Because of the convenience and affordability provided by Carnival's wedding packages, the company expects some 2,200 couples will marry aboard the "Fun Ships" this year - a nearly 60 percent increase from just five years ago.
Says Carnival president Bob Dickinson:
"Destination weddings - in which the wedding and honeymoon are held at the same location - are becoming increasingly popular and any one of these all-inclusive packages provide a unique, cost-effective alternative to traditional land-based ceremonies."
Prices for "Just for the Bride & Groom" package include an official civil ceremony, a champagne toast with keepsake flutes, flowers for both bride and groom, a wedding cake with cake topper, pre-recorded wedding music, a decorated bridal aisle and photographic services.
The "Welcome Aboard" package costs more but offers in addition a reception with one-hour open bar and hot-and-cold hors d'oeuvres, a traditional two-tiered wedding cake and coffee service. Couples may also select the "Deluxe Romance" package which includes a one-and-a-half hour reception and an ice carving, as well as all the features of the other programmes.
A wide variety of options such as videography services, live music and tuxedo rental are also available at additional cost.
Shipboard ceremonies are available on embarkation day in any of Carnival's continental US ports, as well as in Vancouver during the line's summer Alaska season.ÊOn-island ceremonies combining a variety of all-inclusive amenities with a romantic tropical setting are available, as well.
The nearly 2,200 couples expected to marry aboard the "Fun Ships" this year will be among the tens of thousands of newlyweds who choose to spend their honeymoon on Carnival, which has been cited as a top honeymoon cruise choice in surveys conducted by Bride's and Modern Bride magazines.
Couples can enjoy numerous amenities during their "Fun Ship" honeymoon cruise, including fine dining, pampering service, spacious accommodations and expansive spa facilities.
Wedding packages and honeymoon amenities are available on all of the line's 20 "Fun Ships," which operate voyages from three to 16 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, New England, the Panama Canal and Canada.
DREAM HONEYMOONS
A Carnival superliner offers the ideal romantic honeymoon, with superb resort amenities and laid-back lifestyle that is perfect for that very special holiday. What other type of holiday allows you to see so many fabulous destinations while you sit back and literally watch the world go by.
- Relaxing days at sea spent topping your tan or joining a range of sports and fitness activities
- Stepping ashore to explore exotic Caribbean islands together
- Fine dining, dancing and late cabaret
- Romantic moonlight strolls on deck under the Caribbean stars
- Comfortable cabins that feature king-size bed (cat 4 upwards).
THE FINER DETAILS
Application for a marriage ceremony must be done at the time you book your cruise, since all wedding dates and locations are subject to availability. Weddings take place on board ship or in your chosen location ashore during the scheduled visit to that port of call.
It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to apply for a wedding licence with the appropriate authorities at the selected cruise port. Details of these fees are available from Carnival on request.
