The famous cliche about cruising, in which passengers tend to be “newly wed or nearly dead,” no longer applies, as cruise lines have embraced a far more contemporary vibe. Still, there's no question that a cruise honeymoon is a terrific, hassle-free vacation option.
And cruise lines continue to offer perks to attract the newly married, from those coveted tables for two to fresh flowers and Champagne (for which, on most lines, you'll have to pay).
What's the best bet for your honeymoon? It depends. Before honing in on a cruise, it's important to figure out what type of honeymoon you want. Are you active, outdoorsy types? Do you prefer a low-key onboard ambience? Are you a luxury-seeker, or do you prefer more informal, cheaper digs?
And age matters too. While most honeymooners have tied the knot at ages ranging from 20-something to 30-something, there are also plenty of choice options for more mature folks. Late-in-life nuptials deserve celebrations, too!
Here are a couple of tips to get you started:
You might not get special treatment by identifying yourself as a honeymooner, but if you have a travel agent who specializes in cruises and has a good relationship with the cruise line you've booked, you might get some amenities at no charge. Don't count on anything, but do ask your agent to let the line know that you're on your honeymoon.
If you plan on buying a celebration package, do it well in advance. Many lines offer several with varying degrees of amenities (such as Champagne, breakfast in bed, spa treatments and dinners in specialty restaurants), and there is often little difference in cost between the mid-range and top-level. Know what you're getting, and book early.
If you're on a ship with traditional dining, and you want a table for two, request it early and -- particularly with this request -- make sure the cruise line knows that it's because you're on your honeymoon. Otherwise, you could find yourself sharing those special meals at a table filled with newfound friends.
Some cruise lines offer couples' massages in the spa and, occasionally, in your room or suite. If you want that and the line allows you to book the spa treatment early, do so. Couples massages sell out very quickly, so book as soon as you can.
Here's a selection of what cruise ships offer to newlyweds:
Carnival Cruise Lines
Why?Carnival Cruise Lines offers affordable honeymoon options for cost-conscious couples; its standard cabins are some of the largest among mainstream lines, and every cabin features an ultra-comfy Carnival Comfort Bed, perfect for cuddling together on leisurely mornings. Carnival's newer ships also have plenty of opportunities for splurging on special experiences like dinner dates in its supper clubs.
Romantic Extras: For charges ranging from about $10 to $80, you (or family and friends) can choose a romance gift that's special. The $10 will get you a honeymoon cake. For about $30, you can get a "Just Married" memory box -- to hold those special keepsakes -- with photo frames and photo mailing cards.
As you go up in price, the packages become more elaborate; the “Hearts Forever” package includes a bottle of Korbel sparking wine from California with two etched "Honeymoon" Champagne flutes, a 4 x 6 inch photo frame with a heart emblem and Tic-Tac-Toe with metal game pieces, cut in heart shapes -- all delivered in a wire basket. The Honeymooners' "High-Seas" gift set includes T-shirts, visors, beach towels, bar coupons, a photo coupon and Korbel sparkling wine with engraved flutes. And there are always flowers: Plan on spending about $25 for a generic bouquet and at least $50 for roses.
Caveat: Carnival operates on the set-seating scenario, so tables for two could be hard to come by (with the exception of Carnival Legend and Liberty, which offer flex-dining). If you don't want to share your meals with other cruisers, book early, and request a two-top. In addition, Carnival's ultra-romantic Supper Clubs can only be found on its newer ships, so book accordingly.
Best Itineraries:Carnival is best known for its Caribbean cruises, which it offers from a variety of U.S. homeports. Honeymooners will enjoy relaxing on beautiful beaches or taking a more active approach to romance with snorkeling, kayaking and ATV rides. But the line also offers trips to the Mexican Riviera, Canada/New England and Alaska.
Celebrity Cruises
Why?Celebrity Cruises offers a sophisticated onboard atmosphere and personal service at lower rates than the luxury lines. For extra amenities and service, book a Concierge-Class cabin (for better balcony furniture, daily canapes and priority services) or, on Celebrity's new Celebrity Solstice, an AquaSpa cabin (for priority access to Blu Restaurant and the spa's relaxation room, as well as in-room wellness amenities).
Romantic Extras: Celebrity offers evening celebrations for all newlyweds aboard the ship, featuring hors d'oeuvres, Champagne and special greetings from ship officers. Celebrity's signature honeymoon packages include breakfast in bed (which, let's be honest, you'd get anyway, via room service), a bottle of Mumm's Champagne with two engraved glasses, flowers, plush cotton bathrobes and candy for about $180. Or, as always, you can choose to order from the a la carte menu instead. To receive your invitation to the evening gathering (and to book the package), contact Celebrity at celebrityspecialservices@celebrity.com, or call 800-242-6374.
Caveat: Celebrity is another line with set, couple-unfriendly dinner times, assigned tables and limited numbers of two-tops.
Best Itineraries:Worldly honeymooners find romance in Europe's big cities and hidden gems. Celebrity offers cruises to the Mediterranean, Baltic, Western Europe and even the Arctic Circle. Its ships also trawl places like the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mexican Riviera and Canada/New England.
Costa Cruises
Why?Costa Cruises caters to travelers looking for a European atmosphere onboard. The Italian line boasts regional cuisine, a disco that rocks until the wee hours of the morning and some of the most expansive spas at sea. (The line has introduced the concept of spa cabins on Costa Concordia and Costa Serena, its newest vessels.)
Romantic Extras: Honeymooners are invited to a special reception, a cocktail party for newlyweds and those celebrating anniversaries. In addition, couples can purchase the Honeymoon Package for $169, which includes two keepsake bathrobes, a bottle of sparkling wine, a floral arrangement, a photo portrait and a "Certificate of Love" signed by the ship's captain.
Caveat: The European ambience has its drawbacks for some non-European cruisers. If excessive onboard smoking, more a la carte charges, and a later dining schedule will grate on your nerves, this is not the line for your special getaway. As well, Costa main restaurant venues operate on a set-seating, set-tablemate schedule; book a table for two in advance.
Best Itineraries: Why, Europe, of course! Costa offers year-round cruises to the Mediterranean, so you can still book a trip after your winter wedding. As well, the line has ships based in the Middle East, the Caribbean and Asia.
Crystal Cruises
Why?Crystal Cruises offers an upscale, luxury experience with big-ship amenities for the best of both worlds. Enjoy outstanding service, elegant afternoon tea and gourmet Asian cuisine in alternative restaurants, designed by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa. It's an especially good line for second honeymoons and vow renewals.
Romantic Extras: If you're sailing on Crystal, the line offers a range of amenities, from flowers and candy to Champagne, which can be pre-purchased as Bon Voyage gifts. The prices range from about $20 to nearly $300.
Caveat: Crystal's formal dining scenario, with two set seatings at assigned tables each night, might not offer the flexibility some honeymooners crave.
Best Itineraries: Go for the exotic, with cruises to Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Australia/South Pacific. For the most in-depth explorations, look into Crystal's innovative shore excursions and pre- or post-cruise land packages.
Disney Cruise Line
Why? Despite what you might think, Disney Cruise Line caters to adults as much as to kids, offering special, adults-only pools, restaurants and discos. Still, you probably should be a serious Disney fan to consider this cruise for your honeymoon.
Romantic Extras: True, you don't have to be a honeymooner to book Disney's Romantic Escape at Sea package -- but it's certainly appropriate. For about $350 per couple, you'll get a cruise-long pass to the Tropical Rainforest room in the spa, one dinner with wine at Palo, the fabulous (and adults-only) alternate restaurant onboard, one Champagne breakfast in bed, one night of romance turn-down service and a special romantic gift.
Caveat: Your summer honeymoon cruise could be overrun with children on school holidays, so consider a spring or fall trip if that works well with your wedding plans. Know, too, that Disney offers a structured, set-seating dining system, where you switch dining rooms each night. Not only do you not choose which restaurant you visit each night, but if you don't get a coveted two-top, you might be spending time with a table of rambunctious kids.
Best Itineraries: Seven-night Caribbean cruises on Disney Magic offer a mix of relaxing sea days, visits to beautiful islands and time spent on Disney's fan-favorite private island, Castaway Cay. In 2010, Disney Magic will cruise in Europe. For honeymooners with limited time off, aim for the three- to four-night Bahamas cruises on Disney Wonder.
Fred. Olsen
Why? If you'd prefer a cozy, British country house ambience to the Vegas-style glitz of many mass-market ships, this traditional cruise line is a good choice. Fred. Olsen caters to an older crowd, so it's a top pick for mature honeymooners or couples renewing their vows.
Romantic Extras: The line has a Celebration Package for honeymooners and couples celebrating their anniversaries. For £90, you will receive flowers or chocolates in your cabin, a bottle of sparkling wine, cake and a session with the ship's photographer to commemorate the trip.
Caveat: Formality is the key here with set dinner seatings and specific dress codes in the evenings. Also, given the more mature passenger base, the ship isn't often hopping after dinner.
Best Itineraries: Unlike many cruise lines, Fred. Olsen is committed to cruising from and around the U.K. and Ireland. Look for cruises to England, Scotland and Ireland out of multiple U.K. homeports.
Go Barging (European Waterways)
Why? This U.K.-based, luxury canal barge line has something extra special on offer: a private honeymoon cruise. Go Barging's six- to eight-passenger hotel barges are reconfigured to accommodate just the two of you, so you can spend your honeymoon in idyllic, private peace.
Romantic Extras: With the run of the ship, you'll stay in the nicest suite onboard. You'll be catered to by a personal chef, and dine by candlelight -- though one night you'll be treated to dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant ashore. Special honeymoon features may include a serenaded gondola ride, balloon trip or picnic by a Scottish lake with a piper in discreet attendance. All wines and shore excursions are included in the cruise fare.
Caveat: Chartering a barge is not a cheap endeavor. This intimate option is best for honeymooners with large budgets, as a six-night charter starts at $14,000.
Best Itineraries: Go Barging offers three equally romantic honeymoon charter options. Cruise aboard La Dolce Vita through the canals and lagoons of Venice; enjoy spectacular scenery (think castles nestled between mountains and lakes) on Scotland's Loch Ness and nearby canals onboard Scottish Highlander; or float through the Loire Valley in France -- past chateux, vineyards and windmills -- on Nymphea.
Holland America Line
Why?Holland America's lovely, mid-size ships offer more intimate honeymoon experiences than the mega-ships. The line's fleetwide Signature of Excellence refurbishments have enhanced dining, accommodations and service onboard. Honeymooners will especially appreciate the Eurotop mattresses and upscale bedding, gourmet Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant and expanded Greenhouse Spas on every ship.
Romantic Extras: Holland America offers a Honeymoon at Sea party to all honeymooners listed as such on the ship's manifest. Options range from a simple sparkling wine, balloon and 8 x 10 inch photo for less than $50 to elaborate "Just For Us" packages that include a dozen red roses; Mumm's Cordon Rouge Champagne; a pair of terrycloth robes; an in-room dessert one evening, served with Champagne; a couples' massage, a framed 6 x 8 inch photo, a signature Holland America-style afternoon tea, served in your stateroom; dinner at the Pinnacle Grill and a guaranteed table for two in the dining room. That package costs close to $500.
Caveat: Holland America attracts mature travelers, so young honeymooners may not be impressed by disappointing nightlife options onboard and shore excursions geared to less active participants.
Best Itineraries: Holland America was one of the first lines to offer Alaska cruises and is still ahead of its competitors with a wide array of cruise itineraries and pre- and post-cruise land packages to Denali, the Kenai Fjords and even across the Arctic Circle. We especially recommend these itineraries for honeymooning nature- and animal-lovers. Otherwise, for fans of Holland America, the world is their oyster, as the line sails all over the world.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Why? You don't want to stick to a schedule on your romantic getaway, and NCL's Freestyle Cruising concept lets you eat when and where you want with a choice of multiple restaurants and cuisines onboard. Plus, multiple bars, lounges and discos ensure happening nightlife if you and your new spouse like to stay out late.
Romantic Extras: NCL hosts too many honeymooners to give away costly freebies. But, you can book one of four packages, including the Deluxe Celebration package for just over $300. You'll get Champagne and strawberries, a couples' massage, a body wrap for her, breakfast in bed and in-cabin tea service (which you'd get anyway), a bridge tour, a formal portrait and dinner for two in Le Bistro with wine.
Caveat: Freestyle dining offers flexibility, but it can also lead to long queues at popular venues during peak dining hours. To avoid headaches and lovers' spats over dinner options, make reservations in advance, dine at off-peak hours, or use NCL's electronic dining information boards to ascertain which eateries have the shortest waits.
Best Itineraries: NCL is the only line to offer seven-night Hawaii cruises, roundtrip, out of Honolulu. You can spend your honeymoon cruising past volcanoes and scenic coastlines, visiting a myriad of waterfalls and watching the surfers while you lounge on the islands' many beaches. Ships also cruise in Europe, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, Bermuda and Canada/New England.
Ocean Village
Why?Ocean Village's breezy and whimsical onboard atmosphere is perfect for cruise travelers who want less onboard tradition and a more casual experience (no formal nights).
Romantic Extras: Both of the line's ships, Ocean Village and Ocean Village II, have pre-purchase packages to help make your cruise special. The best of these (and the most appropriate) is the Absolutely Fabulous package, which runs about £50. You get a flower arrangement, a box of chocolates and a fruit basket in the cabin on the sailing day. That's followed up with a luxury Continental breakfast in bed, including a bottle of Champagne and some chocolate-dipped strawberries, delivered to the cabin on the morning of your choice. You have to let them know at least a week in advance at 44 0845 358 5000.
Caveat: Far-sighted wedding planners should note that the two ships are ultimately transferring to P&O Cruises Australia. The Ocean Village cruise line will close up shop by fall 2010.
Best Itineraries: Both ships winter in the Caribbean and spend summer in the Mediterranean -- both good choices for romance on and off the ship.
Oceania Cruises
Why?Oceania Cruises, is an excellent choice for low-key honeymooners, who want interesting itineraries, a sophisticated onboard ambience and fantastic dining and service.
Romantic Extras: While Oceania does not make a big effort to attract honeymooners, its mostly 50-plus passengers flock to the line for the aforementioned low-key trips. And if there are no rose-petals-on-the-bed packages, you'll find plenty of romantic spots – such as sun deck cabanas -- onboard these cozy and intimate ships. Sweet, but not honeymoon-focused, is the ship's Champagne breakfast; a full hot and cold menu, including chompers, is served on your private balcony. This is, however, only available for those booking Concierge-class staterooms.
Caveat: If you're looking to meet other honeymooners or want to dance until dawn in the disco, this is not the line for you.
Best Itineraries: Oceania sails everywhere, but particularly romantic itineraries focus on the Greek Isles or on Mediterranean ports of call in Italy and Greece. Another possibility is its "Samba Rhythms" South America itinerary.
P&O Cruises U.K.
Why?P&O Cruises ships each have distinct personalities, geared toward specific types of travelers, so there's a perfect ship for every honeymooner, especially British ones. Arcadia and Artemis are adults-only, so you don't have to worry about screaming kids overrunning your romantic escape. Ventura, Arcadia and Oceana offer a contemporary vibes with a choice of fixed or flexible dining and modern spas (some with hydro pools) -- great for younger honeymooners -- while Aurora, Oriana and Artemis lean toward the traditional, offering with set dining and sedate evenings.
Romantic Extras: There are three levels of packages offered to honeymooners. The basic package includes Champagne and chocolates in your room on arrival, a formal portrait and breakfast in bed with a half-bottle of Champagne. The next level adds fresh flowers and a choice of a massage or facial, and the final level adds two fluffy bathrobes. Every effort will be made to seat you at tables for two at dinner if that's your preference.
Caveat: As the onboard atmosphere can vary radically across ship and by itinerary, be extra careful when booking your honeymoon, so you get the experience you prefer.
Best Itineraries: For easy homeporting for British honeymooners, try Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Atlantic island cruises out of Southampton.
Princess Cruises
Why? "The Love Boat" line offers all amenities necessary for onboard romance -- fabulous dining options, including a VIP dining experience in the galley and an Italian tapas menu with ocean views at Sabatini's; indoors and outdoors pampering with al fresco massages in The Sanctuary and a mud room for two in the Lotus Spa; and, for onboard date night, a variety of entertainment options that range from outdoor movies to small-scale performances in the Piazza.
Romantic Extras:Princess Cruises offers two packages. The Honeymoon Experience (about $150) includes a bottle of Champagne, two engraved glasses and two long-stemmed red roses on arrival, and a framed formal portrait and chocolate strawberries, delivered to your cabin the first evening onboard. Or, for $400 per couple, you can book the Deluxe Princess Honeymoon Experience, which includes all that, plus two terrycloth robes, two 30-minute massages, canapes on selected evenings, a bridge tour by personal invitation from the captain and Champagne (half-bottle), delivered with breakfast one morning.
Both packages also come with a personalized, engraved congratulatory card, signed by the captain -- a nice keepsake.
Caveat: Many of Princess' most romantic onboard activities come with fees for specialty restaurants ($20 - $25), the Sanctuary ($10) and balcony dining ($100, plus the higher cruise fare for a verandah cabin).
Best Itineraries: Princess cruises the world, but its Caribbean itineraries are best for enjoying its Ultimate Balcony Dining on your private verandah; a lazy day in the adults-only, spa-like Sanctuary sun deck; and Movies Under the Stars at night. (We recommend you snuggle under a blanket with your sweetie, even during the warmest evenings.)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Why?Regent Seven Seas Cruises' upscale ships cruise to some of the world's most romantic destinations – Tahiti, the Caribbean and Europe. Service and cuisine are superb, and dining is flexible -- enjoy a private two-top one night, and join with other passengers on another.
Romantic Extras: On RSSC's Paul Gauguin, which sails in French Polynesia year-round and is arguably the most romantic ship in the world, there's a special honeymoon package of extras including a welcome gift, a Polynesian blessing ceremony with other honeymooning couples and a bottle of Champagne. The package is complimentary. On other ships, there's a special honeymooners collection of amenities, which includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and caviar; in-suite canapes, served every afternoon; a bountiful flower arrangement; a mini-wedding cake; a box of Belgium's famous Leonidas chocolates and a congratulatory letter from the captain. The cost is $500.
Caveat: Regent Seven Seas is definitely marketed to older (50-plus), well-traveled and sophisticated individuals; exuberant and boisterous young folks may feel out of place.
Best Itineraries:The best on this line include Tahiti, the Baltic, the Mediterranean and Alaska.
Royal Caribbean
Why? Some active cruisers think surfing, rock-climbing and working out together is romantic -- especially when you can unwind in the spa, relax in a hot tub or indulge in some Ben & Jerry's ice cream, once you've worked up a sweat.
Romantic Extras: You can choose from a selection of Royal Caribbean Romance Packages, which range in price from about $100 to nearly $800. With the Classic Romance package, you get a bottle of Domaine Chandon sparkling wine and canapes for two, pre-dinner canapes and after-dinner sweets on the first formal night, and an 8 x 10 inch portrait in a silver-plated frame.
Or, you can upgrade to the Grand Romance package; this gets you Veuve Cliquot and canapes, flowers, two waffle-woven robes, pre-dinner canapes and after-dinner sweets on two formal nights, and an 8 x 10 inch portrait in a silver-plated frame. But, there's also the Ultimate Romance Package II, which includes a bottle of Dom Perignon, a dozen roses, terry robes, petit fours and canapes every evening, two spa treatments, the silver-framed portrait and breakfast in bed one morning.
Caveat: Royal Caribbean's emphasis on active pursuits also makes it a fabulous line for families. Choose your sail date wisely (i.e., avoid school breaks) if you don't want to contend with hoards of children.
Best Itineraries:To find the biggest selection of onboard activities, shops, restaurants and cabin categories, sail Royal Caribbean's largest ships to the Caribbean or Europe. Brits can even get in on the action with cruises out of Southampton on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Independence of the Seas.
Silversea Cruises
Why? For serious pampering and service -- not to mention one of the most inclusive cruise experiences around -- go straight to the top with Silversea Cruises. The line caters to affluent retirees, so younger honeymooners should not expect to find many peers.
Romantic Extras: This is the jackpot of honeymoon cruises. First of all, since Maison Pommery Brut Royal Champagne is included in the cost of the cruise, they'll not only have a chilled bottle waiting in your cabin on the first night, but you can ask to have one iced every night (and sent with your breakfast every morning). You'll also get a box of Godiva chocolates on arrival, and you'll find fresh flowers in your room. Don't feel too special -- they're in every room. But, while you knew you'd get these perks when you booked your cruise, they do manage to surprise you. You may request to have canapes delivered to your suite each night before dinner, and, if the cruise line's Special Services department is notified at least four weeks in advance, you'll also get a cake that says "Happy Honeymoon" in chocolate.
Caveat: If you get tired of staring into your lover's eyes all day long, Silversea does not offer many onboard activities, beyond trivia and lectures.
Best Itineraries: Since you're going all-out for your honeymoon, choose a trip-of-a-lifetime destination like Africa, the Far East or South America.
Thomson Cruises
Why?Thomson Cruises is a cheerful and traditional line, best for British honeymooners looking for a cost-effective holiday.
Romantic Extras: With a call to customer service, options can be ordered on an a la carte basis. Choose from any combination of Champagne, wine, candies, flowers, breakfast in bed or chocolate-dipped strawberries. You can also request a table for two. Call 44 0870 550 2599 to order.
Caveat:Thomson Destiny, The Emerald and The Calypso offer two seatings of assigned-table dining, while Thomson Spirit and Thomson Celebration have open-seating dining at dinner. Definitely factor your dining preferences into your decision before booking your trip.
Best Itineraries: For easy, seven-night honeymoons, choose one of Thomson's Mediterranean itineraries.
--updated by Kimberly Kazell, Assistant Editor, and Erica Silverstein, Associate Editor
--Carnival Photo courtesy of Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines
The famous cliche about cruising, in which passengers tend to be “newly wed or nearly dead,” no longer applies, as cruise lines have embraced a far more contemporary vibe. Still, there's no question that a cruise honeymoon is a terrific, hassle-free vacation option.
You might not get special treatment by identifying yourself as a honeymooner, but if you have a travel agent who specializes in cruises and has a good relationship with the cruise line you've booked, you might get some amenities at no charge. Don't count on anything, but do ask your agent to let the line know that you're on your honeymoon.
Why? 
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Why? Despite what you might think, 
Why? If you'd prefer a cozy, British country house ambience to the Vegas-style glitz of many mass-market ships, this traditional cruise line is a good choice. 
Why? You don't want to stick to a schedule on your romantic getaway, and 
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Why? "The Love Boat" line offers all amenities necessary for onboard romance -- fabulous dining options, including a VIP dining experience in the galley and an Italian tapas menu with ocean views at Sabatini's; indoors and outdoors pampering with al fresco massages in The Sanctuary and a mud room for two in the Lotus Spa; and, for onboard date night, a variety of entertainment options that range from outdoor movies to small-scale performances in the Piazza.
Why? Some active cruisers think surfing, rock-climbing and working out together is romantic -- especially when you can unwind in the spa, relax in a hot tub or indulge in some Ben & Jerry's ice cream, once you've worked up a sweat.
