A Guide To Special Occasion Cruises

Why Cruising Is a Great Option for Celebrating Your Special Occasion

A traditional celebration usually lasts just a few hours. Selecting a party cruise as your celebration venue keeps the party going for the full length of your vacation. That means more time to celebrate and reconnect with the people you love. I’ve celebrated so many important moments in my life on a Royal Caribbean cruise, including my wedding, honeymoon, milestone birthdays and family reunions. Each experience was incredibly special for so many reasons.

Everything’s Already Planned for You

The first thing I love about these kinds of celebrations is that rather than spending all of my time planning every last detail (I'm a bit Type A by nature and have a tendency to go overboard), everything is already organized for you on a party cruise. Your meals and activities are waiting for you — all you have to do is show up and enjoy the party.

There’s Plenty of Time to Connect With Everyone

During major celebrations, it can be difficult to make everyone feel like a valued guest. As the guest of honor or host, your focus may be pulled in so many different directions. This makes it hard to sit down and enjoy some one-on-one time with each guest. That’s not the case on a cruise. Whether your celebration voyage is three or four nights, or longer, you have plenty of time to enjoy the company of your guests without worrying about anything else.

Note Your Occasion During Booking

One of my main tips for celebration travel is to make sure you mention the occasion you're celebrating at the time of booking. Royal Caribbean loves hosting celebrations —, and you may just find a special surprise when you board your ship. 

Birthdays, anniversaries honeymoons are frequently celebrated during an onboard dinner of your choice, usually with a special dessert and a tableside serenade by a team of waiters. Or, a bottle of sparkling wine and a box of chocolates may be waiting for you in your stateroom. When you want to celebrate, these little gestures set cruising apart.

If you’re planning to get married on board a cruise?, Royal Caribbean offers various wedding packages to help you say "I do." This includes providing:

● A private venue for your ceremony or vow renewal.

● Sparkling wine.

● Breakfast in bed.

● Dinner at a specialty restaurant.

You can even invite non-sailing guests to join you in the wedding festivities — and that's only the beginning.

Make The Most Of Perks Like Professional Photography

Celebrating with a big group on a cruise gives you access to things you may not think to include in an at-home party — and they're often included in your cruise deals or fare. For example, hiring an event photographer may not be a part of your budget for an average birthday or anniversary celebration, but the services of onboard photographers are included as a regular part of your cruise vacation. 

So, when you're celebrating something special, be sure to take advantage of this wonderful service. Gather your group together (be sure to give a heads-up in advance if you want to coordinate outfits or bring along any special props), and strike a pose. A souvenir photo from your trip makes a great take-home for the whole party.

Host Your Own Exclusive Party at Sea

For larger groups (or for really special occasions), you might want to reach out to Royal Caribbean in advance of your trip to inquire about renting out special event space or meeting rooms. There are plenty of packages to choose from that include options for food and beverage, with space for up to 400 people.