Cruise

A Cruise is a popular choice as it provides the opportunity to explore many destinations, all while enjoying the luxury facilities on-board and a big perk is that you only have to unpack once. Another great reason is that almost […]

A Cruise is a popular choice as it provides the opportunity to explore many destinations, all while enjoying the luxury facilities on-board and a big perk is that you only have to unpack once.

Another great reason is that almost everything you’ll need on your honeymoon is included; food, accommodation, daytime and evening entertainment, as well as a diverse range of activities.

 

Most Popular Honeymoon Cruises

With so much to plan for your wedding, the last thing you want to do is stress out about your honeymoon. Cruises make excellent honeymoons because they combine pampering with travel — the retreat is in the destinations and onboard the ship. Forget land-based honeymoons; cruise ships have spas, celebrity-chef restaurants, culinary classes, butlers and glamorous bars, all with the sea as your setting.

The following popular cruise lines for honeymoons offer the right mix of relaxation and romance.

Azamara Club Cruises

Why? Azamara appeals to honeymooners seeking extra personal attention and a more intimate onboard atmosphere. Plus, the line’s port-intensive itineraries offer occasional overnights in port, permitting you to immerse yourself more in the local culture or have romantic dinners onshore. And, with service gratuities (as well as many beverages and shuttle buses into town) included in the cost of the cruise, you can focus more on enjoying the trip than crunching numbers.

Romantic Extras: Azamara does not offer specially designated honeymoon packages, but you can take advantage of the complimentary services of a concierge to plan your own surprises or create a customised experience in advance with spa appointments, specialty dining reservations with private tables for two, or breakfast in bed. In addition, wine is included with meals, all cabins are adorned with fresh flowers, and suite passengers benefit from the service of butlers.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line

Why? If you don’t want to stick to a timetable on your romantic getaway, Norwegian’s Feel Free concept lets you eat when and where you want, with a choice of various restaurants and cuisines onboard. Plus, multiple bars, lounges and discos ensure happening nightlife if you and your new partner like to stay out late.

Romantic Extras: Norwegian hosts too many honeymooners to give away costly freebies, but you can book one of five packages. With the Ultimate Romance package, you’ll get sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries, a dozen red roses, a couple’s massage, breakfast in bed (twice), in-cabin tea service, nightly canapes, two formal portraits, and dinner for two with wine in the French restaurant Le Bistro as well as Cagney’s Steakhouse. Norwegian also offers a partnership with Honeymoon Wishes, allowing couples to set up an onboard registry.

 

Princess Cruises

Why? Widely considered as “The Love Boat” ; this cruise line offers all the amenities necessary for onboard romance: fabulous dining options, including a V.I.P. dining experience in the galley and catered dinner on your private balcony; indoor and outdoor pampering with alfresco massages in The Sanctuary and couples’ treatments in the Lotus Spa; and, for onboard date night, a variety of entertainment options ranging from outdoor movies to new Broadway-style production shows scored by multi-award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz.

Romantic Extras: Princess Cruises offers two honeymoon packages. The first, includes a bottle of Champagne, two engraved glasses, two long-stemmed red roses on arrival, chocolate-dipped strawberries delivered to your cabin the first evening onboard, a framed formal portrait, and a Godiva heart-shaped box of chocolates. For an additional cost per couple, you can book the deluxe version, which includes all that, plus two waffle-fabric robes, a 25-minute massage or facial for each of you, canapes or petit fours delivered to your stateroom one evening, a bridge tour with the captain, and a half-bottle of Champagne delivered with breakfast one morning. Both packages also come with a personalised, engraved congratulatory card, signed by the captain – makes a lovely keepsake.

 

Royal Caribbean International

Why? Some active cruisers think surfing, rock-climbing and working out together is romantic — especially when you can unwind in the spa, relax in a hot tub or indulge in some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream after you’ve worked up a sweat.

Romantic Extras: You can choose from a selection of Royal Caribbean Romance Packages. With the Classic Romance package, you get a bottle of sparkling wine and vanilla cupcakes upon arrival; canapes for two before dinner; pre-dinner canapes and after-dinner sweets on the first formal night; breakfast in bed one morning; and an 8×10-inch portrait in a silver-plated frame. With the Decadent Romance Package, you’ll receive a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, a dozen roses, truffles and more. The cruise line offers a gift registry that applies to these packages, as well as to shore excursions.

 

Silversea Cruises

Why? Silversea is a great option for serious pampering and service.

Romantic Extras: This is the jackpot of honeymoon cruises. First of all, since Maison Pommery Brut Royal Champagne is included in the cost of the cruise, you’ll not only have a chilled bottle waiting in your cabin on the first night, but you can ask to have one iced every night (and sent with your breakfast every morning). You’ll also get a box of chocolates on arrival. Even though you know you’ll get these perks when you book your cruise, they do manage to surprise you. You may request to have canapes delivered to your suite each night before dinner, but if the Special Services department is notified at least four weeks in advance, you’ll also get a cake that says “Happy Honeymoon.

 

Star Clippers

Why? Star Clippers is the inspired choice for a honeymoon as well as a milestone birthday or anniversary, corporate gathering, or significant event. What could be more memorable than a magnificent tall ship sailing across a sunlit or moonlit sea? Honeymooners can feel the wind in their hair and the salty breeze in their face as they sail aboard what feels like their own private yacht. Each vessel provides a much more intimate experience than holidaymakers may expect to find on board a contemporary cruise liner, and whilst the surroundings of the ships draws from the nineteenth century, the superb, personable service will be on hand to make any honeymoon couple feel right at home, wherever they are in the world.

Romantic Extras: Honeymooners can relax in perfect privacy. There is a complimentary bottle of champagne and an assortment of fresh fruits and sweet treats, as well as a special gift and certificate signed by the Captain. This is available to all honeymooners who have proof of their marriage within 6 months of the sailing date. What could be more romantic than sailing to distant lands on an idyllic sailing cruise?