This spring, Norwegian Cruise Line became one of just a few cruise lines to allow couples to officially get married through its new Wedding at Sea program. Aboard the Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway, captains can perform legal marriage ceremonies using marriage licenses issued by The Bahamas. These ships even offer same-sex marriages in ports such as Florida, Boston, New York, major West Coast ports, and Hawaii, where these marriages are permitted by local law. Cruisers can also take advantage of the new nuptial services on board the Norwegian Escape when she launches later this year.
To help couples plan their event, Norwegian’s Wedding at Sea package includes a variety of items that make the day truly special. In addition to officiation by the captain and the attentions of an experienced wedding planner, a couple can expect a matching bouquet and boutonniere, decorations, wedding cake, and a festive champagne toast. They will also be treated to a romantic dinner, and will receive a special keepsake wedding certificate.
Other cruise companies whose captains can perform weddings at sea include Princess Cruises, a Royal Holiday-affiliated cruise line that is registered in Bermuda. For other cruise lines, it is generally still possible to have a wedding ceremony on board, but the paperwork has to be signed before leaving the port of embarkation.
For passengers whose ship’s captain can’t officiate a wedding at sea, an exciting alternative is to get married in a port of call. Arranging for the license can be complicated, but the memories of tying the knot in an exotic destination will last a lifetime. Keep in mind, though that weather can prove risky during certain times of the year in some ports, especially ones accessed by tender. A hurricane during a wedding is not the kind of excitement you want on your special day!
In addition to weddings, many lines offer plenty of other marriage-related events such as vow renewal ceremonies. Of course, a cruise also provides a perfectly romantic location to “pop the question,” or to celebrate an unforgettable honeymoon on the high seas.
