Set sail on one of these fabulous new ships and experience the best the world has to offer from Alaska to Tahiti.
By: Donna Heiderstadt-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-
Cruising — there’s something inherently romantic about the concept of sailing into the sunset on a luxury ship. And thanks to awesome itineraries that include multiple ports of call curated with on-shore excursions, cruises offer wide-ranging honeymoons for couples who want to experience a variety of activities. These five dazzling new or recently renovated cruise ships — sailing to the world's most romantic, historic and adventurous destinations in late 2019 and 2020 — are ideal for an unforgettable honeymoon at sea, whether you have less than a week, two weeks or something in between.
South Pacific Sojourn on Crystal Serenity
Photo: Crystal Cruises
Set sail on a trip of a lifetime across the azure seas of the ultimate romantic region, the South Pacific. Spend two weeks aboard newly renovated Crystal Serenity and choose between two itineraries. Sail from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti and spend six days relaxing at sea before island-hopping in the Marquesas and Society Islands of French Polynesia (including must-see Bora Bora). Or opt to cruise from Papeete to Auckland, New Zealand and visit ve island nations: French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. While you’ll be seduced by these South Seas ports, the vibe onboard 980-passenger Crystal Serenity is downright indulgent. The ship features world-class dining experiences in the Waterside dining room, Umi Uma & Sushi Bar (with menus by Nobu Matsuhisa), Prego (for modern Italian) and five other restaurants. The Crystal Cove bar specializes in the classic cocktail and all kinds of tasty variations, and atmospheric Avenue Saloon has an impressive Old Fashioned menu (veranda staterooms start $5,399 and $6,349 per person for the six-day sailing).
Alaskan Adventure on Norwegian Joy
Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line
Imagine hiking on glaciers and kayaking within sight of orcas and humpback whales or challenging each other behind the wheel on a two-level racetrack surrounded by the sea or teaming up to defeat your fellow cruisers in a futuristic laser-tag labyrinth. All this and much more can be your daydream realized when you set sail on the seven-night Inside Passage sailings aboard 3,802-passenger Norwegian Joy, which following a $50 million refurbishment recently joined sister ship Norwegian Bliss on round-trip Alaska itineraries from Seattle. Splurge on a balcony stateroom to truly appreciate Alaska’s scenic beauty from the moment you wake up until the summer sun in Alaska sets almost 18 hours later. Book adventure-filled shore excursions — backcountry canoeing or snorkeling in Ketchikan; ziplining, dogsledding or whale watching in Juneau; hikes and river floats in Skagway — and be charmed by the gardens of British Columbia’s capital, Victoria.
Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line
Onboard, book a table for two at more than a dozen restaurants (from seafood and steak to Peruvian-Asian and southern barbecue), sip your favorite cocktail at 17 bars and lounges (specializing in beer, wine, whiskey and martinis and more), and soak in your favorite hot tub (we like the one on deck 18) before dancing in your seats to the sounds of a Beatles cover band in The Cavern nightclub or the debut of “Footloose” at sea (balcony cabin rates start at $1,349 per person for the seven-night sailing).
Baltic Sampler on Nieuw Statendam
Photo: Holland America Line
The understated cool of Copenhagen, the seaside beauty of Stockholm, the imperial grandeur of St. Petersburg, the medieval charm of Tallinn, and a whole lot more await colder-water explorers and history buffs on the 14-day Jewels of the Baltic itinerary aboard Holland America’s newest ship Nieuw Statendam. This two-week deep dive into Northern Europe (sailing round trip from Amsterdam) will leave you gaga for Danish design, in awe of Russia’s royal palaces and wondering how you’d never heard of Estonian honey beer before. Better still, when the sun sets this 2,666-passenger ship turns up the volume with four fun music venues — Billboard Onboard, Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Rolling Stone Rock Room. Hours of entertainment by talented musicians set this ship apart from its competitors. You’ll enjoy sleek decor (accented by a captivating modern art collection) and delicious dining (Tamarind’s Pan-Asian menu is a delight and a table for two at French bistro Rudi’s Sel de Terre is a romantic must). To appreciate the long hours of daylight at northern latitudes, book a forward or aft balcony stateroom on deck 4 — they’re outfitted with extra-large balconies (veranda staterooms start at $3,299 per person for the 14-day sailing).
Photo: Holland America
Caribbean Sun-Seeking on Carnival Horizon
Soak up the sunshine in the Caribbean on a dreamy island-heavy itinerary on a six-night round-trip Western Caribbean cruise from Miami aboard the 3,960-passenger Carnival Horizon. Carnival’s newest vessel lives up to the line’s "fun ship" reputation with a lively pool scene and pulsing nightlife, but it also delivers sexy seclusion, especially if you book a Havana Cabana or Havana balcony stateroom; both offer access to the exclusive Havana Pool. The ship's food scene will also satisfy your hunger for variety. There are burgers and fries at Guy’s Burger Joint from Food Network star Guy Fieri, spicy tacos at Blue Iguana Cantina and a favorite standout, the fresh-from-the sea delights showcased at the open-air Seafood Shack. Carnival Horizon calls on adventure-filled ports including Montego Bay, Jamaica, where you can climb cascading Dunn’s River Falls or combine ziplining and river tubing; Georgetown, Grand Cayman, where a popular excursion is snorkeling with the wild but friendly residents of Stingray City; and Cozumel, where the diving is superb. Back onboard, head to the Havana Bar for a pre-dinner mojito and live music, or the main theater for spellbinding Playlist Productions and epic Lip Sync Battles (Havana stateroom rates start at $699 per person for the six-night sailing).
Photo: Carnival Cruises
Mediterranean Immersion on Celebrity Edge
Photo: Celebrity Cruises
For generations the Mediterranean has lured la dolce vita-seeking honeymooners with its golden beaches, enchanting islands and excellent cuisine. On the 11-night Italy, Malta and Best of Greece itinerary onboard 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge, you’ll cruise round trip from Rome and visit spots that include Sicily, where the legendary hilltop town of Taormina and wine and cannoli-tasting await; Mykonos, home to world-famous beaches and the ancient treasures of Delos; Santorini, where the surreal, whitewashed, cliff-hugging villages like Oia will have you vowing to return; Malta, famous for its golden architecture and grand history; and Naples, where a drive up the Amal Coast or a jaunt to Capri is nothing short of magical. These dreamy destinations are complemented by Celebrity Edge’s chic onboard ambience, notable for its eye-catching contemporary design and experiential entertainment geared to Millennials seeking a not-your-grandparents' cruise experience: Enjoy a splurge-worthy dinner in Eden, where an unexpected sensory journey featuring magnificent sea views unfolds. Sip and Insta-story perfectly chilled cocktails as you enjoy the talents of dexterous bartenders in the dazzling Martini Bar. And soak in martini-glass-shaped hot tubs overlooking the Resort Deck. Celebrity’s newest design innovation is the in nite veranda stateroom, which brings the photogenic outside in via impressive floor-to-ceiling views (balcony stateroom rates start at $3,949 per person for the 11-night sailing).
Photo: Celebrity Cruises
