RUISE-LOVING COUPLES LOOKING

for a blissfully simple big day should look no further than their favorite cruise ship or port city.

There’s something incredibly romantic about saying, “I do” with the ocean as your backdrop, and — if you’re already thinking of tying the knot on a cruise — there are even more ways to get married on a ship than you may imagine. From the beaches of the Caribbean to the rainforests of Alaska to a ship docked in the heart of the Big Apple, the options are as gorgeous as they are varied — just like the choice of ships on which to say your vows.

Best of all, the cruise line can handle everything from bouquets and boutonnieres to centerpieces, décor, and menus to the Champagne toast, photographer, music, and even that tiered, white-frosted wedding cake of your dreams. We’ve seen a gorgeous balloon drop on a Princess Cruises’ ship, ice carvings on a Carnival Cruise Line ship, and Norwegian Cruise Line even lets you check available dates and book online. Ask nicely, and someone may even steam the dress and press the tuxedo before you walk down the aisle.

And since the ship is also the honeymoon getaway, you’ll walk back up the aisle to the most memorable vacation of your life, with balcony toasts to your future, chocolates and strawberries waiting in your room, rose petals amid swan towel animals on your bed, night after night of tables for two, morning after morning of breakfast in bed, and spa treatments designed for two. Sounds appealing, right? Read on to figure out which strategy is perfect for your big day.