Imagine a beautiful personalised wedding ceremony on the sea: a stress-free event you’ll treasure forever. After sealing your nuptials with a kiss, you and your beloved step out on deck to be greeted by a beautiful expanse of sparkling sea. This is a cruise ship wedding, and it is glorious.

While rising in popularity, wedding cruises are still one of the more unusual ways to tie the knot, throwing up a good few questions about logistics. Thankfully, we are on hand to fill you in on what to expect when getting married on a cruise ship.

A hassle-free ceremony

Cruise ship weddings are perfect for couples who want the planning process to be as simple as possible. After all, there is nothing worse than feeling too stressed out to enjoy such a life-changing event.

Most cruise lines offer full service wedding cruise packages, taking the hassle out of planning. Many ships even have their own on-board chapel! Alternatively, you can get married at one of your ports of call, but either way, your cruise line will arrange everything from musicians and cakes to flowers, confetti and wedding photographs.

Indulgent extras

Getting married on a cruise ship offers the perfect opportunity to cater to your indulgent side. After all, you’ll have a whole range of additional extras to choose from.

Just some of the bonuses can include a reception hosted by the Captain themselves, commemorative formal photographs, cosy bathrobes to take back home, luxurious spa treatments, cabin upgrades and even champagne.

A family affair

Your wedding is as much about spending time with your loved ones as it is about declaring your love for your other half. Cruise ship weddings offer the option of your family and friends joining you on-board, turning your big day into a proper trip away with all of your family and friends. From an intimate gathering to a full-on celebration, the choice is yours.

A honeymoon and wedding in one

One of the best things about wedding cruises is being able to combine your wedding and honeymoon into one blissful journey. Honeymoons at sea are growing in popularity, with many cruise lines offering couples special honeymoon cruise certificates.

What could be more blissful than a wedding day of indulgent celebrations flowing straight into a honeymoon that takes in your dream ports of call? The pristine beaches of the Caribbean and serene atmosphere of Asia are just a few of our favourite honeymoon destinations.

A key regulation

As with any ceremony, cruise ship weddings come complete with a few regulations. The main regulation is that, for the wedding license to be valid, your ship must be either in port or less than three miles from land. Not all cruise lines offer this, but you can rest assured that Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises offer legal, captain-led wedding ceremonies at sea.

A wedding cruise is the experience of a lifetime, embodying all of the luxury and romance you need to create memories you will treasure forever. With excellent facilities, mouth-watering cuisine and unrivalled entertainment, indulgence is a given.

Would you like to find out more about getting married on a cruise ship? Call our dedicated Cruise Concierge on 0207 980 2847 to find out more about on-board nuptials.

If you’re cruising with family, there’s no need to worry about anyone getting bored. The majority of cruise lines offer kids’ services, facilities and entertainment, to ensure even the little ones are kept entertained throughout the days and evenings. The majority of cruise lines also offer family-friendly staterooms and suites with additional beds/rooms/sofa beds/bathrooms, which not only save you money on the cost of your cruise fare, but keep the whole family together, yet are big enough to give you all the space you require.

We’ve picked out a few of our favourite cruise lines’ family propositions…

Royal Caribbean

A brilliantly family-focused cruise line, Royal Caribbean’s offerings seem endless. From rock-climbing walls to surf machines, dodgems to basketball courts, there are some great activities. But it doesn’t end there for your kids.

Their Youth Programmes are fantastic, placing children in groups with others of similar ages giving them friends for the whole holiday. They can be taken for dinner with their club too, leaving you the opportunity to dine à deux, or you can take them for a hotdog at Johnny Rocket’s (and enjoy one yourself!). But you’ll never forget their faces when you take them to the DreamWorks Experience. Their award-winning Adventure Ocean® is already filled to the brim with exciting activities - just imagine how exciting it will be when their favourite characters pop in for some fun! These popular characters will interact with the kids in fun activities such as story time, dance parties and more.

Celebrity Cruises

On-board Celebrity's ships you'll find dedicated Xbox stations and mobile consoles, creating one of the largest digital game and entertainment experiences at sea. Whether playing solo, or participating in an Xbox tournament or gaming theme night, there’s something for everyone in your family—from our youngest gamer to our most savvy teens. There is even programming for adults (but we won’t let the kids in on that little secret).

Celebrity cruises also have a programme for budding young directors and screenwriters where they will be taught how to create a film from scratch and there’s even an awards ceremony! There are fantastic youth programmes with activities arranged by age group, from games and treasure hunts for the little ones, to teens-only late night dances. There’s so much on-board to suit the whole family.

Norwegian Cruise Line

When it comes to keeping the kids happy, Norwegian Cruise Line have got it all covered. Offering an exclusive Nickelodeon entertainment programme, the only thing your children will have to complain about is going back home. Kids can take part in interactive game shows, eat breakfast with SpongeBob SquarePants and sing and dance at Dora’s Music Party.

Not only will the older kids love the on-board waterpark’s slides and tubes, but they will also have access to their own lounge area, where they can take part in Wii and Xbox challenges, team building and sports activities. Norwegian Cruise Line ensures that your children will be supervised by qualified childcare professionals, so you can relax in the knowledge that they are safe and sound. The entertainment doesn’t stop there, as NCL have recently introduced The Blue Men group as part of their world-class line-up, ensuring the perfect entertainment for all the family.

Sticking to their freestyle policy, you will find a host of suites and staterooms on-board your vessel, to ensure that you find the perfect accommodation for you and your family. The Private Haven, which is perfectly hidden on top of the ship, is a well-appointed suite, perfect for the privileged few. NCL’s suites and Penthouses offer spacious living areas, luxury bathrooms and your very own butler.

MSC Cruises

No one understands families better than MSC Cruises and they will ensure you and your loved ones enjoy every moment to the full. The Aqua Park, pools, water slide and games consoles are all included and much more.

The family will always be made to feel welcome with MSC Cruises – special welcomes, beepers and a whole programme of activities, social events and entertainment all combine to make it the perfect family holiday. Your children are free to explore a social life of their own, meeting new friends from around the world in a safe environment on a holiday they’ll never forget. As for the grown-ups, you can relax in the knowledge that your children are being looked after and are enjoying the time of their lives.

Carnival

The award winning Carnival youth program is certainly one they are proud of and it’s not hard to see why. With pool parties, dance competitions, arts and crafts, video games, exclusive teen shore excursions, sleepovers and karaoke, your youngsters certainly won’t be bored on their holiday. Additionally, on-board you can expect waterslides, spray fountains, countless swimming pool and on Carnival Vista the first ever IMAX screen. In the evenings, Carnival ships truly come alive, when you can enjoy exceptional production shows in the show lounge

Here at Cruise118, we have a team of dedicated Cruise Concierge who are on-hand to help to plan every aspect of your cruise. If you'd like some help in choosing the ship that's best for your family, or any advice about the types of staterooms that are available to accommodate you, please don't hesitate to give us a call on 0207 980 2847.

Perhaps you've cruised before as a couple and are planning your first voyage with a family in tow? Or maybe you've taken your little one for a hotel stay but never on a ship? Whatever your situation, if you're taking a cruise holiday with a baby or toddler, it pays to plan ahead.

Packing for babies can be a mammoth job even for a short trip. So to save you some time, we've produced this handy list of things you need might need during your cruise getaway.

Pram

This is a must. Even if your toddler prefers to walk, most cruise ships are pretty big, so they’ll probably get tired of walking whilst on-board, not to mention during excursions. A comfy pram will also give them somewhere to take a nap if you don’t plan on returning to your stateroom for nap time. Taking a cheap umbrella-folding buggy could be a better choice than your usual bulky pram, as you’ll need to fold it up any time you board a coach, mini-bus, plane or tender boat.

Baby carrier

A baby carrier or sling is sometimes preferable to a pram, depending on what you and your baby are used to. If you’re travelling by plane, you’ll have to check in your pram, and may then have some distance to walk through the airport before you get it back at the other side – a baby carrier can come in very handy at this point.

Car seat

Why would you need a car seat on a ship? Well you won’t, bit if you’re travelling by coach or taxi during your journey from home to the ship, or on excursions, you’ll probably feel safer to use it than to sit your baby on your lap. You aren’t limited by luggage restrictions on the ship, and most airlines let you take a car seat for free in addition to your luggage allowance.

Inflatable baby bath

This is necessary for two reasons. Firstly, most staterooms have showers rather than baths - and giving a baby a shower in a cramped bathroom is likely to be unpleasant for both of you. Secondly, you can take it poolside to create a private paddling pool for your tot. Children in swimming nappies aren’t allowed in cruise ship pools for hygiene reasons, so their own paddling pool is vital if they like to splash around.

Baby food and formula

Some cruise lines will puree food for babies, but it’s generally easier to take your own. Make sure that you take enough baby milk for the trip. Check that your stateroom has a kettle if you'll need to boil water - you can also get boiled water in most bars and restaurants. A few of the ready-made bottles are sure to come in handy for during excursions as well.

Bottles and steriliser

Take as many bottles as your baby uses in 24 hours. That way you’ll only have to do the washing up once per day. If you usually sterilise at home, you’ll probably want to continue this while you’re away. Sterilising tablets are recommended for this job, as they don’t take up much room and can be used with any large container.

Washing up equipment

You’ll want to wash your child’s bottles and sippy cups each day in your stateroom, so remember to pack sponges, brushes and washing-up liquid. You probably won’t be able to buy these on-board.

Bibs

Imagine the scene – you’ve dressed your toddler up in a cute yellow dress for formal night, and then you head to the buffet where she demands spaghetti bolognese. You’ll definitely be needing a bib for that – a tucked-in napkin just won’t cut it. The best kind of bibs are probably the plastic ones which you can wipe clean with a baby wipe at the end of each meal. Some even roll up to save space. Although some people find that disposable paper bibs are preferred as you can throw them away after dessert.

Plates, bowls, cups and cutlery

Whilst most cruise lines will have some plastic plates and bowls on hand – it’s better to be prepared – especially if your little one is a ‘thrower’. Carrying your own can save you from asking every time you visit the buffet or snack bar.

Nappies, wipes and nappy bags

Most cruise ships don’t sell nappies and wipes on-board, so it’s important to bring your own. Check the cruise line’s policy on swimming nappies. They’re generally not allowed in the main pools, but may be allowed in certain splash pools in the kids’ area.

Portable changing mat

You’ll find plenty of baby-changing facilities on-board your ship. However, whilst on land, the same facilities may not be available, depending on the country and places you’re visiting. If you’re forced to change your baby on a toilet floor, beach or coach, you’ll be glad of a changing mat! So take a small, fold up one for emergencies.

Medications

Even if your child is rarely ill, packing some Calpol, nappy rash cream, teething gel and a thermometer is a good idea as you may struggle to get these items on-board.

Sun protection

Sun cream, hats and sunglasses are all a must for little ones in warm destinations, and much cheaper to buy before you board. Babies should avoid direct sunlight altogether, so a clip-on umbrella or sun-shade for the pram can also be handy.

Toys

Yes, there’s lots to do on-board, but much of this is geared at the over 3s. There’ll be plenty of times when you’ll want your child to be kept busy so that you can enjoy a meal or a drink in peace. You’ll also want to keep them entertained during your journey from home to the port – so take a new toy which they haven’t seen before.

Tablet

Parents these days will wonder how people coped before iPads were invented. From calming a screaming toddler in a restaurant, to entertaining them with an hour or two of ‘Peppa Pig’ during a flight, many mums and dads choose to abandon their rules on limiting screen time whilst on holiday. Come 10pm when you want a cocktail, letting your little one watch ‘In The Night Garden’ in the pram can be preferable to pacing up and down the ship trying to lull them to sleep.

Do you have any more ideas for what to pack for your cruise holiday with young children? Let us know in the comments below.

Here at Cruise118, we have experts on hand to help you plan the perfect cruise for your family. For advice about any specific cruise, or prices on the most suitable family staterooms for your needs, please don't hesitate to give us a call on 0207 980 2847.

Cruising from the UK is a great option for people enjoying cruises in Europe, around the Mediterranean or even further afield. When it comes to convenience and cost, it can't be beaten. But how many of these little-known facts about UK cruising were you aware of?

There’s a wider choice of cruises than ever before

The number of cruises departing from the UK is increasing every year, with record numbers of passengers departing from UK shores . The cruise lines are keen to meet this demand, sending more and more of their best ships on exciting new itineraries.

International cruise line Princess Cruises have announced that 2018 will be their biggest year yet for cruises from the UK – with over 1 million cruise nights available. Embracing all things British, their flagship, Royal Princess, will offer cruises around the UK with overnight stays in Dublin, Glasgow and Edinburgh. They’ll also have a host of other new itineraries available, including cruises from Dover which call at some of the most popular capital cities in Europe.

You have a choice of ports to cruise from

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the port of Southampton is your only option when taking a cruise from the UK. It’s true that a whopping 90% of passengers set sail from Southampton when departing from the UK, but there are other options available.

The London Cruise Terminal, located in Tilbury, is a popular choice for cruisers living in the capital. Those living in the North East of England may opt for Newcastle International Cruise Terminal. When heading to Northern Europe, you can save a day’s sailing each way compared to travelling from the South.

A variety of smaller ports offer cruises from the UK too, including departures from Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It’s cheaper than a fly-cruise

As you don’t need to pay for a flight, the majority of cruises from the UK will come at a cheaper cost than a fly-cruise. Great news for those on a budget, you can often get UK cruises for under £500 per person. When you consider how much you’d spend on accommodation, food and entertainment on a week-long hotel break in the UK, a cruise can be a much cheaper option.

You have no restrictions on luggage

If your cruise doesn’t include flights, you can generally bring as much luggage as you like! But before you get carried away with the packing, remember that you’ll need to store your cases in your stateroom, and depending on which grade you book, space may be limited. Also, if you’re planning on travelling by car, taxi or coach, you’ll need to make sure that your cases can fit.

Most of your fellow passengers will be Brits

If you prefer the company of fellow Brits whilst on holiday, then a cruise departing from the UK is the way to go, as you’ll find that the majority of passengers tend to be British. Exceptions to this may be cruises around the UK itself, which are popular with other nationalities, especially Americans, who like to explore the UK and enjoy our rich history.

The proportion of UK cruisers to other nationalities on-board will vary by cruise line. Some cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises, are popular with Europeans who may board the ship at various points along the itinerary. If you’re determined that you’d prefer British cruisers on your ship – opt for P&O cruises – this British-owned cruise line sells the vast majority of its cruises to Brits. You’ll even find a 94-metre Union Flag painted on the bow of most ships.

You can have two holidays in one

Cruising from the UK gives you the option to create your own personalised cruise and stay holiday – and take advantage of the attractions that our homeland offers. Close to Southampton you’ll find the historic monuments of Stonehenge, the New Forest National Park with its wild ponies and the beautiful the Isle of Wight to name but a few. Those travelling with children could take the opportunity to visit Peppa Pig World or the seaside town of Bournemouth.

If you’re travelling a distance by car to start your cruise, you might opt to break up the journey with an overnight hotel stay or two along the way. Visit a new city, or admire the rolling countryside views, the UK is your oyster!

You can get fly-cruise packages on cruises sailing from the UK

When sailing from Southampton, you'll need to consider how to get to the port. If you live a few hundred miles away, flying to Southampton Airport could be a cheaper option than driving or taking the train.

Here at Cruise118, we have a team of dedicated cruise concierge who can put together a package cruise holiday that's tailored to your needs. So if you'd like to get a price that included flights from your local airport to the city that your cruise departs from, be sure to mention this when you call, and we'll help you weigh up the options.

For expert advice on choosing and booking your cruise, please give us a call on 0207 980 2847 and our expert cruise concierge team will be happy to help.