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:
Renewal of Vows On Board
For couples who want to say their wedding vows while at sea, Holland America Line offers an onboard Renewal-of-Vows package. As part of the package, the the couple receives flowers in their stateroom, and invitations are made available to invite fellow passengers as guests to the ceremony and celebration. The couple also receives:
- A 10x7 activity sheet
- Dinner for Two one evening in the Pinnacle Grill
- A celebration featuring live music, champagne, wine and hors d'oeuvres served by Holland America Line's five-star staff
Renewal of Vows at Half Moon Cay
Guests that visit Half Moon Cay, the company's own island paradise, on Holland America Line Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises may renew their wedding vows on the island in a private, traditional Bahamian chapel nestled in a garden overlooking the sea. This is a more casual ceremony than on board and participants are encouraged to wear their favorite tropical attire. Champagne and cake are served after the ceremony. Each couple is photographed on the island and the photo is delivered to their stateroom in a souvenir frame. Arrangements for renewal of vows at the chapel may be made through the Guest Relations Manager at the Front Office on board the ship.
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 as illustrated below.
NCL's Romantic Options
- Romance Package – sparkling wine and strawberries in stateroom upon embarkation, canapés one evening in stateroom, a dozen red roses, dinner for two in La Cucina, afternoon tea service in stateroom, one 8x10 professional portrait.
- Deluxe Romance Package – sparkling wine and strawberries in stateroom upon embarkation, canapés one evening in stateroom, a dozen red roses, breakfast in bed, dinner for two in Le Bistro, two 25-minute half-body Swedish Massages, afternoon tea service in stateroom, one 8x10 professional portrait.
- Ultimate Romance Package – sparkling wine and strawberries in stateroom upon embarkation, canapés one evening in stateroom, a dozen red roses, choice of breakfast in bed for two days, dinner for two in Cagney’s with complimentary bottle of red or white wine, two 25-minute half-body Swedish Massages, afternoon tea service in stateroom, dinner for two in Le Bistro with complimentary bottle of red or white wine, two 8x10 professional portraits.
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 or your iPod with speakers.
- 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?
