Renewing Your Vows at Sea: How It Works
Yes, you can renew your vows on a cruise, and it is simpler than a wedding because nothing is legally binding. Most lines offer packages booked before sailing, ranging from a short, officer-led ceremony to a full celebration with photos and a reception.
What a shipboard vow renewal involves
Because you are already married, there is no paperwork, licence or legal officiant. The ceremony is purely about the occasion. A ship's officer or staff member usually leads it, using a standard script that you can personalise with your own words.
Ceremonies usually take place at a scenic spot on board, such as a forward lounge, the chapel on ships that have one, or an open deck. Some lines can also arrange ceremonies ashore in certain ports through local partners.
How much does it cost?
Packages and prices vary by line. These are typical ranges at recent prices; confirm for your ship.
| Package level | Usually includes | Rough cost per couple |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Short ceremony, officiant, certificate, basic decor | US$200–400 (C$275–560) |
| Mid-range | Above plus bouquet, champagne, small cake, some photos | US$500–900 (C$690–1,250) |
| Full celebration | Above plus photographer, reception space, canapés, more flowers | US$800–1,500+ (C$1,100–2,100+) |
Some premium and luxury lines will arrange a simple ceremony at little or no cost for milestone anniversaries. It is worth asking before buying a package.
How to book it, step by step
- Tell the line at booking that you are celebrating an anniversary, and ask whether vow renewals are offered on your ship.
- Contact the celebrations or weddings department well before sailing. Slots are limited, and packages often close a set number of days before departure.
- Choose your day and time. A sea day is easiest. Port days are busy, and on embarkation day the crew is stretched.
- Confirm the details in writing: location, officiant, what is included and the photo arrangements.
- Check in with guest services on day one to confirm everything is still on.
Making it feel personal
Your own words
Write your own vows, or ask to add a reading or a song to the standard ceremony. Keep a printed copy, as phones can be awkward on deck.
The right moment
Ask about timing that suits the itinerary: a sunset on a Caribbean sea day, or a calm stretch of the Inside Passage on an Alaska sailing. On glacier days, senior officers are often busy on the bridge, so another day is usually better.
What to bring
- Outfits in a garment bag, plus layers if the ceremony is outdoors.
- Rings, if you plan to exchange them again.
- Small personal touches, like photos or a family keepsake.
Most ships do not allow candles or loose confetti, so check before packing decorations.
Inviting others
In most cases only people sailing with you can attend, so if you want family there, they need to book the same cruise. Planning a bigger family trip around the occasion is covered in silver or golden anniversary cruises with family.
Have a question about this? A licensed cruise expert can answer it for free — no booking required, no pressure.
Ask a cruise expert →Pairing the ceremony with the rest of the trip
A vow renewal fits naturally into a wider anniversary trip. For ideas on itineraries, cabins and dinners, see romantic cruise ideas for a big anniversary. If you are weighing a full wedding instead, wedding at sea vs ashore explains the legal differences.
Want this priced up for your dates? Speak to a licensed cruise expert — same price as booking direct, plus perks like onboard credit and prepaid gratuities the websites don't show. No fee, no obligation, and you can book online if you'd rather.
Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
How much does a vow renewal cost on a cruise?
Simple packages with a short ceremony, an officiant and minimal decor often start around US$200–400 (roughly C$275–560). Fuller packages with photography, flowers, champagne and a small reception can run US$800–1,500 or more, depending on the line.
Do you need a real officiant for a vow renewal at sea?
No. A vow renewal is not a legal ceremony, since you are already married, so no licence or legal officiant is needed. Lines usually provide a senior officer or staff member to lead it, and the captain only sometimes.
Can family who are not sailing attend a vow renewal on a cruise?
Usually not, because most vow renewal packages take place during the cruise, when only passengers are aboard. Some lines allow visiting guests for in-port ceremonies on embarkation day, mainly for weddings, so ask if this matters to you.
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