Cruise weddings are fast emerging as one of the most sought-after celebration trends among Indian families, offering the perfect blend of travel, intimacy, and grandeur. With StarDream Cruises witnessing a sharp rise in demand from India, the segment is evolving into a preferred choice for couples seeking unforgettable milestone moments at sea.
To understand what makes cruise weddings so appealing and how StarDream Cruises is tailoring its offerings for Indian traditions, Voyager’s World speaks to Mr. Naresh Rawal, Senior Vice President – Sales (India & Middle East) of StarDream Cruises, who shares insights into customisation, capacities, safety protocols, and the growing potential of this market.
Star Dream Cruises has become a preferred choice for Indian travellers. How significant is the Indian market for your wedding and celebration segment?
The Indian market holds a special place in our hearts. Indian travellers value family, celebrations, and lasting memories—perfectly aligned with what we offer at StarDream Cruises, home to Star Cruises and Dream Cruises. We’re seeing growing interest in our Fly-Cruise segment for weddings and anniversaries, and our goal is to make these milestones truly memorable at sea.
What makes Star Dream Cruises an appealing venue for destination weddings compared to traditional land-based locations?
A wedding at sea is truly unforgettable, with intimate celebrations framed by panoramic ocean views and stunning sunsets. At StarDream Cruises, we offer a one-stop solution, allowing couples to plan everything at sea while cruising to different exotic destinations. From deckside vows to themed receptions and curated shore excursions, every moment is designed to create lasting memories.
How customizable are the wedding packages—especially with respect to Indian rituals such as Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi, and the main wedding ceremony?
Our wedding packages are highly flexible, allowing couples to celebrate all traditional Indian rituals—Mehendi, Sangeet, Haldi and the main ceremony – while enjoying the luxury of a cruise. We have hosted weddings aboard our Genting Dream in Singapore and our Star Navigator in Dubai, and we work closely with couples and their families to personalise every detail, from décor and entertainment to cuisine—including vegetarian and Jain options—and photography, making the entire experience seamless and unforgettable at sea.
How flexible are you in accommodating Indian cuisine, including vegetarian, Jain, or regional specialities?
We are an international cruise line with 30 years of experience, homegrown in Asia, so we know the region best. We understand how important food is in Indian celebrations, and onboard our ships, we tailor and offer a wide range of Indian cuisine—including vegetarian, Jain, and regional specialties. Our culinary team works closely with couples to personalise the menu, ensuring every guest enjoys a memorable dining experience at sea.
What entertainment options—DJ setups, live music, Bollywood performances—are available for wedding groups?
The entertainment options for weddings at sea are wide and endless. Couples can enjoy DJ setups, live bands, Bollywood performances, and bespoke shows. Our experienced team works closely with them to curate celebrations that are lively, memorable, and truly unique.
What is the maximum capacity for wedding events on the ship, both for seated ceremonies and larger gatherings such as Sangeet or reception nights?
The maximum capacity for wedding events varies by ship. We’ve hosted intimate celebrations with just a few guests, as well as grand events for hundreds or even thousands. For example, Genting Dream, based in Singapore year-round, can accommodate up to 4,500 guests, while Star Voyager and Star Navigator can host between 1,200 and 2,000 guests each, making it possible to celebrate both intimate ceremonies and large Sangeet or reception nights.
Can outdoor decks be used for ceremonies, and what weather or safety considerations should planners be aware of?
Yes, outdoor decks are perfect for wedding ceremonies, offering stunning ocean views. Our team ensures safety and comfort, keeping an eye on weather conditions, and we always have indoor options as a seamless backup if needed.
Could you outline the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that Star Dream Cruises follows when hosting large wedding groups from India?
When hosting large wedding groups from India, we follow a detailed SOP to ensure everything runs smoothly. Our dedicated event coordinators work alongside our culinary, hospitality, and safety officers to personalise décor, entertainment, and cuisine, ensuring a seamless, safe, and memorable experience at sea.
Are there specific safety protocols or compliance standards that wedding planners should keep in mind, especially for fire safety, stage setups, or pyrotechnics?
Safety is always a top priority aboard our StarCruises and Dream Cruises ships under StarDream Cruises. Wedding planners should note that all stage setups and special effects must comply with strict fire and safety regulations. Our onboard safety officers work closely with planners to ensure every element is both spectacular and safe.
Are there limitations on rituals involving fire (like Pheras), loud music, or materials that can be brought from outside?
For safety reasons, open flames like those used in Pheras are allowed in specific outdoor locations onboard and under the strict supervision of our Safety Team. Loud music and materials brought from outside need prior approval to ensure they meet safety guidelines. Our team works closely with couples to make ceremonies authentic, enjoyable, and, importantly, safe.
What operational timelines do you recommend—such as finalising menus, layouts, guest lists, and technical requirements?
We typically recommend planning 6 – 12 months in advance, with menus, décor, and entertainment finalised 3 – 4 months prior, and guest lists and technical requirements 2 – 3 months ahead. That said, we do our best to accommodate shorter timelines whenever possible
With the rising demand for cruise weddings, how do you foresee the growth of this segment from India over the next few years?
We’re very optimistic about cruise weddings from India. With our Fly-Cruise options gaining popularity, more couples are choosing the unique experience of celebrating milestones at sea—combining travel, family, and luxury in one unforgettable journey.
How are you engaging with Indian travel agents, wedding planners, and MICE partners to tap into this market?
We continue to work closely with Indian travel agents, wedding planners, and MICE partners, constantly updating training with the right tools through familiarisation trips, workshops, and dedicated support, so they’re fully equipped to create seamless, luxurious, and memorable cruise weddings.
What message would you like to share with Indian families and planners considering a cruise wedding for the first time?
A cruise wedding is a unique way to celebrate love, family, and milestones all in one unforgettable journey. As an Asian homegrown cruise line, we understand Asian traditions and preferences best, making StarCruises and Dream Cruises under StarDream Cruises the ideal choice for Indian families and planners seeking a seamless, personalised, and luxurious celebration at sea.
