A Wedding on a Cruise Ship

Cruise Ship Nuptials - Pat and Chris

     For her first wedding, Pat eloped. Although her second marriage would also involve travel – it would be worlds apart from her first.

     Pat and Chris, who both had a fondness for cruises, thought there was no better place to tie the knot than on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

     “We wanted an adventure that was truly “us.” I didn’t want a cookie cutter wedding … I wanted to have time to visit and enjoy every guest,” says Pat, who adds that family and friends reacted with excitement to the news.

     Along with 32 guests, the 40-something couple, who reside in Dallas, Texas, hopped aboard The Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale Florida for a 5-day wedding journey, which would take them to Key West and Cozumel.

     The ceremony was held in the ship’s lounge while the ship was docked. Windows overlooking the port on both sides gave a wonderful view of the ocean, says Pat.

Chris’s 21-year old son acted as his dad’s best man, while his 14-year old daughter served as Pat’s maid of honor.

     After the service, pictures were taken, and a four-course luncheon reception - complete with linens and crystal, was held in one of the ship’s dining rooms.

      “It was a wonderful, delightful time,” says Pat.

     Because the ship offered a package deal, the couple says planning was virtually stress free. In fact, Pat estimates it took only 80 hours of planning – and that includes addressing the invitations.

     Pat says that for her the best thing about having a cruise ship wedding, aside from the lack of stress, was that she and Chris didn’t have to run from place to place on their wedding day. Instead, they could spend time with their friends and family.

     Her advice to other couples considering a cruise ship wedding?

• Don’t sweat the small stuff.
• Invite everyone you want to be there. People will really come.