Love boats

Cruise lines are aware of the captivating effects that their vessels have on couples. Nearly all offer options in the way of romance or anniversary packages that can be arranged ahead of time through a travel agent or directly with the cruise line.

Packages may include goodies such as a bottle of champagne or wine in the stateroom, flowers, logo robes to keep, couples spa treatments, formal photo portraits, breakfast in bed, or a private dinner on the stateroom balcony.

All couples dream of the perfect wedding and honeymoon and tying the knot on a cruise ship offers the best of both worlds. Best of all a wedding and honeymoon wrapped into one package takes all the worry out of planning. It's important to realize that cruise ship weddings are becoming increasingly popular, therefore, to avoid disappointment it's important to plan as soon as a wedding date is set.

Ceremonial details

Thousands of couples have taken the plunge at sea, often citing the ease and convenience afforded. Cruise line wedding coordinators relieve the anxiety of details such as arranging for a marriage license or finding a clergyman - details that can seem like a tough task to do in unfamiliar surroundings.

The marriage or renewal of vows ceremony can take place onboard the ship in a public space or, on some ships, in a wedding chapel. Shore side locations are also an option, like on a Caribbean beach, in a European villa or on an Alaskan glacier.

Services differ between cruise lines, so it's important to investigate all options before booking a cruise wedding or renewal of vows celebration. Packages can include not only the ceremony but also flowers, photographs, video recording, champagne, wedding cake and music. The majority of newer ships have dedicated wedding chapels. Only two cruise lines, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, offer the ship's captain as an option to officiate a wedding ceremony. Princess Cruises also offers a live "Wedding Cam" to couples exchanging vows in their onboard chapels; the cameras stream video over the web to family and friends who cannot attend the ceremony.

More reasons to celebrate

Special celebrations need not only be for weddings or renewal of vows. There are birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and job promotions to name a few. Basically anything that makes you feel like celebrating you can do on a cruise ship.Cruise lines offer a variety of unique celebration packages that can make your cruise even more spectacular. Most lines offer amenities like special cakes, a bottle of chilled champagne or wine at your table when you arrive, festive decorations, flowers, and special keepsake photographs.

Celebrating life milestones onboard a cruise ship is a fun and thrilling way to commemorate happy occasions. Add the convenience of having everything all in one place and professionals who take care of your every need - it's no wonder that a cruise ship is the perfect venue for all celebrations.