You're engaged!
Congratulations!
Pop the cork on the champagne!
Marital bliss is just around the corner!

Or is it? First, there are the issues of the wedding. Where will it be? Who's invited? What about flowers and cake? The champagne? The reception?

Popping the question is just the first of many steps you take before those that bring you down the aisle. But before you take another step, be sure you've considered all options. Yes, a traditional wedding and reception in your home town would be very nice; perhaps it's your only option. But if you and your loved one are leaning towards the not-so-traditional, consider this:

A shipboard wedding!

A number of new ships now include non-denomiational "wedding chapels" where weddings, vow renewals and religious services take place. These chapels present not only a new trend in cruising but a new wedding option for couples! In the next few paragraphs we'll focus on the Wedding Chapel aboard Carnival Miracle, one of four ships in their fleet to boast this popular venue.

Designed to resemble a Gothic church, the chapel features navy blue carpeting, wooden pews and stained-glass windows which portray Old Testament scenes. While the chapel's well-appointed furnishings create the illusion that you're standing in a land-locked church, the seafaring spirit of adventure pervades the ceremony. Saying "I do" just hours before your ship sails from a North American or Caribbean port fills the entire ceremony with anticipation of the good times ahead.

Marriage ceremonies in port are available while the Carnival Miracle is cruising Caribbean waters; however, an actual wedding "at sea" is possibly only aboard the her sister ship, the Carnival Spirit, as she sails northbound on Alaskan cruises. (Carnival has made special arrangements with the Canadian government to hold ceremonies as the ship sails from scenic Vancouver harbor.)

Carnival weddings offer great value; they're certainly comparable to many Las Vegas wedding packages. However, unlike taking the plunge in the "I do" capital of the world, a cruise ship provides you with several exciting destinations for your honeymoon — not just one. Plus, you can avoid so many of the hassles just by letting 7 Blue Seas and Carnival make the necessary arrangements!

Packages to suit a variety of wedding needs and budgets are available.

The "Just for the Bride and Groom" ceremony provides an intimate ceremony, followed by a champagne toast and cake cutting. Services of an officiant, bridal bouque and boutonniere, a bottle of sparkling wine, Carnival champagne flutes, a wedding cake with keepsake topper, recorded march music and optional photography service. The package will accommodate 6 guests. Most couples choose this simple option.

Prices begin at $750.00*

The "Welcome Aboard Package" accommodates 20 guests (including bride and groom). All features of the "Just for the Bride and Groom" package are provided plus a one-hour open bar with hot & cold hors d'oeuvres, champagne toast, 2-tier wedding cake, cake server and coffee service.

Prices begin at $1350.00*. Additional guests may attend at the extra cost of $22.00 per person.

The "Deluxe Romance Package" accommodates 20 guests (including bride and groom) and offers the features of the "Welcome Aboard Package" with an extended (one and a half-hour) reception with open bar. Also featured is an elaborate ice-carving.

Prices begin at $1450.00*. Additional guests may attend at the extra cost of $24.00 per person.

Additionally, a "Wedding Luncheon" package is also available. The package includes all features of the "Just for the Bride and Groom" package. Immediately following the ceremony, guests may proceed to one of the ship's elegant, main dining rooms where each guest receives an appetizer, pasta, main entree with vegetable, dessert, wedding cake, house wine, champagne toast, coffee and tea.

Prices begin at $1,050*. Additional guests may attend at the extra cost of $34.50 ($17.25 for kids 12 years of age and under). Options include dance music and open bar in the dining room.

Compare those prices to shoreside! And just think of the romantic HONEYMOON possibilities!

*Prices vary by port where the ceremonies/receptions/luncheons take place. Peak-season surcharges may apply during Christmas/New Years, Mid-February and May and June. Package fees pertain to all attendees. Marriage license fees are not included. Amounts shown reflect those posted on site by Carnival Cruises as of September, 2005, and are subject to change.