Tie the Knot Weddings
How to Sell a Princess Wedding at Sea, Harborside or Ashore
April 2012 Update
All information is considered correct at date of publishing. We always provide the most current information at princess.com or at 1-800-421-1700.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
HOW TO TAKE THIS COURSE
Cruise ship weddings are a popular way for engaged couples to plan a
unique ceremony and reception on their special day. Princess has been
widely known as the most romantic cruise line since the launch of The
Love Boat® TV series, and what could be better than getting married with a
cruise line associated with love and romance?
This course outlines the Tie the Knot Wedding program offered with
Princess and includes the following topics:
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Program Overview
Selling Tips
Benefits of Tie the Knot weddings
Types of Tie the Knot weddings
Tie the Knot Packages
Romantic Packages
Princess Cruises was awarded the Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Award
as the “Best Cruise Line for Weddings” in 2008, 2009 and 2010!
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
INTRODUCTION
Weddings at sea background
Weddings at sea launched on Grand Princess® in 1998 with the first
wedding chapel at sea. Princess made maritime and marriage history
and turned cruising lore into reality by having the captain perform the
wedding ceremony. Until then, it had been a common misconception that
any ship captain was empowered to marry couples, but in truth no such
ceremony had been conducted aboard a major cruise ship.
Grand Princess’ launch, featuring the cruise industry’s first ocean-going
wedding chapel, changed myth to fact and today hundreds of couples are
married each year by Princess captains in waters around the globe,
including the Mediterranean, Alaska and numerous exotic destinations.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
INTRODUCTION
Diverse Choices
Today, Princess’ Tie the Knot wedding
program has grown to not only offer these
special at sea ceremonies, but also
harborside ceremonies in embarkation
ports or weddings ashore in select ports of
call.
Together these options have created the
cruise industry’s most diverse and unique
wedding program, offering the convenience
of a wedding and honeymoon in one
customizable package that makes this
important event easy and hassle-free.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
EASY TO SELL
Why hold a wedding at sea?
Couples have many choices when it comes to destination weddings.
Here are some key points for selling a nuptials cruise:
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Your clients can have their dream wedding (and honeymoon) aboard a
Princess cruise at a fraction of the cost of a land-based wedding.
Destination weddings are very popular now, especially as couples increasingly
pay for their own weddings. A wedding aboard a Princess cruise allows the
bride and groom to combine the wedding with the honeymoon, saving money
in the long run without compromising an incredibly special and memorable
wedding experience.
• Destination Anywhere – Cruises go to the most romantic destinations that
honeymooners can imagine, including Tahiti, Hawaii, Caribbean and Europe.
Princess sails to all of these hot spots and many others. On a cruise ship
your clients can actually visit more than one destination – as they stop in one
romantic port after the other (while only unpacking once) and have all of the
amenities of a luxury resort – spas, specialty dining, entertainment, etc.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
EASY TO SELL
There are a number of ways to add weddings and honeymoons to your
cruise business. Here are some ideas for agents to help gain
brides-to-be as dedicated customers:
• Reach out to local Wedding Planners
A great way to gain leads and referrals is by being in close contact with
prominent wedding planners in your area. Wedding planners are often
influential with honeymoon recommendations and are involved with couples
early in the process.
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Exhibit at Wedding Expos & Advertise in Local Wedding
Magazines Participation in local wedding expos exposes an agent directly to
brides to make personal connections and promote a wedding/honeymoon at
sea. Additionally, advertisements in regional bridal publications can help sell
the agent’s message.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
EASY TO SELL
Other Sales Tactics
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Focus on Group Bookings
Weddings at sea provide a natural
tie-in for groups of family & friends
to travel together. This is an
additional revenue generator for the
agent who can now book a group.
Become a Honeymoon Specialist
Make yourself known as a
honeymoon specialist in your area.
Have it on business cards, the
agency website, press releases to
local papers, a constant tag line on
correspondence, etc.
Click on the image above to download our detailed planning guide!
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
EASY TO SELL
Travel Agent’s Role
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Work with the wedding couple to select Princess’ award-winning program.
Show them the fabulous planning guide which not only illustrates the
many options but also the savings!
Help select the sailing and wedding location.
Work with the wedding couple to choose their dream honeymoon and
wedding location. Remember that it is best to begin the process at
least 12 months in advance.
Help the wedding couple determine the guest list, create the group and
make bookings.
Once you know the approximate number of guests you can work with
the Group Department to reserve space. Start booking!
Direct the wedding couple to contact the wedding coordinator at Royal
Ocean Events to make arrangements.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
PROGRAM BASICS
Princess’ Tie the Knot wedding program includes three types
of ceremony options:
1. At Sea – Get married at sea in a ceremony conducted by the captain
as the ship sails between ports all over the world. Princess
pioneered this type of ceremony in the modern cruise industry.
2. Harborside – Get married on board the ship while it is in port –
usually the embarkation port before the ship sets sail. Weddings are
officiated by local clergy.
3. Ashore – Get married in a port of call during the cruise to take
advantage of the many romantic ports around the world. Weddings
are officiated by local clergy.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
PROGRAM BASICS
Benefits of a Wedding At Sea
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A unique and seamless experience
Destination weddings are very popular and getting married on a Princess ship
(aka “The Love Boat”) is a unique experience for couples looking for a
romantic, enjoyable and stress-free wedding experience
Your clients will
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have an assigned wedding coordinator to handle the details. These weddings
also tend to be smaller than land-based weddings and it’s easy for family and
friends to come along.
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All of the services of a land wedding
Our ships offer everything needed for a fabulous wedding – and it is
customizable! Flowers, catering, full bar, live music, custom wedding cake,
photography, videography, Lotus Spa®, tuxedo rental, dry cleaning and
pressing, special transportation – all can be arranged through the wedding
coordinator. Princess even allows couples to custom order their cake, so if a
bride has a photo of her dream wedding cake, our pastry chefs can duplicate
it for their special day.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
PROGRAM BASICS
Benefits of a Wedding At Sea (continued)
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Save money without giving up your wedding vision
Couples can also enjoy all of the amenities of a land-based wedding, from the
flowers to the cake, for a fraction of the price. The average cost of a wedding
in the United States is more than $25,000* – and that doesn’t include the
honeymoon! Our ceremonies start at just $2,250 for an At Sea wedding,
including officiant, live music, floral, photography, wedding cake and
champagne for two (with keepsake wedding flutes), license fees and wedding
certificate. With receptions starting at just $21 per person, it is possible to
keep wedding costs under $5,000 – without sacrifice.
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Intimate and memorable
You also can’t beat the unbelievable ocean views or intimacy of our onboard
wedding chapels. Many couples really like the idea of combining their
wedding and honeymoon into one memorable experience.
*Source, www.costofwedding.com.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
PROGRAM BASICS
Princess Weddings have grown in popularity:
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When the program began in
1998, Princess married 58
couples aboard Grand Princess
alone.
Between 2004 and 2011, more
than 5,700 couples have been
married through Princess’ Tie the
Knot program.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
“AT SEA” WEDDINGS
Tie the Knot At Sea
Although popular in maritime lore, getting married at sea had not been
done in nearly a century when Princess Cruises made history by
implementing legal weddings at sea more than a decade ago.
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At Sea weddings are performed by the captain while in international waters,
and are legal under the authority of the ship’s Bermuda registry.
• At Sea weddings are the most popular Princess wedding option, chosen by
more than 82% of couples marrying with Princess.
• Originally only held on ships with wedding chapels, At Sea ceremonies are
now available across the fleet.
• Weddings At Sea packages start at $1,800 for the ceremony (plus $455 for
registration and license fees). Prices vary depending on extra services and
the number of guests.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
“HARBORSIDE” WEDDINGS
Tie the Knot Harborside
Princess’ wedding program also offers the opportunity to schedule
special pre-cruise “Tie the Knot Harborside” ceremonies aboard any of
Princess’ vessels.
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Usually conducted prior to the cruise in the embarkation port, this option offers
couples the opportunity to choose to invite family and friends to join them just
for the day or to stay for the full cruise
• A local non-denominational officiant will perform the ceremony (ship captains
only have the authority to marry couples in international waters)
• Package prices vary based on the port
• Harborside weddings are chosen by approximately 10% of couples
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
ASHORE WEDDINGS
Tie the Knot Ashore
Ashore weddings offer a variety of romantic backdrops, such as
sparkling Caribbean beaches, the Alaskan wilderness, or historic
European cities.
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Princess offers weddings in many of the more than 300 ports where its ships
call – in some of the world’s most exciting destinations
Wedding experts can provide local nuptial traditions
A local non-denominational officiant will perform the ceremony
Available in select ports – package prices vary based on the port
Chosen by approximately 8% of couples
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
PACKAGES
Tie the Knot Packages include:
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Music
Bouquet and matching boutonniere
Photographer
Champagne
Services of a professional Wedding Coordinator
Couples can personalize their ceremony with a variety of extra options
depending on the port. Costs for both Harborside and Ashore weddings
also vary by port.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
PACKAGES
Luxury Upgrade Options
Couples can customize their wedding with*:
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Food and beverage selections
Specialty cakes
Floral Upgrades
Video packages
Photography upgrades
Lotus Spa services
Live entertainment for ceremony or
reception
Tuxedo rental
*Luxury options vary from port to port.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
PACKAGES
Receptions
Couples can choose to have a festive
reception following their wedding in a
number of the ship’s restaurants or public
lounges.
A one-hour reception starts at just $21 per
person for hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and
an open bar. Couples can add food
stations, a full gourmet luncheon or even
one of Princess’ famous ice sculptures.
Extra events can also be added before the
wedding, such as a bridal shower,
bachelor party or rehearsal dinner.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
WEDDING CHAPELS
Hearts and Minds
Princess was the first line to build a
wedding chapel into the design of its
ships. Grand Princess debuted with the
first such chapel, and it became such a
popular feature for At Sea and
Harborside ceremonies that chapels are
now also available on:
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Ruby Princess®
Emerald Princess®
Crown Princess®
Caribbean Princess®
Sapphire Princess®
Diamond Princess®
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Golden Princess®
Star Princess®
Island Princess®
Coral Princess®
Royal Princess® – Coming May 2013!
The Hearts and Minds wedding chapels seat approximately 30-35 guests and can also be used
for meetings and classes when not in use for weddings and renewal of vows ceremonies.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
HOW TO BOOK
How to Book a Wedding with Princess
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Tie the Knot packages can be arranged through Royal Ocean
Events – an expert wedding company contracted by Princess.
The company handles all wedding arrangements and works directly
with wedding couples and Princess to create and arrange events.
You may contact them at: 1-855-434-3550
A wedding coordinator is provided to work with you and your clients
to coordinate the details and planning the event for your clients.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
BERMUDA WEDDING REGULATIONS
Bermuda Wedding Regulations
At Sea weddings are performed under the authority of the ship’s Bermuda
registry. All couples receive Bermuda Wedding Certificates after they return
home.
• As part of Princess’ Tie the Knot program, couples receive assistance with
meeting all Bermuda regulations and paperwork requirements.
• Among the unique requirements are wedding banns (similar to
announcements), which must be published in a local Bermuda newspaper 15
days before the ceremony. A simple form is filled out and submitted for
publication. This requirement is also handled for the couple through the Tie
the Knot program.
• Because of Bermuda paperwork requirements, couples who are swept away
by the romance of their cruise vacation unfortunately cannot spontaneously
decide to get married once they are at sea. All weddings must be planned in
advance of sailing.
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TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
ON TO THE HONEYMOON!
One of the biggest advantages of a Tie the Knot Wedding is that once
the ceremony and reception are finished, the newlyweds are already on
their honeymoon – no travel required!
The wide variety of Princess itineraries offers couples the opportunity to
start their married life with the perfect vacation, whether lounging in a
tropical paradise, visiting a cosmopolitan city or just spending time
together on their own private balcony, watching the world go by.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
ROMANCE PACKAGES
Princess offers many options for couples who simply want to add extra
romance to their cruise. These packages are great for your clients who
are celebrating anniversaries and other romantic milestones –
especially those who were married on a Princess Cruise, or even those
who are just about to become engaged!
The following packages are available through Special Services. Call
Princess Reservations for more details!
1. Renewal of Vows
2. Honeymoon & Anniversary Packages
3. Special Occasion & Grand Occasion Packages
Note: Prices for packages are correct as of April 6, 2012 and are subject to change, with or without notice.
The Honeymoon, Special Occasion or Grand Occasion Packages are a great way for you
to thank your clients for their Wedding business or as recommendations for relatives!
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
ROMANCE PACKAGES
Engagement Under the Stars
The "Engagement Under the Stars" package offers the opportunity for
a couple to enjoy movie-star status when they agree to tie the knot.
This package is only available on ships featuring Movies Under the
Stars®. Due to the special nature of this event, space is extremely
limited on each sailing, so your client should call as soon as the cruise
is booked. This package is also arranged through Royal Ocean
Events at 1-855-434-3550
For $695, your client can pop the question to their unsuspecting intended with a
personal video proposal shown on the ship's giant outdoor Movies Under the
Stars movie screen. After they become betrothed, Princess will continue to
keep the stars in their eyes throughout the sailing with a special romantic dinner,
amenities, and the creation of keepsake items to remember the occasion long
after they return home. This package even includes a credit toward their future
Tie the Knot ceremony on Princess!
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
ROMANCE PACKAGES
Renewal of Vows
Standard Renewal of Vows Package
For $220 per couple, this package includes:
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A renewal of vows ceremony.*
Orchid bouquet and boutonniere for the ceremony.
Commemorative certificate for "renewal of vows" signed by the Captain.
One bottle of champagne for the stateroom.
Two Princess engraved souvenir champagne glasses.
A framed portrait of the ceremony.
14 piece Godiva heart-shaped box of chocolates.
*Renewal of vows are group ceremonies scheduled at the ship's discretion and all
arrangements are made with the ship's representatives on board.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
ROMANCE PACKAGES
Renewal of Vows (continued)
Deluxe Renewal of Vows* Package
For $495 per couple, this package includes all the features of the
standard package, plus these fabulous additions:
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Champagne breakfast in bed-a half bottle of French champagne
delivered with breakfast in the stateroom the morning of the client’s
choice.
Two Princess Cruises waffle robes – a gift to take home.
A visit to the Spa – one 25-minute therapeutic massage or facial per
person.
Choice of canapés or petit fours in the stateroom on selected evenings.
A personalized invitation from the Captain to visit the bridge while in
port.
*Renewal of vows are group ceremonies scheduled at the ship's discretion and all
arrangements are made with the ship's representatives on board.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
ROMANCE PACKAGES
Honeymoon & Anniversary Packages
Standard Honeymoon or Anniversary Package
For $140 per couple, this package includes:
• One bottle of champagne in the stateroom accompanied by two longstemmed roses.
• Two Princess Cruises engraved souvenir champagne glasses.
• A framed formal portrait.
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries delivered to the stateroom on
embarkation day.
• A personalized anniversary or honeymoon card from the Captain – a
commemorative keepsake of the occasion.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
ROMANCE PACKAGES
Honeymoon & Anniversary Packages
Deluxe Honeymoon or Anniversary Package
For $445 per couple, this package includes all the features of the standard
package, plus these fabulous additions:
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Champagne breakfast in bed – a half bottle of French champagne
delivered with breakfast in the stateroom on the morning of the client’s
choice.
Two Princess Cruises waffle robes – gifts to take home.
A visit to the spa – one 25-minute therapeutic massage or facial per
person.
Canapés or petit fours delivered to the stateroom on selected evening.
A personalized invitation from the Captain to visit the bridge while in port.
14 piece Godiva heart-shaped box of chocolates.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
ROMANCE PACKAGES
Special Occasion Package
For $175 per couple, this package includes:
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One bottle of champagne in the stateroom.
A framed formal portrait.
Canapés or petit fours delivered to the stateroom on the evening of the
client’s choice.
Champagne breakfast in bed – a bottle of domestic champagne with
breakfast in the stateroom the morning of the client’s choice.
14 piece Godiva heart-shaped box of chocolates.
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
ROMANCE PACKAGES
Grand Occasion Package
For $535 per couple, this package includes:
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"Welcome aboard" bottle of Dom Perignon champagne.
A framed formal portrait.
Canapés or petit fours delivered to the stateroom on the evening of the
client’s choice.
Champagne breakfast in bed – a half bottle of French champagne
delivered with breakfast in the stateroom the morning of the client’s
choice.
Two Princess waffle robes – gifts to take home.
A visit to the Lotus Spa – one 25-minute therapeutic massage or facial
per person.
A personalized invitation from the Captain to visit the Bridge while in port
14 piece Godiva heart-shaped box of chocolates.
TIE THE KNOT WEDDINGS review
TIE THE KNOTSM WEDDINGS
REVIEW
Congratulations!
You have completed the Princess Cruises Course material on Tie the Knot
Weddings. Please review a few of the major points of the program below.
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The first wedding officiated by a ship’s captain at sea was performed on
Grand Princess in 1998, which also debuted the first maritime wedding
chapel.
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Tie the Knot wedding ceremonies can be performed at sea, harborside or
ashore in select ports.
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Couples who choose Tie the Knot weddings will receive the services of a
wedding coordinator, photography, flowers, cake and other amenities for a
fraction of the price of a land-based wedding.
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Weddings aboard Princess ships can help you to gain group business as
families and friends will want to witness the ceremony.
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Princess also offers romantic packages that any of your couples can enjoy.