weddings

[zahpkavanagh]

Does anybody have any information on cruise weddings leaving from boston to bermuda. I am looking into either norwegian cruise line or royal carribbean. I love royal caribbean but hated carnival (to flashy), BUT norwegian has many more dates to travel in. Royal only has October of 2008. I heard that october is rough seas especially at the end. A little weary of the age of ship and letting my wedding plans be taken care of by a stranger and having no say in anything until the very end. PLEASE HELP! This is my second wedding and we are trying to do this as cost effective but as nice as possible.

THANK YOU!

 

[John]

Hi, We were married aboard the Mariner of the Seas through the company that handles weddings for RCI. I think it has allot of advantages but, we learned allot. Here are some of the things that stand out in my mind as things to consider:

1. You will have to sign a contract before you wedding date and it basicly gives you no remorse if anything is not perfect. This was alittle suprising because, it very heavily worded.

2. If your planning to have a big wedding, this might be more work than you thought. The shipboard weddings are not really made for large groups. It can be done, but just be ready to do allot of paper work. You will need to have the (Name, DOB, Drivers License #, etc, etc) for each guest well before the wedding. As you know this can be harder as you get a large group.

3. Since you need to be on the ship "before the ship leaves" around 10:30am... (unless your ship comes in late, like mine). Having everyone be at the pier at the exact time and location can be some work. So having the group stay at a hotel nearby might be a great option compared to driving to the port. If the hotel can provide transportation of your guests to and from.. its even better. Just more planning.

4. If you expecting to get a blender from your guests, well. You can't because the rules state guests can't bring gifts onboard... Why you ask? 1) No place to store your gifts 2) Security reasons.. so you'll have to ask for cash or make arrangements for your guests to send your gifts to you another way. This can be explained in your RSVP's.

5. If you want to be wed by the pool.. or on the bow of the ship (say on a Voyager Class). No, This isn't allowed. No open deck weddings. You'll have to be in an indoor space. Your not able to even choose the space though, as this is done by the ship.

We had wanted a sit down dinner but, found that it would not be private.. and we also could not have a DJ/dancing etc. So the best bet was the buffet dinner with a DJ, open bar, etc. It was a good value but, your time is limited compared to land side events.

Happy Planning and let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[Cathy Johnson]

My Fiance and I are getting married on the explorer of the seas to bermuda. Should we be regretting our decision?

 

[John]

Hi Cathy, No I don't think its something to regret but, I do think you should be aware of the limitations. Everyone who came to our wedding LOVED it. Not many people can hold their wedding an $500 Million Dollar ship and then sail away. Just be aware that it will take some work getting the information the ship will need (name, dob, nationality, etc) submitted. Like I said above we chose the buffet lunch, DJ for 2hrs, photograher for 2hrs, open bar, cake, etc. We had I think it was 80 people. It seems this is large for cruise ship wedding, as the other weddings were much smaller. You have to pay for everyone who you expect to come. Ofcourse some will cancel or not show (unfortunatly). So you may find yourself updating your FINAL guest list before the wedding. We both agree that we don't have any regrets, it was exciting for our guests, especially for those who had never seen a ship such as the Mariner/Explorer of the Seas and we really enjoyed it. Like we said, just be aware of the limitations.

 

[k9151]

Can I give you a different alternative?......My wife and I also were each getting married for a second time.....We sailed on the Radiance of the sea.....While in St Thomas we were picked up by a limo.....I had hired a wedding planner....We were taken to Magen's Bay and had a great ceremony right on the beach.....The cost was very low for the service we had....I highly reccommend...email me if you want details or would like anything else