How to Combine a Cruise and Honeymoon for the Ultimate Getaway
Why a Cruise Makes the Best Honeymoon Getaway
When it comes to planning the best cruise for a honeymoon, today’s couples want more than just a cookie-cutter trip, they want a romantic cruise getaway that’s as unique as their love story. Whether you’re craving adventure, luxury, or pure relaxation, a honeymoon cruise lets you explore multiple dreamy destinations with all the perks of a floating five-star resort.
Picture this: sipping champagne at sunset as you sail the Caribbean, waking up to ocean views every morning, and enjoying world-class cuisine and spa treatments, all while someone else takes care of the details. That’s the magic of a luxury cruise honeymoon!
Mini-Moon Cruises: The Perfect Solution for Busy Couples
Not everyone can take two weeks off after their wedding and that’s where the mini-moon comes in! For today’s busy, career-focused couples, a quick romantic cruise getaway right after the big day is the perfect way to unwind and celebrate. With so many options for a short Caribbean cruise honeymoon, you can soak up the sun, relax, and start your new chapter without needing lots of vacation days.
Think of it as your “honeymoon, part one.” Later, when your schedule allows, you can plan the ultimate all-inclusive honeymoon at a five-star resort like a private butler suite or an overwater bungalow in the Caribbean.
Want to know the best spots for your dream resort honeymoon? Download my free Resort Guide for my top picks!
Why Combine a Cruise Mini-Moon With a Dreamy Resort Honeymoon?
This two-part honeymoon strategy means you don’t have to compromise. You get a little taste of paradise right after the wedding, plus something bigger and more luxurious to look forward to, like a Sandals honeymoon or a stay at a romantic all-inclusive resort.
It’s also the perfect excuse to keep celebrating your love all year long!
Cruise Weddings: Say “I Do” at Sea
Did you know you can actually get married on a cruise? If you’ve ever dreamed of a destination wedding at sea, most major cruise lines offer the option to have your ceremony onboard, often officiated by the ship’s captain! It’s a seamless way to combine your wedding and honeymoon, your guests can even join you for the cruise, and you can slip right into honeymoon mode once you say “I do.”
Whether you want a small, intimate gathering or a bigger celebration, a cruise wedding is romantic, unique, and easier to plan than you might think. As a romance travel and cruise specialist, I’ll handle every detail, so all you have to do is enjoy your big day and your honeymoon cruise!
A Note on Ceremony vs. Legality
It’s romantic to get married on a ship with the captain presiding under a sunset at sea, but most at-sea weddings are symbolic, not legally binding. Because cruise ships travel in international waters, the ceremony often isn’t recognized as official unless the ship is registered in a country that permits legal marriages at sea and you’ve completed specific paperwork (such as a Bahamian maritime license) months in advance
Here’s how to make a cruise wedding work:
- Symbolic ceremony at sea: Beautiful and meaningful, officiated by the captain or another officiant but not legally binding.
- Legal wedding in port: Many couples handle the paperwork in a U.S. port, at embarkation, or soon after (or before) in international destinations where the laws allow. You can even do a quick Justice of the Peace wedding back home and no one needs to know (wink wink)
Pro tip for busy couples
Do your legal paperwork at home or during embarkation, then have your dreamy symbolic ceremony at sea. That way, you get the best of both worlds, the emotional bliss of a wedding aboard and the legal peace of mind before you set sail. THIS is why you need a pro by your side, ME, helping you navigate all of these small details. All you need to worry about it picking out your gorgeous dress.
Learn more about planning a group cruise or destination wedding.
Top Cruise Lines & Resorts for Your Ultimate Honeymoon
When it comes to choosing the best cruise for a honeymoon, I recommend small-ship or premium cruise lines that specialize in romance and luxury without all the craziness of kid’s running around and waterslides galor. Here are a few favorites:
- Windstar Cruises: Famous for intimate, yacht-style ships and romantic itineraries in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asia, Alaska, Tahiti (their specialty), and so many more.
- Celebrity Cruises: Modern luxury, perfect for couples who want top-notch dining and private suite experiences.
- AmaWaterways (River Cruises): For a European honeymoon, nothing beats a romantic Danube or Rhine river cruise. Or what about the French wine country or Christmastime along the Christmas Markets on the Danube?
- Sandals Resorts: Adults-only, all-inclusive, and famous for their dreamy honeymoon suites, including overwater bungalows in Jamaica and St. Lucia. Check out my guide to choosing the BEST Caribbean Resort
- Other Favorites: Check out my recent blog on Cruising for Beginners; Why Millenials are Loving Premium Cruises and What to expect when working with a Travel Planner.
Need help picking the right ship or resort? That’s what I do! Let’s find the perfect match for your unique honeymoon.
How to Plan Your Mini-Moon & Honeymoon Combo
- Book a short, romantic cruise getaway as your mini-moon (think 3–5 nights).
- Plan your longer, luxury honeymoon or “maxi-moon” when you have more time, like a Sandals butler suite, an overwater bungalow, or a top all-inclusive resort.
- Let me handle every detail, from your cruise booking to your dream honeymoon resort. You need to just concentrate on the wedding details.
Ready to start planning your mini-moon and honeymoon? Get my Resort Guide and let’s make both trips unforgettable!
Ready to Plan the Ultimate Honeymoon Cruise Getaway?
Combining a cruise with a resort stay gives you the best cruise for a honeymoon—a romantic cruise getaway and a luxurious all-inclusive escape, all in one unforgettable trip. Whether you’re planning a cruise wedding, a Caribbean cruise honeymoon, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Tahiti, I’ll help you design the ultimate, stress-free experience.
Want the inside scoop on the best resorts for your honeymoon? Get my free Resort Guide or schedule a call with me to start planning your dream honeymoon cruise today!
