Sailing into Married Life: The Most Romantic Honeymoon Cruises

Is a Cruise a Good Idea for a Honeymoon?

A cruise can be a wonderful option for a honeymoon, especially if you’d like a mix of adventure and downtime without the planning. You unpack once, wake up somewhere new most mornings and fill each day with as much or as little as you like, from snorkelling in Cozumel to a lazy afternoon on your balcony. Meals, entertainment and travel between destinations are all taken care of, which is a big part of why cruises are such a good idea for honeymoons.

That said, if you’d rather spend a fortnight in one place, a land-based honeymoon might suit you better. Plenty of couples get the best of both worlds by adding on a few nights in a hotel before or after their voyage.

What Is the Best Cruise Line for a Honeymoon?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best cruise line for your honeymoon really comes down to the kind of trip you’re dreaming of, so here’s a quick look at what each line is like.

Princess Cruises

If the name rings a bell, that’s because the original Love Boat TV series was filmed onboard Princess ships. The line still has a relaxed, classic feel, and most of its ships have The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat with loungers, light bites and massage cabanas. Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages can bundle drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities into one price.

Celebrity Cruises

Couples who love good food and stylish surroundings tend to feel right at home with Celebrity. Its adults-only Solarium is a peaceful spot by day, and suite guests can use The Retreat, a private lounge, sundeck and restaurant.

Virgin Voyages

Want a ship with no children? Every Virgin Voyages sailing is strictly adults-only. The atmosphere is lively and social, and the fare includes all of its restaurants, basic drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities. 

Royal Caribbean

If your idea of romance includes a surf simulator or a climbing wall, Royal Caribbean is worth a look. Each ship also has an adults-only Solarium, and many Caribbean itineraries call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, which has its own adults-only Hideaway Beach.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney for a honeymoon? It’s not as unlikely as it sounds. Couples can enjoy the adults-only Quiet Cove pool and Palo, an adults-only Italian restaurant, and sailings outside school holidays tend to be the quietest. 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

If you’d love to leave your wallet in the safe for the whole trip, Regent is worth considering. It’s all-suite and all-inclusive, with an intimate, mostly adult atmosphere, and fares include shore excursions, speciality dining, drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities.

Which Are the Best Cruise Ships for a Honeymoon?

When choosing the best cruise ship for your honeymoon, look for plenty of adults-only space, a good selection of balcony cabins, and a few special spots for dinner for two. 

Suites, Balconies and Private Dining

Once you’ve found the best cruise ship for your honeymoon, it’s worth thinking about where you’ll be staying onboard. A balcony gives you a private spot for breakfast or a sunset drink and makes sea days feel extra relaxing. Suites go further, often adding priority boarding, butler service and access to private lounges or restaurants.

What Are the Best Honeymoon Cruise Destinations?

Where you sail sets the mood for the whole trip, so think about whether you’re picturing lazy beach days or glaciers drifting past your balcony. Here are some of the best honeymoon cruise destinations to consider.

The Caribbean: St. Lucia, Jamaica and Cozumel

If you’re dreaming of white sand and turquoise water, the Caribbean is an easy choice. St. Lucia has the dramatic twin Pitons, Jamaica offers waterfalls and lush hills, and Cozumel in Mexico is known for its clear water and coral reefs. Most sailings last seven to 14 nights, often departing from Florida or Barbados, and the drier months run from December to April.

The Mediterranean and Santorini

For culture, food and long, warm evenings, the Mediterranean is hard to beat. Santorini’s whitewashed villages and sunsets over the caldera make it a firm favourite with honeymooners. Sailings usually run from April to October, often departing from Barcelona, Rome or Athens.

Alaska, for a Quieter Kind of Romance

If you’d rather swap beaches for glaciers, Alaska offers whales, wildlife and dramatic Fjords at a slower pace. Most voyages last around seven nights from Seattle or Vancouver between May and September. A balcony is especially worth it here for glacier viewing.

Choosing the Right Honeymoon Cruise for You

Once you have a line, ship or destination in mind, it helps to know what your fare actually covers and what extras might make the trip feel special.

What’s Included and What’s Extra?

Knowing what’s covered makes it much easier to compare fares fairly.

Honeymoon Packages and Onboard Perks

It’s always worth asking about romance or celebration packages, which might include champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, a couple’s spa treatment or professional photos. What’s on offer changes regularly, so your Cruise Expert can tell you what’s available for your sailing

Things to Consider Before You Book Your Honeymoon Cruise

• Budget: All-inclusive lines cost more upfront but can work out simpler, while other lines let you add only the extras you want.
• Atmosphere: Decide whether you’d prefer a lively ship with plenty going on or a quieter, more intimate one.
• Privacy: A balcony or suite makes a big difference on a honeymoon, so factor it into your budget early.
• Timing: Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, and school holiday sailings tend to be busier with families.
• Reviews: Reading reviews from fellow cruisers is a good way to get an honest feel for a ship before you book.
• Telling the crew: Let your Cruise Expert know it’s your honeymoon when you book, as crew often like to mark special occasions. If either of you is changing your name, make sure your booking matches your passport.

Planning Your Honeymoon at Sea

Every couple pictures their honeymoon a little differently, and the right cruise should feel like it was made for the two of you. Our Cruise Experts at Bolsover Cruise Club can help you find the best cruise line for your honeymoon and the right ship to go with it. When you’re ready to start planning, our team is only a phone call away for friendly, no-obligation advice, or you can browse our list of unique 2027 cruises for more inspiration.