SKosto

9 minutes ago, Bostongirl21 said:

 

Yes she was!

 That's surprising, we had her as our photographer for our wedding and we felt she did a very good job, and was quite accommodating

Was Wilma a very petite Filipino girl, with very large glasses?  

I believe they have put the packages back to the way they were when you had yours. I am booked under the other 'version of packages', and after that I saw that they had changed AGAIN. A lot of people said they got money back by cancelling under the tiered package, and rebooking under the group package like you had. I chose no alcohol for mine so it didn't make a difference in cost for me. We have 27 non-sailing guest, and I didn't feel right giving alcohol & then having them drive 3+ hours home.

I just looked at the current stuff they have listed on their website, and it is still different from what we paid. I can try and find the documents and post it if anyone wants, but again, I think its out of date.

We felt the same way about providing alcohol. If they wanted to buy it, then that was fine and on them, but we weren't comfortable with the open bar ( people will drink wayyyyy more) and having people drive home.

Are non-sailing guests able to purchase drinks prior to the ceremony/reception? I only ask because if they don't have sign and sail cards, how can they buy?

Yes they can, they just use their credit cards.

The pride is one of my favorite ships. I'm sure your wedding will be amazing.

 

Shortly after we got married, carnival changed their wedding packages to what they are now, so unfortunately my information for that will be out dated.

 

We did get some outside shots I'll post them a little later. It's a bit of a pain to upload images on this site lol

 

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Forums mobile app

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Forums mobile app

First, thank you so much for this thread, it's been so helpful! We're looking to have an embarkation wedding on the Carnival Pride with no one sailing with us, so that information in particular has been very helpful. I didn't think about the fact that my fiance wouldn't have somewhere to get ready before the ceremony and will have to board in his tux.

 

Are the wedding packages still the same as when you got married? If so, do you still have the documents they provided with different options, and could you email them to jvanre at gmail?

 

I see you got married in December. We're also looking into a winter wedding (that's when the Journey cruises are for the Pride). Though Port Canaveral and Baltimore are quite a bit different in weather, did you get to do any outdoor photos? I know it'll be freezing but I love the idea of a picture with the whale tail.

Shortly after we got married, carnival changed their wedding packages to what they are now, so unfortunately my information for that will be out dated.

We did get some outside shots I'll post them a little later. It's a bit of a pain to upload images on this site lol

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Forums mobile app

Congratulations, it sounds like you guys managed to have a good time even if there were some hiccups! Just a quick question here, did they give you a choice of venue that included an outdoor option on one of the upper decks or were all of the venues indoor?

-Thank you, we had an amazing time. At the time we got married all venues were indoor. I'm not sure if there are open deck options are available or not.

Is there anything you wish you would have done differently?

-No, we can't really think of anything we'd have changed. You do have to understand that you do have to give up a certain amount of control over things with the constraints of doing it on a ship, and the stream lined nature of it. We are simple people and very easy going, so we were fine with it.

Any tips for new brides? (Getting Married on the Horizon in October 2018)

-I'm her husband, but she asked if you had anything in particular you'd like to know?

Is there anything you wish you had done?

- Again, with how the wedding is streamlined (but in no way rushed), there aren't a whole lot of things you can or can't do. Actually that makes it sound kind of bad, there are plenty of options, but we had the ceremony and reception we wanted.

I can’t find many reviews about being married on the ship while docked in port. So other questions you may not be able to answer. But any tips are very much appreciated!

-Take a tour if you are able. You get 1 free and then can do a second for $50 I believe. You'll see the venues, meet 1 or more wedding planners, and possibly the officiant. You will get a great idea of how things go, and see the rooms potentially set up. If you are able to do these tours, I would suggest the first you go as a couple, and the second take your best man/ maid of honor (only 4 people are allowed to go).

-Ask about parking for nonsailing guests. The location of the lot at port Canaveral is not labeled and a bit of a pain to find.

-If you are wanting to stay separate on your wedding day, let them know asap. It can be a pain, but they will do it. They had us all in the preboarding lounge, and when she arrived, they basically sat me facing a wall. It was pretty funny lol.

-If you have other sailing guests (we didn't) they can have 1 or 2 cabins ready for you on top of yours. This is great because it will give your groom(smen) somewhere to get ready. I had to arrive in my tux fully ready since no one else was sailing with us.

-Pictures are negotiable, don't feel like you have to buy the very expensive prices that the brochure lists.

-I'd suggest letting your guests know not to bring gifts, outside of cards with cash or gift cards, because it will slow things down a lot, and adds a ton of crap you may have to try and take off the ship.

I can't think of much else right, now but feel free to ask anything specific you might think of.

Dinner is included at any specialty restaurant on the ship, you just let the coordinator know, and they will set it up for you. This is accurate as of Dec 2017.

So what numbers are you looking for exactly? We sailed with 45 non sailing guests. We were on the Carnival Magic, however, the wedding prices have slightly changed since we got married (last December). What parts are confusing you?

This will help out a lot! Thank you so much. :):)

I hope your wedding went without a hitch, and congratulations to you both!

So the green line is how you come into the Port, the red outlined lot is the employee parking

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Forums mobile app

Thank you so much for your reply. We will be sailing out of Port Canaveral on the Magic, so all your info is very helpful. I have been communicating with a coordinator named Gina from the time we booked the wedding. She has been very helpful, along with the rest of the wedding department.

Oops, I thought it went down to Miami already. Sorry! Gina was our coordinator, and she was fantastic. There were a few times it took her a day or two to get back to us, but usually she was very prompt.

We're getting married on the Magic on May 26.

First of all, congratulations, and I hope your day goes on without a hitch. Hopefully Joanna is still the group coordinator on the ship (she was amazing). I forgot her name but our photographer was a very short young lady, who also did an amazing job. I think it might have been Christine. Also, I just noticed you were engaged on the magic, and you're getting married a year after the engagement. We basically did the exact same thing, but it was 1 day short of a year.

I was wondering, where is the parking located for non-sailing guests? You mentioned it was hard to find.

So, when we got married, the Magic was still in Port Canaveral, so unfortunately I can't help you here. At PC they parked in the unmarked Employee parking lot.

Did non-sailing guests have to pay to park?

At PC no, they did not. I can only assume its the same in Miami. I would call the wedding experience, or maybe Carnival's Miami terminal and ask?

How did they manage to keep you and the bride from seeing each other before the ceremony during check in and boarding?

So this one was kind of funny. I got to the terminal very early, so I could help out the non-sailing and non experienced guests figure out the flow. We were lucky that day in that the ship got cleared very early (we were on board by like 10:30 at the latest). At port Canaveral, they move the priority guests upstairs shortly before boarding. At first they weren't aware that we didn't want to see each other (we were told it would nearly be impossible), but a quick thinking employee grabbed an empty chair and put me in a corner facing the wall. I felt like I was in timeout, but it worked, because as soon as she boarded, they escorted her to the cabin, and I roamed the ship. Sorry for the wall of text there.

How long did you have to wait to board after everyone was checked in? I know it varies depending on when the ship is cleared.

We didn't wait very long at all. Once everything is cleared, I believe you board after diamond and plat, but it might even be before them. My memory is a little hazy on that right now.

Do they take pictures after the ceremony of the wedding party, before the reception starts?

Yes, after the ceremony, she got pics with the wedding party, parents, family, all the men, all the women etc.

How much time is there between the ending of the ceremony and the beginning of the reception?

After the pictures they send everyone to where the reception will be. We stayed back to hammer out the first dances and all that. Took a quick walk down and we were there. If I had to guess, maybe 30-45 min, but most of that was pictures.

I know I have a lot of questions, but with my wedding only a couple of weeks away, I'm getting really excited and really anxious!;p

Keep them coming, I'd love to put your mind at ease with anything possible. Its a whirlwind of an experience, and it is over before you know it, but it was amazing, and we were treated like royalty during the whole process. While you're still in your dress and going to muster or to the various locations for pictures, get ready to be tired of saying thank you. We must have got 500 congratulations, and she got about 500 more omg you're so beautiful.

You mentioned you paid for the extra 1/2 hour reception. What was the approximate cost of the extra half hour. I am getting married on March 10th on the Conquest. I am very excited after reading your posts. Congrats by the way. Beautiful couple.

Nancy, thanks for the kind words. I believe someone answered your question better than I could have before me. Have a great day, and feel free to ask anything else.

You said you went with the DJ for the reception. Did you have to pick out all the songs to be played? That's the way it seems on their paperwork. If so, do they play them in the order you have written down, or do they mix it up? If not, do you just tell them what 'type' of music to play and they pick the songs?

We selected what types of music to play, and for the first dance(s) we had our music selected on my phone for them to play for us. I believe you could also request a song from the DJ as well.

Also, I'm very bad with clothing, but did you wear a Tux or suite? My fiancé wants to wear a Tux, but coming into problems with rentals being most places want it returned the day after the wedding. Any insight you could give on that? I love coming back to your post with all the questions everyone is asking you! Hope you guys are enjoying married life!! :)

I wore a tux, and rented it from Men's Warehouse. All I had to do was explain to them that I would be leaving on a cruise right after the wedding. They wrote on my paperwork to waive the late fee. (verify this upon pick up of the tux.) It also worked out because then I did not have to pack dress pants or shoes for the formal nights.

Thank you for the kind words, married life is great. No complaints....yet ;p;p;p:-p

You're very welcome, please feel free to ask whatever you'd like. When we were planning there wasn't a whole lot of information, so we are trying to provide as much information as possible.

Wow, thank you so much for all the detailed information and replying so quickly! You are awesome!!

 

I’m mostly worried about not being part of the rehearsal. I don’t like not knowing, you know? Lol I haven’t been to many weddings in my life, and I’m afraid I’ll mess up or something hahaha[emoji28] My wife was the same exact way, but its over so quick, just dont trip, and you'll be fine :). The cruise ship ceremonies are very stream lined, I think our ceremony was all of 10-15 minutes including the bridesmaids and bride entering.

 

Approx how much extra did you tip those three people? (If you don’t mind sharing)

Officiant $20 i think, Wedding planner $40 (she was awesome) and $40 for onboard planner (she was amazing). She also took great care of us during the cruise. We had any time dining, and even if there was a wait, she would ensure we would be sat right away, and at a good table. She would sit us at a 4 top next to a window. We did not expect any of that treatment and I believe we gave her an additional $20 at the end of the cruise.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hello there! I know it's been a few months, but congratulations on your marriage! :)

 

I just booked my wedding for the Carnival Imagination a couple days ago!!:D:hearteyes:

 

Thank you soo much for posting this thread! It has been very helpful and informative! I was wondering if you wouldn't mind answering some more questions? My mind is always coming up with things to wonder hehehe

 

Here's what's come to mind so far (sorry if it's a lot lol):

 

1. Did you book the DJ or go with pre-recorded music? If yes on DJ, does the DJ do the ceremony music, too?

We went with the DJ, but the wedding coordinator from the ship took care of the caremony music. We had our own songs that were on my phone.

2. You said your wife got her hair and makeup done before boarding. I know you have to get to the ship at like 10am, right? How early did she get her hair/makeup done, and did she have the stylist come with her to do the touch-ups while she was getting ready?

Yes, you have to be there by roughly 10am. We stayed in a hotel 15 minutes from the port, but hair and make up started around roughly 5am. Her hairstylist is a good friend of hers and attended the wedding, so he did do some final touch ups prior to the ceremony.

3. You said the rehearsal takes place approx 20 minutes before the ceremony. So does that mean the bride is not part of the rehearsal??That is correct. The wedding coordinator ran her down the basic gist of the ceremony while heading to the location. She was worried, but being that you preplan 90% of it, and it is such a short ceremony it becomes a nonissue.

4. Did your groomsmen and bridesmaids all come ready/dressed before boarding the ship? Myself, and the rest of the wedding party were all dressed and ready to go. A good tip, if your bridesmaids will be in heels, have them bring some sandals to wear until its ceremony time.

5. Where did you and groomsmen wait while bride was getting ready? Before we boarded the ship everyone is in the normal waiting area. They do try to keep the bride and groom seperated, but accidents can happen. She appeared before we got on the ship, so they put me in a chair facing the wall.. lmao. Once on board, you are free to roam the ship until the ceremony starts. Most people gravitated towards a bar. I wandered because I was nervous as hell. Had a few drinks and just mingled with friends and family.

6. If the formal photo session takes place after the reception & muster drill, does that mean we would get no fun-pose pictures with all of our bridesmaids and groomsmen? (If not all of them are sailing) They get candid shots during the reception, and I suppose you could have them come to the side for a few posed pictures, but keep in mind, nonsailing guests have to be off the ship before muster. Our shoot took place after the muster drill.

7. How long did the photo session last? Was there a time limit? There wasn't a stated time, but It felt like there was one.. Does that make sense? I think ours last roughly 1.5 hours. Trust me, you'll want to be out of your dress and he'll want to be out of the tux by then!

8. Was the photographer around to do pictures of the bride getting ready in the cabin? Yes She did visit the cabin for some staged bride getting ready shots.

9. The bride's bouquet is included in the package. Where did you get the bridesmaids' bouquets, and how did you know if they would match the flower scheme of the bride's bouquet? We got all our flowers through the wedding experience. Yes they are slightly expensive, but for the peace of mind that they would all match, and it being one last thing for us to carry on board made it worth it.

10. Gratuities are included in the cost of the wedding package. Did you give any additional tips to anyone? Yes, we tipped our Officiant, wedding planner, and the on board coordinator. All three did an amazing job. They accommodated our every need, kept everyone relaxed, focused, and made sure it went as smooth as possible.

 

Sorry it's so many! I will probably end up thinking of more hahaha But thank you so very much in advance for any information you're able to give, and also just for creating this thread!

Congratulations on your big day, and enjoy it, because it is YOUR day. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask!

Hello! I love this thread. You have given me so much usefull information and I love the pictures you included!

 

I do have two questions: In your opinion, do you think this would be a good option for people who were planning on eloping? It's just going to be my FH and I but I really like the idea of having it on the ship. Also, do you know if you can pay for the wedding package a little at a time like you are able to do with the cost of the cruise itself?

 

Thank you so much for your help and congrats on your wedding!

Thank you for the kind words.. The package recently changed, so I am not sure of the new pricing, but they did used to have much more intimate ceremonies, so I suppose you could elope. Also, when I booked, we had to pay the ceremony fee upfront. You can pay for food, cake, or whatever options whenever you wish (up until a final payment date that they will inform you of).

Question regarding the photo package... am I correct in assuming that the cost gets applied to your sail & sign account? Just wondering if I bought either cruise cash and/or cruise photo cash, it could then be applied towards it. Looking for way to abate the sticker shock of the photo package.

Yes, it is charged to your S&S card. Again remember you can negotiate the price/packages. Also, to help make things a little less painful, we informed guests that Carnival gift cards would be our preferred gift.

I just booked my wedding on Magic for Jan 2020 and would appreciate any tips! I decided on an embarkation day wedding. We wanted something small an intimate, but had 52 people book the cruise the first day, so now our goal is to keep it under 100 people!

Congrats on your wedding, and WOW at all the people coming. We had roughly 45 attend our wedding.

Carnival recently changed their packages, so a lot of the info I could give you regarding that would be slightly outdated, however, I would just stay in constant contact with the company. Always ask questions, and sometimes, you may get 3 different answers. If you have any specifics, please feel free to ask. Also, I believe the Magic will no longer be in Port Canaveral at that time, so I might not be able to give any help with your embarkation port either. I have a thread that was more specific to our wedding, if you'd like to read through that a little as well.

Awesome, thank you! I was wondering if they would negotiate. I’d like the video to be able to show to my family and friends that couldn’t join us!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Forums mobile app

First of all, they will negotiate with you on the price. What will happen is, they will send you a card with an appointment, you will goto the office, and you'll watch a slideshow they made, then they will give you all the physical copies of your pictures to look through, and then a large photo book. They of course try to upsell you on the highest package first, but we were no where near comfortable with that price. She then started saying what we could do, and just for you.... blah blah... We ended up with all the pictures on usb, an 8x8 photobook, a 20x30 canvas, and some 8x10s and 5x7s. I think it was for around 1300..

Now to answer your question... is it worth it? Ultimately that is up to you. My wife is big into pictures, and having them so it was very important to her. You are also able to purchase all the items al a carte if you would like to go that route. We really enjoyed our pictures, and she got some amazing shots of us.

My wife and I got married on the Magic, and she was in her dress from probably 11am-6pm. She was over it by then.. probably the corset more than anything though. She loved all the compliments from everyone. Her favorite was from a small little girl who spoke spanish, and said "hermosa" which is beautiful in spanish.

I just noticed that carnival has a wedding registry. Did you guys create one, and if so how does it work?

We did use it, and just asked for On board credit. Only 1 person decided to use it (we were also registered at target and Bed Bath and Beyond). It worked as if someone bought us a gift from the fun shops essentially.