Photo courtesy of Getty Images // Pollyana Ventura
A relaxing cruise may be just the thing you need after all the stress of wedding planning. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious room aboard a stately ship, adventure-filled expeditions led by scientists or something in between, there’s a cruise line on this list that will perfectly match your honeymoon desires.
10Best invited a panel of cruise and travel experts to partner with our editorial team to select 20 cruise lines offering the best cruises for honeymooners, then readers voted for their 10 favorites. These are the 10 best honeymoon cruises for 2023.
Photo courtesy of Alaskan Dream Cruises
No. 10: Alaskan Dream Cruises
Headquartered in Sitka, Alaskan Dream Cruises got their start in whale watching tours before expanding into overnight cruising along the waterways of Alaska. Their all-inclusive expedition itineraries combine excursions to Native towns and villages with explorations of raw wilderness bays and glacial fjords. The casual, cozy fleet includes six small ships, accommodating as few as 10 passengers or as many as 84.
Photo courtesy of Silversea Cruises
No. 9: Silversea Cruises
Silversea has long been a leader in all-inclusive luxury expedition sailing, offering passengers ocean-view suites, tasty culinary experiences and a level of service difficult to match. Silversea’s fleet of 10 luxury cruise ships accommodate a maximum of 540 guests on itineraries to more than 900 destinations on all seven continents.
For honeymooners, the smaller, all-suite Silver Dawn and Silver Moon ships with dedicated butler service might be the perfect way to celebrate beginning a life together. Both ships feature the Sea and Land Taste (SALT) program, an immersive culinary concept that offers destination-based gastronomic experiences.
Photo courtesy of Windstar Cruises
No. 8: Windstar Cruises
With fewer than 350 guests per sailing, Windstar Cruises’ all-suite motor yachts and classic sailing yachts promise personalized attention and no crowds for a relaxing honeymoon. These boutique ships can sail into small villages, off-the-beaten-path harbors and hidden coves, giving guests the opportunity to visit both major capitals and smaller ports. Add a Starstruck Romance Package to make your honeymoon extra special – dinner for two under the stars, Champagne breakfast in bed, a spa credit and more.
Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises
No. 7: Viking River Cruises
Viking offers luxury ocean cruises and adventurous expeditions, but its river cruises might be the perfect option for honeymooners. With multiple itineraries that explore Europe’s storied rivers, this fleet of Viking longships features a variety of staterooms and two-room suites with large verandas. In particular, the Explorer Suite on the Viking Sigrun is perfectly situated on the ship for couples seeking extra privacy, far away from other rooms. With its sweeping, 180-degree river views, newlyweds may never want to leave their room, especially with free in-suite breakfast.
Photo courtesy of Mary Beh Koeth
No. 6: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers itineraries that span the globe, from Thailand to Turkey. However, the Ultimate Southern Caribbean itinerary spells ultimate romance, especially when experienced from the seclusion of The Retreat aboard the Celebrity Edge. The Retreat includes next-level accommodations, a private restaurant and an exclusive lounge and sundeck. A team of attendants and a dedicated butler ensures newlyweds don’t have to lift a finger to have fun. Guests of The Retreat enjoy a wealth of amenities, including all premium drinks, premium Wi-Fi, tips and an onboard credit to spend as they please.
Photo courtesy of Holland America Line
No. 5: Holland America Line
Holland America Line offers guests enriching journeys in distinctively classic cruise style, connecting them to the most fascinating people, places and cultures on earth. For honeymooners, Holland America suggests its Mediterranean cruises. Couples can explore cityscapes, relax on sandy beaches or stroll through coastal villages. Spend the day on secluded Ionian isles on Greek cruises or explore Adriatic castles and palaces in Croatia.
More overnights are included at the beginning and end of the itinerary, so couples can spend an extra day in port and use the ship as home base. Consider indulging in a couple’s package, with thoughtful touches, like matching bathrobes, a bouquet of fresh roses, a couple’s massage and dessert in your stateroom.
Photo courtesy of Quasar Expeditions
No. 4: Quasar Expeditions
Quasar Expeditions’ tailor-made honeymoon itineraries guarantee life-changing adventures on land and sea. Cruise the Galapagos Islands aboard Grace Kelly’s honeymoon yacht, which accommodates 16 guests. Retrace the footsteps of Charles Darwin along the archipelago aboard The Evolution, which hosts 32 guests. Couples will enjoy personalized gourmet meals, rare wildlife encounters and guided adventures with world-class naturalists. Quasar Expeditions connects travelers to the history and culture of their destinations, with a focus on conservation and sustainability.
Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises
No. 3: Paul Gauguin Cruises
Accommodating 330 guests, the all-inclusive m/s Paul Gauguin is a small-ship-lover’s dream. The m/s Paul Gauguin sails to ports throughout the South Pacific, taking guests to more intimate ports, inaccessible to larger cruise ships. The extensive shore excursion program introduces passengers to many facets of Tahitian culture.
Once on board, guests enjoy spacious suites and staterooms, three dining venues, a spa and fitness center, a piano bar, a pool and more. Honeymooners receive complimentary amenities, to include a celebratory bottle of Champagne and a special gathering, featuring a Polynesian blessing ceremony, hosted by the cruise director.
Photo courtesy of SeaDream Yacht Club
No. 2: SeaDream Yacht Club
There’s no shortage of romance for newlyweds aboard SeaDream Yacht Club’s twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. With a 95-person crew and a maximum of 112 guests, each passenger receives personalized service. Reserve the Honeymoon Bed, strewn with rose petals, at the top of the yacht and stargaze while sipping Champagne beneath the vast night sky.
Newlyweds have the opportunity to visit small ports around the world to create memories of a lifetime. Also included in every SeaDream experience is complimentary access to wave runners, Hobie cats, kayaks, snorkeling gear and other water sports equipment.
Photo courtesy of Scott Eddy
No. 1: Variety Cruises
From Greece to West Africa and beyond, travelers on a Variety Cruises itinerary can discover Indigenous cultures, regional cuisine, ancient sites, remote villages and natural wonders that only small ships can reach. Environmentally conscious couples will appreciate Variety Cruises’ emphasis on ecological sustainability and inclusiveness, with sails that are in-depth and community-driven, leaving a minimal footprint behind.
With no more than 72 passengers, honeymooners aboard a Variety cruise enjoy more leisure time (and often overnights) at ports of call, personalized service, small-group excursions, swimming platforms and restaurants serving cuisine with a focus on local flavors and ingredients.
The Experts
10Best Editors
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased… Read More
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most… Read More
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences.
Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences.
Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has… Read More
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Dynie Sanderson
Dynie is the creator of NapaFoodGalTravels and has been a food, wine and travel journalist and digital influencer living and indulging in life in the Napa Valley and around the world for over 25 years. She was founder, publisher and editor of GuestWest Magazine, Napa Valley’s first luxury lifestyle magazine; Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine and contributor to a variety of food and wine publications. Always seeking out the next wine region or food and wine festival to experience around the US and around the world to add to “Dynie’s Delicious Destinations.” Follow NapaFoodGal on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Sherry Laskin
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than… Read More
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than 25 years. Instead, she relies on cruise ships, river ships, trains and road trips to travel the world. In that time, she’s been on more cruises than she can count and includes her solo cruise and travel adventures on her website, CruiseMaven.com. Her articles have been published in major newspapers and magazines – in print and online. During a year and a half of living in Alaska, Sherry has cruised and spent time at every port in the Last Frontier except for Nome. She’s become an avid transatlantic cruiser since 2005, as that is the only way for her to get to Europe without flying. Sherry hopes to inspire and encourage her readers to travel slow and travel solo, experience new cuisines and cultures.
Sherry Laskin
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than 25 years. Instead, she relies on cruise ships, river ships, trains and road trips to travel the world. In that time, she’s been on more cruises than she can count and includes her solo cruise and travel adventures on her website, CruiseMaven.com. Her articles have been published in major newspapers and magazines – in print and online. During a year and a half of living in Alaska, Sherry has cruised and spent time at every port in the Last Frontier except for Nome. She’s become an avid transatlantic cruiser since 2005, as that is the only way for her to get to Europe without flying. Sherry hopes to inspire and encourage her readers to travel slow and travel solo, experience new cuisines and cultures.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers’ Choice Awards Production… Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers’ Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers’ Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
