If you’re considering wedding cruises, good for you! Getting married at sea can be one of the most exciting and memorable ways for couples to say “I do.” And getting married in the Caribbean can add even more excitement to your nuptials. Because the Caribbean offers one of the warmest year-around climates, some of the most spectacular marine life in the world, stunning white-sand beaches and unforgettable excursions, it’s no wonder the Caribbean is the most popular wedding cruise destination in the world.
Most Caribbean wedding cruises are not like quickie drive through weddings. They are carefully planned by actual “wedding planners,” the ceremonies are private and each wedding package is customized to fit the couple’s needs.
There are many different options for couples wanting to marry during a Caribbean cruise. Most wedding cruises offer the options of either an “on board” wedding or a romantic beach wedding, and the wedding ceremony may also be performed just before the ship sails. Many ships offer webcam broadcasting services as well, so family and friends back home can witness the magic.
Newlyweds can choose from a variety of different excursion types ranging from the romantic and relaxed to the active and adventurous. Couples seeking seclusion and privacy can opt for day-long excursions to private islands, private dinners and private balconies on board the ship. Couples seeking fun-filled day-long excursions can choose from activities like: kayaking, snorkeling, hiking through rainforests, 4-wheel safari tours, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, boat dives, cave exploration, and the list goes on and on.
A few of the more popular wedding cruises include: Princess Cruise Line’s 7-Night Eastern and Western Caribbean Cruise and Carnival Cruises Eastern and Western Caribbean Cruise. Princess Cruise lines features a wedding chapel on board, private balconies under the stars, private dinners for newlyweds and options for romantic beach weddings. The cruise typically covers St. Thomas, St, Maarten, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Princess Cay and Jamaica. Excursion options are endless and depending on budget, they can be customized to accommodate each individual couple.
Carnival Cruises also offers the option to exchange vows on board or on a beautiful white sand beach and newlyweds have the opportunity to visit places such as: St. Maarten, the Bahamas, Belize, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, to name a few.
While a “wedding planner” is available to help plan the actual wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind before you book. Popular wedding and honeymoon tours sell out rather quickly, so it’s best to book far in advance. Also, if you want lock in your price, book in advance as well. Once your price is locked, currency dips and price hikes won’t affect your price at all. If you want to save money, keep in mind that around Christmas and Valentine’s Day, as well as May and June, prices are usually higher – oftentimes by several hundred dollars. If you decide to book a wedding cruise around this time, be prepared to pay more.
Whatever cruise line and cruise package you choose, a Caribbean wedding cruise will ensure that your wedding is as special and magical as can be.
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