How about a wedding at sea?
0Not everyone wants the traditional UK wedding. In fact destination weddings are becoming more and more popular, especially seeing that in many cases wedding packages can work out a lot cheaper abroad. Combined wedding and honeymoons are a fabulous way to cut costs and those looking for something different and spectacular really should consider a wedding onboard a cruise liner.
Everything you could possibly need for the perfect wedding are available on these liners, from hair and make up to flowers, cakes and photographers. Whether it is just the two of you or the whole family there is something for everyone on these floating masterpieces. Up until recently all cruise ship weddings had to be conducted when the ship was in port however now it is also possible to get married at sea. Here we look at some of the many options available.
P&O
P&O have a fleet of 7 cruise ships and they can perform wedding ceremonies on every one of them. For those looking for a relaxed romantic atmosphere there is the Adonia, Arcadia and Oriana which are all ships exclusively for adults. If you want a more family friendly wedding then the Aurora, Azura, Oceana or the Venture are aimed more at family entertainment. All weddings on the P&O ships do have to be carried out at sea under Bermudian law they must be at least 12 miles away from shore.
Our personal favourite is the Azura. This is the joint largest ship in the P&O fleet and carries approximately 3100 passengers and 1200 crew. This ship has 14 passenger decks, there are numerous fine dining restaurants onboard and plenty of places to enjoy a glass of champagne and celebrate. This ship has 4 pools and 6 whirlpool spas, plus several fantastic places to enjoy evening entertainment including a playhouse theatre. On this ship weddings are conducted by the ship’s Captain at sea (or senior representative if the Captain is not available) in the beautiful Ivory Suite which can hold up to 40 guests.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean can not only perform weddings at sea but they can also conduct them at various ports. Plus at most ports they do offer the option for non cruising guests to come onboard for the service and reception. Whether you wish to get married onboard, onshore on a glacier in Alaska or on a beach in Bermuda Royal Caribbean will have a package for you. Royal Caribbean have a huge range of ships available from The Majesty of the Sea (which is their smallest sovereign class ship and holds around 2700 passengers) to the Oasis Class ships that can accommodate for over a staggering 6300 passengers. Obviously the bigger the ship the more facilities are available onboard. As with P&O the ceremonies at sea are performed by the Captain or in some cases the 1st officer.
The Oasis of the Sea is currently the biggest cruise ship in the world. Whether you want your wedding to be family orientated, action packed or romantic and relaxing this ship can accommodate it all. Weddings can be held in the chapel or around the ship at various beautiful locations. The ship has many fantastic facilities including a carousel, a wave simulator, a casino, an ice skating rink, a mini golf course, and a rock climbing wall. There are over 19 restaurants and cafes serving everything from fine dining to donuts. Evening entertainment venues vary from Jazz bars to nightclubs so whatever you’re after The Oasis of The Seas should surely be able to accommodate.
Disney Cruise Line
If you dream of becoming a princess on your wedding day then the Disney Cruise Line is the company for you. They can conduct your fairytale wedding onboard one of their magnificent cruise ships or ashore on the stunning sands of Castaway Cay. There are 4 ships in the Disney Cruise fleet, Disney Dream, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder. They all can hold wedding ceremonies inside the ship or out on the deck. Being a Disney cruise the ships are all very family friendly.
The Disney Dream Ship is the newest and largest of the Disney ships providing a fantastic holiday experience for over 4000 passengers. We would not recommend this cruise unless you are an avid Disney fan (or your families are) as they ship revolves completely around the Disney theme. They have three swimming pools onboard, 1 for family, 1 for children and 1 that is strictly adults only. They also have the first water coaster ever to be onboard a cruise ship. The evening entertainment includes fantastic shows where you are bound to find some of your favourite characters. There are a wide range of nightclubs, lounges and restaurants where you can enjoy live music, compete in games and activities or hit the dance floor. This ships interior is truly breathtaking and a setting where dreams can come true.