As churches, temples, reception halls and hotels booked quickly, more than 160 of these couples found a unique alternative that combined the wedding ceremony and honeymoon vacation into one complete, special package. The trend towards weddings on cruise ships that started near the end (and beginning) of the millennium has continued into this century.
Princess' largest "Love Boat," the 109,000-ton Grand Princess, provides the opportunity for couples to say "I do" during either a 12-day European cruise in the summer or a seven-day Caribbean sailing.
The first and only line allowed to perform legal at-sea weddings, Princess Cruises offers all-inclusive wedding/honeymoon packages aboard Grand Princess that bring the couple, family and friends together in a romantic setting to share in this important event.
By August 2000, 97 couples had said "I do" on board Grand Princess, and there are already more than 60 weddings scheduled for 2001. Even more options await brides- and grooms-to-be next year with the introduction of Golden Princess, sister ship to Grand Princess, which will also offer an onboard wedding chapel.
"Grand Princess offers a unique alternative for the growing number of couples who want to get married in the millennium and beyond," said Rick James, Princess Cruises' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "When her sister ship, Golden Princess, launches next year, more couples than ever will have the opportunity to make their day that much more special by exchanging their vows at sea."
Princess' wedding program offers passengers a choice of three separate packages that include music, champagne, a bridal bouquet and matching groom's boutonniere, a photo package, a video recording of the ceremony, a wedding cake, a souvenir parchment wedding certificate and a special lithograph painting of Grand Princess signed by the captain.
More extensive packages include music performed by an organist or string quartet, candlelight, floral arrangements and preceremony spa treatments for an additional cost. Prices range from $1,400 to $2,400 per couple.
The three Princess wedding packages offered include:
- Diamond Package: Complemented by candlelight, flower arrangements and a string quartet. Dom Perignon champagne with presentation glasses, wedding cake, orchid bouquet and boutonniere are also included. The bride will receive a facial and professional hairstyling in the ship's salon. To remember the day, a deluxe photo package, ceremony video, lithograph painting of Grand Princess and wedding certificate are included. Total cost is $2,400.
- Emerald Package: Complemented by candlelight, flower arrangements and an organist. Moet Chandon champagne with presentation glasses, wedding cake, rose bouquet and boutonniere add extra charm. For the bride, professional hairstyling in the ship's salon is included. To remember the day, a photo package, ceremony video, lithograph painting of Grand Princess and wedding certificate are included. Total cost is $1,800.
- Pearl Package: Includes a bouquet of mixed flowers and matching boutonniere, Korbel champagne with presentation glasses and wedding cake. To remember the day, a photo package, ceremony video, lithograph painting of Grand Princess and wedding certificate are included. Total cost is $1,400.
Couples can also select one of three different receptions available on board Grand Princess, which begin at $70 per person for up to 80 people. All reception packages include music, hors d'oeuvres, beverages and a wedding cake.
Source: Princess Cruise Lines, August 2000
