Franklin Dean
Planning a honeymoon can be stressful, especially after all the effort that goes into organising a wedding. A cruise is a great option for newlyweds as it offers a chance to relax, try new cuisines, and visit some of the world's most romantic destinations. From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, there are plenty of cruise lines to choose from, each with its own unique offerings. So, which cruise line is best for a honeymoon?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cruise Line | Oceania Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Holland America Line |
| Amenities | Pools, restaurants, nightclubs, spas, gyms, tattoo parlours, private balconies, hammocks, adult-only areas, speciality dining experiences, entertainment, bars, hot tubs, ice cream |
| Packages | Celebration packages, Polynesian blessing ceremony, vintage champagne, gourmet meals, couple's massages, wine and chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast in bed, personalised cakes, afternoon tea, letter from the captain, invitation to dine with the captain, miniature wedding cake, chocolates, flowers |
| Destinations | Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic, Greek Islands, French Polynesia, Italian Riviera, Alaska, Mexico |
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What You'll Learn
Honeymoon cruise packages
Planning a honeymoon can be stressful, but a cruise can be a fun, memorable, and easy solution. There are a variety of cruise lines that offer honeymoon packages, with options to suit every couple's preferences, whether you're looking for a romantic and relaxed getaway or an adventurous trip.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises, a small-ship cruise line, offers a year-round sailing experience in the South Pacific. The cruise line has repeatedly been voted a top choice for romance. The honeymoon package includes a complimentary bottle of champagne and a Polynesian blessing ceremony with other honeymooning couples. For an additional fee, you can upgrade to a more luxurious package that includes a letter from the captain, an invitation to dine with the captain or hotel director, canapes, a miniature wedding cake, chocolates, a special flower arrangement, and champagne and caviar.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers a special honeymoon package that includes vintage champagne, a gourmet breakfast on your balcony, and access to the therapeutic thermal suite at the Lotus Spa. You can also upgrade to include a couple's massage. Princess Cruises provides a range of entertainment options, from outdoor movies to Broadway-style production shows, ensuring a well-rounded honeymoon experience.
Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Cruise Line may seem like a child-centric choice, but it offers plenty of adult-only spaces and experiences, making it a magical option for Disney and Marvel fans. The Disney Wish cruise ship features an adults-only Quiet Cove sun deck with an infinity pool, an adults-only brunch at Palo, and the Senses Spa, where you can enjoy a couple's massage. The cruise line also offers unique dining experiences, such as the Worlds of Marvel and the French restaurant Enchante by Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises provides a range of honeymoon packages to enhance your experience. Their Classic package includes a bottle of La Crema Pinot Noir and chocolate-dipped strawberries, while the Premium package offers breakfast in bed with mimosas, reservations at a specialty restaurant, a personalised cake, and a bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne with chocolate-dipped strawberries. Celebrity Cruises is known for its outstanding food, service, and entertainment, making it a popular choice for honeymooners seeking a luxurious and indulgent experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a range of sailing options, from budget-friendly cruises to ultimate luxury experiences. You can customise your honeymoon cruise with a romance package and take advantage of their Honeymoon Registry, which allows your friends and family to contribute to your special cruise.
Windstar's Wind Surf
If you're seeking a yacht-like experience, Windstar's Wind Surf offers mellow Caribbean island-hopping cruises. With a small number of passengers, you can expect countless personal touches, such as fragrant flowers and fresh fruit in your cabin, and intimate outdoor spaces. The onboard ambiance is casual, making packing a breeze.
In addition to these options, cruise lines like Carnival and Oceania Cruises also offer honeymoon packages and experiences, ensuring that you can find the perfect cruise to celebrate your love.
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Best cruise lines for romance
There are many cruise lines that offer romantic experiences for honeymooners. Here are some of the best cruise lines for romance:
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is one of the best cruise lines for honeymooners, with its bright and contemporary cabins and innovative entertainment. The cruise line includes over 20 eateries included in the cruise fare, with essential drinks included as standard. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased at a relatively reasonable price, with beers from $6 and cocktails from $9. Gratuities, Wi-Fi, and fitness classes are also included in the fare. The Redemption Spa features a thermal suite with a mud room and salt room. The Aquatic Club pool deck is modelled on a mega-yacht, providing the perfect setting for romance.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises, a small-ship cruise line, has repeatedly been voted a top cruise line for romance. The cruise line spends the year sailing in the South Pacific, offering white sand beaches, shallow lagoons, crystal-clear waters, misty mountains, and intoxicating breezes scented with tropical flowers. The luxurious ship exudes South Sea elegance with precious woods and antique engravings. A Polynesian blessing ceremony is offered to all honeymooners, with the option to upgrade to a more lavish honeymoon package that includes a letter from the captain, an invitation to dine with the captain or hotel director, canapes, a miniature wedding cake, and more.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line may be known for its family-friendly offerings, but it also provides romantic experiences for honeymooners. The cruise line offers adults-only pools, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as a stellar spa. Disney Wish, the elegant new ship, features spaces like the adults-only Quiet Cove sun deck and the Senses Spa for couples seeking grownup entertainment. The cruise line also offers unique dining experiences such as the Worlds of Marvel and Enchante, a gourmet French restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers two celebration packages that can be ordered for honeymoons. The Classic package includes a bottle of La Crema Pinot Noir and chocolate-dipped strawberries, while the Premium package includes breakfast in bed with mimosas, reservations at a specialty restaurant, a personalized cake, and a bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne. Celebrity Cruises provides varied entertainment, outstanding food, and exceptional service, making it a popular choice for honeymooners seeking romance and luxury.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is an excellent choice for low-key honeymooners seeking interesting itineraries, a sophisticated onboard ambiance, and fantastic dining and service. While Oceania does not specifically target honeymooners, its mature passengers appreciate the understated trips and affordable luxury. The cruise line offers romantic spots onboard, as well as the Dom Pérignon Experience, a six-course tasting menu for couples who bond over food. Oceania pairs its onboard Culinary Center with Culinary Discovery Tours, providing exclusive culinary enrichment and dining experiences in port.
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Adult-only cruises
There are several adult-only cruise options for honeymooners, each offering unique experiences. Here are some of the top choices:
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages offers an adults-only cruise experience, with three ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady. The line's fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, is set to debut in September 2025. These superyacht-inspired vessels feature an array of amenities, including over 20 restaurants, some by Michelin-starred chefs, and various fitness and wellness spaces. Virgin Voyages prides itself on creating a luxurious and relaxing environment for adults, with inclusive experiences that take the stress out of planning. Their cruises are known for their design-forward eateries and bars, perfect for mingling or reconnecting with your partner. They also offer specialty cruises with themed experiences tailored to unique interests and hobbies.
Viking Cruises
Viking provides adults-only cruises for travellers ages 18 and older, with both ocean and river cruise options. Their fleet includes 11 ocean-going ships that carry between 930 and 998 guests, offering comfortable and luxurious Scandinavian-style spaces. Viking's river cruises explore destinations like the Mississippi River, as well as remote locations in Antarctica and the Arctic. Their ocean vessels feature destination-focused itineraries, providing immersive cultural experiences for those seeking a sophisticated and adult-focused vacation.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises offers adult-focused and casually elegant experiences on smaller ships, making them ideal for accessing intimate ports, coves, and villages. They provide locally inspired dining, guest lecturers, a water sports platform, an open bridge policy, and a vibrant social environment. Windstar is particularly renowned for its romantic destinations, including the South Pacific and Europe. Their itineraries include late evenings and overnights in ports of call, allowing couples to explore local culture and cuisine after dark.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin, a small-ship cruise line, spends the year sailing in the South Pacific and French Polynesia. Their ships offer luxurious and intimate experiences, with a Polynesian atmosphere featuring local art and a virtual museum showcasing the artworks of Paul Gauguin. The line has repeatedly been voted a top choice for romance, and their honeymoon package includes a Polynesian blessing ceremony and a bottle of Champagne.
Disney Cruise Line
While Disney Cruise Line may not be the first choice for couples seeking an adult-only experience, they do offer adult-focused spaces and experiences. The Disney Wish, for instance, provides adults-only areas like the Quiet Cove sun deck and the Senses Spa. Their ships also feature gourmet dining options, adults-only brunches, and after-hours entertainment, ensuring that couples can enjoy grown-up entertainment and find romantic moments amidst the family-friendly atmosphere.
These adult-only cruise options cater to various preferences, whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or romantic destinations. Each line offers unique amenities and experiences, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your dream honeymoon at sea.
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Cruise activities and entertainment
When it comes to cruise activities and entertainment for honeymooners, there is a plethora of options to choose from, catering to various interests and preferences. From relaxing spa treatments to adventurous shore excursions, here is an overview of what you can expect:
Spa and Relaxation
Many cruise lines offer an array of spa and relaxation experiences tailored for honeymooners. These can include couples' massages, therapeutic thermal suites, and access to adult-only pools and sun decks. Some cruises, like Virgin Voyages, feature luxurious spa facilities such as the Redemption Spa with a thermal suite, mud room, and salt room.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
Honeymoon cruises often provide special dining options, ranging from intimate, romantic meals to gourmet experiences curated by Michelin-starred chefs. Some cruises, like Princess Cruises, offer vintage Champagne and gourmet breakfast on the balcony. Others, like Oceania Cruises, present a six-course tasting menu with Dom Pérignon Champagne. Celebrity Cruises also offers a premium package that includes breakfast in bed with mimosas and a personalized cake.
Entertainment and Shows
Cruise lines understand the importance of entertainment and offer a variety of options. From festival-like productions to Broadway-style shows, there is something for everyone. Virgin Voyages, for instance, boasts innovative entertainment with late-night cabaret, circus shows, modern dance, and absurdist nightclub performances. Disney Cruise Line caters to adults with special adults-only spaces, including nightclubs, while also offering unique dining experiences like the Worlds of Marvel.
Active Adventures and Sports
For the active couple, there are plenty of sports and adventure activities available on cruises. Royal Caribbean provides surfing, rock climbing, and workout facilities, followed by relaxing spa treatments and hot tubs. Virgin Voyages also includes fitness classes in their itinerary, such as sunrise yoga and bungee workouts.
Shore Excursions
Honeymoon cruises often include shore excursions to explore the local culture and natural attractions. These can range from snorkelling amidst colourful fish in Caribbean isles to exploring the natural pools at The Baths on Virgin Gorda. Shore excursions with Virgin Voyages offer a host of romantic activities and adventures to choose from.
Intimate Ambiance and Personal Touches
Some cruises, like Windstar's Wind Surf, offer mellow Caribbean island-hopping cruises with intimate outdoor spaces and personalised touches. The crew ensures privacy and attentive service, with nearly one crew member per two passengers. Oceania Cruises also provides a mature and understated trip with affordable luxury and plenty of romantic spots onboard.
With so many options available, honeymooners can choose the cruise that best suits their interests and creates lasting memories of their special vacation.
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Cruise dining experiences
When it comes to cruise dining experiences, there is a wide array of options to choose from, catering to different tastes and preferences. From basic meal services to luxury speciality dining, cruise ships offer a variety of culinary delights to their passengers.
Most cruise ships have a main dining room that serves traditional American and Continental dishes during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, offer freestyle dining, allowing passengers to eat when and with whom they want. Royal Caribbean also introduced a similar concept called dynamic dining, eliminating set dining times, assigned seats, and required formal nights. For those seeking a more intimate and exclusive dining experience, speciality restaurants are available on some cruise ships, offering superior service, exquisite food, and sometimes dazzling decor. Examples include Carnival's steakhouses, Holland America's Pinnacle Grill, Princess's Crown Grill and Sabatini's, and Disney's Remy and Palo. These speciality restaurants often come with an additional fee but are worth the experience.
For honeymooners, many cruise lines offer romantic dining experiences as part of their honeymoon packages. Paul Gauguin Cruises, for instance, offers a lavish honeymoon package that includes an invitation to dine with the captain or hotel director. Princess Cruises provides a special honeymoon package with vintage Champagne and a gourmet breakfast on the balcony. Disney Cruise Line, despite being known for its family-friendly atmosphere, also caters to adults with special adults-only restaurants and an adults-only brunch at Palo. Celebrity Cruises, known for their upscale experience, offers a Premium package that includes breakfast in bed with mimosas and reservations at one of their specialty restaurants.
In addition to the dining experiences on board, cruises often showcase the local cuisine and culture of the destinations they visit. For instance, a cruise to Puerto Rico would feature traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as Mofongo and Tripleta. Similarly, a cruise to Bermuda might offer Bermudian Fish Chowder and Rum Cake. For those seeking a truly immersive culinary journey, Oceania Cruises pairs its onboard Culinary Center with Culinary Discovery Tours, offering exclusive dining experiences in port.
Whether it's intimate dining for two or a chance to socialise with other passengers, cruise ships provide a variety of dining experiences to create memorable moments for their guests. From casual meals to gourmet feasts, each cruise line curates a unique culinary journey for its passengers, adding a special touch to their vacation.
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Frequently asked questions
Some cruise lines that offer honeymoon packages include Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Paul Gauguin Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises.
Azamara and Oceania Cruises accept guests of any age but discourage families from sailing with children under 18 as they don't offer children's or babysitting services. Alternatively, adult-only areas can be found on Celebrity Retreat and Norwegian's The Haven.
Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises are luxury cruise lines.
Virgin Voyages includes over 20 eateries in the cruise fare, with Michelin-starred chefs curating the menus. Celebrity Cruises also offers two specialty restaurants and varied entertainment.
