When selling their ships as a vacation of choice, cruise lines rarely miss a chance to throw in the word "romance." After all, the prospect to meet Mr. or Ms. Right while at sea is probably not far from the mind of many singles when they book a cruise.

For their part, cruise lines go all out to make such meetings possible. There are singles' mixers, dance lessons, poolside events, disco parties and any number of other opportunities for chance or not-sochance meetings. Once that happens, a ship is truly made for romance - fine dining at a table for two, strolls on deck beneath a starlit sky, exciting excursions ashore in exotic ports.

But what if a shipboard romance takes a serious bent? Why not top off the cruise by getting married right there and then? What could be more romantic? Not much, except it's not likely to happen. Just forget that old maritime bromide about the ship's captain marrying the young lovers.

"Such marriages are valid only for the duration of the cruise," cautioned an oldtimer. That's because a captain simply does not have the authority to marry anyone. And, frankly, none will perform one of those "pretend" marriages.

Even if a member of clergy were aboard, he or she couldn't perform a legal service. The couple would hardly have a marriage license and without one, no ceremony is legal. Even if they took out a license before leaving home, it still wouldn't be good at sea. Such a license is only valid in the county or state where it was issued.

All these bureaucratic hurdles would seem to rule out getting married in connection with a cruise. Happily for those inclined to tie the proverbial knot during such a holiday, a number of cruise lines have come up with ways to make it all happen.

However, since running a cruise line doesn't provide much experience with running weddings, many lines turn that...