More couples are now choosing to celebrate their weddings on cruise ships, with costs starting from around Dh3 million. Experts say this trend is becoming a favorite among wealthy families in the UAE.
“Just last month, we hosted the pre-wedding ceremony of an Indian industrialist’s daughter in the UAE,” said Naresh Rawal, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing at Resorts World Cruises. “They had over 1,000 guests and chartered an entire cruise ship, bringing in several celebrities to perform at the event.”
According to Safeer Mahamood, General Manager of Holiday Makers, a wedding on a cruise ship costs approximately Dh3 million. “To charter a mid-sized ship, you need at least 1,500 people. This costs about Dh2,000 per person on a twin-sharing basis, including everything. So, we’re talking about around Dh3 million or more,” he explained.
Growing Popularity of Cruise Weddings
The UAE’s cruise tourism industry is growing fast, increasing demand for cruise weddings. “Cruise weddings go beyond just the ceremony. They often include proposals and honeymoons, creating a complete package in one seamless experience,” said Samir Hamadeh, CEO of Elevate DMC. “Couples are now looking for unique ways to celebrate their big day, and cruises offer a mix of romance, luxury, and adventure.”
One key reason cruises are becoming popular for weddings is their flexibility. “From small sunset ceremonies to grand celebrations on deck, everything can be customized. Couples love the exclusivity, stunning views, and convenience of having the venue, food, accommodations, and entertainment all in one place,” Samir added.
Naresh shared how they tailored services for a recent wedding. “We adjusted the menu to suit the guests’ tastes. Our usual departure time of 9 PM was delayed until midnight, and restaurant hours were changed to match their needs. Every detail can be personalized.”
Short vs. Long Cruises
Samir also mentioned that families choose cruise durations based on their preferences. “Short cruises lasting 3-4 nights are becoming popular with first-time cruisers and GCC travelers.
These are ideal for wedding groups looking for a memorable but manageable celebration,” he said. “In contrast, longer cruises are preferred by non-GCC families, often combining weddings with elaborate honeymoons that visit multiple destinations.”
Smaller Wedding Groups on Cruises
Not all families book the entire ship for their wedding. “Next month, we have a booking for a group of 300 guests. They’ll take a cruise to Oman, hold the wedding ceremony at a significant location, and celebrate the reception on the return journey,” Naresh explained.
Samir confirmed this trend. “Many groups reserve blocks of cabins and book specific venues onboard for their special day. This approach is more affordable but still offers the grandeur and convenience of a cruise wedding. Guests enjoy the rich experiences of a cruise while celebrating in private, reserved spaces.”
