Royal Caribbean Offers Explorer Weddings

Royal Caribbean International is unveiling Explorer Weddings, a program that combines a cruise with an exotic destination or themed wedding.

Explorer Weddings allow couples to exchange vows in distinctive settings, such as next to the onboard surf simulator, on top of an Alaskan glacier, in a hot-air balloon or in a medieval castle. As an extension of Royal Caribbean's Royal Romance program, Explorer Weddings was created in partnership with The Wedding Experience.

It will debut with the launch of Liberty of the Seas, which will sail its maiden voyage on May 19. The Liberty shares the title of world's largest cruise ship with sister ship Freedom of the Seas.

"More than 15 percent of Americans are choosing a destination wedding instead of a traditional land-based ceremony," said Steve Shaiken, vice president-onboard revenue operations. Explorer Wedding coordinators work closely with the bride and groom to customize their wedding or vow renewal, including creating personalized vows, if needed. They arrange the transportation and priority check-in for the couple and their guests, and even meet the couple at the pier and escort them to their stateroom to address any last-minute questions.Couples can choose to marry at onboard locations such as the ice-skating rink, rock-climbing wall or ship's golf course, or shoreside settings, including the top of a volcano, in a rainforest, or in a vineyard, all of which would be decorated thematically for a private ceremony.

As part of the basic Explorer Weddings package, the bride and groom will receive a bouquet, a boutonniere with matching bloom, traditional or customized music accompaniment, champagne and wedding cake, and a keepsake Explorer Weddings marriage certificate. The ceremony is performed by a non-denominational officiant, and a professional photographer will be on hand. Additional special requests can be accommodated.

Call Royal Romance Wedding Consultants at 888-933-7225 or email royalromance@theweddingexperience.com. For more information on Royal Caribbean, call 800-327-2056 or visit www.cruisingpower.com.