Renewal of Vows at Sea

« Return | Weddings at Sea » | Renewal of Vows » | Hints & Tips » | Finishing Touches » | Extras »

A vow renewal is a ceremony where a couple publically re-commits to their relationship by expressing their enduring love for one another.

A sentimental rather than an official legal event, a vow renewal is a way for a couple to commemorate an important milestone, such as a major wedding anniversary or important personal milestone. We are seeing a growing trend that this ceremony is seducing couples of all ages.

Useful information

• some cruise lines charge extra while others offer vow renewals on a complimentary basis.
• some of the vow renewals are done for groups of couples, not individually.
• take advantage of the cruise line's honeymoon package and remember - you don't have to be newlyweds to request it. Many lines also offer distinctive romance and anniversary packages.
• bring a special outfit for your vow renewal ceremony, and remeber there is an onboard salon for finishing touches before the ceremony but be organised and book as soon as possible
• use the occasion to foster even more romance with your beloved: take ballroom dancing classes, get side-by-side massages in your suite and order room service.

Carnival Cruise Lines
The "Fun Ships" offer standard vow renewal packages for $385, which include a ceremony performed by the Captain, a certificate, a Champagne toast, two keepsake flutes, flowers for bride and groom, a two-tier wedding cake, pre-recorded music, and photography. The deluxe package, at $785, includes the amenities from the standard package plus a reception with one-hour open bar and hot and cold canapes. All ceremonies include an aisle runner and decorative floral arrangements. Carnival hosts about 1,000 vow renewal ceremonies annually.

Celebrity Cruises
Vow renewals on Celebrity Cruises, which performed more than 50 such ceremonies last year, cost $450. The package features breakfast in bed with premium Champagne and engraved flutes, a flower-filled vase, a single red rose, two 100 percent Egyptian cotton bathrobes, Godiva chocolates and a personalized certificate. Each Celebrity cruise also features a Honeymoon and Anniversary Party, where the Cruise Director invites celebrating couples to enjoy Champagne, cake and dancing to live music.

Crystal Cruises
There's no fee for vow renewal ceremonies, which are conducted by the Cruise Director. However, charges apply for Champagne, flowers, live music, cake, canapes and photographer. Renewals can be requested onboard, or in advance through travel agents via onboard guest services. Guests numbering up to 30 at the vow renewal can be accommodated in the Captain's private quarters or in different lounges on each ship.

Cunard Line
Non-denominational vow renewal ceremonies are performed on every voyage in the ship's ballroom; the line has had as many as 40 couples and as few as four participate. The renewal is a group ceremony, which is designed for wide appeal to everyone -- couples on their honeymoon as well as those married over half a century. There is no charge, and all couples receive the ceremony and a special certificate. Available at extra cost are Champagne, photographs and flowers.

Holland America Line
A fee of $129 per couple is charged when the renewal is booked in advance through the Ship Services department. This package includes flowers in the cabin, a special invitation, hors d'oeuvres and beverages, a certificate presented by the Captain, dinner for two in the Pinnacle Grill, a 6x8 photograph and a photo album. If booked onboard, the package substitutes a bottle of sparkling wine in place of flowers (which have to be pre-ordered). When one of its ships docks in Half Moon Cay, the vow renewal can be performed onshore in a chapel on the island. One group ceremony is usually held per voyage. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages for guests attending the vow renewal are billed at $12.50 per person.

Princess Cruises
Two vow renewal packages are available. For $205, the couple receives the ceremony, an orchid bouquet and boutonniere, a commemorative certificate, a bottle of Champagne, two Princess-engraved Champagne flutes, and a framed portrait of the ceremony. For $485, the couple receives the ceremony plus Champagne breakfast in bed, two robes, a 30-minute massage or facial per person, choice of canapes in the stateroom every evening, and a personalized invitation from the Captain to visit the bridge while in port.

Royal Caribbean International
Vow renewals cost $400 on Royal Caribbean. Couples can select packages that can include such goodies as Champagne, canapes, chocolate-covered strawberries, a dozen roses and spa appointments. Some ships even offer "how to stay happily married" lectures as part of their cultural enrichment programs, in addition to traditional ballroom dancing and cooking classes.

Silversea Cruises
Private vow renewals are held at no charge. The captain, cruise director or clergy will officiate. Cake and Champagne are served, and the couple receives a certificate to commemorate the event. With enough advance notice, all kinds of special arrangements can be requested and are priced accordingly.