Renewal of Vows Questions

[Bubba_59]

My DW and I are renewing our vows on the upcoming Zuiderdam cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Does the Captain usually do this onboard or on an island? What is the usual expected attire? Does he do the vows in a group or individually? What will our guests receive for the $25 since we have already paid for them?

[tonyrobin]

Hey Bubba, We are renewing our vows on the Zuiderdam sailing July 17. Its our 6th anniversary. It think they do it on the ship. I called and the agent said that it was scheduled on Wed. at 7:30 (tentively). I would like to know what we wear also. Congradulations on your upcoming nuptials.

[sheldrvrT6A]

Bubba
Just got off of the O last week and I surprised my wife with the ROV for our 32nd. HAL blocked off the piano bar and along with us we had two other couples. It was really one of the hits of the cruise. We had a piano player, champagne, snacks and cake. There was at least three other ship officers for our attention and the captain did all and to say the least he was "great".
He was extremely attentive and did a job that we all thought was super.
He stayed around for about 45 minutes talking to all of us even though we knew he had a busy schedule. He does the renewal personally and HAL takes pictures and gives you a book (neat) with pictures and the formal paperwork.
I along with the other couples wore a suit and my wife wore semi to formal wear. I cannot recommend it more. Have fun.
Jerry

[FlorenceItaly]

I observed a renewal of the vows (from afar...happen to be walking by) on the Maasdam a few weeks ago, and this particular ceremony was in the Explorer's Lounge with the Captain. It was the couple and their 2 teenage children. You mention paying $25 per guest, did I understand that correctly, so you may have something a little bit more planned?

Marie

[sheldrvrT6A]

Bubba
Sorry as I should have reread your entire question before answering.
On the O it was 12.50 per guest and they got to witness and the rest of the goodies sans the renewal book. That was it.
Jerry

[theZsatsea]

Bubba,

I have booked the Renewal of Vows (ROV) package for our Alaska cruisetour as a surprise for my DW. What I found out from Ships Services is that the package now includes dinner for two in the Pinnacle Grill. This is not listed on HAL's web site. I would think that any guests would have to make their own reservations in the Grill.

Hope this helps.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

Just curious - someone mentioned that they paid $25 per person for the renewal of vows and it was held in the Explorer's Lounge with drinks, cake, appetizers, etc. - no dinner.

Another person said that it was $12.50 per guest for the same deal.

Now we are hearing that HAL has special offer of $129 which includes dinner in the Pinnacle Grill. Is this per person or per couple?

AND does the captain and other officers attend?

Would appreciate more information. Thanks.

[Bubba_59]

I guess I should have been more specific. The $25 I paid was for another COUPLE ($12.50 PP).

Tonyrobin, looking forward to doing the ROV cermony at the same time as you. This was the first I heard on the day and time, and unless I hear differently we will probably dress formal. Also, can anyone confirm if dinner st the Pinnacle is included? This is the first I've heard that....

[F5Loar]

We did it on the Zuiderdam last July and it was held in the Oueens lounge with a piano player, nice cake for all, flowers galore and reading of the vows by the Captain. Dress was announced to be informal but me and one other man wore tuxes while others were either suits, just sport coats and some even resort casual so I guess you can say it's the same as formal night in that anything goes and they don't care. I happened to value my marriage and felt formal dress was the least respect I could show to my wife. We looked nice on the video they made for us too which is an extra cost arranged beforehand. To us it was well worth the $99 cost then and if they add $29 for two to eat at Pinncacle it would be worth that too. You get the nice photo with the Captain and copy of vows signed by Captain.

[Bubba_59]

Thanks so much for the info. It really helped!!

[tonyrobin]

Hi Bubba, How many years have you been married? This will be our 6th anniversary. I am really looking forward to the whole trip. Our anniversary is the 18th, the same day we are in Half Moon Cay. We are then going to eat in the Pinnacle that night. I would say this will be an unforgetable anniversary.

[dogladyjw]

Considered doing this on our 25th anniversary cruise until I found out they only do it while you are in port. While in port, I have a lot of things to do!

[Bubba_59]

Tonyrobin,
The DW and I will observe 25 years in November. I'm looking forward to meeting you both during the cermony. BTW, you do know that we have a CC meeting (party) set up on Monday at 3pm in the Crows Nest?

Do they REALLY do the ROV while in port? Gosh, I hope not!! I would hate to miss out on port time for this, especially since this will be our first ever cruise and visit to the Caribbean. I talked it over with the wife and we decided we will NOT interupt island activities to do this even though we've already paid for it. So we'll just have to see what day/time the Captain sets up for it and hope for the best.

[wdw1972]

Friends of mine did the vow renewal on Castaway Cay on our May Zuiderdam cruise (3 couples). The captain wasn't anywhere to be seen, but a couple of the ship's staff were there. The ceremony was done by a priest who happened to be a passenger that week. We wore swimsuits - with a coverup thrown on. The women had no idea their husbands had set it up, and HAL did a really nice job for them.

[tonyrobin]

Bubba, If the ROV is Wed. then we will be leaving St Thomas and out to sea. I guess we will wait and see. What time are you having dinner? We are at the 8:00 one, of course we will be at the Pinnacle Sat and Sun. I think you will love this, it is the best vacation you can possibly have.

[tonyrobin]

Oh, I forgot. We will try to be at the meeting on Monday at 3.

[scluvsrain]

I thought the CC meeting/get-together was SUNDAY in the Crow's Nest at 3 PM, not Monday. Isn't Sunday our sea day and Monday we're in HMC?

[tinmanswife]

WDW.........Glad to see I'm not the only one still reads the boards two months after our cruise! You forgot to tell them that you served @ photographer/maid of honor/guest AND managed to keep the men's secret...
Did we have a great time or what!

This was arranged after they were on the ship and I think it was on the excursion list for Half Moon Cay. If anyone's interested, I can ck with DH and ask price. I think they split some of it since there were 3 couples, but they served us champagne, etc., and we each received an album, picture frame.

[F5Loar]

The ROV is done after you back from port. In fact ours was around 7PM.
We had early seating and could not do that on that night so asked to have late seating instead and it was no problem. If you are in Port doing something at 7PM you missed the boat and the ROV.

[Bubba_59]

Thanks for the ROV info.

scluvsrain....according to the website we are at HMC on SUNDAY with a sea day on Monday...

[scluvsrain]

Oh, okay. So, I'll show up on Monday then at the Crow's Nest at 3 PM. Can't wait to meet everyone!!!

[Whiskeyman]

First of all I bump this up instead of starting a new thread.
Just wondering if anyone had anything to add to this since July.
I want to do the ROV for our 25th and wondering if anything has changed since these postings. Thanks all... :o

[Louise & Tom]

I found all of the information on HAL's website. Looking for formal night schedule to plan which night to do ceremony and Pinnacle dinner (which is included in the $129 price). I have to give them a call to find out what times are offered.

We are renewing our vows (surprise to husband though!) on Nov. 26 Zuiderdam cruise. Can't Wait!!!

[Time2sail]

I found all of the information on HAL's website. Looking for formal night schedule to plan which night to do ceremony and Pinnacle dinner (which is included in the $129 price). I have to give them a call to find out what times are offered.

We are renewing our vows (surprise to husband though!) on Nov. 26 Zuiderdam cruise. Can't Wait!!!

My review on the ROV is in my May 29-June 5 Amsterdam to Alaska review. A surprise for my spouse, too. :)

[richcrow]

I found all of the information on HAL's website. Looking for formal night schedule to plan which night to do ceremony and Pinnacle dinner (which is included in the $129 price). I have to give them a call to find out what times are offered.

We are renewing our vows (surprise to husband though!) on Nov. 26 Zuiderdam cruise. Can't Wait!!!

I am surprising DW with the ROV on the Zuiderdam Oct.1st sailing. It will be for our 40th anniversary. I called HAL guest services and was told that it is always up to the Captain as to when the ROV will be scheduled, but that most of the time it is scheduled during the second formal night. They also told me that you will have to wait until you are onboard before you can make reservations for dinner in the Pinnacle Grill if you want them on the same night as you ROV.

Richard

[Rachelleh]

Richard:

We on on the Oct. 1st Zuiderdam cruise as well, our 15th Anniversary on the 6th, I was thinking of suprising my husband as well, I would love to know the time and dress, I couldn't resist and recently purchased a new formal it would be great to have a "post purchase excuse" we forward to meeting you on the Zui.
Rachelle

[richcrow]

Richard:

We on on the Oct. 1st Zuiderdam cruise as well, our 15th Anniversary on the 6th, I was thinking of suprising my husband as well, I would love to know the time and dress, I couldn't resist and recently purchased a new formal it would be great to have a "post purchase excuse" we forward to meeting you on the Zui.
Rachelle

Rachelle,

My understanding that it is usually scheduled for the second formal evening. At least that was what was posted in a review from someone who recently returned from sailing on the Zuiderdam. I think that they usually schedule it for a formal night so everyone whould be dressed up. This does create another problem though. Do you schedule your Pinnacle dinner after the ROV ceremony and not eat in the dining room on the second formal night or what? I think that I'm leaning towards eating in the Pinnacle Grill just because I think that it would be a great ending to a wonderful ceremony. What do you think? So maybe we will meet during the ROV's.

Richard

[dhowell]

Hi - my parents just renewed their vows last Thurs. on the Zuiderdam. It was a lovely gathering (see my review 7/9 - 7/16). The ROV ceremony was held at 7:30 PM Thurs. night in the piano bar. We had the 8:00 dinner seating and were told the ROV would last approx. 45 min. We told our dining server that we might be a little late in arriving for dinner. We headed up to the dining room around 8:10 only to find that dinner was delayed - the first seating wasn't done yet! The dinner that night is so great, I would choose to eat in your regular spot, if it's the later seating. They do the big presentation with the Baked Alaska - lots of fun! We did the Pinnacle Grille the last night of our journey - the perfect way to end the cruise! The ROV was so perfect for my parents (celebrating their 50th) - the album you receive is beautiful and the whole evening seemed magical! Enjoy! - Denise:)

[richcrow]

Hi - my parents just renewed their vows last Thurs. on the Zuiderdam. It was a lovely gathering (see my review 7/9 - 7/16). The ROV ceremony was held at 7:30 PM Thurs. night in the piano bar. We had the 8:00 dinner seating and were told the ROV would last approx. 45 min. We told our dining server that we might be a little late in arriving for dinner. We headed up to the dining room around 8:10 only to find that dinner was delayed - the first seating wasn't done yet! The dinner that night is so great, I would choose to eat in your regular spot, if it's the later seating. They do the big presentation with the Baked Alaska - lots of fun! We did the Pinnacle Grille the last night of our journey - the perfect way to end the cruise! The ROV was so perfect for my parents (celebrating their 50th) - the album you receive is beautiful and the whole evening seemed magical! Enjoy! - Denise:)

Denise,

Thanks so much for the info. I believe that I read your review and really did enjoyit. I do like your suggestion about waiting until the last night to eat in the Pinnacle Grill. I'm sure it is a great way to end the cruise.

Richard

[fredandbeth]

I agree with dhowell. My DH and I did the ROV on the 6-4 Zuiderdam. The captain officiated and the hotel manager was there as well. Drinks and hors d'hoerves were very nice. About 10 couples did it and it lasted close to an hour. We reserved our Pinnacle dinner at the same time we called in to purchase the ROV. If you do this though, don't be confused when you get your invite in your room. The first invite confirms the ROV (no date or time) and lists your Pinnacle reservation date and time. Later in the week you'll get the official invite for the ROV. Typically the ROV is on a formal night about 7:30 as others said. The album is gorgeous and includes the speech given by the captain, a copy of the vows and extra pages for your own memories. Would do this in a heartbeat !!

[Time2sail]

The renewal of vows is usually on the second formal night when the dining room has lobster and snails--if you like those.

The dining room staff brought us a cake and sang a special song (see my review if interested) and the fellow diners added to the excitement with good wishes and applause. Pretty special!

We had early dining so we ate before the ROV and we really didn't enjoy the refreshments provided because we ate too much in the dining room. If you make reservations in the Pinnacle for after the ceremony, consider the amount of food consumed at the ceremony. Our ROV was on Friday night but we made our Pinnacle reservations for Thursday night so it made that night special, too. (We ate twice in the Pinnacle.)

The ROV was a surprise for my spouse who didn't find out about the ceremony until that very afternoon. The invitation had been placed under the door and I wasn't in at the time--so the surprise came a few hours earlier than planned. If you want this to be a surpise until the actual ceremony takes place, then grab the notes coming under the door.

Also, there is a preliminary meeting with cruise staff a couple of days before the ROV regarding how you want the name on your certificate, etc. I just told my spouse I was going to the library (which was where the meeting was held) and attended to the details. :D

The ROV was the highlight of our cruise. If you have any questions that I might answer, please ask.

[Rachelleh]

Richard,
I was leaning toward the Pinnacle the night of the ROV, but after reading these posts I think I am going to risk it and schedule the Pinnacle the last night of the cruise and hope the ROV is in fact the last formal night, would hate to miss that baked alaska, lobster and escargo sound great, but for me deserts win everytime.

After receiving the very fast response from the HAL team via email, I asked if we could make Pinnacle reservations when making the ROV plans and they said yes, also if we wanted to book another night we could request that as well, I am definately doing this so avoid the long lines the first day.

Hope to meet you on board, can't wait, thanks so much to everyone for the information!!!!!!!

Rachelle

PS; looks like I found a great excuse for purchasing that new dress - yea!!!

[richcrow]

Richard,
I was leaning toward the Pinnacle the night of the ROV, but after reading these posts I think I am going to risk it and schedule the Pinnacle the last night of the cruise and hope the ROV is in fact the last formal night, would hate to miss that baked alaska, lobster and escargo sound great, but for me deserts win everytime.

Yeh, I have come to that same decision.

After receiving the very fast response from the HAL team via email, I asked if we could make Pinnacle reservations when making the ROV plans and they said yes, also if we wanted to book another night we could request that as well, I am definately doing this so avoid the long lines the first day.

I called HAL Ship Services just today to make our ROV Pinnacle Reservations and was told that I would have to wait until we were onboard. This just didn't make any since to me as I had already made reservations to eat in the Pinnacle Grill on the first night at half price. She told me that when it was part of a package I had to wait. So, I called back and got another person who told me that was not correct. She said what I should have been told was that they could not guarantee the day and time that I had requested but would notify the ship that that was what I had requested. She also said that I should go to the Pinnacle Grill when I got onboard and verifiy that I did get what I had requested. I guess it pays to be persistant, huh?

Hope to meet you on board, can't wait, thanks so much to everyone for the information!!!!!!!

Can't wait to meet everyone also!



Richard

[Ziggy7]

RichardHi richcrow ! Happy ROV !!!! and Congratulations!!!!! Glad to see your still around! Miss seeing you on the Westerdam thread, you are still going with us arent you :) Would sure like to meet you and the Mrs :)


Happy ROV and Congratulations everyone, We did it last yeas on HMC, very informal but very memorible just the same :) No matter how you do it, you will never forget it :)