Holland America Expands Wedding Program

Seattle -- Holland America Line has expanded its "shipboard romance" opportunities beyond the U.S. and Caribbean to include several European ports where couples may arrange a wedding on board an elegant Holland America cruise ship or in a romantic location ashore, including such famous ports as Santorini, Greece; Florence, Rome and Naples, Italy; and Stockholm, Sweden.

"The new European options are the latest addition to an array of wedding, honeymoon, anniversary and renewal-of-vows packages that fulfill the wishes of couples who want to celebrate special romantic moments on board one of Holland America's 11 premium cruise ships," said David A. Giersdorf, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "For our Europe cruise guests, this new wedding program opens up a whole new array of choices that will add an extra touch of magic to one of the most important occasions in a couple's life together."

Whether couples choose to tie the knot aboard ship, on an exotic Caribbean island, or in an exciting European city, Holland America can help launch a lifetime of memories with wedding packages tailored to individual needs. Couples may opt for a small ceremony and mini-reception or cruise along with family and friends for a larger celebration.

Wedding Packages

European wedding packages includes wedding planning, officiant, romantic recorded music, custom wedding ceremony, wedding site, bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, bottle of champagne, 10-inch wedding cake, photography service, wedding photo album, keepsake certificate and 10 announcements. Additional services, such as live music, are available to customize each wedding. European weddings may be arranged through The Wedding Experience, 1177 South America Way, Suite 200, Port of Miami, Miami Florida 33132-2017. Ph: 1-305-577-3358. Toll Free from the U.S. 1-877-580-3556; Toll Free from France, Spain, Netherlands and the United Kingdom; 800-558-03556; Toll Free from Italy 800-787-556.

On-board wedding packages are available in Ft. Lauderdale, Acapulco, Barbados, San Juan, St. Thomas, Costa Rica, Halifax, Juneau, Kona, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego and Vancouver. Other packages, including beach, garden or glacier weddings, also are available.

On-board packages include wedding coordinator, on-board wedding location, wedding ceremony, officiant, romantic recorded music, bridal bouquet/groom's boutonniere, wedding cake for four on elegant table with flowers, bottle of champagne, photographer, 8x10 wedding photograph, commemorative wedding album, keepsake wedding certificate. Packages may be arranged through Royal Ocean Events Inc., Suite 205, 5000 Bridge Street, Delta, BC, V4K 2K4. Phone: (604) 940-1181 or 1-888-475-5511; fax: (604) 940-8561

Honeymooners -- All honeymooners who are noted as such on their Holland America Line booking are invited to a Honeymooners Party at sea, and receive a honeymoon certificate. In addition, honeymoon packages may be purchased, often as a gift for the newlyweds, and include a bouquet of fresh flowers, and a commemorative silver picture frame.

Anniversaries -- Anniversary packages include flowers in the stateroom and balloons on the door the day of embarkation. A photography credit will be applied to the couple's on-board account, and the chef will accommodate a special dessert or cake request.

Renewal of Vows -- For couples who would like to say their wedding vows while at sea, Holland America offers an on-board renewal-of-vows package. The bride receives a corsage, and invitations are made available to invite guests to the ceremony and celebration. The couple also receives a photo and photo album, plus a celebration featuring live music. Champagne, wine and hors d'oeuvres are served by Holland America's five-star staff to ensure a romantic and memorable occasion.

Guests on Holland America Line Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises that visit Half Moon Cay, the company's own island paradise, may renew their wedding vows on the island in a private, traditional Bahamian chapel nestled in a garden overlooking the sea. This is a more casual ceremony than on board and participants are encouraged to wear their favorite tropical attire. Champagne and cake are served after the ceremony. Each couple is photographed on the island and the photo is delivered to their stateroom in a souvenir frame. Arrangements for renewal of vows at the chapel may be made through the Guest Relations Manager at the Front Office on board ship.

How to Book

The on-board honeymoon, anniversary and renewal-of-vows packages may be booked through Holland America Line's Ship Services Department, (800) 541-1576.

For more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.