On January 5, heading out of the Panama Canal aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Mariner, I stood next to Bill in the Captain's Quarters and said, "I Do." I carried a bouquet of fragrant lilies as the photographer and videographer snapped our happy images, while Captain Philippe Fichet Delavault presided in his impressive uniform. Like all couples in love, we pledged our devotion to each other and kissed for the camera. Then we toasted with sparkling cider and cut the low fat, marzipan-frosted carrot cake the ship's Pastry Chef, David Ho, made to our exacting specifications.
Sounds like a destination wedding, doesn't it?
But it wasn't. It was a vow renewal ceremony -- a growing trend that is seducing couples of all ages. In fact, it was our fourth vow renewal (and we've only been married for five years!). We've had encore renewals all over the world; one of our favorites was the authentic Polynesian blessing ceremony, performed on the outdoor deck on Regent's Paul Gauguin as it sailed into Moorea. In my view, vow renewals on ships offer the best of both worlds: the continuing promise of "forever" -- plus a seven-night commitment. I'm not alone in this trend, as Captain Delavault explained that he usually performs two to three vow renewals on each of the Mariner's voyages.
With today's divorce rate sky-high, anything couples can do to strengthen their bond is a wise decision. Dr. Harville Hendrix, author of nine books on relationships -- including his current book "Receiving Love: Transform Your Relationship by Letting Yourself Be Loved" -- and a frequent guest on Oprah's TV show, recommends in his Imago Therapy Workshops that couples get vow renewals every seven years, because of the biological seven-year itch "when all of your cells regenerate," he says, creating subtle shifts in your feelings. "We've noticed that the divorce rate in couples occurs every 7 to 14 years, so you should have a vow renewal right before and after every seven years," Dr. Hendrix says. "And we recommend that you re-marry your own partner at least three times."
Take it from me: Adding nautical nuptials to your travels can be your passport to more romance, and, as well, a spiritual endeavor that fosters deeper appreciation of your partner. It can also be a novel way to celebrate your wedding anniversary, recapture your honeymoon, or add sizzle to your intimacy -- without Viagra.
Some words to the wise:
Some lines charge extra while others offer vow renewals on a complimentary basis.
Some of the vow renewals are done for groups of couples, not individually.
Take advantage of the cruise line's honeymoon package and remember -- you don't have to be newlyweds to request it. Many lines also offer distinctive romance and anniversary packages.
Bring a special outfit for your vow renewal ceremony, and give thanks that there's an onboard salon where you can get your hair done!
Use the occasion to foster even more romance with your beloved: Take ballroom dancing classes, get side-by-side massages in your suite or request hot fudge sundaes at 10 p.m.
Follow our example and ask for a specialty cake in your favorite flavor, or a low-fat version so you can indulge without guilt, at your ceremony. Afterward, savor a special meal in one of the boutique restaurants (such as Signatures, the Cordon Bleu restaurant on the Mariner). Or, enjoy a specially prepared meal (make your request of the chef at least a day in advance). If a favorite dish was served at your wedding, or both of you love pistachio ice cream -- speak up!
This is the time to book the largest accommodations, such as an Owner's Suite, to celebrate in style. Our spacious Penthouse suite on the Mariner, while not an Owner's Suite, measured 449 square ft. and featured butler service, a bathtub, a verandah and a walk-in closet.
Aboard the Paul Gauguin, guests take part in a group ceremony on deck and a Polynesian blessing performed by Les Gauguines, the native women who work on the ship as cultural hosts. Ours was a heady experience, as Les Gauguines tied us together in a ceremonial blanket and crowned us with a wreath of intoxicating tiare (Tahitian orchid) flowers, and sang a Tahitian love song as we sailed into the turquoise waters surrounding Moorea. It was an unforgettable, magical memory for us -- and that was only the second vow renewal in our career!
Here's how some of the other major cruise lines stack up.
Carnival Cruise Lines
The "Fun Ships" offer standard vow renewal packages for $385, which include a ceremony performed by the Captain, a certificate, a Champagne toast, two keepsake flutes, flowers for bride and groom, a two-tier wedding cake, pre-recorded music, and photography. The deluxe package, at $785, includes the amenities from the standard package plus a reception with one-hour open bar and hot and cold canapes. All ceremonies include an aisle runner and decorative floral arrangements. Carnival hosts about 1,000 vow renewal ceremonies annually.
Celebrity Cruises
Vow renewals on Celebrity Cruises, which performed more than 50 such ceremonies last year, cost $450. The package features breakfast in bed with premium Champagne and engraved flutes, a flower-filled vase, a single red rose, two 100 percent Egyptian cotton bathrobes, Godiva chocolates and a personalized certificate. Each Celebrity cruise also features a Honeymoon and Anniversary Party, where the Cruise Director invites celebrating couples to enjoy Champagne, cake and dancing to live music.
Crystal Cruises
There's no fee for vow renewal ceremonies, which are conducted by the Cruise Director. However, charges apply for Champagne, flowers, live music, cake, canapes and photographer. Renewals can be requested onboard, or in advance through travel agents via onboard guest services. Guests numbering up to 30 at the vow renewal can be accommodated in the Captain's private quarters or in different lounges on each ship.
Cunard Line (Queen Mary 2)
Non-denominational vow renewal ceremonies are performed on every voyage in the ship's ballroom; the line has had as many as 40 couples and as few as four participate. The renewal is a group ceremony, which is designed for wide appeal to everyone -- couples on their honeymoon as well as those married over half a century. There is no charge, and all couples receive the ceremony and a special certificate. Available at extra cost are Champagne, photographs and flowers.
Holland America Line
A fee of $129 per couple is charged when the renewal is booked in advance through the Ship Services department. This package includes flowers in the cabin, a special invitation, hors d'oeuvres and beverages, a certificate presented by the Captain, dinner for two in the Pinnacle Grill, a 6x8 photograph and a photo album. If booked onboard, the package substitutes a bottle of sparkling wine in place of flowers (which have to be pre-ordered). When one of its ships docks in Half Moon Cay, the vow renewal can be performed onshore in a chapel on the island. One group ceremony is usually held per voyage. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages for guests attending the vow renewal are billed at $12.50 per person.
Princess Cruises
Two vow renewal packages are available. For $205, the couple receives the ceremony, an orchid bouquet and boutonniere, a commemorative certificate, a bottle of Champagne, two Princess-engraved Champagne flutes, and a framed portrait of the ceremony. For $485, the couple receives the ceremony plus Champagne breakfast in bed, two robes, a 30-minute massage or facial per person, choice of canapes in the stateroom every evening, and a personalized invitation from the Captain to visit the bridge while in port.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Each renewal costs $200 and includes Champagne, an 8x10 portrait, cake and a celebratory letter from RSSC's president. Among all of Regent's ships, the Paul Gauguin is the one most popular for vow renewals; the package even includes an inspired collection of fragrant bath gels packaged in an artist's palette. Aboard the Paul Gauguin, guests take part in a group ceremony on deck and a Polynesian blessing performed by Les Gauguines, the native women who work on the ship as cultural hosts.
Royal Caribbean International
Vow renewals cost $400 on Royal Caribbean. Couples can select packages that can include such goodies as Champagne, canapes, chocolate-covered strawberries, a dozen roses and spa appointments. Some ships even offer "how to stay happily married" lectures as part of their cultural enrichment programs, in addition to traditional ballroom dancing and cooking classes.
Seabourn
Rather than offer "packages," Seabourn custom-creates based on special requests, and each vow renewal is different. In many cases, there wouldn't even be a fee for the vow renewal. For example, one couple that married onboard brought their own minister and paid for his suite! About 20 percent of the line's full-ship charters are private individuals or families, in which case Seabourn can customize the itinerary, onboard entertainment and daily program, and even fly a custom flag bearing the couple's coat of arms or other special design.
SeaDream Yacht Club
This line's vow renewal program was added after many inquiries from would-be SeaDream guests. One choice is complimentary and includes ceremony, Champagne toast and wedding cake. The second, priced at $350, is ideal for couples that are traveling with friends and family. This package includes printed invitations, a 12-person reception featuring Champagne, caviar and canapes, a bridal bouquet, groom's lapel flower, his-and-hers Hadeland crystal wedding gift, a cake and an elaborate flower arrangement for the ceremony, which is later placed in the couple's stateroom along with an iced bottle of Champagne.
Silversea Cruises
Private vow renewals are held at no charge. The captain, cruise director or clergy will officiate. Cake and Champagne are served, and the couple receives a certificate to commemorate the event. With enough advance notice, all kinds of special arrangements can be requested and are priced accordingly.
Once, for example, Silversea hosted a vow renewal in the Observation Lounge, which was decorated with flowers, candles and balloons that were specially ordered in advance. Beluga caviar and Dom Perignon Champagne were served. The ceremony was conducted by the captain and attended by several of the couple's family members. Afterward, everyone dined at a table in the main restaurant, which was specially decorated for them.
Windstar
Windstar's $129 vow renewal includes the ceremony, cake, Champagne, keepsake flutes and a certificate. Wind Surf, with a capacity of 308, averages about five vow renewals per cruise.
--by Debbi Karpowicz-Kickham. Karpowicz-Kickham, formerly an editor of Robb Report Magazine, also contributes to publications ranging from Canada's National Post to Weight Watchers Magazine.
On January 5, heading out of the Panama Canal aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Mariner, I stood next to Bill in the Captain's Quarters and said, "I Do." I carried a bouquet of fragrant lilies as the photographer and videographer snapped our happy images, while Captain Philippe Fichet Delavault presided in his impressive uniform. Like all couples in love, we pledged our devotion to each other and kissed for the camera. Then we toasted with sparkling cider and cut the low fat, marzipan-frosted carrot cake the ship's Pastry Chef, David Ho, made to our exacting specifications.
Some lines charge extra while others offer vow renewals on a complimentary basis.
