secure your preferred date, itinerary, and package options.
3. How many guests can attend a cruise wedding?
Guest limits vary by cruise line and package. Some ships can host small, intimate ceremonies, while others can accommodate larger groups.
4. What happens if not all of my guests can sail?
Many cruise lines allow non-sailing guests to attend the ceremony and reception onboard while the ship is docked.
5. Can I customize my wedding on a cruise?
Usually, yes. Many cruise lines offer options to personalize décor, menus, and other details to match your style and preferences.
6. How does bad weather impact the wedding?
Most cruise lines have contingency plans for weather, including moving outdoor ceremonies to indoor venues if necessary.
7. Can I combine my wedding and honeymoon on the cruise?
Yes, and this is one of the biggest perks! After the ceremony, you and your guests can relax and enjoy the cruise vacation.
