Luxurious Special Celebrations at Sea

A Crystal Celebration

Most mainstream and premium cruise lines have offered packages and other special opportunities to celebrate a special event at sea. From weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and family reunions, there are numerous offerings from which to choose. Now two luxury lines have launched even more extravagant celebrations.

With Crystal Cruises' new Crystal Celebrations soiree service, almost anything is possible just about anywhere Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity sail. Already known for an uber-personalized approach to unforgettable travel experiences, Crystal has teamed with premier global event company Imagine VIP to create a first-of-its-kind bespoke event-planning service only available with Crystal's worldwide cruises.

What makes Crystal's program distinctive? It's not just for weddings, the comprehensive event program can be created to celebrate any event, from graduation parties to golden wedding anniversaries, and all important milestones in between. Celebrations can be organized on board or ashore throughout the world. Decor packages are exceptionally elegant, chic and upscale. Events are completely customizable.

The process starts before the cruise embarks. Via Imagine VIP, a Crystal Celebrations consultant works with guests to select the perfect location on the ship or an extraordinary venue in or near a port of call. Party elements can be arranged on an a la carte basis or as part of a more elaborate package, as needed, including a personalized website, save-the-date cards, invitations, ceremony, legal documentation, catering, specialty cakes, flowers, photography packages, live music or DJ, and themed event decor options. On board, a Crystal host works with guests to arrange final details and ensure all runs smoothly. Special note: At this time, legal onboard wedding ceremonies can only be held in port; symbolic ceremonies can be arranged at sea.

A range of different, pre-planned Crystal Celebrations packages can be previewed at crystalcruises.com/crystalcelebrations, starting at $2,095 for a Crystal Vow Renewal Celebration and $3,795 for a Crystal Celebration Ashore, in addition to cruise fares.

For a truly private celebratory affair, full charters with SeaDream Yacht Club, offer the ultimate gift of lifetime memories, rather than material possessions, to guests interested in celebrating important milestones with family and friends. Fifty-six well-appointed staterooms, including 10 suites, accommodate a maximum of 112 guests in an intimate, elegantly casual setting.

Birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions are among the special occasions guests are choosing to celebrate with fully-inclusive, private charters aboard the mega-yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Examples include a tandem celebration, in which both a husband and wife celebrated their 60th birthdays with loved ones on a voyage of their choosing. Surprise parties are also a hit, when guests know they are taking a SeaDream voyage, but later discover it will be on a private charter shared only with their friends and family.

When planning a private celebration aboard SeaDream, their Charter Coordinators assist in every aspect, from the custom itinerary to onboard activities to special dining preferences and entertainment options. Custom shore excursions in locations seldom visited by larger ships may be arranged, such as guided expeditions through the remote islands of Southeast Asia or secluded coastal towns of the Mediterranean. With a 1-to-1 crew to guest ratio, no detail is too small and no request goes unheeded when planning a SeaDream charter.

With an emphasis on outdoor living, friends and families can take advantage of a fleet of water toys including wave runners, kayaks, water skis and wake boards. The only Thai-certified spa at sea, SeaDream’s Spa includes treatments in the private, open-air massage area. Lounging on deck in the yacht’s signature Balinese Dream Beds is the perfect place for couples to take in ocean views during the day, or star-gaze at night with full turn-down service upon request.

Culinary excellence is just another facet that makes a SeaDream charter so memorable. Guests can join the chef for a trip to the local market, sourcing only the freshest, indigenous ingredients for their dishes. For a special toast, the Dining Salon accommodates all 112 guests to enjoy an unforgettable meal together. Dining al fresco is also an option and highly encouraged. Menus tailored specifically to each charter, combined with anticipatory service make epicurean experiences aboard SeaDream ones to remember. For more information on SeaDream charters, visit SeaDream.com.

Image courtesy Crystal Cruises