Florida Tripadvisor - Resort Versus Cruise Weddings

Prices vary for both as you can get a basic package or go all out. We are often asked if it is cheaper to get married on board a cruise ship or at a resort. That many couples have decided to have a destination wedding, weddings have gotten so expensive over the years.

Let's say for comparison sake that the couple is on a budget and is looking for the most affordable package either on a cruise or at a Sandals resort for a May 2010 wedding.

A certified copy of the marriage license and applicable fees, breakfast in bed one day during your stay, a honeymoon dinner, one 5x7 photo, a two level wedding cake, a bouquet for the bride and a boutonniere for the groom, the person who marries you, the package includes a wedding consultant. The popular Sandals Negril in Jamaica includes a complimentary wedding package for guests staying 6 nights or more in a concierge room or better.

568, the junior suite would cost a total of $3. 908 or $415 per night, the cost is $2, so if couples choose the balcony cabin. 373.02, for $2, couples can upgrade to a junior suite. 713.02, the total for the balcony stateroom is $1. As that is somewhat comparable to the room at the Sandals resort, i checked the rate on a balcony cabin, for the cruise. There is also a licensing fee of $168.50. Salon appointments and more, you can of course add extras including flowers. 195, the package for the wedding alone is $1. A bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries, 2 champagne flutes, bridal bouquet and matching boutonniere for the groom, a cake, champagne toast, 1 5x7 photo, for just the bride and groom the package includes priority check-in. The wedding ceremony takes place in the port before the cruise sets sale. As they are usually the most economical for a 7 night cruise, i chose Carnival, to get married onboard a cruise ship. Etc, a special breakfast in your room, booking tours, the concierge service includes an in-room bar and concierge staff available to assist you with dinner reservations. Transfers and all tips and gratuities are included in the rate, non-motorized waters ports, drinks, so you will get all of your meals, the resort is all inclusive. But Sandals was running a promotion at the time of writing this article, ) Prices are normally about 40% higher. (or $572 per night, 432 for 6 nights, a honeymoon concierge beachfront walkout room would be approximately $3.

You could have more entertainment options on the cruise versus the resort package, depending on the ship. On a cruise gratuities are not included in the fare which usually cost an average of $140 for a 7 night cruise. Where on cruise lines you may end up sitting with other people unless you go to specialty restaurants which are not included in the price, in a resort you have more privacy and can easily have dinners for 2. In a resort you stay in one place the entire time, on a cruise you visit multiple islands. But alcoholic beverages are not included, the cruise offers one extra night. But there are some things to keep in mind when making a decision, the prices are not too difference, so overall.

Communication is key so that neither of you are disappointed. Where others want to back pack Europe together, some couples want to spend most of their time in their room together. The most important thing is to talk about what you would like to get out of your honeymoon.

A travel agent can be helpful in making recommendations and giving you various price comparisons to choose from.