On Board Romance Packages

Turn your romantic occasion into something very special aboard ship. From your engagement through the renewal of vows, cruise lines are ready to enhance your celebration. Let the cruise line know you are celebrating while at sea so you can be included in any specially arranged cocktail parties or get-togethers during the cruise.

Engagement at Sea

Whether you want a simple proposal or an elaborate event complete with flowers and photography, engagement packages will make it an engagement you'll talk about for years.

Holland America Line's "Let's Celebrate" package (US$122.05) adds the perfect touch to the proposal. It includes:

• Flower
• Champagne
• 10x7 activity photo sheet
• Dinner for two in the spectacular Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant

HAL's "Just For Us" (US$478.69) is a couples package that is a more elaborate way to celebrate your engagement:

• A dozen roses
• A bottle of Mumm Cordon Rouge
• Two bathrobes
• One afternoon tea in your stateroom
• Dessert and champagne served one evening in your stateroom
• Guaranteed table for two in the dining room
• Two 25 minute aromatherapy massages
• Dinner for two at the Pinnacle Grill
• 10x7 activity photo sheet.

Weddings On Board or in Port

Getting married aboard ship prior to sailing is a destination wedding with a difference. After the ceremony you'll sail away on your honeymoon cruise, perhaps with some of your wedding guests.

Cruise lines can also arrange for your wedding to take place in one of the ports of call during the cruise.

With the Tie the Knot^(sm) program from Princess Cruises, the Captain can marry the happy couple while at sea. There are wedding cams in the wedding chapel so friends and family at home can watch the ceremony.

Cruise line wedding packages provide all you'll need for the ceremony from bouquets and wedding cake to souvenir champagne glasses and formal portraits, with options for upgrades and additions to customize the experience. You'll work with the wedding planning department to make the arrangements with your coordinator.

An intimate ceremony for the two of you or a wedding with friends and family can be arranged with a sit down or buffet meal for the reception.

(Wedding packages with V.I.P. boarding start are available for under US$1,000. Average cost is around US$2,500.)

Honeymoons and Anniversaries

For newlyweds and those celebrating many years together, romance packages once again enhance the experience.

Royal Caribbean offers flowers, cakes, stateroom decorations, fun gifts and some special romantic features for celebrations aboard their fleet. The "Grand Romance Package" (CAD$214.80) includes:

• A bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot champagne
• Chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival
• A fresh bouquet of flowers in your stateroom
• Two signature 100% Turkish cotton terry robes
• A tray of elegant canapés delivered before dinner and decadent petit fours after dinner on two formal evenings
• Breakfast in bed one morning during the cruise
• A silver-framed, 8" x 10" keepsake portrait.

Renewal of Vows Ceremonies

Why not make your anniversary celebration even more meaningful by renewing your vows at sea?

Celebrity Cruises' "True Love Knot Renewal" (CAD$650.) lets you renew your commitment to each other in a ceremony performed by the Captain. This top–of-the-line package includes:

• Pre-cruise Event Manager
• Intimate Wedding Location on board the Ship
• Special Nautical Renewal Ceremony Officiated by Ship's Captain
• Commemorative Vow Renewal Certificate signed by the Captain
• Recorded ceremony music
• Petite Bouquet for Bride*
• Matching Boutonniere for Groom
• One hour Photography Service
• 8x10 photograph of the couple with Captain, signed by the Captain
• 8x10 photograph of the ship
• Bottle of Champagne
• 2 "Special Memories" engraved champagne flutes
• Cake for Two
• Breakfast for two, delivered to your stateroom

Holland America Line lets you renew your vows at sea or on their private Caribbean island, Half Moon Cay where the ceremony takes place in a traditional Bahamian chapel nestled in a garden overlooking the sea. This tropical ceremony is more casual than an on board renewal of vows and can be arranged once on board ship. You'll receive a commemorative photograph of the occasion in a souvenir frame. (US$89. per couple.)

The All Suite Experience

Aboard the all-suite ships of Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Seabourn, you'll enjoy a luxury experience that starts with a champagne welcome to your spacious accommodation with spa bathroom. These lines carry fewer passengers and include up-scale amenities (like Bulgari bath amenities on Silversea), an open bar policy, in-suite bar set up, gourmet cuisine and open seating dining throughout. Some suites have specially trained butlers on hand to assist you throughout the cruise. Sounds perfect for a special celebration!

The personalized service aboard these lines extends to making special arrangements as requested so you may arrange a special celebration to suit you.

Spoilt for Choice

Note that prices on the above packages are subject to change and are included to give you an idea of cost. There are many more options available in each category.

With so many possiblities out there, you are certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to celebrating your romantic occasion at sea.

By Susan Milne