TA Dina

Hi Crystal, welcome to BDW! As far as weddings, you're going to have a lot of options on Oahu. It's not always necessary to hire an outside wedding coordinator as many of the larger resorts do have staff onsite that can do everything for you. But if you are looking for a ceremony off property somewhere, then a coordinator will definately help (make sure to find someone who has the proper permits for beach weddings as not many do). I'm not aware of anyone who will package air, hotel and wedding all into one (we usually do the air/hotel as a package and then work with the WC to do the ceremony stuff). But a good TA could help you keep it simple for you and your guests. If you try to piece it all together seperately on your own it could make you crazy Especially if you've never been there before.

If you are looking for a small, simple wedding on Maui, the Maui Prince now offers a basic package starting at $1725. Valid through Dec 2010. Makena Wedding Package includes: Choice of Wedding Site (oceanfront lawn or garden courtyard) Ceremony Coordination Officiant Bridal Bouquet/Grooms Boutonniere Complimentary chairs Keepsake Hawaiian wedding certificate In room gift from hotel on wedding night Fresh floral turndown on wedding night Arrangements for marriage license Wedding ceremony rehearsal And this package can be enhanced with florals, wedding cake, photographer, videographer, dove or butterfly release, polynesian procession etc. They also offer a discounted room rate on groups of 10 rooms or more. This package is not available on their website, so if you would like more information please email me for details.

Quote: Originally Posted by Amanda81 I need some help with where to have our reception on Maui. I'm trying to keep the cost under $90 per person. The main thing is that I want to have a place where we can have a first dance as well as for other people to dance. I contacted the Plantation House but you have to book a specific room to get the dance floor and the cost is much more than I want to spend. I was looking at a Dinner cruise with Maui Princess as they have a band and a dance floor on the ship but my Fiancé doesn't like that idea. We'll be staying in Ka'anapali so I would like something in the Lahaina / Ka'anapali area and not in Kihei or Wailea. Does anyone have any recommendations as to where we can go? Any information / feedback will be appreciated. Not sure of the prices but check out The Sea House @ Napili Kai, or The Hula Grill. There's Mama's Fish House too but I'm not sure how they'd split that up with a private area for dancing....?? Leilani's (upstairs) in Whaler's Village.

Quote: Originally Posted by michelle08 Thanks for the info dina...my sister is getting married in maui in january...I was wondering about shuttles from the airport and how we can get info on that? Or is renting a car better? Hey michelle...sorry for the delay. I just returned from a 2 week trip around the islands so I'm a little slow in checking the boards here. I miss Maui already In any case, Speedishuttle provides airport shuttle service on most of the islands for those that don't want to rent a car. This usually works out for guests only coming in for a few days that don't plan on wandering around much. But for anyone staying any length of time, I'd recommend a car rental. If you're booking a package through a TA check their rates too as we get contracts that are sometimes just as good if not better than online deals. Good luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by hunniebee724 Thanks everyone! Ceci....My friend is a TA so we're going through her. She put together a great payment plan for my guests so that they can make payments until the final payment is due in June 2010. We're also getting the room credit and wine in every room...and every 16th person is free! Carnival uses their own WC's and "A Wedding for You" for the ceremony. I'm glad I don't have to deal with TWE, because I've heard the stories! The Carnival WC's aren't very responsive from what I hear, but my TA friend is also an event planner. Just to clarify because it gets confusing with Carnival...but you will eventually deal with TWE as they work with all the major cruise lines on the weddings. Carnival will pass off the entire wedding to them at some point right before (except for a few ports where they use different vendors), and they will coordinate the ceremony etc. I believe (if it hasn't changed) they also get involved earlier if you are doing things like upgrades to flowers, transportation etc.

Still a little too early for prices for next spring. Just hang in there. Like others said, most places will just come back looking sold out when the pricing isn't up yet.

I do not believe ceremonies are allowed at Hanauma Bay, but I'll double check and get back on that. I don't know how to post links, but if you check page 3, I have a post that I started that lists several public beach areas that are popular with weddings around the island.

If you've seen the RIU Palace in Playa del Carmen, it is VERY similar to the one in Punta Cana. The Palaces don't vary much in layout/amenties etc. The beaches are much nicer in Punta Cana though. And the entrance to the one in Punta Cana is definately a WOW factor. Just driving up the hill to the resort is amazing. It's a really pretty place. I find the WC at each to be easy to deal with as well.

And the Elegance Club is adults only, which is a popular option, especially with groups. Private access beach...upgraded amenities etc. And your family with the kiddies can still stay at the same property. I've had nothing but good feedback from both Majestic resorts. And I've dealt with management and staff on little issues here and there and they've always been most accomodating. Food is hit or miss in some restaurants but that's always such a personal opinion. But noone will go hungry if that's what you're worried about Elegance is still new, so if you're looking for the grounds to be more lush and grown in, obviously the Colonial is the way to go. Which RIU? The Palace or one of the others?

Quote: Originally Posted by bridetwobee Hi, My mom's pushing for a cruise ship wedding, but I've got some reservations, and I'm not finding answers to my questions about it. Some help would be appreciated. Is it possible to do an in port, beach wedding, and stay late enough on the beach to get sunset photos? If you do the wedding earlier, what do you do with the rest of your day How accommodating are cruise ships with allergies (I have celiac disease, and I can't eat gluten - I desperately don't want to be sick for my wedding). How are the cruise ship wedding co-ordinators to work with? Thanks in advance! As far as the timing of the wedding you would really have to look at specific itineraries to see which one might suit what you're looking for. Like Cattie mentioned the Bermuda cruises stay overnight. There are some that visit St Maarten and San Juan that dock in the afternoon and don't depart until late in the evening. But there are many that will dock early a.m. and then leave at 4-5pm. So if you want sunset pics, you have to narrow down your sailings to those specific itins. As far as accomodating guests onboard with food allergies etc, the cruise lines are excellent. Once a request is made they will make sure the information is shared with the dining rooms so all of your meals meet your specific requirements. Obviously it gets a little difficult in the buffet areas, but there is so much of a selection, I'm sure you would still be able to find something somewhere to enjoy. The cruise line WC have a reputation of being hit or miss. Some girls have good luck, some not so good. When you book your cruise with a BDW TA we have specific reps at TWE that our brides deal with so that alleviates alot of the headaches for them as the planning goes along.

Hi Girls!! One thing to keep in mind when you're getting married at a resort is to check with them to make sure they allow outside WC. Many of them do, but some may have restrictions or have a preferred vendor list that they want you to choose from. So just ask that question early on before hiring on outside cooridnator so that you don't get stuck in the end.

If you're not planning for a lot of guests, May is definately doable. Weddings during a cruise are very easy to plan. Andrea is correct...avoid the tendering ports. Too easy to miss the port due to bad weather. At that time of year though you probably won't have weather issues on any of the itineraries you mentioned. The southern carib islands are absolutely beautiful and personally that is my favorite caribbean itinerary. St Thomas has some really great beaches for weddings that are nearby the port so that's always a popular spot for cruise brides. We've got some contacts for a great WC on the island too that helps out with our cruise weddings and does a fabulous job (if you choose not to use the cruise line WC). As far as the differences between the cruise lines, it's really a personal preference again. Princess is definately a step above Carnival though. Their ships are more muted, elegant looking. Whereas Carnival ships are bright, vibrant and glittery (think Vegas at sea). The atmosphere on Carnival will be a bit more "party-like" but that's not to say Princess is a snooze cruise. Usually you'll see more families on Carnival but again, at that time of year, with kids out of school, they'll be on each. It really depends on what type of cruise experience you are personally looking for. Ask 10 people here what their faves are and you'll get 10 different answers. And we'll all be right If I can help you narrow anything down some more just let me know.

And if you are staying in a resort, don't forget that almost all of them have some sort of wedding dept or coordinator on property. So if you are planning something where you are staying, you may save a little in the end by not needing an outisde coordinator.

What about just working with the resort's WC directly? Or are their packages priced higher than some of these others? If you need her contact info let me know. She's very sweet and will be a big help I'm sure.

Unfortunately, it is up to the TA to do what he/she pleases with the TC (tour conductor). But usually it's spelled out in some sort of contract ahead of time so the guest is aware of it. The cruise line pays them out to the TA and then they can do with them what they will. In this day and age most passengers know about them, so they ask up front. But if they don't ask, not all TA's will disclose it. However, sometimes it is in the TA's best interest to share the TC too. For example I've got a few groups where I told the group leader I will give them up to 2 TC and I keep the rest. But that's because I'm putting out a lot of money up front to assist them with advertising etc for the cruise. And I'm opening it up to my own clientele too so not all of the passengers are their own personal friends/family. So technically they didn't "earn" the extra TC with their own group members anyway. Or I may tell a group we'll go back and forth (one for you, one for me), again, depending upon what I'm putting out up front. But for a simple wedding cruise, I've always just given them all back to my brides. You've earned them, you can have them. And if for some reason I wasn't going to to that, they'd know about it up front. Go back and try to negotiate with the TA. She doesn't HAVE to keep them all. She is choosing to keep them all. As for the OBC, yes, most times that is out of the TA's pocket. But not all the time. I don't know if she's fibbing on that one or not.

Thurs and Sundays I believe for 4 and 7 nights. But they only release their flight schedules so far in advance. Right now they are going through mid-April.

For those of you considering the Sivory for your wedding or honeymoon, here is a terrific special going on right now.... Book now till 3/31/09 for travel through 12/15/09 (some restrictions or blackout dates may apply) AIR CREDIT PROMO Receive a $350 airfare credit on all new bookings in a Deluxe Jr Suite OV or higher 7 nights starting from $1229 per person land-only Email me for more details or [email protected]

Tiki's is awesome. Especially if you plan something around sunset. Such pretty views. Duke's is a good casual choice too but can get really crowded (the bar area is very popular). I think the food at Tiki's is a little bit better than Duke's. How about Paradise Cove (not sure of the price off the top of my head right now though)? Roy's (they have a nice private room off to the side that *might* accomodate 30ppl)? Germaine's luau??

Hi!! I just got your request from the site this morning. I'll be in touch shortly

If you are in the tri-state area, these 1 nt cruises are GREAT fun for bachelor/bachelorette parties. Or if you are new to cruising and just want to try out your sea legs. Call/PM me for more details. These overnight sailings sell out VERY quickly...so if you're interested, don't wait One night Dinner & Dance sailing from New York on the Norwegian Dawn. Sailing Thursday April 30th at 7pm, overnight at sea and returning Friday morning at 8am. Boarding will start on 4/1 at 12 noon so you can spend the day on the ship. Cabins, meals, activities onboard included. Alcohol is NOT included. Inside Cabins - $201 per person Oceanview Cabins - $231 per person Balcony Cabins - $251 per person Prices are based on double occupancy. Singles/triples/quads upon request. I have limited cabins on hold and a deposit of $50 per person is due by Jan 26th to secure your cabin. Final payment is due by Feb 28th. Email me at [email protected] to get your cabin choice before it sells out.

This resort is going to be beautiful. Palace Resorts are great destinations for weddings and this one is going to be no exception. And Maureen is right...just fill out the form at the top or PM any of us for info and help.

hot and humid. i'd plan a wedding either early in the day or later around dusk.

Well you are half way there by that point......sooo....logistically is makes sense. If it works out financially why not? You deserve it

Quote: Originally Posted by carly Dina - do you function as a regular TA as well, or just a DW TA? Just wondering, cuz I want to go on a cruise for our anniversary this year... I am no where near ready to start looking into, just wondering if I could/should contact you when we are ready. Most definately. Just email or PM me whenever you are ready... [email protected]

Quote: Originally Posted by JUSTUSTWO Carly, this is the exact thing that I'm thinking, this is gonna be our anniv trip. Even tho its a month late, I thought it was still a good idea & a good value. I went to each individual website & found GREAT deals. RC is even having a sale right now & have reduced their deposit from $250 p/p to $125 p/p. I even got specials based on the fact that we reside in NY! Here's the link for Adventure of the Seas itinerary: Cruise Details - Royal Caribbean International= Here's for Serenade: Cruise Details - Royal Caribbean International= And here's Princess: Princess Cruises : Classic Southern Caribbean - Roundtrip San Juan : Details & Availability= When you go onto the sites, definitely change the state that you reside in & see if the prices go down. And also look at the "hot deals". The price that I had gotten for Princess was absolutely surprising. It was for a mini-suite & it was like $899 or $999...something like that. And remember girls....if you use your favorite BDW TA you get the BDW perks. Which for cruises equals free onboard credits. Pricing is usually pretty much the same (at least with RCCL it is), so check us out Help the forum and get some free stuff!!