I was eighteen years old when I took my first cruise. My parents had been able to book an extra ticket on the Oriana, an exquisite P&O liner (in its day) that would take us from Vancouver to Sydney. Although their balconied berth was on an upper deck with other first class passengers, and mine was a budget bunker in the bowels of this grand dame, I had absolutely no complaints. It was where the younger (less affluent but more energized) hung out, anyway. And while schmoozing and cruising to our destination ‘down under,’ I founded some fabulous memories and made some life-long friends, one of whom I later married. That, I’ll save for another story.

Many years (and a husband) later, we were planning a family vacation. Our five offspring, ranging in age from twelve to twenty-four, had rarely agreed on what and where the perfect holiday would be. Carnival’s seven-day sail along the Mexican Riviera certainly solved that problem. As soon as we were onboard, our pack of happy campers had dispersed with abandon in search of freedom and discovery. Carnival’s family-friendly fun ships are known for their top-rated children's program and while our youngest zeroed into Camp Carnival’s state-of-the-art kid attractions, and the next in line to the high-tech Virtual World of reality games, the older ones checked out everything from casino slots to deck sports. There were also lots of family opps, and as well as checking out the Mexican ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas together, we re-grouped at least three times daily when feasting on bountiful buffets!  It had been a holiday that lived up to everyone’s expectations and one that still holds significant presence in our archive of family photos.

Now, many years and a kid-less homestead later, my better half and I will soon be celebrating a special anniversary. We can’t think of a better way to commemorate this blissful event than on a cruise. Once again, Carnival comes to the rescue with the enticing seven-day northbound excursion to Alaska. As well as top-class pampering, gaming and grazing, we look forward to lots of live entertainment on this Fun Ship that is appropriately named, The Spirit. I’m not just referring to her two-level promenade of clubs and lounges, shops and pools, or the glitzy Vegas-style venues that will dazzle us each night. The shows that I’m talking about don’t require any man-made creativity, props or practice. They are the ones that are regularly featured all along this route. With a backdrop of untamed wilderness we’re guaranteed to spot a few soaring eagles, a number of playful porpoises and at least one or two breaching whales. With four ports, adventurous land excursions, and jaw-dropping vistas on our agenda, it’s gotta rekindle some serious romance. Carnival’s Anniversary Package may also help generate some vibes. The ‘Hearts Forever’ package ($65.95 in 2007) includes a bottle of Korbel sparkling wine with 2 etched champagne flutes, a photo frame with heart emblem, and a Tic-Tac-Toe game with pieces cut in heart shapes.  Or we could even commit to some serious loving longevity with the ‘Vow Renewals’ package. The basics include a certificate, sparkling wine toast, keepsake flutes, flowers, and wedding cake. If we dig a little deeper into our pockets, we can also add an hour's open bar and hors d'oeuvres. Here’s a toast to being together forever, Honey!

First time wedding planners may opt for a more traditional setting in the Spirit’s Gothic-style wedding chapel.  With stained-glass windows and Old Testament scenes, this venue features a central aisle that leads to a stage and private dressing area where the bride can prepare. The devoted couple ties the nautical knot as the ship enters and leaves Vancouver and, as well as the official civil ceremony, the ‘Weddings at Sea’ program includes a champagne toast with keepsake flutes, flowers for both bride and groom, a wedding cake with cake topper, pre-recorded wedding music, a decorated bridal aisle and photographic services. The ‘Welcome Aboard’ package offers all of these amenities, as well as a reception with one-hour open bar and hors d'oeuvres, a traditional two-tiered wedding cake and coffee service. And for couples who want the works, the ‘Deluxe Romance’ package includes a one-and-a-half hour reception and an ice carving, as well as all the above. A wide variety of options such as videography services, live music and tuxedo rental are also available at additional cost.

Although Alaska appeals to us for many reasons, it may not be the destination of choice for other romantics. Maybe you envision exchanging your vows on a sun-soaked beach or next to a tropical waterfall. Carnival offers a choice of picturesque locations that provide the perfect backdrop for that unforgettable day. Their destination weddings can be performed at any one of these ports of call:
 
•Barbados
•Catalina Island
•Ft .Lauderdale
•Galveston
•Grand Cayman
•Honolulu
•Key West
•Los Angeles
•Maui
•Miami
•Montego Bay
•Nassau
•New Orleans
•New York
•Ocho Rios
•Pt. Canaveral
•San Juan
•St. Maarten
•St.Thomas
•Tampa

And when the vows have been said and done, "His and Hers" Honeymoon gift package ($69.95 in 2007) features a foldable bag that includes two pair of beach sandals that leave "Just Married" footprints in the sand, a black baseball cap for him, and white visor for her, groom and bride T shirts and his and hers key rings. That’ll surely set you off sailing into that sunset together. Carnival Cruise Line email: weddings@carnival.com or call 1800 933-4968.

Although Carnival hosts eighteen fabulous floating resorts they aren’t the only love pledging vessels in town. Here are a few other cruise companies that lure romantics and marriage makers.

Norwegian Cruise Line - two types of wedding packages are available from this resort style cruise line. Whether it’s onboard in the quaint chapel or one of the port’s exotic beaches, the freestyle excursion en route will be heavenly!  http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/home.html

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – for lots of options, this wedding venue’s the one for you. Whether you choose the Duet, Harmony or Symphony Onboard Package, you’ll be sure to make music together during that special day at sea! http://www.royalcaribbean.com/gohome.do

Princess Cruises – You’ll feel just like a princess when you pledge your vows on this love boat. Your ceremony is conducted by the ship’s Captain and just about every need and desire will be taken care of. http://www.princess.com/onboard/services/celebrations/weddings.html

Holland America Cruise Lines – You only go around once. Go posh, and try one of these upscale excursions for your big day! http://www.hollandamerica.com/onboard/wedding-cruises

Uniting a cruise with ‘I do’s’is the perfect combo. Whether it’s a renewal or an inaugural celebration, hopefully one of these cruise companies will create some bilateral bliss and launch your lifetime of memories!

Stay tuned for next month’s article: Spirit, Romance and the Last Frontier.