WEDDING BELLS

• Couples can get married onboard some ships, but the regulations require the ship has to be either in port, or less than three miles from land, for the license to be valid. Cruise lines can arrange the 'red-tape' requirements on behalf of the couple, or the bride and groom can bring their own minister, rabbi or priest to conduct the official ceremony.
• Some cruise lines, Carnival and Princess, even have chapels on ships where the ceremony can take place. Alternatively the cruise line can organise a wedding in one of the ports it visits, arranging all the details such as musicians, cakes, flowers, confetti and even a album of wedding photos and limousines.
• Cruise lines can also arrange for "renewal of vows" during the cruise and this ceremony can be conducted by the ship's captain.

HEAVENLY HONEYMOON

• Honeymoons on the ocean waves are growing in popularity, and cruise lines often offer "added extras". Bonuses include a reception hosted by the Captain, as well as commemorative photographs and honeymoon cruise certificates. No cruise line yet has a dedicated bridal suite but many of the ships' top cabins and penthouse suites are exceptional.
• Honeymooners have to take a copy of their marriage license or relevant forms for immigration purposes and in some instances cruise lines will require these licences to ensure all the "honeymoon benefits" are granted.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARIES

• Whatever the anniversary, cruise lines will do their utmost to help mark the occasion and recreate the romance of the special day. Some cruise lines offer packages to commemorate special anniversaries such as 10 years, silver or golden weddings. Bonuses of these packages can include gifts and free first class transfers from home to the ports.
• Cruise lines without specific packages can also arrange for a gift, cake or champagne to be delivered to a cabin. These can be booked prior to sailing or when aboard.

WHERE TO CRUISE

• Wedding and honeymoon packages are available on any number of cruises sailing throughout the world. Some couples will prefer the landscape of Alaska whilst others desire the romance of the Caribbean or the magic of the Mediterranean.
• Couples could sail out of and return to ports in the UK, often this offers a longer cruise trip. Alternatively taking a fly-cruise-flying from an airport in the UK to a port to meet the ship - takes cruisers straight to "further-afield" destinations.