After planning a cruise honeymoon of my own, I know that selecting a honeymoon destination is an exciting, daunting task. A honeymoon is the one time it should all be about you, so where do you want to spend your first days as Mr. & Mrs.?
For thousands of couples each year, cruising offers the perfect option: You get to immerse yourself briefly in a variety of locales and cultures with all the amenities that a ship provides — couples spa treatments, whirlpools, great dining, often a dance club or stage show — minus the stress of dealing with logistics.
Choose a getaway that will provide a lifetime of memories: a wedding on land or on a ship, plus a cruise honeymoon or one that combines land and sea. Some 15 percent of all honeymoons today are on a cruise ship.
Here is our complete Honeymoon Cruises Guide — our editors' picks of the 12 best honeymoon packages from the major cruise lines.
Best Romantic Honeymoon Cruise
Tahiti or Bora Bora aboard Paul Gauguin
When it comes to romantic cruise destinations, French Polynesia is about as good as it gets. Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a memorable voyages to Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea aboard the 332-passenger ms Paul Gauguin, which packs a lot of luxury touches to pamper the newlyweds. In Bora Bora you'll have access to an exclusive, palm-tree-lined beach on a motu just off the coast as part of your cruise.
Complimentary Honeymoon Package
- Special gathering featuring a Polynesian blessing ceremony performed by Les Gauguines — the onboard troupe of hostess/entertainers — and hosted by the cruise director
- In-stateroom celebratory bottle of champagne
- One 8"x10" photo portrait
- Exclusive pillow gift
- Gift Registry with a wish list ranging from shore excursions to dining and spa options.
Cost: Free (included with your cruise fare). Upgrades available with extras such as a private dinner with the ship captain or hotel director.
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
Where to sail
Use our Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of romanic escape on Paul Gauguin you're seeking. Some itinerary ideas:
- Tahiti & Society Islands (ms Paul Gauguin)
- Tuamotus and Society Islands (ms Paul Gauguin)
Best Mediterranean Honeymoon Cruise
Cruise the Med on Wind Star
With a capacity of just 148 passengers, Windstar Cruises' four-masted sailing yacht, Wind Star, brims with laid-back romance. Set sail to places like otherwordly Santorini, Rhodes, Ephesus, Istanbul, the Amalfi Coast, Mallorca, Barcelona and Lisbon. Windstar Cruises offers luxury amenities on its yacht-style cruises, and the crew will go out of its way to make your honeymoon special. The 310-passenger Wind Surf is another good choice, and if you choose the Caribbean you can use its water sports marina. You'll also find a wide range of ages on Windstar ships, while many luxury cruise lines attract mostly older couples.
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
3 romance packages
- Honeymooner Romantic Bon Voyage: Includes bottle of champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries and breakfast in bed. Cost: $160.
- Just For Us: In addition to the above, add a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne and caviar for two, served in your room. Cost: $350.
- Pure Pampering: Includes a dozen long-stemmed roses, bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate-dipped strawberries, two bathrobes, in-cabin afternoon tea service, dessert and sparkling wine served in your room, plus two 25-minute aromatherapy massages. Cost: $399.
Where to sail
Use our Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of romanic escape on Windstar you're seeking. Some itinerary ideas in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South Pacific:
- 7 Night Treasures Of The Greek Isles (Athens Roundtrip) (Wind Star)
- Yachtsman's Caribbean (Wind Surf)
- 9 Night Venetian Passageways (Venice To Athens) (Star Breeze)
- 7 Night Dreams of Tahiti (Wind Spirit)
Best Cheek-to-Cheek Honeymoon Cruise
Romance the seas on a Celebrity cruise
Honeymooners get special VIP treatment on Celebrity Cruises, where every cruise features a complimentary party for newlyweds, with champagne and cheek-to-cheek dancing to live music. On Celebrity you won't find the waterslides, rock climbing walls or frenetic activities of some larger ships; you will find cruises to alluring destinations, from Alaska to Asia, from the Galapagos to the Mediterranean and beyond.
Honeymoon Packages
- Classic Romance Package: Features evening turndown service with rose petals, chocolate-dipped strawberries and bottle of Mumm Napa Cuvee champagne. Cost: $50.
- Deluxe Romance Package: Features a mimosa breakfast in bed, evening turndown with rose petals, chocolate-dipped strawberries and bottle of Perrier Jouet Champagne. Cost: $125.
- Premium Romance Package: Features a mimosa breakfast for two in bed, an exquisite specialty dining experience in a specialty dining room, rose petals sprinkled on the bed at turndown, chocolate-dipped strawberries and bottle of Perrier Jouet Champagne. Cost: $225.
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
Where to sail
Use our Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of romanic escape on Celebrity Cruises you're after. Some itinerary ideas:
- 7 Night Galapagos Islands Inner Loop (Celebrity Xpedition)
- 7 Night Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord (Seattle Roundtrip) (Celebrity Solstice)
- 11 Night Spain, France & Italy (Celebrity Constellation)
- 7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) (Celebrity Equinox)
- 14 Night Canada & New England (Cape Liberty Roundtrip) (Celebrity Summit)
Best Pampered Honeymoon Cruise
Get spoiled in Norwegian's The Haven
For deluxe honeymoon pampering, you'll want to consider booking one of the plush suites at The Haven, the private ship-within-a-ship on eight Norwegian Cruise Line ships (and counting). In The Haven, amenities include a private restaurant, priority boarding, in-suite cappuccino machines and gourmet treats delivered every evening. Whether you're staying in The Haven or a stateroom, Norwegian's Honeymoon Packages add even more romance. And now you can create a personalized wedding registry website and let all your friends and family experience your cruise with you.
Honeymoon Packages
Honeymoon Package – Cost: $179
- Sparkling wine andc hocolate-covered strawberries on embarkation day
- Canapés delivered to your stateroom one evening
- Classic dozen red roses
- A keepsake portait photograph
- Romantic dinner for two in Le Bistro
Deluxe Honeymoon Package – Cost: $299
- Sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries on embarkation day
- Canapés delivered to your stateroom one evening
- Classic dozen red roses
- A keepsake portait photograph
- Breakfast in bed on one day of your choice
- Romantic dinner for two in Le Bistro
- Two 25-minute Mandara Spa half-body Swedish massages
A Romance Package ($169), Deluxe Romance Package ($299) and Ultimate Romance Package ($429) are also available.
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will add a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
Where to sail
Use our Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of romanic escape on Norwegian that's right for you. Some itinerary options:
- 7 Night Western Mediterranean (Rome Roundtrip) (Norwegian Epic)
- 7 Night Bermuda (Boston Roundtrip) (Norwegian Dawn)
- 7 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip) (Norwegian Gem)
- 7 Night Hawaii (Honolulu Roundtrip) (Pride of America)
Best Alaska Honeymoon Cruise
Take a cruise tour in Alaska with Princess
Princess Cruises is known for many things, but it's probably best known as the top cruise line for seeing Alaska. For honeymooners, the perfect pairing would be a cruise tour that includes visits to ports along the Inside Passage along with a scenic train ride followed by a stay in a Princess Wilderness Lodge near the entrance of Denali National Park, home to grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and 20,310-foot-high Denali (fka Mount McKinley), North America’s tallest peak. Princess has also just launched a new Honeymoon Wishes Registry that lets you create a registry for loved ones to make contributions to cruise fare, refreshing beverages, luxurious spa treatments, shore excursions, photographs and more.
Honeymoon Packages
Honeymoon Package – Cost: $299
- Bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Two Princess Cruises Premium Champagne Glasses
- Deluxe Balcony Breakfast for Two
- Couple’s day pass to the Thermal Suite
Upgraded Honeymoon Package – Cost: $549
- All of the Honeymoon Package benefits listed above plus Couple's Massage in Lotus Spa
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning, including the addition of a Denali National Park land tour and vacation stay.
Where to sail
Use our Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of romanic escape on Princess you're seeking. Some itinerary ideas:
- 7 Night Alaska Inside Passage (Seattle Roundtrip) (Ruby Princess)
- 7 Night Inside Passage With Tracy Arm Fjord (Seattle Roundtrip) (Emerald Princess)
Best Fun in the Sun Honeymoon Cruise
Head to the Caribbean on a smartship
If you're a pair of active newlyweds and like the buzz of a big ship, where you can wade into the surf by day and choose from dozens of activities at night, Royal Caribbean might be just the ticket. Royal Caribbean features the six largest cruise ships in the world, all of which are technologically advanced smartships with reasonably fast Internet to let you share your honeymoon selfies with friends and family. Registry: Royal's honeymoon registry can be used for anything from a couple's massage on board to paying for the cruise.
Newlywed Packages
- Decadent Romance Package: Features Moet & Chandon Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, Sublime truffle collection by Le Belge Chocolatier, Muse bouquet with a dozen long-stemmed roses. Cost: $179.
- Ultimate Luxury Romance: Features Moet & Chandon Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, Sublime truffle collection by Le Belge Chocolatier, Muse bouquet with a dozen long-stemmed roses, two luxury robes, two pairs of slippers. Cost: $320.
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
Where to sail
Use our Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of romanic escape on Royal Caribbean you're after. Some itinerary ideas:
- 5 Night Bermuda (Cape Liberty Roundtrip) (Anthem of the Seas)
- 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) (Allure of the Seas)
- 7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip) (Liberty of the Seas)
Best Classical Honeymoon Cruise
Sail on the charming new Koningsdam
Launched in April 2016, the 2,650-passenger ms Koningsdam — the first new Holland America Line ship in many years — has drawn oohs and aahs for its airy, classy design, inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments, and its classical music performances with performers from New York's Lincoln Center. Other highlights include a new French seafood restaurant, a new farm-to-table dinner experience at the Culinary Arts Center and an atrium with a three-deck-high space topped by a skylight with changing projections. Koningsdam draws a younger set of travelers than other Holland America ships. And speaking of classical, Holland America is the world's oldest ship line, founded in 1873.
Newlywed packages
- Romantic Voyage: Features a bouquet of flowers, bottle sparkling wine, 10x7 activity photo sheet, 6 chocolate-dipped strawberries, dinner for two in Pinnacle Grill, card lesson including $25 in casino chips and two 25 minute massages. Cost: $323.
- Romantic Voyage: Features a bouquet of flowers, a dozen roses, bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte, 2 bathrobes, one afternoon tea in stateroom, dessert and sparkling wine served one evening in stateroom, 10x7 activity photo sheet, guaranteed table for two in Dining Room, two 25 minute aromatherapy massages, dinner for two in Pinnacle Grill. Cost: $532.
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
Where to sail
Koningsdam spends her summer in the Mediterranean and the winter months in the Caribbean. See a complete list of Koningsdam itineraries. Some ideas:
- 14 Night Viking Sagas & Norse Legends (Amsterdam to Norway and back)
- 11 Night Southern Caribbean Wayfarer (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)
- 7 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)
Best Wine-tasting Honeymoon Cruise
Prance through Provence on a river tour
The perfect choice for a long, leisurely honeymoon? Consider a wine-themed river cruise on AmaWaterways, which offers more wine cruises than any other cruise line. AmaWaterways offers a wide variety of wine cruises that include an expert host, three wine tastings and a food and wine dinner pairing. Enjoy tours to historic wine cellars to meet local owners. Visit castles along the way. You can also set up a free gift registry for your journey so your loved ones can participate in the celebration.
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
Where to sail
Use our Bliss Filters to find the AmaWaterways river cruise that's perfect for you. One itinerary that we completely love is the Colors of Provence cruise on AmaCello through the South of France, including Lyon, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon as well as Arles, the city where Vincent van Gogh spent much of his life — with an optional pre- and post-cruise stay in Barcelona or Paris. Other great choices include Bordeaux, the Danube, Rhine, Portugal's Douro River, or Paris & historic Normandy.
Best Caribbean Honeymoon Cruise
Explore the Caribbean on tiny SeaDream
Ever wonder what it would be like to sail on an intimate luxury yacht to dreamy Caribbean destinations? You'll be the toast of the ship on SeaDream I or SeaDream II. Both feature itineraries in the Caribbean from November to April to such spots as St. Barts, St. Thomas, San Juan, British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and Barbados. With a maximum of 112 guests and 95 crew members, you'll have attentive service throughout your journey, plus some of the best cuisine at sea on a cruise with cruisers of all ages.
Couple's Package (optional)
- Private champagne breakfast overlooking the sea or sunset celebration with canapés and champagne toast
- Captain-officiated ceremony, with special certificate, performed on Bridge Deck
- Flower arrangement and lapel florals
- Live musical accompaniment
- Single tier cake
- Oshi-Bori towels presented by a Thai Spa attendant
Cost: $750
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
Where to sail
Here are some options for you on SeaDream Yacht Club. If you use our Bliss Filters. You'll notice that SeaDream's yachts have dozens of unique itineraries throughout the year.
Best All-Inclusive Honeymoon Cruise
An all-inclusive luxury cruise on Silversea
10No one wants to be nickle and dimed on their honeymoon, so if you're a fan of all-inclusive luxury cruises, you can't do better than Silversea. Their fleet of sleek small ships traverse the world, with many itineraries in the Mediterranean but also in far-flung places such as Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America. The emphasis is on good food, world-class service and intriguing destinations rather than onboard activities. And Silver Muse, the newest luxury ship in the world, is a wonder to behold.
Make sure you notify the cruise line at least a month ahead of time that you are Very Important Honeymooners, and during your cruise you'll receive a cake inscribed "Happy Honeymoon." All guests also receive a bottle of Maison Pommery Brut Royal Champagne (yes, you can ask for a second), chocolates on arrival and fresh orchids in your room. And couples can enjoy gourmet dining and an enormous spa.
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
Where to sail
Silversea ships circle the globe. Use our Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of romanic escape on Silversea you're seeking. Some ideas:
- 7 Night Norwegian Fjords (Copenhagen Roundtrip) (Silver Spirit)
- 10 Night Asia (Hong Kong To Singapore) (Silver Shadow)
- 11 Night Canada & New England (Montreal To New York) (Silver Whisper)
- 12 Night Treasure Islands & Paradise Lost (Bridgetown To Ft. Lauderdale) (Silver Muse)
Best Luxury Yacht Honeymoon
Explore ‘Game of Thrones’ territory
11
You really can't go wrong with any of the uber-romantic ships from Crystal Cruises, whether you choose the award-winning mid-size ships Crystal Serenity or Crystal Symphony, the luxury ocean yacht Crystal Esprit, any of the brand-new river yachts, or the luxury expedition ship launching in 2018. On any of them, look for a roomy crew-to-passenger ratio and exceptional Michelin star-level cuisine created by Crystal’s own masterful culinary team, and choose from complimentary Crystal Adventures shore excursions in every port.
If you opt for Crystal Esprit, her water sports equipment can be used directly from the aft marina deck. Snorkel or swim in the inviting waters of the Adriatic; water ski and jet ski; or paddle a kayak in the early morning quiet. During the day, you'll want to explore destinations such as Venice, Kotor and Dubrovnik, with its awesome medieval fortress that has been the filming location for the real King's Landing in HBO's “Game of Thrones.“
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $50 to $100 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose, to go with your all-inclusive pricing. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
Where to sail
Use our Bliss Filters sliders to zero in on the kind of romanic escape on Crystal you're after. Some ideas:
- Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises (7 night Caribbean sailing) (Crystal Esprit)
- Riviera Reflections (Crystal Serenity)
- Danube's Capitals & Wachau Valley Cruise (Crystal Mozart luxury river yacht)
Best Once-in-a-Lifetime Honeymoon Cruise
Sail on the world's top luxury ship
12If you've saved up, why not splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon cruise aboard Seven Seas Explorer? The ship, which debuted in July 2016 from Regent Seven Seas, has been touted as the most luxurious ship ever to sail the high seas. Only 750 guests sail on board the all-suite, all-balcony ship. Explorer features three specialty restaurants, including Chartreuse, a French-inspired dining venue, and the line's first Culinary Arts Kitchen. On sea days, relax and enjoy the finest shipboard amenities — try a his and her spa day.
Honeymoon Package (optional)
- Veuve Clicquot Champagne with caviar and condiments
- In-suite canapés (served every afternoon)
- Upgraded flower arrangement
- Miniature wedding cake
- Box of Leonidas chocolates
- Private congratulations letter from the ship captain
Cost: $470
Honeymoon Bonus: Cruiseable will throw in a $100 to $250 Bonus Credit, depending on the stateroom you choose, to go with your all-inclusive pricing. Call our travel experts at 1-877-322-3773 for your free trip planning.
Where to sail
Seven Seas Explorer sails throughout Europe, the Caribbean and Middle East. We especially like the Baltic cruises that call on St. Petersburg, Russia, Helsinki, Stockholm, Berlin, Copenhagen and Tallinn, Estonia. Be aware: Explorer sells out far in advance, so you'll want to call Cruiseable's Business Department at 1-877-322-3773 to get the best price and for flight and travel arrangements.
Award winners
Here are the recipients of second annual Cruiseable Editors' Best Cruise Lines for Honeymoons Awards — for 2017:
Best Romantic Honeymoon Cruise: Paul Gauguin
Best Mediterranean Honeymoon Cruise: Windstar Cruises
Best Cheek-to-Cheek Honeymoon Cruise: Celebrity Cruises
Best Pampered Honeymoon Cruise: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Alaska Honeymoon Cruise: Princess
Best Fun in the Sun Honeymoon Cruise: Royal Caribbean
Best Classical Honeymoon Cruise: Holland America
Best Wine-tasting Honeymoon Cruise: AmaWaterways
Best Caribbean Honeymoon Cruise: SeaDream
Best All-Inclusive Honeymoon Cruise: Silversea
Best Luxury Yacht Honeymoon: Crystal Cruises
Best Once-in-a-Lifetime Honeymoon Cruise: Regent Seven Seas
Note to honeymooners-to-be!
Remember, you're not limited to our top 12 list. For some honeymooners, a better fit might be on Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Viking River Cruises, adventure line Lindblad Expeditions or other choices. Use Cruiseable's ship write-ups and travel guides for details about each ship, the itineraries they sail and the ports they call on.
Use a Cruiseable travel advocate
Because there's so much that goes into planning a honeymoon, you should have a travel expert work on your behalf — at no charge to you. There are honeymoon cruises for every budget and every style. So contact a Cruiseable travel advocate in our Business Department at 1-877-322-3773 to begin planning your dream getaway!
If you're traveling with your wedding entourage for part of the trip, even better: Take advantage of our exclusive Group Cruise special rates.
Your take
Have you taken a cruise during your honeymoon? What was it like? What advice do you have for newlyweds? I'd love to know!
