Bo59rt

They look great! So bright, I love them!!

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So there are show us your rings....show us your dress... show us your cakes....

Lets do a show us your bouquets thread! I know that many cruise brides are making their own fake flower bouquets to take onto the ships. I was very daunted by this idea and had no idea how to make a floral arrangement. (Thank goodness for my mother!)

So lets help others with ideas of bouquets! Real, Fake, Brooch, paper, ect. Show your bouquets!!

Here were mine for my wedding in April.... A mix of real touch, soft touch, fake, pretty much 4 months of scouring Micheals, AC Moores, and JoAnn for anything lime green and purple!

It must have been Stewart who officiated the wedding I saw. He is a master! I loved how he stood to the side so we could always see the couple and not his back. He really nails those details.

 

You said you got "upgraded" photo package. How does it differ from basic package? Did you choose Magens or did the planner choose that beach for you? The wedding I witnessed was at a different beach.

What was included with our package was 2 hours of an amateur photographer from a photography group on the island. So we researched photographers and ended up choosing Elisha Orin. We had her for 3 hours the day of the wedding and two hours a week later for a trash the dress shoot.

When we booked the package we wanted to get married on a beach (which was a cost upgrade). We orginally were supposed to get married on Brewer's Bay beach which is closer to the Villa. Half way through planning Janelle contacted us and reccomended we switched our beach option due to recent "unpleasent" local activity on Brewer's Bay.

So we had to pay the Magen's Bay beach fee and even more for extra transportation. Janelle works with whatever the bride wants. I could have picked any beach and she would have worked it out for us with our time frame. It would just impact our reception length and our wallets ;) Magen's Bay was the next closest beach to Villa Botanica then brewer's bay according to her.

Thank you so much for your fabulous detailed posts about your wedding! You managed to thrill the heart of this old, cynical heart with your fabulous photos and stories. The world needs more people like you and your husband.

 

I was on Lindquist/ Smith Bay Park beach on St Thomas yesterday and Island Bliss had a wedding. OMG! It was simply beautiful and so touching. The officiant was so impressive, because he didn't have notes and spoke as though he knew the couple personally as life long friends.

 

They used a different photographer, though, a man. I barely noticed him until after the ceremony when he was suggesting scenes for photo shoots. Hoping to find his photos online so I can see the finished product.

 

Can future brides copy their posts and also post in the St Thomas Port of Call section? That's the one I post on regularly so I'll be able to see them regularly. Love to see wedding stories especially when I'm having a bad day. Thanks so much, Bo!

Thank you for your kind words! I had a blast with the wedding and enjoy reading over this myself sometimes!

Stewart was our officiant (who is also the main wedding planner's husband) and he was amazing. He picked me up from the ship and asked a few questions about DH and I and said he was going to grill DH for more information. He included many small details like our unusual first date, Wawa (have to be from mid-Atlantic to get that) and our dog. He did so much with what little information he had. Every bride that has had him raves about him!

The only way i can think of including this in the St. Thomas board would be to create a post with links of many of the weddings that happened on island. Maybe if this was done a moderator of the St. Thomas board could create it into a sticky so it was accessible. Maybe a future project for someone!

So I was thinking about getting my fiancé a Movado as well. You said you got a great deal during Black Friday. Where did you happen to look to get it. Black Friday is around the corner and would love to get him one

 

 

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We have a Movado outlet within a 45 min drive from us. I went up there the weekend of black Friday on a whim and saw a great deal that i couldn't pass up. I was also looking at Sam's Club for a while but they only carried a couple of watches and once they sold one the next one was a different style. So the price and style never lined up when i was ready to buy.

Good Luck hunting!

So I have a question, I'm contemplating the time of the ceremony.. What did you decide? I have to get my hair and makeup done before...right now I have it planned for 11:30. I know the ceremony will be about 20 mins and then photos and the linch.. What time do u need to be back on the ship? I want to make sure the I have enough time for everything before having to be back on the ship.

 

 

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We were supposed to have our ceremony start at 11:30 but the bridesmaids lost track of time and it was pushed back to noon. We had a hour for pictures and the shortened reception (now to 3 1/2 hours because of the bridesmaids). We had to be back on the ship no later than 5:30pm. We left the reception a little before 4:30 and we were fine getting back on the ship.

You should have no problems with a timeline wedding wise. The only thing Is getting hair and makeup done. I had to be off the ship to go sign paperwork by 10:45am. My bridesmaid did my hair and makeup and we started a little after 6am. (I had a lot of intricate parts to my hair plus extensions put in it ...took a while) if your looking for the ship to do your hair, you might not be able to have someone come in early enough. You would have to plan your appt as soon as you get on the ship! And most likely someone will have to come in early to accommodate you.

Don't forget about the time it might take to get into your dress! I had a corset back that took at least 20 mins to get ready for car travel and another 5ish minute tighten up at the beach before I walked down the aisle.

That was much longer of an answer then what I thought it was going to be! Uhhh if I left anything out let me know...:rolleyes:

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Bo59rt- I did read your wedding cruise review(no wedding plans at the moment,just like reading them for some odd reason) andIi loved it! If/when I get married,I would love to do a st thomas wedding like you had,so I may end up bugging you for details a year or two down the road! Anyway,Cheers was $302 out the door,including 15% gratuity-they didnt add tax to that. The only caveat is that you pay tax on any drink you get in Puerto Rico or St thomas,but its like 50 cents a drink. Other than that,its all covered. To give you an idea, I bought mostly Malibu and Cokes($6) and frilly umbrella drinks($7.50-$8.75) so i managed to break even every day with about 3-4 of these plus a regular soda here and there. Anything else I drank was just a surplus,so it was VERY economical-I paid $400 on NCL and didnt come close.

 

Ask away anytime! I have tried to be as helpful as I can on the wedding boards! Thanks for the reply about drink package, im happy to see that it is lower than what we paid last year. Heres to hoping that it stays that way in April :rolleyes:!!

Great review so far! Love this ship/itinerary we did it for our honeymoon in April and Booked it again for next april (they switched ships on us though and now we are on the liberty!)

Question.... If you don't mind answering.... how much did you pay for Cheers? We had it on the last southern itinerary cruise before they started the "seasonal/itinerary-al" pricing. At the old price we were just a hair over 400 a person for the week! I'm hoping for this to be lower next time!

Which coolers did you use??

 

 

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we used Discountmugs.com for our coolers. We were going to get them customized but figured they would be more usable after the cruise for everyone if they were just blank. we bought 25 of them during a big holiday weekend sale (had 17 rooms sailing and it was just as cheap to get the next group pricing then to pay for just 17 of them) . If you sign up for their emails you will get discount offers too. We also used them for ordering our shot glasses.

http://www.discountmugs.com/product/lun04-custom-printed-beach-coolers/

We did customized shot glasses (we had a wedding shot, not champagne toast). but we also did OOT or "thanks for sailing" bags. Which were a bunch of little things in a soft cooler.

These coolers were a HUGE hit because everyone who go the drink package were able to get unopened beers and take them on HMC and grand turk. Saved a ton of money over buying beers at margaritaville!

Congrats! Just to give you other ideas for receptions.... we did our whole wedding on the island of St. Thomas with no carnival sponsored wedding events...BUT we did have our pre-wedding "rehearsal" which consisted of an hour cocktail hour and half of the steakhouse reserved for us. I don't know what you are looking for in a reception but this is also do-able without having to book a wedding package through Carnival.

I have a "review" which touches on what we did in my signature. Have fun Planning!!!

 

The cruise was so wonderful that we booked an anniversary cruise on the Pride next year! :D

We are doing the same thing! Booked our honeymoon cruise for our 1 year anniversary cruise and the ships are going to be switched so we are back on our wedding ship but honeymoon itinerary!

So glad you like the pride! its one of my favorites!

Congrats! I'm glad everything was what you wished for and exceeded you expectations!

....For changing the home screen picture of the dude diving in a speedo. :rolleyes: To each their own but I was getting sick of seeing that picture!

Sorry, had to say something! Was very happy to open carnival.com this morning to a different picture! :p:p

I flew on southwest and did not have a closet to hang my dress in. I just carried it in the seamstress bag and nicely folded it to put in the overhead bin. We had only our luggage in there and the flight attendant was nice enough to close that bin early so no one attempted to cram more into it.

I was married on the 3rd day of the cruise so as soon as I got on the ship I hung my dress in another person's room (so DH wouldn't see) and let it work itself out. Dress needed little to no steaming the night before the wedding. I then traveled with it from wedding cruise to Honeymoon cruise (FL to PR) and packed it in my luggage and took it out for our trash the dress shoot a week later and it was still fine. I guess it all depends on material.

Good Luck!

and now that I see that it is really hard to read.... i'm going to type it out which was what I was avoiding... and put up my like 5th post in a row (SORRY!)

Package

Ultimate cruise ship wedding package at 30 guests (+2 extra guests @ 150 each)...11295

Transportation

Additional transportation cost (ship to beach to villa to ship $30pp x 26)... 780

bridal party transportation from beach to ceremony.... 80

extra car cost from ship to courthouse to ceremony... 125

Upgrades

Magen's bay beach site fee.... 100

magen's bay beach pp fee ($4x32)... 128

food upgrade ($15 pp).... 480

Cake upgrade... 98

Cake stand upgrade... 25

2nd steel drum player for cocktail hour... 250

Arch for ceremony... 250

Refunds for packages

Photographer refund... 800

bouquet and boutonniere refund.... 85

Grand total for Island Bliss Weddings..... $12,726

Hope this helps

This is the cost for just what island bliss did for me. This did not include any of my crafts, trip expenses, tips, what I supplied for wedding like linens, name tags, ext. Just island bliss and upgrades I did through them. We had a refund for the photographer because we booked with Elisha ourselves and I brought my own flowers so that was a refund from the package as well....hope this helps.

 

I just realized how much we spent and I know a lot of people arnt spending that much but we don't regret it at all. And as stated before, I'm pretty sure she has upped her prices since.

 

 

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Sorry for the delay.... here is what we paid for Island Bliss Wedding ceremony/reception only.....

Doesn't seem to like my pic link. I will go through shutterfly tomorrow when I can get on a computer....sorry

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This is the cost for just what island bliss did for me. This did not include any of my crafts, trip expenses, tips, what I supplied for wedding like linens, name tags, ext. Just island bliss and upgrades I did through them. We had a refund for the photographer because we booked with Elisha ourselves and I brought my own flowers so that was a refund from the package as well....hope this helps.

I just realized how much we spent and I know a lot of people arnt spending that much but we don't regret it at all. And as stated before, I'm pretty sure she has upped her prices since.

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Hi,

 

Ok,so it's not QUITE last minute,but Im T-minus 13 days until my Valor cruise(11 until vacation starts!) and althought I've read MANY amazing reviews(GAPearl,Leo's Rule,PghSteelers,Nicole, and more) I have some last questions about my trip that I could use input on.

 

I admit,I posted part of this on the Ports of Call board,but after posting two questions there and getting radio silence,I'm trying my luck here.

 

Question 1:

 

SJ Itinerary help!

 

I'm staying at the Sheraton Convention Center which I realize is further away but got an amazing deal. I will be there two days pre cruise, and trying to plan and condense travel costs. I'm debating where to fit in the Bacardi tour- the website says to allow 3-4 hrs, is this accurate?

 

One option is to go Friday afternoon once I get settled at the hotel,but that's one RT cab cost, about $25 to the pier. The other option is Saturday, attempting to fit it in between a zip line tour(transportation included) and dinner with roll call at Barrachinas at 7 that night. It would save a taxi if I could squeeze in Bacardi in between the two( zip line return is 3-4pm) but don't know if it's a stretch.

 

Option 3 or 4 is to do it Sunday either before or after I get on the ship,but not sure again if that's cramming too much. So,any thoughts on timing?

 

We did the Bacardi tour after we dropped our luggage off on the ship Sunday morning. was also had priority embarking so we were checked in and heading off the ship around 1. It isn't too hard of a trip to do and didn't take more than a couple of hours.

 

Question 2:

 

Transportation help!

 

I realize taxis are about $12 a pp- I gfs read that there was a public bus by the hotel, is this feasible to get to Bacardi and/or Barrachinas? Is it safe at night? Is it an option to the pier?

 

I can rent a car, but parking is $16 a day- anyone know of cheaper parking options near the hotel?

 

Not sure about this, we stayed at the Sheraton at the pier and walked from restaurant to hotel at night and were fine. Co-workers who have lived in San Juan recommended that we kept a higher alert when out and about at night though.

Question 3:

 

Purchasing and on boarding refreshments

 

I've read the various reviews and question topics on how to transport refreshments on at this port, and think I have it down, but wondered if the multiple carryons was just the basic wine,soda and water or can you do liquor/gasolinas as well? Also, can you bring on additional packs of soda if you get off the ship after embarking and get back on a couple hrs later?

 

This is an easy port to get multiple bottles of wine on since you can walk on and off very easily and hit the CVS to buy more. The gasolina pouches have been brought on the ship by shipmates in their checked luggage. They would just spread the pouches out throughout their clothes and never had an issue.

Question 4:

 

For previous solo travelers-

 

Which dining is better for being seated with other solos or just in a group of people?(don't want to be the only add on to a family or a single group of people). I don't mind eating alone if that's the case, but wouldn't mind a mix of people if it can be done without awkwardness. This is my first solo cruise on Carnival.

 

Honestly, I would do YTD. Many people are going that route and with this cruise being able to choose when you eat is a blessing! I don't think we ate at the same time twice the entire week. I'm a social person and would probably just chat people up anywhere on the ship to find a table mate for that night. There will probably be a solo cruiser meeting sometime on the ship if you wanted to meet fellow solo cruisers, or hit up the roll call and just put it out there that you are solo and would love to meet up with others for a dinner or two. (we have a solo cruiser in our roll call for this cruise in April who is doing the steakhouse with another couple from the roll call because she did not want to do this alone and asked if anyone would be interested!)

Question 5:

 

St Thomas-

Does anyone know if Sapphire Beach has reopened any restroom/food facilities? They had closed when I was there in January, so I went elsewhere, but would like to see this beach if possible due to the fabulous pictures and reviews people keep posting. If not, is Coki or Magen's Bay better?( looking for scenic,decent snorkeling, and some food/restroom services)

 

Not sure about sapphire beach but would love to see this beach once in my life! We were married on Magen's Bay last year and the beach is awesome, calm, has facilities, but it is popular and can get very crowded!

 

Question 6:

St Kitts-

Will any taxi that takes you to ever Shipwreck or Cockleshell Beach goes through that scenic point that allows you to get the phot of the ocean and Caribbean sea?

Also, any thoughts on which beach is better?

 

We did cambreola Beach club when at St. Kitts and fell in love with it. I Believe this is South Friars bay. I think our taxi driver drove out of the way to go to the lookout of where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet. Amazing view and was awesome for pictures. Watch out though because I think they have a deal with the small vendors up there for kick backs. They were really pushy with the take pictures with the donkey/monkey/other animals and one gentleman in our taxi was scratched in many places by the monkey.

 

Question 7:

Another ship question:

Is it possible to get lounger on a balcony instead of chairs?

 

depends on what balcony you have. We have had ones on our aft/aftwrap/bowlingalley balconies. I don't think they will fit on a normal one. :(

 

I think that's all for now, thanks for any feedback, and thank you again to those who advised me on my balcony upgrade!

I promise in return for any feedback to provide a speedy review upon my return:)

Stacey

 

 

 

 

 

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answers are in red above :D

just to let everyone know.... if you have a larger party (6-10) people.... you can also order sheet cakes before the cruise (we ordered ours through group planning for one of the nights during our wedding cruise). They had a list of flavors much larger then what bon voyage can offer you. We went with a death by chocolate type of cake, they also had carrot, red velvet, cakes with different "fillings" like guava and berry and many more that I can not remember.

We had 8 people at our table that night, we ended up offering it to the other people in our group that were in the dining room at the time (we did YTD). They also saved the cake and offered it to my MIL's table (she is the one who ordered it for us) on the next night as a dessert option. Everyone raved about the cake!!

Hi,

 

You're pictures are so AMAZING!! And your review was so detailed I felt like I was actually there with you! lol

You and your hubby looked so happy, I'm very thrilled your day went exactly the way you wanted it to!

I'm still doing my research on where I'd love to get married and so far I keep coming back to Island Bliss (St Thomas)! I don't want a quick and stand at the beach type affaire and I don't want random sunbathers in their speedos checking us out either, so I'm wondering if Janelle offers you a semi beach and villa option? Also, would it be rude of me to find out which package you chose? I have a general idea of how much I'm willing to spend for our special day, but I have to try to find a balance between what my budget wants and what my heart does! Any chance you would be willing to share?

 

Thanks again in advance!

Of course I will share whatever information I can with you! We did the ultimate cruise wedding package with 30 guests (paid for the extra two guest on the side). Her prices have since gone up. I know she will do villa weddings and if you want a beach that is less populated.... We were supposed to have it at brewers bay but switched it half way through.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

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Congrats! This is where you can stress yourself out big time! our save the dates we did as magnets we ordered through vista print, very easy and they look good. We sent them out about 13 months before the wedding because we wanted to give at least one years notice for everyone who sailed (our wedding was on St. Thomas so it was sail or fly to go).

Now heres where your decision can be stressful. I wanted to do the awesome hand made invites. So I researched and researched....ended up buying a silhouette paper cutter crafter thing. I didn't realize how much money I was going to be putting into printing and time into cutting and gluing and ....it was a lot. But everyone loved our invites and they came out awesome!

Here is a link to the thread I put up about all of our DIY projects for the wedding. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2001252

All projects were done on the silhouette and over all I probably put out a little over $350 for the machine and printing stuff out at staples (and many hours of work).

I am booked on the Valor Nov 2015 and I just received an email from Carnival saying the Valor is now sailing out of Port Canaveral and the Liberty is taking over my cruise out of San Juan. I am hoping to still get my L shaped cabin. Does anyone know if the beds face the windows in the L shape on the Liberty????

They do.... my sister's room had the bowling alley balcony and her bed faced the windows on liberty deck 7.

we had a full blown wedding on St. Thomas and probably clocked in just shy of 14k after including dresses (we bought bridesmaid dresses and of course my dress), extras like flowers, custom table clothes, favors, OOT bags. We had a ceremony on Magen's Bay beach and a full 4 1/2 hour reception at a gorgeous villa (including cocktail hour), the best three course meal I have ever had, and an upgraded photographer.

This did not include any costs of actually traveling on the ship. We had 32 people who all decided to go and celebrate with us. Most of our guests saw this as an opportunity for a vacation where one day was fully planned for them. And that day was fully planned: off the ship a half an hour after docking and on about 45 minutes before leaving.

We still were under what we would have spent if we had a big wedding at home. And I wouldn't give up that experience for anything.

Our last cruise took us over an hour to get through the security line. We had a noon flight and made it just in the nick of time....to find out our flight was delayed another half an hour. Which was our time to actually breathe again.