Cruising for Romance
CRUISING FOR ROMANCE
Honeymoon on a Cruise Ship
If you're like me, you believe the honeymoon is the best part of a wedding.
What's not to like: On a cruise honeymoon you can sleep as late as you want, enjoy the sea air and the ship's features and activities, see beautiful places without having to pack and unpack, eat to make up for all the pre-wedding dieting, and know the cost of the trip in advance.
Where can you go on a honeymoon cruise? Anywhere in the world. Cruises sail to every continent, and you can turn any one into your honeymoon getaway. Nonetheless, cruises to well-known honeymoon destinations such as Bermuda and the
Cruise Honeymoon Packages
There aren't any formalities required for cruise honeymoon packages as there are in cruise weddings. Each cruise line does things a little bit differently. Some feature no-cost special events, such as a honeymooners' cocktail party; others offer packages for a price.
The majority of cruise honeymoon packages consist of amenities that spell romance. Roses in the stateroom, sparkling wine in glasses you can take home as souvenirs, breakfast in bed, private hors d'oeuvres or dessert deliveries, spa services, greetings from the captain, and other perks are some examples of typical honeymoon cruise package perks.
Prices for cruise honeymoon packages vary widely. In addition to the cost of the cruise, the package can add anywhere from an additional $30 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the value of the sweeteners.
Although some couples purchase packages in advance (or wedding guests do it for them), it's usually possible to buy the honeymoon package once you board. Ask for details at the front desk if you haven't pre-paid. Do make sure you want all the benefits. If you don't, it may be cheaper to purchase them individually.
One more thing: As honeymooners, you deserve privacy... if that's what you wish. If you are sailing on a ship with assigned seating, request a table for two before you leave unless you prefer to commune with new people at meals.
If it turns out that you enjoy cruising, you may want to make it a tradition. Many people return to sail to celebrate a wedding anniversary at sea.
With the stress of a wedding and honeymoon long over, anniversary cruises can be delightful -- which is why couples of all ages take to the seas to celebrate their special day.
Celebrate an Important Anniversary at Sea
Many cruise ships offer wedding anniversary packages similar in price and amenities to honeymoon packages. They include things like flowers and sweets, sparkling wine and commemorative glasses.
While some anniversary cruise packages include a portrait and frame in the cost, others do not. Regardless, do have your picture taken on board, when you're dressed in your finest outfit. Once you're home, it's likely to become a treasured memento worth the expense.
Couples with sweet tooth’s can have an anniversary cake served at dinner (in addition to the regular dessert). Simply ask the maitre d' to have a cake prepared the day before you want it. Generally there is no charge for the cake, but a discreet tip can ensure the best service.
The Not-So-Newlywed Game
Sometimes its things that cost nothing that make an anniversary cruise so much fun. I've been on several cruises with my husband that offer variations on this game.
If you remember the old "Newlywed Game" TV show, it's the same idea: Get four couples, ask the wives questions without the husbands around, and then do the reverse with the husbands. Then the couples compare answers, and the couple that ends with the most matching answers wins a small prize.
Tried as I might to coach my husband before the game (If it's a color, say blue, if it's a room in the house, say the kitchen), we never came in first. Fortunately, though we do see eye to eye on the fun of an anniversary cruise.
While not every anniversary couple is interested in repeating their wedding vows on a cruise, some relish the thought. That's why many ships offer vow renewal ceremonies on board.
Renew Your Wedding Vows on a Cruise
A vow renewal is a sentimental rather than an official legal event like a wedding. So vow renewal packages and ceremonies on cruises run the gamut from free to expensive, simple to elaborate.
Party On Board!
With the popularity of family reunions aboard cruise ships and groups of friends arranging to cruise together, couples planning and onboard vow renewal have a built-in party guest list (in addition to any friends they make at sea).
Carnival Cruises' deluxe vow renewals cruise package includes all the elements of the standard one plus an hour's open bar and hors d'oeuvres.
Other cruise lines accommodate couples who want to share their happiness after a vow renewal ceremony by charging a reasonable per-person fee for food and drinks.
Who's Renewing Your Vows?
A vow renewal ceremony may involve just the two of you and the speaker, or it may be a less-personal group vow renewal. On some ships, the captain performs vow renewals on board — or in the case of
In general, vow renewal ceremonies are led by a non-denominational officiant. However, it pays to check. In one instance, I became uncomfortable standing with my husband in a group vow renewal led by a man whose fervid religion I did not share.
If you are happy with the officiant, though, a gratuity will be appreciated.
By Susan Breslow Sardone – about.com.
