Cruise ships can be a great way of spending your honeymoon; many ships are all-inclusive and have plenty to do whilst on board. From fine dining to relaxing by the pool to taking a romantic stroll on the deck and enjoying the ocean views, why not ring in the beginning of your marriage on the waves?
Cruise holidays are popular amongst honeymooners, and some even choose to get married aboard the cruise ship, though there are rules and restrictions on such ceremonies – such as the ship having to be in port or a certain distance from the land.
If you’re pondering getting married on board a cruise ship, check with your cruise company to see if this is possible. Even if you don’t get married on board, you’ll more than likely be amongst other honeymooners, as cruises are a popular choice for couples looking to tie the knot or to renew their vows.
As for where to sail, there are a multitude of different cruises available, each with its own touch of glamour and things to do. Many cruise liners offer stopovers on paradise beaches and in the ports of some of the most recognizable cities in the world, where you can disembark for a stroll or a shop, even a scuba excursion if you want to take the plunge.
Most Popular Cruise Destinations
Caribbean Cruise
Destinations include: Bermuda, Barbados, Jamaica, US Virgin Islands, Dominica
The Caribbean has been a favorite with honeymooners for many years, with plenty of white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters to enjoy – whether you’re looking to swim or scuba dive as part of your honeymoon.
Many companies will have an itinerary of stopovers, starting from a larger port such as Nassau or Jamaica, the ship will then stop at destinations such as Trinidad, Antigua and St Lucia, with varying amounts of time for each stop, allowing you the time to explore cities or participate in water sports.
Mediterranean Cruise
Destinations include: Venice, Dubrovnik, Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes
The Mediterranean region is known for its sunny weather, white sandy beaches and picturesque port towns. From the ancient Greek city of Athens to the walled city of Dubrovnik in Croatia and even the ancient port of Venice, these port cities can form a perfect base for a romantic honeymoon cruise.
With a wide range of destinations around the Med to choose from, including villas on the Greek islands and health spas in Turkey where you can experience a traditional Turkish bath, the Mediterranean region can be an ideal location for soaking up some sunshine during your honeymoon. Whether you want to relax in your own private villa on a Greek island or explore ancient cities, the Mediterranean region can be an ideal location for honeymooners.
Pacific Cruise
Destinations include: Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti, Vanuatu
For somewhere a little further flung, why not consider cruising in the Pacific region? Picturesque tropical islands such as Hawaii, Tahiti and Vanuatu are yours to explore during your honeymoon cruise, and with sailing starting from ports in Australia, why not begin your honeymoon down under?
Scuba excursions are popular in the region, thanks largely to the presence of majestic coral reefs, and you may even catch a glimpse of a whale or pod of dolphins during your trip, so why not take the plunge during your honeymoon to a tropical island?
Northern Lights Cruise
Destinations include: Bergen, Ålesund, Tromsø, Honningsvåg, Molde
Some couples prefer to cool off rather than head for sun-soaked destinations, if you are such a couple, then a Scandinavian cruise could be just what you’re looking for.
Northern Lights cruises are popular amongst couples who want to take in a cruise and explore traditional port towns in countries like Norway and Sweden as part of their trip. Usually departing at the port of Bergen in Norway, these cruises take you along the Scandinavian coastline, past majestic fjords and glaciers, with stopovers at coastal towns where you can relax in the warmth before your next cruise near the Arctic Circle.
Along the way you’ll disembark to explore picturesque locations, such as the medieval city of Trondheim and the city of Tromso, once known as ‘The Paris of the North’. Why not visit the Planetarium and the Polar Museum before sharing a hug or a hold of the hands as you watch the spectacular Northern Lights together.
With so many cruise destinations to choose from, why not consider spending your first few weeks as a married couple on the blue ocean?
This article was written exclusively for STL Weddings by David Collins. David writes for the cruises team at travelsupermarket.
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