A vow renewal is a wedding with the hard part done. The marriage is settled, so the day only has to be good, and nobody is meeting the in-laws for the first time.
A cruise suits it for the same reason it suits a wedding on Ha Long Bay: one ship holds the whole celebration. The vows happen on the sundeck, dinner is in the restaurant, and everyone sleeps on board. Nobody has to drive home after the toasts.
The operators have done some of the work already. On three of the six ships we charter, the operator lists anniversary set-ups:
- Athena Luxury books anniversary packages in advance, set up on the sundeck, in the restaurant or in your cabin. Its factsheet rates the sundeck for events of up to 50.
- Signature Halong sells anniversary packages and small-party set-ups. At 24 adults it is the whole ship, which suits close family.
- Athena Premium includes an anniversary room set-up in the fare. Ask for it before paying for one.
Anniversaries tend to bring children and grandchildren, so read the second number on each factsheet. Signature Halong takes 24 adults and 6 children. Athena Luxury takes 42 adults and 8 children, which is exactly the 50 its sundeck is rated for.
Settle two things first: how many people you want there, and whether the children are coming. Between them, they decide the ship.