Honeymoon and couples cruises: how to choose the right one

A cruise can be a very easy honeymoon or romantic trip. You unpack once, meals and shows are included, and the ship takes you to several places. It is not for everyone, though. The best honeymoon cruise is the one that fits your tastes and your budget, so it pays to choose with care.

Pick the style first

• Lively and big. Large mainstream ships have shows, pools and many restaurants. They are also the cheapest and the busiest.
• Quiet and premium. Smaller or more premium ships have fewer families and a calmer feel, at a higher price. See CruiseDirect's page on luxury cruises.
• Adults focused. A few lines sell sailings aimed at adults, with no children's programmes. Check the exact ship and date.
• Small and scenic. Smaller ships reach quieter ports. They suit places such as Greece, Alaska and Norway.

Choose a route

For a beach honeymoon, look at the Caribbean or Bahamas. For history and food, look at the Mediterranean, where Santorini is a favourite for couples. For scenery, look at Alaska. CruiseDirect has pages for honeymoon cruises and couples cruises, and a page for Bermuda, which is a short trip from the US northeast.

Choose the cabin

• Balcony. Many couples feel a private balcony is worth the extra. It is a quiet place for breakfast and sunsets.
• Location. A cabin in the middle of the ship feels steadier. Avoid being next to loud areas such as the pool deck, the theatre or the nightclub.
• Suites. A suite brings extra space and often extra perks. Check what is included before paying the difference.

Tell the cruise line

If it is a honeymoon or an anniversary, say so when you book. Many lines offer small extras, such as a card, a cake or a photo, and some offer packages. These are not guaranteed, so ask what is available and put it in writing.

Time and budget

Allow time before and after the cruise, so that the day you fly is not the day you sail. If you also want a few nights in a city, see our flight and hotel packages guide. For costs, read how much a cruise costs, cheap cruises and cruise deals. Insurance for a once-in-a-lifetime trip is worth considering. See our guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cruise a good honeymoon?

For many couples, yes. It is simple, it covers meals and entertainment and visits several places. It may not suit those who want a quiet, private stay in one spot.

How long should a honeymoon cruise be?

Seven nights is common. Ten to fourteen nights gives a more relaxed pace.

Do I need a balcony?

It is not required, but many couples like it. Balcony cabins cost more, so decide how much time you will spend there.

Can I get a free upgrade for a honeymoon?

Upgrades are not guaranteed. Some lines offer perks, and some sellers offer gift cards or extras. Ask and get the terms in writing.

What documents do we need?

Both of you need valid passports in most cases, and names should match your booking. If you changed your name after marriage, use the name on your passport.

FinalAirfare may earn a commission if you book through the partner links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Schedules, prices and availability change, so check the current terms on the seller's site. We are not affiliated with any cruise line.