Planning the Perfect Cruise Wedding: Expert Weighs on All Things From Initial Inquiry to the Dream Day

A well thought-out and remarkable event, a cruise wedding gives couples a one-of-a-kind and scenic setting to commemorate their union. Here is a detailed guide to organising the ideal wedding on a Cordelia Cruises vessel, with a timeframe that spans nine to twelve months.

Planning a cruise wedding is a thoroughly curated experience that typically spans 9 to 12 months. Here’s how it unfolds:

1. Initial Inquiry:Couples reach out via our website or directly through our sales team to discuss their interest.
2. Proposal:A detailed consultation follows, where we understand the couple’s vision, preferred dates, and specific requirements.
3. Booking:We offer customised packages that are selected and tailored during this phase.
4. Planning and Coordination:Over the months leading up to the wedding, our coordinators work closely with the couple to finalise every detail — from itinerary to decor, entertainment, and more.
5. Final Preparations:As the wedding day approaches, final checks are made, and rehearsals are conducted to ensure everything is set.
6. The Big Day: Execution of all planned activities with precision to ensure a memorable and seamless experience for the couple and their guests.

Handling specific requests from couples, such as themed weddings or particular cultural traditions

As an Indian cruise line, we prioritise catering to the needs of our Indian guests. We cater to all traditional customs and rituals, including Haldi, Sangeet, Varmala, and Pheras. Our team is well-versed in Indian wedding traditions and ensures every ceremony is conducted with respect and authenticity. Our team will work with you to ensure that all your cultural and religious needs are met, from setting up a mandap to arranging for havankund for the pheras.

Curation of wedding menus

We offer five meals a day as part of our buffet service, ensuring that guests are well-fed throughout the event. We have sections for non-vegetarians, vegetarians, and even Jain to ensure everyone is catered to. Additionally, couples can opt for tailored menus featuring a variety of options, such as salad bars, pizzas, street food stations, ice cream counters, and even chocolate fountains. Popular choices among couples often include these interactive and diverse food stations, providing a memorable culinary experience for all guests.

What makes a wedding on a cruise different from other destinations?

A Cruise wedding offers a distinctive and enchanting experience that sets it apart from other destinations. Unlike traditional venues, a cruise wedding allows couples to celebrate across multiple picturesque locations and has the convenience of having all your wedding events and accommodations in one place. Couples are increasingly opting for biodegradable materials, locally sourced flowers, and reusable decor elements to minimize their environmental impact. Additionally, there is a growing interest in interactive and experiential decor. Elements like photo booths, live painting stations, etc. add a fun and memorable dimension to the wedding experience.

What is the maximum number of guests that the cruise can accommodate?

The Empress can accommodate up to 1,800 passengers, providing ample space for wedding guests and ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Safety protocols for passengers on a cruise and please highlight if there are different protocols for wedding events on board.?

At Cordelia Cruises, the safety of our passengers is our top priority. These protocols include regular safety drills, 24/7 medical facilities, and comprehensive security measures. All passengers participate in a mandatory muster drill at the beginning of the cruise to familiarise them with the emergency procedures.

For ceremonies involving open flames, such as the sacred fire for pheras, we have special fire safety measures in place, including designated safe zones and fire extinguishing equipment, with fireguards on watch. A dedicated team of security staff is assigned to monitor wedding events, ensuring the safety and well-being of all guests.

(Inputs by Mr Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO, Cordelia Cruises)