We decided to have an Embarkation Ceremony, while the ship is docked in Port Canaveral, so any guests that are unable to actually sail on the cruise can still attend. A shipboard wedding may be a new experience for you, so we've put together some information to ensure a stress free day for everyone!

BOARDING THE SHIP: Priority boarding is provided for bridal couples, as well as their guests, being married on the day of sailing. (That's us! And You!) The time to board the ship is controlled by U.S. Customs and Immigration. No one is allowed to board the ship until Customs clears the ship. There are enhanced security measures to keep everyone safe. In the event that there is a delay in boarding that affects the time of the wedding, the wedding will be delayed accordingly. ALL GUESTS MUST BE AT CHECK-IN BY 10:30AM to begin the boarding process, and there will be a designated meeting area for Wedding Guests. (If at any point you are unsure of where to go, just ask. Tell them you are attending a wedding.) Once the ship is cleared, we will be able to priority board before all other cruising passengers. This is usually between 10:30AM and 11:30AM. GUESTS WHO DO NOT ARRIVE AT THE TIME WE BOARD WILL HAVE TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY ON TO THE SHIP, SO PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE. Plan to arrive to the port by 9:30AM the latest to ensure you have enough time to park, and make your way to and through the correct terminal.

NON-SAILING GUESTS: All non-sailing guests are to be completely dressed and ready to go for the wedding when they arrive at the cruise terminal. We will have submitted a guest list for all of our non-sailing guests that included your names, and dates of birth. You will need to provide a state issued photo I.D. at the time of check in, along with your visitor pass. (Children will need their birth certificate.) Please have both available. You will check-in with Security in the terminal, and be given a guest pass to board the ship. You will be welcome to tour the ship until our ceremony starts. Feel free to walk around, and enjoy yourself. You can grab a quick snack on the Lido deck for free, or grab a drink from any bar using a credit card. HOWEVER, please do NOT fill up. We will have yummy food at our reception, as well as cake, and an OPEN BAR. Immediately after the reception, you must debark the ship. 

SAILING GUESTS: All sailing guests (except the bride and groom) should be completely dressed and ready for the wedding when arriving at the cruise terminal. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity to go to your stateroom, however, your cabin is NOT guaranteed to be ready. Only one carry on bag will be permitted and must fit through the security machine. (24"x16") All other bags will be checked with Porters. Please ensure you have everything you will need for the wedding and the reception, as you will not be reunited with your checked bags until after the reception. Please ensure all ticket documents have been completed before your arrival at the pier to expedite the check-in process. Have these documents readily available. You do NOT need a passport. A state issued ID, AND birth certificate are acceptable. 

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: Please be aware of the time you need to be at the ceremony location, and where that location is. Maps of the ship will be available at the Information Desk, or any Carnival employee will be able to assist you. Please be on time. 

ARRIVAL TIME: Carnival highly recommends that we, and our guests, make arrangements to come in the day PRIOR to sailing. After doing our Ship Tour, we highly recommend it, as well. However, it is not mandatory. If you would like to arrive the morning of, just make sure you are at wedding check-in at 10:30AM. Plan to arrive to port at the latest 9:30AM, and allow yourself extra travel time in case of accidents, or traffic.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: If you'd like to arrive the day before sailing, or even earlier, we will be staying at The Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach. We have blocked 23 rooms for the night of Sunday, March 29, 2020. There are rooms with King beds, and Double Queen beds available. However, rooms and type are first come first serve. Last chance to book a room at our group rate of $199/night will be February 26, 2020. Please use our link!

https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1560271706287&key=GRP

The night before sailing, we will be having a rehearsal cocktail party for our bridal party, and immediate family members. Must be over 21 years of age to attend.

TRANSPORTATION:

Park & Cruise – Guests of the Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach, that are driving, can enjoy FREE parking at the hotel while cruising. Transfers are $12 per person round trip from the hotel to the port, and return to the hotel after the cruise or $7 just one way. Those who are flying into Orlando – transfers are then $45 per person. The transportation partner will pick up at the Orlando airport, bring you to the hotel, bring you to the port and then back to the airport after the cruise. By simply completing a form and returning it to the hotel 14 days prior to departure, you will receive a confirmation via email to confirm airline information and any special request/needs.  If picking up from MCO between the hours of 9 PM and 7 AM, add $25 per trip.

DIRECTIONS FROM TAMPA:

Take I-4 East. Exit Beachline Expressway (S.R 528 East). Head east toward Port Canaveral. Follow signs for A-Side (North) Terminal and continue towards Cruise Terminals.

PORT WEBSITE: www.portcanaveral.org

PARKING AT PORT: 5- Day Cruise is $90 (Subject to change by Port Authority) Paved, gated, outdoor, 24hr surveillance. Full payment due upon entering lot. Advanced reservations are not required but can be made by accessing the port website above. Handicap parking available with proof of permit.