As such a significant event, a wedding can be stressful to plan, which is why the honeymoon should offer the optimum opportunity to relax, decompress and celebrate your new marriage.
So, what better way to honeymoon than a cruise? After all, what other type of holiday enables you to unpack only once, but wake up in a brand new beautiful destination each day?
CruiseCritic.co.uk, the world’s largest cruise reviews, and planning site (TripAdvisor’s cruise site) shares this advice on planning a honeymoon cruise to remember.
Considerations before you start:
· Travel dates - do your dates coincide with any events, such as school holidays?
Photo Credit: Cruise Critic Member Staffo
Desired destinations - do you have a specific destination, or region you’d particularly love to visit? If so, don’t forget to research the destination’s seasonality in line with your travel dates.
· Ship choice - do you know what type of experience you’d prefer? Big ship or small? Action packed or romantic relaxation?
· Budget - do you have a strict budget, or are you looking to splurge?
1. Research for success
Thanks to an array of amazing ships to suit almost every taste, plus impressive itineraries to
exciting, exotic destinations, selecting the right cruise can be difficult. However, with adequate
Photo Credit: MSC Cruises
research, you can plan your ultimate unforgettable first holiday as a married couple, and one you’ll
remember for all the right reasons.
Research everything from destinations to ship choice, cabins and onboard dining options.
You can utilise sites such as Cruise Critic to read ship reviews, from experts, and others cruisers.
You can also make the most of the site’s dedicated honeymoon & wedding
forum to chat with other cruisers, and exchange tips and ideas. You could also speak to a travel agent for advice.
2. When should I book?
If you’re an early planner, and able to book at least a year ahead, you’ll have a better chance of securing your preferred cabin. You may also gain a number of added-value benefits, such as prepaid gratuities, drink packages or airfare, which are costs you’ll pay anyway, and could therefore save hundreds of pounds.
Though we tend to find fewer last-minute deals these days, if you’d prefer to wait, you might find a last-minute deal – but you’ll need to be flexible on dates and cabin selection. Bear in mind that flexibility is essential, and that the potential savings made on a late booking may not match the added stress of booking at short notice, particularly if you have specific destination and ship requirements which may no longer be available.
Photo Credit: Windstar Cruises
3. Clarify inclusions
Of course, your honeymoon should end on a high, with your only stress the prospect of returning to work. Therefore, to avoid any nasty surprises at check-out, ensure you confirm what is - and isn't -included in your cruise fare to help you budget properly. Most mainstream cruise lines don't include things like alcohol, tips, spa treatments, shore excursions or speciality restaurants in their base fares, and these items can really add up, so plan accordingly.
4. Room romance
With regard to choosing which cabin to book, a balcony cabin means that you can enjoy private outdoor space to watch a stunning sunset or indulge in a romantic dinner, so if finances allow, you may want to treat yourself.
Really looking to splash out? A suite comes with quality added perks. Do check with the line, but some offer access to reserved seating for shows and events, and a designated suite-only restaurant, sun deck or lounge. Also, if you’re someone who prefers extra space, suites tend to be a good option, however, they vary considerably, so do investigate – on some ships, a balcony can be similar in size to a lower-end suite.
Photo Credit: Princess Cruises
5. Tell people
When it comes to booking, inform your travel agent or cruise line that you're on honeymoon so that the ship is notified. Then when you’re onboard the ship, speak to the maître 'd about whether you’ll be able to get the romantic perks you’d like, such as reserving a table for two in the main dining room,rather than joining a larger table.
Speciality restaurants generally offer a higher-quality or more personal experience than you'd get in the main dining room and can be a real treat, so if you’re keen to dine in one of these alternative restaurants, be sure to book ahead of sailing to secure your preferred time and date. Remember that some speciality venues include a per-person cover charge, while others are a la carte.
For honeymoon cruise inspiration, check out Cruise Critic’s ten best honeymoon cruises and ten best cruise lines for couples.
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