How to book a cruise wedding on Royal Caribbean?

A cruise wedding combines romance, convenience, and breathtaking scenery—often at a lower cost than traditional destination weddings. Royal Caribbean Cruises, one of the world’s largest and most reputable cruise lines, offers wedding packages across multiple destinations, many of which are surprisingly affordable.

But which Royal Caribbean cruise wedding destinations are the cheapest, and how can couples keep costs under control without sacrificing experience?

This in-depth guide answers that question with expert insights, real-world examples, transparent pricing considerations, and actionable tips, helping you plan a budget-friendly Royal Caribbean cruise wedding with confidence.

Why Choose a Royal Caribbean Cruise Wedding?

Royal Caribbean has decades of experience hosting weddings at sea and in port, offering:

• Professional onboard wedding coordinators

• Legal and symbolic ceremonies

• Bundled packages that reduce planning stress

• Access to stunning global destinations

• Competitive pricing compared to land-based destination weddings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average traditional wedding costs over $30,000, while cruise weddings often start under $5,000, excluding guest travel (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).

Understanding Royal Caribbean Cruise Wedding Costs

Before exploring destinations, it’s important to understand what drives cruise wedding pricing.

Core Cost Components

• Ceremony location (onboard vs. port)

• Legal requirements of the destination

• Port fees and local officiant costs

• Guest count

• Ship class and sailing length

Royal Caribbean wedding packages typically start around $1,950–$3,500, based on publicly available information from Royal Caribbean’s official wedding partners.

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a single fixed wedding price, as costs vary by destination, ship, and legal requirements.

Cheapest Royal Caribbean Cruise Wedding Destinations (Ranked)

1. Florida (Port Canaveral & Miami) – Cheapest Overall

Why it’s affordable:Florida port weddings avoid international legal fees, translation costs, and residency requirements.

Key Benefits

• No passport required for U.S. citizens

• Minimal paperwork

• Lower officiant and port fees

• Easy guest access

Estimated Cost

• Starting around $1,950–$2,500

Best for: Couples who want the most budget-friendly option with minimal planning stress.

Official reference:

• Royal Caribbean Wedding Program

• Florida Department of Health (marriage regulations)

2. Bahamas (Nassau & CocoCay)

The Bahamas consistently rank among the cheapest international cruise wedding destinations.

Why It’s Affordable

• Short sailings (3–4 nights)

• Simplified marriage laws

• High wedding volume keeps costs competitive

Estimated Cost

• $2,500–$3,000

Popular Locations

• Nassau

• Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island)

• Royal Caribbean’s private destinations help control costs by eliminating third-party venue fees.

Government source:

• Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

3. Mexico (Cozumel & Costa Maya)

Mexico offers strong value for cruise weddings due to established tourism infrastructure.

Cost Advantages

• Lower officiant and port charges

• Competitive vendor pricing

• No residency requirements for symbolic ceremonies

Estimated Cost

• $3,000–$3,500

Things to Know

• Legal weddings may require blood tests and translated documents

• Symbolic ceremonies are cheaper and easier

Trusted sources:

• U.S. Department of State – Mexico Travel

• Royal Caribbean Destination Guides

4. Puerto Rico (San Juan)

Puerto Rico offers Caribbean beauty with U.S. legal simplicity.

Why It’s Budget-Friendly

• U.S. territory—no passport for U.S. citizens

• No international marriage documentation

• High availability of cruise weddings

Estimated Cost

• $2,800–$3,300

Official resource:

• Puerto Rico Department of Health

5. Jamaica (Montego Bay & Falmouth)

Jamaica is affordable for couples planning symbolic or vow renewal ceremonies.

Cost Breakdown

• Lower vendor pricing

• Popular cruise port wedding infrastructure

Estimated Cost

• $3,200–$3,800

Considerations

• Legal ceremonies require advance paperwork

• Symbolic ceremonies reduce costs significantly

Government reference:

• Government of Jamaica – Marriage Act

Comparison Table: Cheapest Royal Caribbean Cruise Wedding Destinations

Destination	Starting Cost	Legal Complexity	Passport Needed (US)	Best For
Florida	$1,950	Very Low	No	Lowest cost
Bahamas	$2,500	Low	Yes	Private island weddings
Mexico	$3,000	Moderate	Yes	Cultural settings
Puerto Rico	$2,800	Low	No	Caribbean without passport
Jamaica	$3,200	Moderate	Yes	Symbolic ceremonies

Onboard vs. Port Wedding: Which Is Cheaper?

Onboard Weddings

 Lower paperwork Predictable pricing No foreign legal fees

Port Weddings

 Scenic destinations More local flavor Additional legal costs

Expert Tip:For maximum savings, choose an onboard ceremony departing from Florida, then celebrate at ports afterward.

Step-by-Step: How to Plan the Cheapest Royal Caribbean Cruise Wedding

Step 1: Choose a Short Itinerary

3–4 night cruises cost less and attract more guests.

Step 2: Pick an Onboard Ceremony

Reduces paperwork, legal fees, and delays.

Step 3: Limit Guest Count

Royal Caribbean packages are optimized for 10–50 guests.

Step 4: Choose Off-Peak Sailings

Avoid summer and holidays. Shoulder seasons (April–May, Sept–Oct) are cheaper.

Step 5: Bundle Services

Royal Caribbean packages often include:

• Venue

• Officiant

• Bouquet & cake

• Music

Bundling saves significantly versus external vendors.

Real-World Example: Budget Cruise Wedding Under $5,000

Couple: Based in FloridaSailing: 4-night Bahamas cruiseGuests: 20

Estimated Breakdown:

• Wedding package: $2,400

• Couple cruise fare: $1,200

• Extras (photos, upgrades): $900

Total: ~$4,500 (excluding guest fares)

Legal vs. Symbolic Cruise Weddings: Cost Impact

Legal Ceremony

• Higher fees

• More documentation

• Country-specific rules

Symbolic Ceremony

• No legal paperwork

• Often $500–$1,000 cheaper

• Popular for destination weddings

According to the U.S. Department of State, marriage laws vary widely by country, increasing both cost and complexity.

Expert Tips to Reduce Cruise Wedding Costs

• Skip peak sail dates

• Avoid custom décor

• Use Royal Caribbean’s preferred vendors

• Choose digital photography packages

• Encourage guests to book early for group discounts

Safety & Health Considerations

Royal Caribbean follows international health guidelines, including recommendations from:

• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• WHO (World Health Organization)

Always check destination-specific travel health advisories via CDC.gov or gov.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the absolute cheapest Royal Caribbean cruise wedding destination?

Florida ports are typically the cheapest due to minimal legal and travel requirements.

2. Are cruise weddings cheaper than land destination weddings?

Yes. According to Consumer Reports, cruise weddings can cost 50–70% less.

3. Can non-cruise guests attend the wedding?

Yes, but they must obtain special boarding passes and follow port rules.

4. Is a passport required?

Only for international destinations. U.S. ports and Puerto Rico do not require passports for U.S. citizens.

5. How far in advance should we book?

6–9 months is ideal for best pricing and availability.

6. Are symbolic ceremonies legally valid?

No, but they are ideal if legal marriage is completed beforehand.

7. Can same-sex couples get married on Royal Caribbean?

Yes. Royal Caribbean supports same-sex weddings, subject to destination laws.

8. Do guests get group discounts?

Often yes, depending on sailing and booking timeline.

9. Are wedding planners included?

Yes. Royal Caribbean provides dedicated wedding coordinators.

10. What if bad weather affects the ceremony?

Ships offer indoor backup venues at no additional cost.

Final Verdict: Best Cheap Royal Caribbean Cruise Wedding Destinations

If affordability is your top priority:

1. Florida (onboard) – cheapest, easiest

2. Bahamas – best value international option

3. Puerto Rico – Caribbean feel without passport hassle

Royal Caribbean cruise weddings offer exceptional value, combining logistics, scenery, and celebration into one cost-effective experience.