Do I need a passport?
It depends! It is recommended by RCCL that all SAILING guests bring passports. Non-sailing guests (including children) will only need to show their photo ID OR the original copy of their birth certificate. Guests may be able to sail with their birth certificate in place of a passport. See this website for more info on travel documents: Travel Documents
U.S. citizens age 15 and under are NOT required to have a photo ID, just the birth certificate. Please see the link above to make sure all documents meet the requirements.
Can we skip the cruise but still attend the wedding?
YES! We are having our wedding early while the ship is docked. This will allow non-sailing guests to attend our wedding and disembark afterwards. The ship sets sail at 4pm. An announcement will be made when it is time for non-sailing guests to debark the ship, typically around 2:30pm.
Why do we have to arrive at 9:30 AM?
The wedding party and our guests must be ready to board as a group no later than 10am to ensure that we are all together and ready to board when the ship allows those with priority boarding to come onto the ship. If guests arrive after 10AM, they will not be guaranteed boarding. The ceremony will begin at 12:00PM. Please aim for 9:30AM arrival so we can make sure our whole group is there and able to board in time for the ceremony.
What do we do when we get there?
At the port, there will be a group of wedding coordinators who will be holding a “Wedding” sign. The wedding party and our guests will gather with them to prepare for boarding. Once the ship clears customs (between 10:30AM – 11:00AM) our guests will be escorted onboard and into the venue, while the bride and groom are escorted to their staterooms to change and finish getting ready. The ceremony will begin at 12:00PM.
What if the ship accidently sets sail before I get off?
Wouldn't it be awesome to get kidnapped into a free vacation? Unfortunately, this is not possible. As the ship is preparing for the voyage, they will ensure that all non-sailing guests have begun to exit the ship at 2:30PM. When you initially board the ship, you will turn in your photo ID (or birth certificate for children). These will be returned to you only after you debark. So, even if we try to hide you away in our stateroom, they will come looking for you & will not sail until you are found! (We obviously looked into this...) Following our event, there will be the passenger safety drills. They utilize all venues onboard for these drills and need all staff and guests present, so the 2:30PM disembark time is set and can not be changed under any circumstance to a later time.
Can our kids come?
While we wish we could have everyone's kiddos at our ceremony, there is a strict limit on the number of guests we can have. If your child's name was not on your invitation, unfortunately they will not be able to attend the ceremony. HOWEVER, We welcome anyone and everyone to sail with us afterwards! (Please note that children must be at least 6 months or older to sail). Gracelyn will absolutely be sailing with us!
Will there be food?
YES! Food options TBD. Please let us know about any food allergies/diet restrictions :)
Will there be alcohol?
Duh! An open bar will be available for the duration of our reception.
Sailing guests are encouraged to purchase a drink package for the remainder of the trip. If you're wondering, you will need to drink 4-6 drinks per day to get your money's worth. Trust me, it's worth it. P.S. The drink package is also accepted on Coco Cay (Our second destination!)
What about gifts?
Your presence is our present! We will be setting sail to the Bahamas after the reception, so please, do not bring any packages on board!