After all the wedding hoopla, it can be truly fabulous to celebrate married life with a cruise honeymoon.
Walk the deck hand in hand, admiring scarlet sunsets set against the impossibly turquoise sea. Come morning, indulge in mimosas and waffles on your private veranda as soft ocean breezes caress you with the gentlest, most sensual touch. Later, lounge in a poolside cabana for two, toasting your honeymoon choice with craft co*cktails.
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We've done the research to pair 10 fabulous ships with the idyllic destinations that suit them best for a blissful honeymoon cruise.
Read on to find which cruise style and locale are calling your name.
Silver Origin in the Galapagos Islands
Perhaps you're a nature-loving, adventuresome duo who thinks the best honeymoon cruise involves exploring unspoiled islands like the Galapagos and meeting the most amazing endemic species close-up. That is, if you can do so in style.
The 100-passenger, environmentally sensitive Silver Origin, a ship purpose-built for the region by Silversea Cruises, ticks all those boxes. The most elegant ship sailing the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador's coast, Silver Origin delivers nature-based exploration from a luxurious home base.
All-suite accommodations, designed in neutral hues with rattan and richly woven furnishings, create an upscale sense of place. Soak away the day snapping pictures of flightless cormorants from your ocean-view bathtub; bonus if you spot a whisker-twitching sea lion.
Your butler — yes, all suite occupants enjoy butler service — is a white-gloved, tuxedo-clad personal pamperer who will happily draw an aromatherapy bath, scatter rose petals and light battery-powered candles to flicker around the tub.
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When you can be lured out of your luxurious suite, you can dive deep into Galapagos adventures, exploring several of the 19 UNESCO World Heritage Site islands, including Isla Bartolome and Isabela, with a team of high-energy expedition experts. They'll lead you on riveting explorations via Zodiacs to seek out marine life or on foot to tiptoe close to wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies, scarlet Sally Lightfoot crabs and giant tortoises. The ship's Basecamp, information central for all facts Galapagos, makes learning fun with an interactive wall.
Related: 9 things I wish I had known before taking a Galapagos cruise
When you're not exploring, there's much to savor on board. Tuck into authentic Ecuadorian cuisine like freshly prepared ceviche and red snapper. Then, learn to make such dishes yourself so you can make them back home as a couple.
Hop on a treadmill in the gym, or refresh your wedding manicure in the beauty salon. For a romantic evening, sip craft co*cktails while listening to the Explorer Lounge pianist, or cuddle around the Deck 7 fire pit, watching for meteors shooting across the sky.
Celebrity Ascent in the Eastern Mediterranean
Doesn't every honeymooner deserve to feast on a magic carpet? Celebrity Cruises' 3,260-passenger Celebrity Ascent lets you share a meal or drinks with your new spouse on a cantilevered platform (aptly named the Magic Carpet) that can rise 15 decks above the sea.
If that type of modern, edgy experience is what you crave on your trip of a lifetime, this stunning 17-deck vessel will have you celebrating in a big way. Stroll hand in hand through the reimagined Rooftop Garden, with cantilevered float pools extending over the water's edge. Share a soak in a two-story, martini glass-shaped hot tub.
Foodie couples will surely fawn over Le Voyage, the first at-sea restaurant from superstar chef Daniel Boulud, Celebrity's global culinary ambassador. Boulud promises globally inspired plates like smoked salmon loin with cream of caviar, pickled cucumber and dill in a stunner of an establishment.
Related: The 10 best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea
And, oh, the Greek islands are made for romance. Fall in love all over again as you stroll on the soft sands of the curvaceous Mykonos shoreline with pelicans swooping above and friendly fishermen tipping their caps to you.
In Santorini, sip local wines, buy island-made ceramics or visit tombs dating to the ninth century (if that's your thing). In Athens, go gaga over the Acropolis and the treasure-filled Acropolis Museum. Explore ancient sites from Celebrity Ascent's berth in Katakolon, Greece, before heading to the beach for sun and sand with your sweetheart.
For the ultimate honeymoon digs, book a suite in The Retreat, a swanky enclave within the ship. Celebrity's newest Retreat introduces an expanded two-story sun deck, a private lounge and the Luminae restaurant starring Boulud's signature dishes.
Retreat dwellers relish the best of both Celebrity worlds: more space and privacy by day, along with Ascent's 32 eateries and buzzy bars at night. (The Martini Bar, in the piazza-style Grand Plaza center, is a cool hangout.) Keep date night going with interactive theater and comedy shows, or dance until dawn to DJ-spun music.
Create a temporary home together in the wellness-leaning AquaClass Sky Suites (with special spa perks) or the Edge Villas, two-story suites with private plunge pools. If you really want to splurge, snag a 1,892-square-foot Iconic Suite with a 689-square-foot veranda. This giant residence ensures that if your in-laws tag along (fine, if they foot the bill), you'd hardly see them.
Wind Surf in the Caribbean
Seeking a yacht-like honeymoon where sails billow in the breeze? Pick Windstar's Wind Surf for mellow Caribbean island-hopping cruises, where turquoise seas are calm and the wind is gentle. Few ships are better meccas for romance than this 342-passenger, five-mast ship. Best of all, the onboard ambience is casual, so packing is a snap.
On such a small ship, expect countless personal touches, from signature bowls of fragrant flowers and fresh fruit in your cabin to the softest Egyptian cotton linens. Crew members learn mighty quickly who's honeymooning — there's nearly one crew member per two passengers — and magically appear when you want service and vanish when you don't. Wind Surf lacks private verandas, but on a ship this small, intimate outdoor spaces are easy to find.
When you're ready to socialize, meet fellow passengers at the alfresco Terrace Bar at the ship's aft, where marvelous martinis are shaken and glasses of Champagne are poured. Afterward, head to dinner in the main restaurant AmphorA, French-inspired Stella Bistro or under the stars at Candles Grill.
The spacious fitness center might beckon, but perhaps you'll like the water sports platform best. Snorkel, water ski, kayak and windsurf. If water and weather conditions align, you're in for total fun. Then, go ashore and lose yourself in the magic of Caribbean isles, each one different from the last.
The European vibes in St. Barts are downright sexy, with nearly everyone speaking French and billionaire yachts bobbing in the azure sea. You'll find shopping and dining as fine as in Paris. St. Maarten lures with pastel-painted shops and authentic Creole restaurants. Find a secluded corner on the powder-soft white sands of Jost Van Dyke, or snorkel amid the most colorful fish imaginable. Don't miss wading through the natural pools at The Baths on Virgin Gorda.
Clean up in the WindSpa or the salon, where you can get manicures and pedicures, facials and body wraps. Afterward, book an acupuncture treatment, sure to eliminate any remaining stress from the wedding whirlwind.
Norwegian Prima in Iceland and Northern Europe
Iceland's on everyone's bucket list, so why not check that box on your honeymoon? If the weather's chilly, your partner can keep you warm.
Consider this getaway for a summer honeymoon when Norwegian Cruise Line's 3,100-passenger Norwegian Prima, the first in the line's newest class, sails around Northern Europe.
In Iceland, see active volcanoes and glaciers, hike wildflower-strewn mountains and soak in iconic hot springs. Gawk at the beyond-beautiful fjords in Norway, explore sophisticated Amsterdam and wander the cobbled streets of Bruges, the quaint Belgian city that charms with canals and medieval architecture.
The ship itself embraces an elegance not seen before on typical fun-loving NCL sailings. Norwegian Prima also delivers lots of outdoor deck space, impressive crew-to-guest ratios for a big ship, upgraded cabins and The Haven, NCL's ship-within-a-ship enclave. All 107 Haven suites provide access to an expanded sun deck, a new infinity pool overlooking the ship's wake and an outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and a cold room. You even score a 24-hour butler, as well as access to the exclusive Haven restaurant and private lounge.
When you're ready to leave your cabin cocoon, you can roar around Prima Speedway, the first three-level go-kart track at sea. Zoom down The Drop, the first freefall dry slide at sea, or race your spouse on The Rush, which has 10-story-tall dueling, twisting slides.
Or, beeline it to Ocean Boulevard, an outdoor boardwalk wrapping around the entire ship. There, you'll find Indulge Food Hall, Norwegian's first open-air marketplace, where you can savor Texas barbecue, Thai noodles or Spanish-inspired street food, among numerous other choices. Or, Indulge at Just Ice Cream with over-the-top desserts. Go ahead; you already fit into your wedding attire.
Stroll on to find the Infinity Beach area with two pools, the impressive Concourse sculpture garden and the Oceanwalk glass bridges, where you feel as if you're walking on air over the sea. Fleeing an escape room together in the uber-cool Galaxy Pavilion is a fun way to flex your teamwork muscles. There are lots of virtual reality games there, too.
Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia
Picture this: white sand beaches, shallow lagoons where multihued fish swim through crystal-clear water, misty mountains and intoxicating breezes scented with tropical flowers.
If this sounds like your ideal "Love Island" (the monogamous version), you should choose French Polynesia for your post-wedding getaway. Besides, all honeymooners deserve a Polynesian blessing ceremony to celebrate the occasion.
Few ships sailing on French Polynesia lure more honeymooners than 330-passenger Paul Gauguin. Now owned by French line Ponant, the luxurious ship (think: South Sea elegance evoked by precious woods, antique engravings and a lagoon-inspired color palate) was renovated in 2021.
Feel the Polynesian atmosphere on board through local art and a virtual museum with more than 150 paintings by the cruise line's namesake, prolific French artist Paul Gauguin, who captured these magical islands in iconic artworks.
No need to rise early for adventure on these voyages — 24-hour room service means dawdling over breakfast, lunch or dinner in bed or on your veranda. (More than 70% of suites and cabins feature private balconies.) Sample cultural cuisine on board — lobster with Tahitian vanilla sauce, anyone? In select cabins and suites, attentive butlers unpack luggage, arrange private cars and make lunch reservations on shore.
Toss to-do lists, and go with the flow. Explore local villages on foot, wander lush rainforests or float as long as you like in blue lagoons. Spend a day on a Paul Gauguin private islet or secluded beach, sipping drinks from coconuts, shaded by palms with baby-soft sand sifting between your toes.
Ready to move? Kayak, snorkel, hit the gym or swim. Dance to live music as stars blanket the sky. Wiggle your hips with Polynesian dancers, and try local crafts. Just when you think the honeymoon can't get any better, a sunset jet boat ride takes it over the top.
Quantum of the Seas in Alaska
If you and your shiny new spouse are active types, consider skipping the beach for a bucket-list cruise to Alaska. Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas offers the right mix of thrilling attractions and sophisticated style.
For an adrenaline rush, ride the NorthStar for 360-degree views of Alaska's glaciers and mountainous scenery, or challenge your partner to a race up the ship's rock-climbing wall. You can even learn to fly at the Ripcord by iFLY sky-diving simulator. Bring out your competitive nature at the SeaPlex, where bumper cars, roller skating, basketball and video games await.
When you're ready to relax from the wedding stress, soak your cares away in the adults-only solarium, or cuddle up on the pool deck to watch a movie on the giant LED screen. Or, shake it all off at a rock show in the Music Hall.
Every night is date night on Quantum of the Seas when you reserve a table for two at one of the many specialty restaurants. Do your best "Lady and the Tramp" impersonation at Jamie's Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, experience a whimsical meal made possible by molecular gastronomy at Wonderland or treat yourselves to sushi at Izumi.
Of course, nothing can top the gorgeous backdrop of Alaska itself. For a honeymoon splurge, take a flightseeing tour to the top of a glacier, where you can ride in a dogsled or kayak at the foot of an ice field. Lunch on Alaskan salmon while you toast each other with locally brewed beer. In Victoria, British Columbia, stroll amid brightly colored flower displays at the Butchart Gardens, and ride the carousel as if it's your first date.
Don't forget to take a selfie while watching the sun set as the ship sails away into the Inside Passage. You'll want to savor these moments for years to come.
Disney Wish in the Bahamas
For many couples, the idea of honeymooning on Disney Wish with hundreds of children and larger-than-life mice running amok is their worst nightmare. However, for many Disney and Marvel fans, it's a dream come true. Some super fans even choose to get married on board.
The elegant new Disney Cruise Line ship has plenty of spaces where honeymooning couples can get away for grownup entertainment. Take a dip in the infinity pool at the adults-only Quiet Cove sun deck, or find bliss during a couple's massage at the Senses Spa.
You can geek out at the Worlds of Marvel dining experience, or dress up for a gourmet meal at French restaurant Enchante by Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement. After a long morning in bed, an adults-only brunch at Palo will really hit the spot.
For after-hours entertainment, you can bond over your love of "Star Wars" at the Hyperspace Lounge, where you can sip drinks inspired by the moons of Endor or the planet of Coruscant. Or, get a little rowdy at the Keg & Compass Pub over pints of craft beer.
Disney Wish sails three- and four-night cruises to Nassau and Disney's private island of Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. At the latter, you can slip away to Serenity Bay, the adults-only beach where you can sunbathe without getting splashed or sprayed with sand by your young shipmates. In Nassau, try snorkeling or deep-sea fishing.
Or, stay on the ship and enjoy the AquaMouse water ride while all the kids are ashore.
Oceania Riviera in the Mediterranean
It's rare that the wedding couple gets to really enjoy food at their own nuptials. However, you can make up for lost time on a food-centric cruise on 1,238-passenger Oceania Riviera. Sail around the romantic Mediterranean; no matter which route you choose, you'll come home with gorgeous photos and amazing stories to tell.
Your lengthy getaway of seven to 15 nights will feature a new port nearly every day, so you might need to skip one or two to ensure proper relaxation time as newlyweds. When you're in port, wander together along the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia; tour the ancient ruins of Rome; or give your sweetie a smooch as you relax on the idyllic beaches of the French Riviera in St-Tropez.
Back on board, treat yourself to afternoon tea for two, an Oceania Cruises tradition. Feed your sweetie finger sandwiches and petit fours as you sip Earl Grey and soak in the scenery. Sip wine and try to create local dishes at a cooking class at Riviera's Culinary Center, or embrace your creativity with an art class led by the ship's artist-in-residence.
The highlight of your cruise will, no doubt, be dinner. With multiple no-surcharge restaurants on board, you'll enjoy fine cuisine together in a different venue practically every night for a week. Share a steak at the Polo Grill, and indulge in rich French fare at Jacques. Bicker over who gets the last bite of lobster pad Thai at Red Ginger one night, and trade tastes of tiramisu and cannoli at Toscana the next.
If the two of you are true connoisseurs, you might sign up for the extra-fee wine-paired dinners at La Reserve by Wine Spectator or an over-the-top gourmet private dining experience at Privee.
Oceania is known for its ultra-comfortable Tranquility Beds; as honeymooners, you're allowed to spend as much time in them as you please. Splurge on a massive Oceania or Vista Suite to take advantage of expanded balconies with hot tubs and in-suite dining tables when you just want to enjoy a meal in private. Can two people fit in a cruise ship bathtub? There's only one way to find out.
SeaDream I in the French and Italian Rivieras
The 112-passenger SeaDream I is as yacht-like as small cruise ships come. Laze with your lover on a top-deck Balinese bed, sipping complimentary Champagne. If the bar doesn't have your preferred beverage, let the crew know; they will procure your desired drink in the next port of call.
You'll take most of your meals outdoors, savoring freshly prepared dishes as the ocean breezes caress your skin. Ditch that pre-wedding diet and dig into filet mignon and lobster, or treat your body right with the line's raw food menu at dinner and healthy organic vegetables at lunch.
The crew will make sure you have all your favorite foods, whether that's spoiling you with caviar or keeping your favorite ship-made chili-chocolate ice cream on hand for whenever you wish to order it.
In the right ports, the crew will open up the ship's water sports marina platform, so the two of you can kayak or paddleboard from the ship or lounge on a floating "island." At night, an outdoor movie might be the perfect opportunity to sneak a kiss in the dark.
Additionally, what could be more romantic than days spent in St.-Tropez, France, or Portofino, Italy? Treat yourself to lunch at a winery, or bike to a Mediterranean beach. We promise you won't need your wedding tux to tour Monte Carlo like James Bond (and you certainly won't need it on board, where the vibe is always casual yet upscale).
Scarlet Lady in the Caribbean
Looking for a honeymoon cruise that's a little sexy and a bit naughty? A quickie cruise on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady to the Caribbean will surely do it for you.
The rebel cruise line likes to do things a little differently. To start, no kids are allowed on board. It's adults-only, and the entertainment reflects the passenger demographic. Deck yourself out in red for Scarlet Night, or score front-row seats to one of the ship's phenomenal shows, such as "Duel Reality," a modern-day version of "Romeo and Juliet" where two rival "gangs" compete against one another in jaw-dropping feats of balance, strength and acrobatics. Bring your sassy selves to a drag show, or brunch at a mostly vegetarian restaurant, where the menu is divided into "nice" and "naughty."
You could even get matching tattoos right on the ship.
Every meal is a date, whether you're tossing back tequila shots over tacos or grilling your own Korean barbecue. Breakfast might be Japanese, lunch a Hawaiian poke bowl and dinner Italian fare. For dessert, no couple should miss the frozen treats at Lick Me Till ... Ice Cream.
For your honeymoon, you'll want to book at least a Sea Terrace with a private balcony, as it comes with a red hammock for those laid-back sea days. If you're feeling flush, treat your VIP selves to Rockstar Quarters, suites that each offer more space, an in-room bar and access to an exclusive sun deck area.
The ship sails short (less than a week) cruises to the Bahamas. On Bimini, Virgin guests have private access to the Bimini Beach Club for all the sunbathing they can fit into a day — no need to worry about tan lines now that wedding photos are done.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
