Cruise Ship Weddings Gain Popularity as an Affordable Alternative to Traditional Destination Ceremonies

Published April 16, 2026

An increasing number of couples are opting for weddings aboard cruise ships as a budget-conscious substitute to costly destination celebrations, according to the Wedding & Honeymoon Trend Report by Fora travel agency.

As the average cost of weddings is projected to reach $36,000 in 2026, cruise wedding packages provide a more economical option. For example, Carnival offers a basic wedding ceremony starting at $1,799 for ten attendees, whereas Royal Caribbean’s premium package is priced at $9,499 and accommodates up to 100 guests. It is important to note that guests are responsible for their own cruise fares, which vary between $560 and $7,900 per person based on the itinerary and cabin selection.

However, there are some challenges associated with cruise ship weddings, such as limited availability of private spaces for larger groups and the logistical difficulties involved in coordinating guests.