Cruise line offering a first: destination weddings
Royal Caribbean International is unveiling Explorer Weddings, which it calls a first-of-its-kind program that combines a cruise with an exotic destination or themed wedding.
Couples saying “I do” for the first time or repeating their vows will share in a customized wedding experience onboard or shore side, the cruise line says.
Couples can exchange vows in a variety of settings, such as beside the line’s onboard FlowRider surf simulator, on top of an Alaskan glacier, mid-air in a hot-air balloon or inside a medieval castle, among other options.
As an extension of Royal Caribbean’s Royal Romance program, Explorer Weddings was created in partnership with The Wedding Experience and is part of a series of guest program enhancements to debut with the launch of Liberty of the Seas.
Liberty’s maiden voyage will be on 19 May.
“More than 15 percent of Americans are choosing a destination wedding instead of a traditional land-based ceremony,” said Steve Shaiken, vice president, Onboard Revenue Operations, Royal Caribbean International. He added:
Explorer Wedding coordinators work with the bride and groom to customize their wedding or vow renewal, including creating personalized vows, if needed. They arrange all the transportation and priority check-in for the couple and their guests, and even meet the couple at the pier to escort them to their stateroom to address any last minute questions.
As part of the basic Explorer Weddings package, the bride and groom will receive an elegant bouquet, a boutonniere with matching bloom, traditional or customized music accompaniment, champagne and wedding cake, and a keepsake Explorer Weddings marriage certificate.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and three under construction.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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