News Article

A Princess Wedding -- Nautical Nuptials Offer Romantic Start to a Life Together
"Tie the Knot" Program Makes Wedding Planning Easy, Complete with Unusual Opportunity for a Ceremony at Sea Performed by Ship's Captain

When Princess launched its seagoing weddings program in 1998, the line made maritime and marriage history -- and turned cruising lore into reality -- by having the captain perform the wedding ceremony. Until then, it had been a common misconception that any ship captain was empowered to join couples in matrimony, but in truth no such ceremony had been conducted aboard a major cruise ship.

Grand Princess' launch, featuring the cruise industry's first ocean-going wedding chapel, changed myth to fact and today hundreds of couples are married each year by Princess captains in waters around the globe, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska and numerous exotic destinations.

Today, Princess' "Tie the Knot" wedding program has grown to not only offer these special at-sea ceremonies on all of its ships, but also include fleet-wide harborside ceremonies in embarkation ports or weddings ashore in select ports of call. Together these options have created the cruise industry's most diverse and unique wedding program, offering the convenience of a wedding and honeymoon in one customizable package that makes this important event easy and hassle-free.

Get Married At Sea -- A Rare Opportunity

Imagine getting married on the ocean waves, with the ship's captain joining you as man and wife. Princess was the first major cruise line to make this dream a reality, with the line's signature "Tie the Knot At Sea" wedding program. Princess' newest and largest ships feature an onboard wedding chapel, decorated in flowers and candlelight for the special day. The line offers ceremonies complete with a number of special touches that bring together the talents of the ship's chefs, musicians and photographers.

Every "At Sea" wedding includes live music; champagne; bridal bouquet and groom's matching boutonniere; a photo package with deluxe canvas print; a wedding cake; a souvenir wedding certificate and the services of Princess' onboard wedding coordinators to make sure the day runs smoothly. The happy couple can also customize their event with a variety of food and beverage, floral, photography and video choices. They can also choose to add pampering pre-ceremony spa treatments for the bride or take advantage of the ship's tuxedo rental program for the groom, among a host of other options. Reception options further allow the couple to create their perfect day.

Prices for At Sea weddings begin at $1,800 for the ceremony plus $450 for registration and license fees. The program is available fleet wide with marriages performed by the captain under the legal authority of the ship's Bermuda registry. Princess' wedding program assists with all required paperwork associated with Bermuda regulations.

In-Port Ceremonies -- Choose the Perfect Location

Princess' wedding program also offers the opportunity to schedule special pre-cruise "Tie the Knot Harborside" ceremonies aboard any of Princess' vessels, or to arrange a romantic "Tie the Knot Ashore" event in port during the cruise. As ship captains only have authority to marry couples in international waters, all in-port weddings are conducted by a non-denominational officiant. Harborside weddings offer couples the opportunity to choose to invite family and friends to join them just for the day, or to stay for the full cruise. Ashore weddings offer a variety of romantic backdrops, such as sparkling Caribbean beaches, the Alaskan wilderness, or historic European cities. Packages for both types of in-port wedding include music, a bouquet and matching boutonniere, a photographer, a wedding cake, champagne and the services of a professional wedding coordinator. Couples can personalize their ceremony with a variety of extra options depending on the port. Costs for both Harborside and Ashore weddings also vary by port.

Of course, once the ceremony and reception are finished, the honeymoon cruise is just beginning. The wide variety of Princess itineraries offers couples the opportunity to start their married life with the perfect vacation, whether it's lounging in a tropical paradise, visiting a cosmopolitan city or just spending time together on their own private balcony, watching the world go by.

"Tie the Knot" wedding packages can be arranged by calling 1-866-444-8820 or 305-421-1050.