Help!

[endlesslove]

My fiance and IO were planning a DW to the Riviera Maya at the Excellence Riviera. I had everything picked out, an this was going to be my dream wedding. Needless to say my father told me today he wouldn't be able to come due to blood clots in his legs. He's been having a tough year and has been back and forth with doctors the last two months. And of course, if my dad can't be there- I'm not getting married.

 

I know he can do cruises, and my dream is to be married on a beach. So we decided to look into a cruise wedding, and possibly getting married when the ship docks. We've never done a cruise before, so we're clueless. Can anyone recommend anything to me? We're thinking either the Riviera Maya, or Hawaii. We'll take other areas into consideration. All I want is a nice ship, good food, clear blue water, and a beach wedding.

 

Help

[jamisoncollette]

Does the length of the cruise matter or is it just your dad cannot fly? What port do you want to depart from?

[boven]

A cruise wedding is absolutely manageable and can meet all of your needs. Several members of this forum have/are taking cruises and getting married on shore with a reception back on the boat. Cruises to Jamaica is another option. I know this was not part of your original vision, but it can be everything that you have dreamed of because your father will be able to participate.

[merocket59]

If you figure out a location to depart from and one where you are going and an approximate length of the cruise then you can look at which cruiselines have that option. I've never cruised either but have learn a lot from here and the cruisecritic forum which has a section for cruise weddings too.

[endlesslove]

We'll need something from either NY or Florida. My parents have houses in both areas, so either one is do-able. The amount of days we're looking at is probably between 5-7.

[Cattie]

If you choose from NY, you can cruise RCCL which I'm personally doing for my wedding cruise. We're actually sailing from NJ to Bermuda, its a 5 day cruise. There is also a 9 day and a 12 day out of NJ to St Thomas, Puerto Rico, and various other islands.

 

I personally chose Bermuda, due to the fact we're there for 2 days. This way 1 day is the wedding, the next day our guests have all day to roam the island.

[JenniferSS]

Contact TA Dina from the forum- she knows cruises and can guide you to the best itinerary and staterooms for you & your guests, plus set up a group if you have enough people!

[TATrisha]

I've sailed with Carnival a bunch of times and I love them.

What about doing a 5-7 day cruise from Florida with stops at Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and maybe somewhere else? And then getting married at the Caymans? i've seen a lot of weddings there during our cruises and the island and beaches are just beautiful.

[Sapphire723]

Cruising is a great idea and totally manageable for the switch. I think the only problem you might run into is that some people are wary of seasickness and might choose not to attend.

 

I personally like Princess cruises. They attract an older crowd (think senior citizen), but their service is amazing (they strive to be perfect, not just good) and their food is great.

 

If you want more of a party or something that's cheaper, Carnival's your line. NCL has a lot of cruises from NYC, and I've heard good things about Royal Caribbean and Celebrity (although, I've never been on either. My MOH has been on RC and Princess, and she prefers Princess).

 

Good luck deciding!

[endlesslove]

Thanks for the help girls. I talked to my dad after finding out we can fly him directly from Tampa to Mexico and the flight is only 90 minutes vs. the flight from PA to Mexico which is 4 hours+ and includes stops. So my parents will stay in Florida a few extra days and then fly home after the wedding instead. I can still have my dream wedding, no more tears over it. Thank goodness!