Plan a carefree postnuptial escape on the high seas.
Cruising isn’t just for spring breakers, families or seniors. Honeymooning at sea can be a wonderful escape for newlyweds who want to bask in relaxation, romance and luxury. Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor at Cruise Critic, advises letting your travel agent or cruise line know you’re planning your honeymoon when booking. Once onboard, McDaniel also suggests informing the maître d’ at the main dining room that it’s your honeymoon. Also, consider booking a special experience to enjoy while on your cruise, like in-cabin dining with butler service, McDaniel says. For an at-sea honeymoon to remember, book one of these enchanting cruises.
Take a small-ship cruise.
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers the perfect setting for honeymooners with upscale, small-ship voyages in Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji and the South Pacific aboard the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin on seven- to 17-night itineraries. What’s more, Oceania offers requisite Polynesian hospitality. Couples can take in their surroundings from the privacy of their suite or stateroom, dine al fresco under a starry sky and dance the night away. “In my mind it’s a fantastic aspect that sets them apart from so many of the more entry level cruising,” says Jim Welch of travel agency Amaze Travel in Michigan. “They also make it an all-around wonderful, relaxing and luxury romantic experience.”
Sail to Tahiti with Windstar Cruises.
Tahiti, with its romantic setting and pristine beaches, is certainly on the honeymoon short list. Consider taking a cruise aboard a 148-passenger yacht that island hops across the South Pacific, for a mix of a relaxation and adventure and stops in Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a and more. Windstar’s multiple overnights in different ports allow ample time for exploration, and an optional excursion to spend an evening in an overwater bungalow is a great way to combine the joys of a cruise with the beauty of a Tahitian bungalow. What’s more, you can enjoy diving, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and an array of other water-based activities.
Embark on an epic honeymoon across Iceland.
For the ultra-adventurous couple, consider a cruise around one of the coolest destinations on the planet: Iceland. Windstar Cruises’ 212-passenger Star Legend and Star Pride offer all-suite yachts taking seven-night Around Iceland itineraries, a circumnavigation of Iceland from Reykjavik that takes guests beyond the tourist meccas to isolated fjords and tiny fishing villages. Among other points of interest, cruisers can explore visit Heimaey Island, where a 1973 volcanic eruption left behind a modern-day Pompeii. The itinerary includes an overnight stay in Seyðisfjörður, a gateway to some of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Set sail for the Galápagos.
On Celebrity Cruises, honeymooners can escape to some of the most unique, unspoiled islands in the world. And thanks to Celebrity’s all-inclusive pricing, you and your better half won’t have to worry about paying extra for beverages, meals, activities or accommodations. The line’s Galapagos itineraries, which range from seven to 15 nights, offer passengers intimate onboard atmospheres, particularly on the smaller Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Xperience ships, as well as luxurious accommodations facing the ocean and the chance to enjoy romantic meals beneath the stars.
Explore iconic cities and cultural events across South America.
Celebrity Cruises’ Signature Event Sailings make for bucket-list vacation experiences. For instance, experiencing the Carnival Samba Parade in Rio de Janeiro is an absolute spectacle with ornate floats, costumes, music and spectators. Onboard, honeymooners can enjoy samba classes by day. On Celebrity Infinity’s 14-night cruise departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Feb. 19, 2017, cruisers experience Brazilian locales Sao Paolo, Ilhabela, Buzios and Rio de Janeiro.
Plan a Canadian or New England voyage.
Not all honeymooners have the post-wedding budget to take trip to Europe, but Holland America Line offers scenic cruises to Canada and New England for couples who may not want to incur the cost of a pricey flight. Whether exploring the area during the summer or in the fall when the leaves put on an incredible display of jewel-toned hues, Canada and New England offer a perfect backdrop from May to October. Cruises depart from Boston, New York City, Montreal and Quebec City, Canada, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Onboard activities might include regional beer and wine tastings, mixology classes, cultural cooking demonstrations and musical performances.
Choose a classic cruise line.
Cunard Line, which is renowned for its long-standing tradition of black tie evenings, ballroom dancing and glamour on the high seas, has many special offerings tailored to newlyweds. The world’s only ocean liner offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton, England, gives passengers the gift of time. Cunard also boasts special touches such as performances by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and 3-D shows designed by the Royal Astronomical Society on the Queen Mary 2. Other unique services include fencing classes on Queen Victoria and private viewing boxes in The Royal Court Theatre onboard Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
Plan a quintessential Hawaiian honeymoon.
One of the unique benefits of a honeymoon cruise is the opportunity to visit multiple destinations with no need to unpack, repack and arrange transportation between each stop. Couples can take island hopping to the next level aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, which offers seven-day inter-island Hawaiian sailings year-round. You and your sweetheart can witness the Kilauea Volcano, take in the dramatic views of the Napali Coast or whale watch from the privacy of your stateroom’s balcony. What’s more, Pride of America recently underwent an extensive renovation and has been refurbished with ship-wide enhancements, including newly designed public spaces, brand new venues and refreshed stateroom decor.
Be a cruise port trailblazer.
MSC Cruises will be the first mainstream cruise line to stop in Sarandë, Albania, in summer 2017. Honeymooners departing from Venice will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful town of Sarandë — an up-and-coming destination and exciting addition to the itinerary now featuring seven destinations in seven days — as well as visit Bari, Italy, Katakolon and Athens, Greece, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. During your trip, you and your better half can explore ancient ruins, take in striking seaside views and admire natural splendors like the spring of Syri Kalter, a pond that’s renowned for its distinctive blue shade from afar and crystal-clear hues up close.
Consider barge cruising in France.
For a special European experience, consider honeymoon cruises on the Hotel Barge Nymphea in the Loire Valley. “What could be more romantic than sedately cruising through France’s Loire Valley aboard your own fully crewed luxury hotel barge? Imagine cruising past tranquil vineyards and fairy tale chateaux, enjoying each other’s company as you sip Champagne and indulge in gourmet, candlelit dinners prepared by your own master chef,” says Derek Banks, managing director of barge cruising company European Waterways. Plus, you can enjoy bespoke experiences, such as a hot air balloon ride or private wine tasting, he adds. European Waterways offers six-night all-inclusive honeymoon charter cruises for two aboard the Nymphea.
More from U.S. News
7 Off-the-Beaten-Track Honeymoon Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank
8 Secret Tricks for Scoring a Cruise Deal
10 Cool Honeymoon Cruise Ideas originally appeared on usnews.com
