Best cruises for weddings

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

Why?
Royal Caribbean's Royal Romance program rivals NCL's in terms of variety - with one extra plus: its coordinators will also arrange ceremonies at various ports of call.

Package Details
There are three levels in Royal Romance, which is available in selected ports of call, ranging from the U.S. to the Caribbean to Europe. "Duet,", starting at about $1,095 (we're using Florida ports as a guide) is the most basic and includes the ceremony, photography, a photo in silver frame, cake and champagne. The "harmony," from $1,295) package allows for a few more extras (additional photos, breakfast in bed). And "symphony" (from $1,495) has a few more frills, such as a limo ride to the ship. All prices vary based on port locale and not every package is available in all destinations.

Receptions are not included in the price of the ceremony but Royal Caribbean does offer them -there's a formal wedding lunch ($45 per person); a buffet ($25) and simply cake & Champagne ($15). In most cases there's a 25-person minimum.

Coolest Quirk
Arrangement of the aforementioned in-port ceremonies - which run the gamut from simply scenic (a beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico) to funky (a winery in Santorini, Greece) to the exotic (a ceremony atop a glacier in Juneau).

Caveats
Spontaneous couples who want to plan a Royal Romances wedding less than 30 days from sailing pay an extra $150 late fee. Royal Caribbean charges fees for other services as well; you'll pay $150 for a wedding coordinator if you have an onboard reception and wedding parties of more than 25 guests require an additional wedding coordinator - and another $150. And so on.

Also, for those opting for the in-shore program, beware of the chance of missing that port-of-call due to inclement weather or mechanical issues. And read the fine print: "Please be advised that in the event of strikes, lockouts, riots, weather conditions, change of itineraries, missed ports, mechanical difficulties or other unforeseen circumstances, Royal Caribbean may at any time and without prior notice cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing or port of call. Royal Caribbean and Royal Romance shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever incurred by reason of such cancellation, advancement, postponement or deviation."

One exception applies to port deviation due to hurricanes; if the event must be cancelled, couples receive a refund for their wedding/reception.

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