holland america cruise wedding

Holland America offers comprehensive wedding services. In order to use their services, you must first make a booking through a Vacations To Go cruise counselor who will then act as your liaison to Holland America's wedding coordinator. To read more about Holland America's wedding services, see below.

Holland America wedding cruise packages include:

• A personalized ceremony
• Wedding coordinator services
• Flowers, cake, champagne, a photo album and a keepsake wedding certificate
• Services such as photography, live music, receptions and pampering appointments can also be added to customize your wedding cruise package
• Onboard location
• Ship officer to perform ceremony
• Wedding coordinator onboard
• Pre-cruise wedding coordinator
• Recorded ceremony music
• Keepsake wedding certificate
• Photography service*
• One 8” x 10” photograph
• Commemorative wedding album (no photos)
• Bottle of sparkiling wine
• Small 9" wedding cake
• One dozen rose bridal bouquet
• Matching groom's boutonniere 
• Priority check-in and boarding for couples and guests
• Non-denominational officiant
• Bottle of sparkling wine
• Rose bouquet (one dozen)
• Groom's boutonniere
• Beach, Garden, or Glacier ceremony
• Ashore wedding coordinator*
• Seasonal bridal bouquet
• Transportation for wedding couple
• Wedding cake for the couple
• One bottle of sparkling wine
• Cancellations made prior to sixty (60) days from sail date will receive a full refund of monies paid minus $400 US booking fee.  No refunds will be issued for the marriage license or procssing fees.
• No refunds for cancellations made less than sixty (60) days from the sailing date.
• The wedding couple must be sailing on the cruise in order to hold a wedding onboard the ship.
• Weddings are available harborside shipboard on the day of sailing, prior to the ship departing.
• Ceremony times are usually between 12:30pm and 1:00pm.
• Legal ceremonies are not performed at sea.
• All weddings and ceremony extras must be booked and paid for as early as possible to guarantee service. No additions or changes are possible less than forty-five (45) days prior to sailing date.
• The wedding couple is responsible for obtaining a valid marriage license, from the place in which they are being married.
• Wedding packages cannot be changed.
• Prices are subject to applicable tax.
• 15% service charge will be added to your final total, by booking a wedding you agree to this fee.
• If you have more than 10 non-sailing guests attending, some form of reception must be booked.

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Wedding Packages

Here comes the bride…..and a great new group amenities program for wedding couples.

Choose to get married on board, under the palms on an exotic Caribbean island beach or on top of a majestic Alaskan glacier. No matter what your preference, a wedding cruises coordinator is ready to help you tailor a wedding package to meet your needs and help you and your loved ones have the ultimate onboard experience.

Here are details of the Wedding Package:

• You should follow the same procedure as with Holland's other group programs- go through Group Administration and On-Board Events Services to set up groups and to work out details pertaining to these groups.
• Free wedding cake (for up to 16 guests – any additional guests beyond 16, a $5.00 per person charge will apply)
• Pinnacle Grill lunch (per person)
• Chocolate-covered strawberries (per stateroom)
• Bottle of Chase Limogere Brut (per stateroom)
• Private winetasting (per person)
• The Wedding Group – Additional Guests receive

Renewal of Vows On Board

For couples that would like to say their wedding vows while at sea, Holland America Line offers an onboard renewal-of-vows package. As part of the package, the bride receives a corsage, and invitations are made available to invite guests to the ceremony and celebration.

The couple also receives:

• A photo and photo album
• Dinner for 2 one evening in the Pinnacle Grill
• A celebration featuring live music, champagne, wine and hors d'oeuvres served by Holland America Line's five-star staff
• The price for this romantic and memorable occasion is $149 per couple and $12.50 per guest (celebration only).

Renewal of Vows At Half Moon Cay

Guests that visit Half Moon Cay, the company's own island paradise, on Holland America Line Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises may renew their wedding vows on the island in a private, traditional Bahamian chapel nestled in a garden overlooking the sea. This is a more casual ceremony than on board and participants are encouraged to wear their favorite tropical attire. Champagne and cake are served after the ceremony. Each couple is photographed on the island and the photo is delivered to their stateroom in a souvenir frame. Arrangements for renewal of vows at the chapel may be made through the Guest Relations Manager at the Front Office on board the ship. Packages are $49 per couple and $6.50 per guest.

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Holland America Weddings

Holland America offers comprehensive wedding services. In order to use their services, you must first make a booking through a Vacations To Go cruise counselor who will then act as your liaison to Holland America's wedding coordinator. To read more about Holland America's wedding services, see below.

Holland America wedding cruise packages include:

• A personalized ceremony
• Wedding coordinator services
• Flowers, cake, champagne, a photo album and a keepsake wedding certificate
• Services such as photography, live music, receptions and pampering appointments can also be added to customize your wedding cruise package
• Onboard location
• Ship officer to perform ceremony
• Wedding coordinator onboard
• Pre-cruise wedding coordinator
• Recorded ceremony music
• Keepsake wedding certificate
• Photography service*
• One 8” x 10” photograph
• Commemorative wedding album (no photos)
• Bottle of sparkiling wine
• Small 9" wedding cake
• One dozen rose bridal bouquet
• Matching groom's boutonniere 
• Priority check-in and boarding for couples and guests
• Non-denominational officiant
• Bottle of sparkling wine
• Rose bouquet (one dozen)
• Groom's boutonniere
• Beach, Garden, or Glacier ceremony
• Ashore wedding coordinator*
• Seasonal bridal bouquet
• Transportation for wedding couple
• Wedding cake for the couple
• One bottle of sparkling wine
• Cancellations made prior to sixty (60) days from sail date will receive a full refund of monies paid minus $400 US booking fee.  No refunds will be issued for the marriage license or procssing fees.
• No refunds for cancellations made less than sixty (60) days from the sailing date.
• The wedding couple must be sailing on the cruise in order to hold a wedding onboard the ship.
• Weddings are available harborside shipboard on the day of sailing, prior to the ship departing.
• Ceremony times are usually between 12:30pm and 1:00pm.
• Legal ceremonies are not performed at sea.
• All weddings and ceremony extras must be booked and paid for as early as possible to guarantee service. No additions or changes are possible less than forty-five (45) days prior to sailing date.
• The wedding couple is responsible for obtaining a valid marriage license, from the place in which they are being married.
• Wedding packages cannot be changed.
• Prices are subject to applicable tax.
• 15% service charge will be added to your final total, by booking a wedding you agree to this fee.
• If you have more than 10 non-sailing guests attending, some form of reception must be booked.

Holland America Line Weddings at Sea

Holland america line honeymoons, destination weddings & vow renewals.

Are weddings offered on Holland America Line cruises?

Yes.   The cruise line offers Weddings and Vow Renewals.

Who performs the weddings on Holland America Line?

The ship’s Captain does not have the authority to perform wedding ceremonies.  The wedding ceremony will be performed by the State or Provincially (Canada) approved Officiant. The bridal couple may also provide their own authorized officiant.

Where do the Holland America Line weddings take place?

Weddings take place at an ideal onboard Wedding location; reserved for individual circumstance.  For destination weddings, a romantic location in the setting of your choice.  You will receive a wedding itinerary shortly before your cruise, informing you of the time and location of the wedding ceremony.

Where are Holland America Line receptions held?

Reception times and locations are assigned according to the requirements of each wedding .     

Holland America Line Packages can include:

• A personalized ceremony
• Wedding coordinator services
• Flowers, cake, champagne, a photo album and a keepsake wedding certificate
• Additional items such as photo packages, music, receptions and pampering appointments can also be added to customize your wedding cruise package

Vow Renewal On Board:

For couples that would like to renew wedding vows while at sea, Holland America Line offers an onboard Renewal-of-Vows package. As part of the package, the guests will receive flowers in their stateroom, and invitations are made available to invite guests to the ceremony and celebration. The couple also receives:

• A 10×7 photo
• Keepsake certificate
• Dinner for two one evening in the Pinnacle Grill
• A celebration featuring music, champagne, wine and hors d’oeuvres served by Holland America Line’s five-star staff

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• Holland America Line

Wedding on Oosterdam

By frankc98376 , March 21, 2013 in Holland America Line

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frankc98376

My partner and I are getting married aboard the Oosterdam in May. Has anyone been to a shoreside wedding on HAL? Any tips or ideas we may have missed?

So far have been impressed with Royal Ocean Events (wedding coordinators).

We booked into an SB suite- looking forward to that!

We chose HAL for two reasons- one, we love HAL :) and two- we felt that getting married on "Dutch soil" was appropriate as The Netherlands was the first country to recognize marriage equality.

Looking forward to a great wedding and cruise and posting a review on our return.

Anyhow- just checking to hear any reviews or input from others!

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Share on other sites.

Congratulations and Best Wishes. :)

Hope you'll post some comments about the event when you return.

Congratulations, hope you have a great life with the one you love :)

thanks for the GREAT comments!

Hoping someone has been to a wedding aboard and can give us a quick review of how HAL handles weddings

We got married onboard Zuiderdam in 2009 in Alaska (Juneau), but we didn't use any onshore location. I thought Royal Ocean did a good job, and I loved the fact that I only had 2 decisions to make--whether we wanted chocolate or vanilla cake and what kind of flowers!! We thought it was much more reasonable cost than doing a wedding at home.

We provided some special readings and music on a CD for them to play as we entered and after. We also set up a dinner in the Pinnacle grill for after the wedding for our guests. it was a small group of 8. If you want to use the Pinnacle, you have to tell them how many people and pay in advance--and no refunds if the number goes down. Also, you may not be able to add people at if needed. this was the hardest part of us--our wedding was a surprise to our travelling companions (except for my maid of honor) so we weren't sure how many would want to come to dinner (vs taking an excursion). It ended up exactly the way we planned but it could have gone wrong!

They also arranged for DH to rent a tux while we were onboard. That worked out really well--all he had to carry was dress shoes and he used the tux for formal nights too!

Not sure how it works for Dutch soil, but we had to go into Juneau to get our marriage license before we could get married onboard. They had a limo meet us, take us to City hall,and then he gave us a tour of Juneau before returning to the ship--all included in the price.

let me know if you have specific questions--and congratulations!!

We got married onboard Zuiderdam in 2009 in Alaska (Juneau), but we didn't use any onshore location. I thought Royal Ocean did a good job, and I loved the fact that I only had 2 decisions to make--whether we wanted chocolate or vanilla cake and what kind of flowers!! We thought it was much more reasonable cost than doing a wedding at home.   We provided some special readings and music on a CD for them to play as we entered and after. We also set up a dinner in the Pinnacle grill for after the wedding for our guests. it was a small group of 8. If you want to use the Pinnacle, you have to tell them how many people and pay in advance--and no refunds if the number goes down. Also, you may not be able to add people at if needed. this was the hardest part of us--our wedding was a surprise to our travelling companions (except for my maid of honor) so we weren't sure how many would want to come to dinner (vs taking an excursion). It ended up exactly the way we planned but it could have gone wrong!   They also arranged for DH to rent a tux while we were onboard. That worked out really well--all he had to carry was dress shoes and he used the tux for formal nights too!   Not sure how it works for Dutch soil, but we had to go into Juneau to get our marriage license before we could get married onboard. They had a limo meet us, take us to City hall,and then he gave us a tour of Juneau before returning to the ship--all included in the price.   let me know if you have specific questions--and congratulations!!   Mary Lynn

Thanks Mary Lynn!!

We are getting married on board at the pier. All of our guests are non-sailing so we will do a lunch after and they will leave the ship before we sail. Our license will be in Washington- we wanted to get married on a Dutch ship to as a "salute" to The Netherlands. You are right- Tonia from Royal Ocean is GREAT and fun to work with.

Thanks Mary Lynn!

Were you pleased with the portion handled by the ship (cake, food, etc)? Heard from folks that were married on Princess and they said the crew went over and above- everyone they ran into congratulated them. They received several bottles of wine and champagne from different officers as well as from Princess. What was your experience on HAL with the "ship" side of things (Royal Ocean does a GREAT job- so far we are very impressed with Tonia and crew)? We will be having a lunch either in the MDR or Pinnacle as reception before guests leave- waiting to hear final details on location.

We are in a SB suite so I'm guessing the concierge will be helpful if any surprises appear on wedding morning.

If you'd rather email- [email protected]

Thanks for your input!

We were happy with onboard stuff. The cake was excellent. We were told they would save what was left (a lot was leftover) and we could have it in the MDR but when we asked for it, we were told that they weren't allowed to keep it for more than 24 hours. So we all ordered a dessert from the menu. About 20 minutes later, they brought us a whole new cake, freshly made. it was very nice of them but we had all eaten all we could. We all had a small piece so the crew would feel that we appreciated the gesture but couldn't do it justice.

We didn't get any free bottles of wine from anyone and no officers ever stopped by or did anything, but we don't really care about that, so no big deal. The evening of the wedding, it was clear the word had gotten out to the crew anywhere near the Crow's Nest (that was where we had set up pre-ceremony drinks for our guests), and there were quite a few there to see us. We got great service while we waited for our guests, and every day after whenever we went to the Crows Nest.

I will send you an email and can answer any other questions.

Thanks Mary Lynn! Were you pleased with the portion handled by the ship (cake, food, etc)? Heard from folks that were married on Princess and they said the crew went over and above- everyone they ran into congratulated them. They received several bottles of wine and champagne from different officers as well as from Princess. What was your experience on HAL with the "ship" side of things (Royal Ocean does a GREAT job- so far we are very impressed with Tonia and crew)? We will be having a lunch either in the MDR or Pinnacle as reception before guests leave- waiting to hear final details on location. We are in a SB suite so I'm guessing the concierge will be helpful if any surprises appear on wedding morning. If you'd rather email- [email protected] Thanks for your input!

Presumably you are being married on an disembark/embark day so just want to gently remind you the concierge will only have limited extra time to devote to wedding needs. (S)he needs to deal with all the usual suite guest debark/embark issues but, of course, will do whatever possible if needed depending upon his/her other responsibilties.

Please let us know how your plans progress. It's fun reading all the pre-planning for a cruise ship wedding. :)

Presumably you are being married on an disembark/embark day so just want to gently remind you the concierge will only have limited extra time to devote to wedding needs. (S)he needs to deal with all the usual suite guest debark/embark issues but, of course, will do whatever possible if needed depending upon his/her other responsibilties.   Please let us know how your plans progress. It's fun reading all the pre-planning for a cruise ship wedding. :)

Fortunately we board at 10:30am. Hopefully is any hiccups happen will be before the throngs board :-).

Northshorecruisers

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!!! Please post a review and pictures when you return.

We saw a wedding set up on the Zuiderdam last summer in the Crow's Nest. Looks like HAL provides a very nice set up with the flowers etc.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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6 Best Cruise Lines for an Affordable Wedding Celebration

We’ve put together a huge guide that reviews 6 popular (and affordable) cruise lines for your wedding to help you decide on which one could suit you best. And don’t forget to check out yesterday’s post for tips to planning your cruise ship wedding .

We absolutely love cruising the high seas, and thought why not add our travel experience coupled with some research to help you make a wedding celebration choice! Love & Lavender is not affiliated with any of these cruise lines, nor have we been compensated in any way.

In fact, we’ve personally cruised with 5 out of the 6 cruise lines listed below (multiple times with some).

Cruise Ship Wedding Comparison

Note: prices in the chart below are subject to change and may be different than prices we have published as of the last update. This chart should not be used as a final price indication. Always contact the cruise line directly for firm price quotes.

Princess Cruises

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Why Princess?

Considered to be one of the most popular option for cruise ship weddings, Princess Cruise Lines offers what we think is the best combination of services for various wedding styles, whatever your ideal.

It’s an established cruise line founded in 1965, which makes it a reliable choice.

Chances are some of your guests may have already taken a cruise with Princess Cruises before your event.

They have established routes and good relationships in many tropical ports to help you plan the perfect wedding event free from last minute hiccups all brides and grooms fear.

See Pricing for Princess Cruises

Love & Lavender’s Experience

Love & Lavender has cruised with Princess Cruise Lines on several different ships including Diamond Princess, Golden Princess, and Sun Princess. Each cruise was a fantastic experience both onboard and on shore. We’ve had great memories from Princess ships that revolve around the wonderful restaurants, entertaining shows at night, and other amenities around the ships.

As a cruise line for weddings Princess is a top pick. Their wedding packages are reasonably priced, service is top notch, and their ships provide an atmosphere that is conducive to either large or small wedding parties.

Princess Cruises Wedding Packages

Princess Cruise Lines are quite accustomed to performing weddings, and many of their top ships are equipped with the services and accommodations needed to pull off fantastic celebrations.

Three packages for wedding services are on offer:

• At Sea –  prices are the cheapest with an overall price tag of around $2,600 with license fee included. This includes use of onboard services such as an officiant, live music, flowers, and champagne for the bride and groom, and other minimal yet romantic services on board the ship.
• Harbor Side Package – choose to go with something a bit more expensive, the harbor side package might cost you $3,300 depending on your ending destination. This includes many of the amenities listed above as well as priority boarding for the bride and groom, a wedding cake, silk flower arrangements, and more.
• Onshore Package – price can vary from $2,000 up to nearly $5,000 depending on location and other amenities chosen. With this package you are able to enjoy the exotic locals along the Princess routes and celebrate your marriage in an exciting spot you and your guests will remember forever.

Any Bonuses?

The benefits to sailing with Princess Cruises are many. They perform weddings throughout the year and have streamlined the process to provide you with the most worry-free package you can find.

Depending on your chosen package, you could end up having your cake, flowers, officiant, and even the music taken care of for you.

If you’re a low maintenance couple looking for lots of options, Princess might be the perfect cruise line to work with. Add all that to their ability to livestream the ceremony back to those left behind on land and it doesn’t get much better.

Celebrity Cruises

Why celebrity.

Celebrity Cruises is another popular choice for couples looking to have their pre-packaged wedding brought to life with fun extras and a dramatic location.

They offer unique routes that sail to in-demand locations all over the world. A trusted history of safe and entertaining cruises means you can’t go wrong.

Celebrity is a great option for couples interested in specific routes which Celebrity services, as well as those looking to pull of a fabulous nautical wedding with plenty of help from an experienced wedding crew.

See Pricing for Celebrity Cruises

We took a transatlantic cruise on the Celebrity Silhouette ship back in 2013 for our ‘engagement cruise’. Our final port of call was Rome, and then we went on to Florence where we got engaged! The Celebrity Silhouette ship was simply amazing – the food was top notch, lots of amenities and deck space, and the crew were extremely well trained and service oriented.

Celebrity’s clientele seems to be an older crowd with disposable income. There were not many young people of marrying age onboard. Nor did we find many children running around the decks. This could be due to the fact that our cruise was a transatlantic, which would mean less kids or adults with vacation time. This can be considered a positive on both accounts if you are considering getting married on a Celebrity ship.

Andrew also cruised on Celebrity Millennium ship when it first launched in 2002, and has very similar positive things to say about his experience back then.

Celebrity Cruises Wedding Packages & Rates

Celebrity Cruises offers two unique wedding packages for couples looking at either in-port or a shore side celebration.

• The aptly named “Nautical Nuptials” package offers many helpful amenities, such as a wedding coordinator, music, a photographer, the captain as your officiant, flowers, and more. This will normally cost you around $2,995 plus any fees for paperwork and tickets. Couples love the option to bring their own officiant onboard to perform the wedding as well.
• Depending on whether you choose a shore side or in-port wedding, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 for the ceremony and a variety of extras.

Celebrity cruise captains are able to perform ceremonies at sea with legally binding marriage certificates. Their large fleet of ships offers a different mix for whatever theme your wedding will have from family friendly to VIP access.

They offer extras such as honeymoon treats for the new couple, throwing the welcome reception for your guests, and organizing small bachelorette and bachelor parties on board before the service.

Taking advantage of these awesome extras comes with a fee, but for those with a little cash to spend you truly can have an amazing wedding weekend experience — all inclusive and on the sea!

Carnival Cruise Line

Our Rating: 3/5

Why Carnival?

When you think of Carnival Cruises, you probably picture giant water slides, exotic meals, and tons of onboard entertainment. If all that seems like the extra bit of fun your wedding is missing, then a Carnival cruise might be the perfect place to tie the knot.

As the name would suggest, Carnival Cruise Line is an upbeat company that caters to thrill seekers, the adventurous, and those looking to maximize their relaxation and fun while cruising to top destinations.

Couples who choose Carnival usually do so with an eye to ensuring wedding guests are well entertained before and after the ceremony.

See Pricing for Carnival Cruise Line

Love & Lavender’s Experience

Carnival ships are dubbed as ‘fun ships,’ and that is certainly the case for the two Carnival cruises Love & Lavender has taken. Often less expensive than the other cruise lines on this list, Carnival is popular for families with kids, as well as young adults alike. There is a clear party atmosphere and ships can get crowded. That being said, some of the best onboard food experiences we’ve had have been on Carnival ships.

Carnival would be a great option for a destination bachelor/bachelorette party. Dance the night away and get your party on at one of many bars onboard.

Our rating of 3/5 stars reflects the fact that not everyone will appreciate a loud, party atmosphere for a wedding. Sometimes you just want peace and quiet, as well as a more refined atmosphere for your special nuptials.

Carnival Wedding Packages & Rates

Carnival wedding packages are limited to port locations only. Luckily, Carnival offers five unique wedding packages to fit different needs.

• “Just You And Me” package – the bride and groom along with six of their closest friends can enjoy a ceremony onboard with several amenities such as: recorded wedding music, priority boarding for you and your guests, keepsake champagne flutes and cake topper, wedding cake, decorations and the assistance of a wedding planner and photographer. This starting package will cost around $1,300 and is perfect for an intimate ceremony.
• “Time to Celebrate” package – For a little more pizazz you can welcome 20 guests to the ship for only $22 per person. This brings the total to $1,700 and includes all the extras you receive in the “Just You And Me” package mentioned above. For even more extras, this package offers an organized cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres to keep your 20 guests entertained and happy.
• Still not enough? You might want to add on with the “Time to Celebrate….BIG!” option – lets you add a 90-minute reception with open bar and custom ice carving. This package will wow up to 20 guests with an evening of high-class entertainment for around $2,000 with an additional fee of $30 per person.
• “Let Us Serve You” ceremony package – If all of the above sounds ideal, but you’re still missing the traditional sit-down meal, then this package is probably for you. At a base price of $1,600, the package offers all of the fabulous extras from above plus the addition of a wine and champagne infused dinner in place of the cocktail reception. Cost per guest is $35 a seat.

Couples looking for a island ceremony can spend $1,400 and choose the “Island Breeze” package for a more exciting location. With videography, transportation, and live music it’s the perfect way to wow guests. Make sure to take advantage of Carnival’s online gift registry to help streamline the online aspects of a 21st century wedding.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Why norwegian.

Norwegian Cruise Line is an excellent choice for couples that want a magical experience for a nautical wedding. Their romantic packages and extravagant luxuries are sure to make your guests swoon, as your perfect cruise ship wedding unfolds before them.

The cruise line is one of the most inclusive companies for planning weddings of all sorts. Love is love with Norwegian, so if you are planning a same-sex marriage they are a great choice.

As long as the ceremony is legally recognized in your destination, it will be legally recognized onboard a Norwegian cruise ship!

See Pricing for Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Wedding Packages & Rates

With a total of three loaded with extras wedding packages to choose from, Norwegian has something for every wedding style.

• “Wedding at Sea” package – exactly what it sounds like, a ceremony on deck that is officiated by the captain of the ship. When you choose this classic package you also receive important add-ons such as flowers, a cake, music, and romantic snacks for the couple. A wedding planner will assist you on your big day. And you’ll be sure to remember the best moments from this wedding package with the included portrait and keepsake certificate provided by Norwegian.
• “Harbor Side” package – starting at $2,995, this package allows couples to tie the knot onboard an elegant ship in one of Norwegian’s many ports of call. This package includes the amenities mentioned, and allows couples to choose their own unique location. Choose from exciting ports in the U.S. such as Alaska and Hawaii or something a bit more exotic like Mexico, Canada, Europe, and the always-popular Caribbean.
• Destination Wedding – Norwegian offers exotic ceremonies on Alaskan glaciers, sandy beaches, and more. Prices vary by port, and the package includes transportation and champagne for the happy couple.

Spa and beauty services, live music, photography/videography, tuxedo rentals and a wide variety of wedding receptions are just some of the added bonuses you can expect from Norwegian Cruise Lines. Our favorite bonus is the rose petal or shell lined aisle that couples can add to their on-shore wedding ceremony.

Royal Caribbean International

Our Rating: 3.5/5

Why Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean is another popular name that should be familiar to cruise lovers. This company’s special emphasis on Royal Romance experiences means they are specially suited to handle your wedding needs.

For those who love the idea of a wedding out at sea, Royal makes sure that their ship captains (and first officer) are legally able to perform ceremonies. You can even expect traditional nautical vows for those who want the open sea element to be reflected in the ceremony.

See Pricing for Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is the parent company of Celebrity Cruises. Naturally, our time spent on several of Royal Caribeans ships has been very satisfying. Similar to Celebrity, Royal Caribbean rates highly for service, food, and amenities across the board. The crowd tends to be slightly younger than Celebrity and with less families than would be on a Carnival ship.

Royal Caribbean Wedding Packages & Rates

The Royal Romance package offers three romantic venues for choosing the perfect wedding ceremony location and amenities.

• “Paradise Shipboard” package – is the most economical of Royal’s offerings and costs around $3,200. As the most simplistic wedding package, it includes priority check-in for the couple and their guests, a wedding planner, access to an onboard ceremony with legally recognized officiant. It also provides the new couple with a talented photographer and a total of 20 prints to remember the special day. Music, Flowers, a honeymoon meal including chocolate covered strawberries and a sparkling wine are included.
• “Paradise Destination” package – offers similar amenities with the added bonus of a unique location starting at $3,500. This package allows the bride and groom to get married onboard the ship or at a number of exotic locales. Glaciers, waterfalls, and ancient ruins are just a few of the magical options available to couples who choose this package. It also includes important extras, such cake for the couple, flowers for the bouquet, and assured and responsible transportation to and from the ceremony for the bride and groom. While the photographer is included in the package, the cost of prints will be extra.
• “Royal Romance on Sea” package – lets happy couples say their vows as the ship navigates open waters. This type of service is officiated by either the captain of the ship or the first mate. Starting at $4,000, the deluxe package includes a larger wedding cake, a dozen long-stemmed white roses for the bride, Champagne, and even a romantic breakfast in bed and dinner for two that the bride and groom can enjoy when their magical ceremony has ended.

For an extra dose of adventure, the Royal Caribbean experience offers unique locations for their Shore Side ceremonies. Picture yourself tying the knot on a sandy beach in Puerto Rico or even atop an icy glacier in Alaska. For those with a real touch for the classy and exotic, you can even select your wedding to be at a traditional winery in the postcard ready Santorini, Greece!

Holland America

Our Rating: 4/5

Why Holland America?

Holland America offers a wide variety of itineraries to worldwide destinations on a fleet of beautiful cruise ships. With extra amenities galore and destination wedding opportunities, they definitely make our list of top cruise lines to host your wedding celebrations.

The line traditionally caters to a sophisticated clientele with money to spare. Such a classy aesthetic makes it an attractive choice for mature couples or even older couples looking to wed in the most refined manner possible onboard a luxury cruise liner.

You can have your ceremony at a unique island or glacier destination or perform your vows in one of the many onboard chapels features on each ship. Let’s take a look at a few package options below.

See Pricing for Holland America

Love & Lavender has cruised with one ship in Holland America’s fleet. Our review reflects the fact that Holland America is known to be an older crowd. They do provide outstanding service in many areas such as food, amenities, etc. We would recommend them as an option for a second marriage or an older couple looking to tie the knot.

Holland America Wedding Packages & Rates

Holland America has several wedding packages, cheapest option is a solitary ceremony with no guests and starts at a very inexpensive $800. The onboard ceremony includes check-in, a wedding planner, the officiant, and a wedding certificate for the couple.

• “Anchors Away Shipboard Wedding” package – for those wanting a few more of the best amenities. Priced at only $1,395, this package adds a bouquet and boutonniere, plus a simple cake, a single table arrangement, and a bottle of Champagne to toast the newlyweds. Additionally, photography services (a single 8×10 photograph), and a commemorative album with recorded music are included to make the day a special event.
• “Rembrandt Shipboard” package – only available in select destinations, it offers the same additions as the “Anchors Away” package but adds more photos and guaranteed transportation for the newlyweds via limousine.
• “Royal Dutch Deluxe” package – starting at a steep $2,600, it takes the Rembrandt package to a new level with more extravagant versions of the above-mentioned offerings. The extra money is worth it for the 30-minute massage for two, and the premium champagne along with romantic turn-down service help.
• Private Island: For a real private and romantic experience, Holland America operates its own private island in the paradise of the Bahamas. At a starting price of $1,900, this romantic package includes a local officiant, a marriage license, a tropical bouquet and boutonniere to set the scene, and a romantic treat of chocolate-dipped strawberries and a bottle of Champagne for the couple. Complete with recorded music, a photographer and photos, a wedding album, and the keepsake certificate to achieve the perfect island wedding escape you’ll never forget.

With added bonuses such as a private wine tasting, decadent chocolate-covered strawberries, and champagne, the Holland America wedding experience is sure to be a treat!

Costs for the Royal Caribbean packages are not accurate nor are the offered packages. A simple check to the website showed $4650 for destination & there is no such thing as the “Paradise Shipboard” package. If possible May you provide the links or deals on how you received this information?

So where would you recommend a couple in their 30s who want a religious wedding (with their own pastor) who would like to stay in the U.S.? Thanks for doing this by the way!

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Wedding Planning

Elena & Daniel: husband and wife team behind Love and Lavender. Read Our Story

• Cruise News

Cruise Ship Crew Saves a Couple’s Wedding Dreams

Andrea Santillan

• January 22, 2024

What do crew members do when their shoreside wedding plans fall through? Let their colleagues throw them an impromptu wedding onboard, of course.

The love story of crew doctor Ammar Ajmad and hotel executive assistant Faye Basa couldn’t be perfect for Holland America Line (HAL).

They met while working on the HAL cruise ship Koningsdam in 2023, dated, and got engaged on another cruise before the year ended. 

After they were both assigned to the Westerdam vessel for the first part of the year, they made plans to tie the knot on January 10 in Manila, Philippines, where Basa is originally from.

Their chosen date would allow them to spend extra time in Basa’s country while letting her father, a 20-year employee of HAL, attend. 

As the day approached, immigration challenges threatened their wedding plans. Instead of canceling their ceremony, their Westerdam colleagues rallied to their support by planning a wedding onboard.

They reserved the lounge Crow’s Nest, affording the couple’s marital union gorgeous views from the top of the cruise ship. The venue was decorated with flowers and rose petals while dinner followed in the main dining room as the Vista-class Westerdam was docked in Manila.

The crew also onboarded the couple’s family members, friends, photographers, makeup artists, and the imam who would officiate the ceremony. Basa’s father was in attendance, while the hotel manager was the groom’s witness. 

Though the ceremony was far from what Ajmad and Basa had imagined, it was perhaps more fitting for a love story that began and blossomed through Holland America. 

Cruise Weddings Offer Unique Advantages

Passengers may be surprised by the unique advantages of getting married on a cruise ship . The most significant benefit is the all-inclusive price that’s often more affordable than land-based weddings. Small and straightforward weddings can cost upwards of $1,500 (without the fare). 

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Holland America Introduces ‘Dutch Day’ Experience

Holland America Line is launching “Dutch Day,” celebrating the cruise line’s Dutch heritage! During this special day, the cruise line will feature Dutch culinary favorites on board, including a themed Dutch Dinner in the main Dining Room and dishes in the Lido Market.

“Holland America Line remains deeply connected to our roots in the Netherlands, and Dutch Day is the perfect way to honor our history through experiences that celebrate the culinary culture of the country,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “Our guests appreciate special touches like Daelmans Stroopwafel for turn down or a dish in the dining room that is distinctly Dutch, and we’re excited to expand the cultural experience for an entire day to showcase more of our heritage.”

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVITIES 

The Netherlands has deep culinary traditions, and the Dutch Dinner in the Dining Room offers a menu of classic and contemporary Dutch dishes. Starters include Bay Shrimp Cocktail, Erwten Soep, and Mushroom Cream puff pastry.

Main course options feature Bami Goreng, Pan-Fried Dover Sole, and Hodge Podge Klapstuk. Dessert choices include Bosche Bol, Tompouce, and Dutch Apple Pie.

Dutch Day will also include Stroopwafel Cheesecake and a Stroopwafel Napoleon dessert. Staterooms will have a Daelmans Stroopwafel instead of a traditional chocolate.

Poffertjes, a Dutch treat similar to small pancakes, will be available daily in the Crow’s Nest Café for a fee.

RELATED: HOLLAND AMERICA LINE TO INTRODUCE GLACIER DAY IN 2024 ALASKA CRUISES

MORE ABOUT THE ORANGE PARTY

Holland America Line hosts the Orange Party on Dutch Day, a popular event featuring live music, cocktails, and treats. The party celebrates the company’s Dutch heritage, represented by the color orange, associated with the Dutch Royal Family. Guests are encouraged to wear orange attire and accessories. Special orange-themed cocktails and finger foods are served during the after-dinner festivities.

Dutch Day is one of the immersive cultural experiences offered by Holland America Line to educate guests about the culture, history, and traditions of the destinations visited on each cruise.

Julie Bouchner

Julie Bouchner is the Digital Editorial Manager for Porthole Cruise and Travel. She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Syracuse University. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, baking, and playing with her Siberian Husky named Ellie.

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Holland America to Debut New ‘Glacier Day’ in 2024

• April 18, 2024

Holland America Line is debuting “Glacier Day” on its 2024 Alaska cruises and enhanced onboard experiences, according to a press release.

The new offerings include Alaska Up Close presentations as well as culinary and beverage experiences to help guests immerse themselves in the history and culture of the state. The 2024 season kicks off on April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle.

The new Glacier Day includes sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacier Ice cocktails, talks by Glacier Bay National Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, an open bow for viewing, and more.

“Holland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like ‘Glacier Day’,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. “We continue to cultivate like-minded partnerships and fine-tune everything from cocktails to wildlife maps to ensure our guests are completely immersed in all facets of Alaska.”

Through September 2024, guests can embark on Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises and Cruisetours from Vancouver and Seattle aboard the Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam. In addition to seven-day cruises, guests can take longer 14-day cruises and a new 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage that includes 12 Alaska ports.

Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm.

Additionally, Holland America Line is debuting a new “Killer Whale Pale Ale” on all Alaska cruises. The beer was produced in collaboration with Pike Brewing and features notes of honey, citrus and tropical fruits. Guests can also enjoy cocktails created by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross that will be featured in the bars on all Alaska ships: Juneau AK, Klondiker, PNW Penicillin, Mosquito, Midnight Sun and Frontier Champagne Flip.

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Now, again, and forever with

Norwegian wedding packages.

Celebrate the most important day of your life on board one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s wonderful ships bound for paradise in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii, Alaska or Europe. We’ve thought of everything, so you can enjoy your big day. Wherever you choose to say, “I do,” we will make sure you do it in style.

What’s Included

Wedding packages.

Symbolic at Sea

Legal at Sea

Destination

Packages begin at $3299

Symbolic At Sea Wedding​

• Onboard Group Service Coordinator
• Ceremony Conducted by the ship’s Senior Officer
• Traditional bridal bouquet made up of 12 roses tied with silk ribbon
• Matching groom’s boutonniere
• Pre-recorded ceremony music
• Ceremony vows provided
• 6” wedding cake for the bridal couple
• One bottle of sparkling wine from Norwegian’s Private Selection
• Champagne toast for bridal couple
• One 8×10 professional photograph in an engraved frame
• Canapes delivered to stateroom
• Chocolate covered strawberries delivered to stateroom
• Keepsake certificate
• Not a legal wedding ceremony

Harborside Ceremony

Starting at $3099

• Priority Check-in for the Bridal Couple and their sailing Passengers
• Non-sailing guests are allowed to attend ceremony and reception
• Local non-denominational marriage officiant
• Onsite wedding coordinator
• Bridal bouquet
• 6” wedding cake for bridal couple
• Assistance with obtaining marriage license

*Priority check in is only offered for ceremonies on embarkation day. *Harborside ceremonies are only performed on embarkation, on cruises departing at 4pm or later. *Non-sailing guest limit is 50 people. When you have over 10 non-sailing guests attending your ceremony a reception is required.

Legal at Sea Wedding

• Ceremony Conducted by the ship’s captain
• Dinner for two in Le Bistro
• One bottle of house red or white wine
• One bottle of Prosecco
• One Hour Basic Photography Services*
• Priority Tendering
• Priority Debarkation

*Photography packages are available for purchase.

Weddings At Sea Package available on select itineraries only and must be booked 75 days in advance.

Available on the Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy.

Additional exceptions and licensing fees apply.

Destination Wedding​

Starting at $3299

Pricing varies per port. Please call us for more information

• Roundtrip transportation for bride and groom
• Bridal bouquet of tropical flowers tied with ribbon
• One bottle of sparkling wine or champagne
• One hour photography

*Photography not included in Jamaica and Hawaii (purchased separately) 

Our experienced wedding planners will assist you with every step of the way, from the ceremony to the reception. Our job is to take care of virtually everything, so the only thing you have to do is focus on each other.

Your big day is our biggest priority. If you have any questions or ideas regarding your wedding, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Make An Inquiry​

Just complete this form and one of our expert Norwegian wedding consultants will be in touch to help you start planning your special day.

If you’d prefer to speak to someone over the phone at any time, feel free to call us on one of the toll free numbers below.

Download our PDF brochure here:

• Call Us Today:
• +1 888 475 5511
• +1 604 940 1181

We are a wedding planning company that specializes in Cruise Ship and Destination weddings, at some of the most desirable locations across the globe.

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© Royal Ocean Events 2023

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New ‘Dutch Day’ on Every Cruise Celebrates Holland America Line’s Heritage with Themed Culinary Experiences

Daelmans Stroopwafel partnership offers a variety of sweet treats, while new special menus and the Orange Party highlight Holland America Line’s rich Dutch history

Seattle, Wash., April 26, 2024 — Holland America Line is introducing a new “Dutch Day” experience that celebrates the cruise line’s more than 150-year-history that began in the Netherlands. Whether sailing in Alaska, Europe, Asia or the Caribbean, many Dutch culinary favorites will be featured on board for the special day.

The centerpiece of Dutch Day will be a themed Dutch Dinner served once per cruise in the main Dining Room, with many of the dishes also offered in the casual Lido Market. Additionally, Holland America Line's popular Orange Party will be held on Dutch Day, and guests can enjoy fresh-made poffertjes in Crow’s Nest Café.  A new partnership with Daelmans Stroopwafel includes delectable desserts featuring the Dutch staple and a Daelmans Stroopwafel turn-down pillow treat in every stateroom.

“Holland America Line remains deeply connected to our roots in the Netherlands, and Dutch Day is the perfect way to honor our history through experiences that celebrate the culinary culture of the country,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line. “Our guests appreciate special touches like Daelmans Stroopwafel for turn down or a dish in the dining room that is distinctly Dutch, and we’re excited to expand the cultural experience for an entire day to showcase more of our heritage.”

Culinary traditions run deep in the Netherlands, and the special themed Dutch Dinner in the Dining Room features an extensive menu that includes both classic and contemporary Dutch delicacies. The selection of starters features a Bay Shrimp Cocktail with Dutch cocktail sauce, Erwten Soep (Dutch Pea Soup), and Mushroom Cream puff pastry with hollandaise sauce.

Dutch-inspired main course selections include Bami Goreng, a stir-fried noodle dish with chicken sate and peanut sauce; Pan-Fried Dover Sole with lemon butter; and Hodge Podge Klapstuk with chateau potatoes. For dessert, a Bosche Bol (large, chocolate covered cream puff), Tompouce (Dutch mille-feuille pastry) or a slice of traditional Dutch Apple Pie provide the perfect sweet ending to the meal. 

In collaboration with Daelmans Stroopwafels — a family-owned bakery founded in the Netherlands in 1904, renowned for its authentic recipe —Dutch Day will feature Stroopwafel Cheesecake for dessert on the dinner menu in the Dining Room and Lido Market and a Stroopwafel Napoleon at tea time. Select bars will serve a Stroopwafel Liqueur with hints of cinnamon and caramel only on ships in Europe. Additionally, in place of the traditional stateroom turn-down chocolate, guests will find a Daelmans Stroopwafel waiting for them on their pillow.

New in Crow’s Nest Café on all ships, fresh-made poffertjes — a traditional Dutch treat resembling small, fluffy pancakes — will be available daily (not just on Dutch Day) for a nominal charge.

Popular Orange Party Held on Dutch Day

Once per cruise, Holland America Line holds the Orange Party with live music, cocktails and treats, and now it will be held on Dutch Day. The Orange Party pays homage to the company’s Dutch heritage (orange is the color of the Dutch Royal Family, which hails from the House of Orange), and guests are invited to wear orange attire and accessories. During the after-dinner festivities, special orange-themed cocktails are available while servers pass around finger-foods and sweets.

Dutch Day is part of Holland America Line’s programming that offers authentic experiences to immerse guests in the culture, history and traditions of the places visited on each cruise.