A honeymoon is one of the most important occasions for a couple, it is an opportunity to create special memories in a sweet spot of the relationship that will be forever cherished.
There are so many things to be considered before going on a honeymoon, tons of research and overwhelming information about the endless ways to do it.
The truth is that although couples will hopefully have many trips ahead of themselves the honeymoon one is particularly special, which makes the decision process a bit more challenging.
There is no right or wrong decision when it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination or style. In the end, it is your own decision based on budget, preferences, wishes and time available.
Whereas their many dreamy resorts on secluded islands in tropical paradises or awesome cosmopolitan cities for those seeking city fun, there is no better or worse and a very popular option is a cruise honeymoon.
It is probably one of the most frequently asked questions that come out of our travel conversations with people looking for the perfect honeymoon trip, is a cruise trip good to celebrate a honeymoon?
Yes. It requires very little preparation and organisation. They offer couples amazing destinations, relaxation, and all-inclusive plans where all meals are included. They provide customised date nights for honeymooners like movies under the stars. Lastly, they offer couples comfort, luxury, fun and romance!
A cruise trip is for most couples the perfect set-up for a honeymoon since the crew ship takes care of everything and they simply can relax, enjoy and unwind while on vacation. Meals are all-inclusive and served for them, the facilities and amenities are pretty top notch and they simply can enjoy and experience the different stops in the different places.
In contrast, a smaller group of couples believe it is an overpriced and overwhelming option, in which the cruise ship will be crowded, and the stops overs are not worth it as they are usually too short.
This post will help describe some of the pros and cons of choosing a cruise as your honeymoon destination. We will also answer the most commonly requested queries about going on a cruise for a honeymoon.
A cruise is an idyllic choice for newlyweds as they can dedicate all their precious honeymoon time to loving each other and just enjoying the actual trip and disconnecting from their routine.
What are the pros and cons of a cruise honeymoon?
In summary, a cruise would make for a great honeymoon because it covers all the bullet points of the “once-in-a-lifetime romantic escape”
It covers multiple destinations in one single trip without having to be bothered to organise anything.
Honeymoon cruises are all-inclusive, which also allows honeymooners to relax without having to worry about meals or drinks.
To top it all up, honeymoon cruises include a diverse range of incredible activities to boost the romantic mood and ensure fun for such a memorable escape. If you're planning on taking a honeymoon cruise, here are the top pros and cons of why a honeymoon cruise can be an excellent choice (or not so good):
Pros
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Incredible activities. This is for us the most important reason why a honeymoon cruise is an excellent vacation choice. You can not only thrive in the all-inclusive activities in the cruise package but also you can self-cater and customise the” honeymoon romantic activities” to tailor them to your particular honeymoon purpose.
The standard general activities include fine dining in the best restaurants with upscale culinary delicacies, exotic cocktails, tropical fruits and much more.
Cruise ships are built with amazing swimming pools to enjoy the views, hot tubs, jacuzzis, gyms, mini golf courses, spas and saunas.
Most ships also include high-speed internet to be connected at all times and the wide range of sublime excursions available is incredible. There is something for everyone!
As mentioned above, most cruise lines will also offer honeymooners the opportunity to build customised and personalised romantic activities during their cruise trips to make them feel that they are the only lovers in the world. Some of those romantic activities are:
- Chocolate body wraps, as chocolate is a well-known aphrodisiac.
- Sleeping on a private deck with sunset views.
- Couple's massage in a private spa within the cruise ship.
- Open balcony with outdoor shower in your room with a hot tub, and outdoor bed covered with champagne, strawberries and chocolates.
- Cleansing and aromatic bathing ceremonies, and foot massage rituals to elevate the romance.
- A gourmet feast on your private balcony to make you feel like you are in your own “villa”.
- Lavish Champagne or mimosa breakfasts on your private deck watching stunning sunrises before you disembark at a striking destination.
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Your own cinema. Watch a movie under the stars with buttery popcorn freshly made for you.
Watch some TV on the huge large screen at night when relaxing in the stunning hot tubs or swimming pools. You can top up this experience by ordering freshly baked pizzas, and ice creams (just to name a few) to be brought to you as you dip in the pool.
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For us, the second reason why we believe a cruise is an excellent option to embrace your honeymoon is privacy! It is the perfect environment and set up to just relax and not have to interact with other passengers.
This is not anti-social but because romance deserves its space! Most well-rated cruise lines will be equipped with tons of private and quiet spots for couples, such as hot tubs and jacuzzis to private decks, where honeymooners can just focus on each other with unlimited food and drink options 24 hours. -
Relax! Planning a wedding, consequently celebrating the wedding is for most people a breathtaking and a forever memory but let’s be real, it is exhausting! Having some relaxation setting for your honeymoon is crucial and a cruise is an optimal choice for a honeymoon.
It allows you to have zero plans and tons of plans at the same time. You don’t have to do anything but be present.
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Safety. Cruises are the safest way to travel, statistics do support this statement. Cruise lines, particularly the more upscale ones make big efforts to ensure that destinations include in the cruise trip are safe, with the political status of the place at peace and resorts/ activities being held in areas where tourism is well received.
All the crew on the cruise ship will be highly experienced and trained to provide the best healthy and safe experience, starting with the captain, who will be on point in navigating the vessel. -
Affordable. Unlike what most people believe, cruise trips are not that pricey compared to certain destinations’ hotels and daily costs. It is perhaps not a low-cost vacation, but it can be budget-friendly.
Cruise honeymoons are one of those situations where honeymooners can get big discounts and good deals when celebrating their nuptials or newlywed trips. Cruises have an all-inclusive 24 hours service policy at an average price of $ 70 to $ 100 per day per person, which is not that outrageously expensive.
Honeymooners will be treated and pampered like kings on a cruise without having to pay the expensive premium rates. -
Food. This is where most honeymooners go crazy! it is probably the best part of celebrating your honeymoon on a cruise. Cruise vacations are on all-inclusive plans and packages where food and drinks are available 24 hours as much as you want. Not only the quantity but the quality tends to be absolutely at a high level! It is not the place to be on a diet!
The buffets have all sorts of options available from sushi, meat BBQs, and grilled lobster to freshly oven-baked pizzas, to gelato and other delicacies! And the best part is that you don’t have to worry about any cleaning and tidying afterwards.
- Social environment. Your honeymoon cruise can also be an excellent place to make friends and new acquaintances to up the fun of your vacation to the next level. There will be other couples in the same or similar romantic situations to share stories and fun days with. There is usually a really friendly and lively atmosphere on a honeymoon cruise.
- Destinations. Have you ever dreamt of visiting multiple dreamy destinations on a single trip? a honeymoon cruise will be an incredible opportunity for this purpose. The best part is that you can visit some of your bucket list destinations without having to pack and repack, load and unload baggage. It is all done for you.
Cons
Interestingly, cruising is not for everyone. Despite having multiple advantages and the above-mentioned pro points in favour of a honeymoon on a cruise, some cons need to be considered.
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No spontaneity. For some people not having to worry about planning any activities can be a blessing but others do feel that having all planned out for them is not their cup of tea.
Some people do thrive in being spontaneous and improvising and essentially travelling last minute when they feel like it. If this is your situation, then cruising is not for you. - Although the rooms in a crush can be pretty cool, it needs to be pointed out that they are somewhat small. They are not spacious villas. Some people do not feel comfortable in confined spaces. If you are in this category then you might experience some claustrophobia and this honeymoon vacation type might not be for you.
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Seasickness. It can happen if you are sensitive to motion sickness. If the sea gets rough due to weather conditions then you might get seasick, including nausea and tons of vomiting.
This is not very romantic! There are some over-the-counter medications, they are usually given on the ship, as well as prophylactic treatment.
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Hidden Charges. Speaking to some travellers who have been on a cruise for their honeymoon resort, that at the end of their trip they have been given and sent a receipt with “extra costs” that they incurred when on their cruise vacation. Verify all the inclusions in your plan and double-check with the cruise ship crew when in doubt.
These hidden costs tend to be in specialty alcoholic drinks and fancy cocktails unless specified in your vacation package. Also, Wi-Fi and international calls may not be included depending on the cruise policy and the receipt may be super expensive.
What destination would you suggest for a honeymoon cruise?
Have you ever imagined being with your loved one, the one who just married, sailing across a gorgeous ocean and cuddling before the most stunning sunsets and sunrises?
Many romantic options and honeymoon cruise itineraries would fulfil that dream. There is no right or wrong destination but the following ones are the most romantic cruises for a honeymoon.
- The Mediterranean Sea. These cruises offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the world with fresh and incredible food options, topped with the most memorable stops in clear waters of Greece or Italy for amazing snorkelling, swimming in the blue diamond waters and thriving around the best ancient ruins.
- The Caribbean Islands Tour. They are famous for being the most popular and romantic ones for honeymoon celebrations. Some of these islands are home to the most paradisiac tropical beaches where honeymooners can be pretty much by themselves in secluded areas as well as they are full of history and places to explore.
When it comes to the Caribbean Islands the most chosen ones are:
- Antigua & Barbuda. Famous for its white sandy beaches and blue tourmaline water ideal to dip in the warm ocean and snorkel along turtles and tropical fish. Tons of restaurants, and historical places to visit such as Nelson's Dockyard National Park, Bird Rock Beach and St John's Cathedral, to name a few.
- The Bahamas. This one is a classic! cruise destination. Visiting the lively and colourful capital, Nassau is an activity on its own. Amazing place to learn about the history of the Bahamas, mingle with the friendly locals, eat fresh seafood and enjoy the insane colours of the water and sand. It is perfect for honeymooners.
- Svalbard, Norway. Newlyweds who love the outdoors and wildlife should consider this cruise itinerary for their honeymoon. It is the mecca of polar bears and the range of shore excursions available is incredible.
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Antarctica. This option is definitely and by far the most unique honeymoon cruise that there is. There is no other itinerary like this one.
Newlyweds can sleep on the ice outdoors to soak in the cold sky. It is very safe as there are no predators and it is an intimate option. Honeymooners will cuddle up in warm sleeping bags under the stars and silences of Antarctica. Couples will also be able to ski in the glaciers, wake up to whales jumping and swimming along and penguins, tons of penguins!
Other very popular, colder destinations, leaving the tropical vibe behind and more focused on once-in-a-lifetime views of glaciers, spectacular mountains, historic cities and hidden valleys are:
- Alaska
- Vienna, Austria
- Singapore
- Kirkwall, Scotland
What are the best cruise lines for a honeymoon?
- Disney Magic Cruise. Are you after something different and full of romance? Maybe check out the Disney Magic Cruise Line. It is very well-rated by former honeymooners. It is ideal for a special picture-perfect honeymoon vacation. Fully equipped with adults-only activities, fine dining experiences surrounded by luxury and an extraordinary atmosphere.
- Silversea Cruises. This one is one of the top luxury cruise lines and if you are willing to throw a couple of dollars at it, it is perfect for honeymooners. They offer incredible packages for honeymoons and a memorable experience is guaranteed.
- Norwegian Epic Cruise. It is not called epic for no reason. It is one of the top-rated lines for cruises around Alaska, equipped with tons of hot tubs whilst you spot the glaciers and snow peak mountains.
- Princess Cruises. Princess Cruises lines are famous for their award of the best cruise line in Alaska and they are quite flexible in their packages, allowing not only a great price offering tons of deals but also they allow honeymooners to enjoy train journeys by themselves or secluded mini gateways before hopping on the cruise ship.
Other very good lines are:
- Crystal Symphony Cruise
- SeaDream Yacht Club Cruise
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises Cruise
- Seabourn Sojourn Cruise
- Cunard Queen Mary 2 Cruise
- Costa Luminosa Cruise
- Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Cruise
- Celebrity Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Azamara Club Cruises
How much is a honeymoon cruise?
The total price of a cruise for a honeymoon will vary depending on the cruise line, plan, length and inclusions packages that travellers hire.
For a more detailed breakdown of the average costs of a honeymoon cruise, keep in mind that any typical 7 days cruise vacation will be around $ 1000 per person, as the average daily rates are around $ 70 -$ 100 per person.
Having said that, if you are to hire some more customised in-port activities as well as your room or especially honeymoon perks, for a 7 days cruise vacation, the cost would go up to about $2,000 per person, around $150 per day per person.
The good news is that it is not very pricey and it will be all included, meals and drinks, although you might to verify the alcoholic drinks inclusion policy as well as certain excursions and activities. That total price does not include the flights from whatever you are embarking on the vessel from.
Final Thoughts
A cruise for a honeymoon is an excellent choice to celebrate the beginning of a forever life together. They are a very popular choice of vacation with a hint of lux, fun and relaxation.
There are many cruise lines available, depending on the destinations you dream of going to for your honeymoon, from incredible historical cities to the most dreamt tropical beaches.
Other important factors when it comes to picking cruise lines and plans are budgets, length of the trip and inclusions in your policy. But no matter what, there will be packages to fulfil all couple's dreams and the romance will be there!
Lastly, thrive on your honeymoon cruise, ditch your to-do list and simply relax. Explore the local villages or lively cities and eat the most amazing food prepared just for you.
Amuse yourselves with incredible activities both on board and outdoors like indoor rock climbing, swimming pool endless fun, movie dates under the stars, top-notch snorkelling, kayaking and meeting friendly locals.