Cruise ship weddings have become a growing trend in the United States, with reservations growing more than 200% in the last year, according to the Wedding and Honeymoon Trend Report from travel agency Fora. Among the companies that stood out most in this growth are Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, with a 261% increase, Princess Cruises, with 218%, and Norwegian Cruise Line, with 198%.
The main appeal is the savings. While the average cost of a traditional wedding in the USA ranges from approximately $34,200 to $36,000, a basic cruise wedding package starts at around $4,000, potentially reaching $10,000 for more complete versions. A real example reported by NBC Miami shows that a bride identified as Nodal estimated that a traditional wedding in Florida would cost approximately $50,000, while her cruise wedding came to approximately $7,000, totaling about $15,000 with photographer and airfare, less than one-third the traditional cost.
Beyond the price, convenience is a determining factor for many couples. The packages typically include ceremony, decoration, music, and in many cases, an officiant on board, eliminating the need to coordinate various vendors separately. The peace of mind of avoiding vendor cancellations or last-minute surprises was highlighted as one of the biggest benefits of the format.
The central concept is transforming the wedding into a multi-day experience alongside guests, combining the ceremony with a group trip. Among the most sought-after companies are Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and Royal Caribbean. However, the format has limitations: music is generally pre-recorded, fresh flowers are not allowed on board, and reservations made less than 45 days in advance may incur extra fees.
