Romance at Sea
by
Linda Coffman
How
can you spot the newlyweds on a cruise ship? Unless the bride is
wearing a white gown and the groom has rice in his hair, you probably can’t.
There's just
something About Sea Air...
Stand
back from the ship’s rail at the moment of departure and watch as
sea air envelopes the couples around you. A funny thing
happens—their smiles grow dreamy as they move closer to one another.
They reach for each other’s hands. Maybe it has something to do with
the hum of the ship’s mechanics, the increasing throb of the engines
when bowlines are freed, or the spine-tingling sound of the ship’s
horn when you are finally underway.
For
sheer fantasy, there’s nothing quite like your own little world in a
vast ocean of sea and stars. And those stars! On a clear, quiet night
at sea they shine down with special brilliance. Who says the moon
reflecting on the water isn’t casting its glow just for you two
alone? That’s the beauty of a cruise… there’s an indefinable
“something” that brings out the romantic nature in us all—from
just-marrieds, young and old, to Golden Anniversary couples—we all
feel it.
With
a little careful planning, a cruise can be anything you want it to
be—a heavenly honeymoon, a renewal of your commitment to one
another, or simply a quiet time together, far removed from your fast-paced
everyday life.
Cruise
lines are certainly aware of the magical effects their vessels have on
couples. Many offer options
in the way of "romance" or "anniversary" packages
that can include goodies such as champagne upon arrival in your
stateroom, logo robes to keep, his-and-hers spa treatments, formal
photos in elegant frames, and breakfast in bed on the morning of your
choice. Renewal of vows are sometimes performed privately by the
Captain upon arrangement or in a festive group setting, followed by a
champagne toast to your commitment.
For
example, Holland America Line offers the following romantic packages:
-
Romantic
Voyage Package - Start your voyage off right with a Bon Voyage flower bouquet,
bottle of bubbly champagne, and a half-dozen chocolate strawberries in
your stateroom when you arrive. Then receive a 6x8 portrait in
an engraved silver frame, a card lesson including $25 in
casino chips, dinner for two in the Pinnacle Grill, and one 25 minute Aromatherapy massage. The price is
$209.
- Just
For Us - One dozen roses and Mumms Cordon Rouge
champagne on ice will be waiting in your stateroom upon arrival. A
pair of deluxe robes are yours to keep, as well as a special chocolate pillow gift,
two 25-minute massages,
and a framed 8 x 10 portrait. Be served tea one afternoon and dessert and
champagne one evening in your stateroom and
guaranteed a table for two in the dining room. The price is $440 per couple.
-
Renewal of Vows
- For couples who would like to say their wedding vows while at
sea, Holland America offers an on-board renewal-of-vows package.
Flowers are in your stateroom upon arrival and the bride receives a corsage.
Invitations are available to invite
guests to the ceremony and celebration. The couple also receives a
photo and photo album, dinner for two in the Pinnacle Grill, plus a celebration featuring live music.
Select beverages and fancy hors d'oeuvres are served by Holland America's
five-star staff to ensure a romantic and memorable occasion and a
certificate is presented to the happy couple by the ship's
Captain. The
price is $129 per couple (and $12.50 per each invited guest).
-
Celebrations Package - Share
the joy of
a special anniversary,
or just that you are together, with flowers and champagne in
your stateroom upon arrival, dinner one evening in the
Pinnacle Grill, and a photograph in an engraved frame as a
reminder of your time together and the years to come.
The price is $119.
These and similar packages available from other cruise
lines aren't really out of line price-wise
if you consider the cost of the individual items and the exclusive services they
include.
However, do-it-yourselfers might
consider the following suggestions:
-
Enhance
your time together by selecting a stateroom with its own private
balcony.
-
Have
champagne breakfast in bed to toast the beginning of a day at sea.
-
Request
a table for two at late seating and share the memories of your
day.
-
Dine
in the specialty restaurant to celebrate your good taste; after
all, you selected one another.
-
Dance
under the stars to the music only you can hear.
-
Pack
your favorite scents and sounds to heighten the intimacy of your
stateroom. Set the
mood for romance with your favorite aromatherapy spray lingering
in the air while your special song plays on a portable CD.
- While
you’re packing, don’t forget something whisper soft to lounge
in.
There's
nothing quite like a cruise for total relaxation and romance. What setting
could be more idyllic?
