Best cruises for weddings

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Why?
It's a funky and quirky choice (particularly for second-marriage folks with young kids) ... and Disney offers a low-stress, low-hassle wedding package.

Package Details
"Weddings at Sea" is available for three-, four- and seven-night cruises, and ranges in price from $2,878 to $5,038. That's a per-couple price including category 11 accommodations. Beyond that, the package includes a Florida marriage license, flowers, services of an "officient," a solo musician, champagne toast, two-tier wedding cake and $100 onboard credit. Other value-added elements include assistance by a wedding coordinator and dinner for two at Palo, the alternative restaurant on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

Coolest Quirk
Dress steaming is included in the package price. We also love the option to have your wedding at Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private island, instead of onboard.

Caveat
Oddly, Disney's wedding package includes no option for wedding guests.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Why?
Norwegian offers the best range of packages, from a basic budget-conscious option to a full-blown extravaganza. Best ships? Any of NCL's newer "freestyle" vessels - in particular we recommend Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn - because they feature a wide range of restaurants and easily available romantic dining for two.

Package Details
NCL's packages start at $799 (ceremony-only option, eight guests permitted). Other options include "the intimate wedding," which, at $1,449 includes the ceremony, plus 13 additional guests. Beyond that, attendees will cost $24 apiece. Included with these events are hors d'oeuvres, a pianist, flowers and the officiant.

The ultimate deal is the "grand wedding" package and this one, at a cost of $2,399, is held in port (usually port of embarkation) and includes a lunch reception. Beyond the 23 guests included in this rate, others can attend for an extra $39 apiece (and it is not required that they be passengers). None of these rates include accommodations.

Caveat
Packages are available only at embarkation ports in the U.S., Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

Why?
Carnival offers a "Deluxe Romance" package. Best bet - choose between Carnival Spirit, Pride and Legend because they have onboard chapels. But you can buy the package on any of the ships in the Carnival fleet.

Package Details
The $1,450 package includes an official civil ceremony with a bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom. There's a decorated aisle and a photographer (prints are extra), and pre-recorded wedding music. The package also includes a 1.5 hour reception in a lounge for up to 20 people, including an ice carving centerpiece, a cocktail hour with open bar and hot-and-cold hors d'oeuvres, a champagne toast with keepsake flutes, a traditional two-tiered wedding cake with a bell cake topper, and coffee service. A live trio of musicians is an extra $270 per hour for dancing, and a video is $350. When it's over, you and your guests who booked cabins stay on for a honeymoon celebration cruise, and the others disembark. Want to invite more than 20 people? Extra guests are $24 per person.

Caveats
Plan ahead if possible; the line limits weddings to port days and there's a minimum of three per day.

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