Because cruise lines cater to honeymooners, be certain to mention you are newlyweds when you book. Niceties range from a complimentary cocktail party for couples to breakfast in bed to champagne in souvenir glasses you can take home.
The new 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway, which will launch from New York in May, is awash with amenities that are ideal for honeymooners, including celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s first restaurant at sea, an aquatic park, an expansive spa with a thermal suite that offers unobstructed views of the ocean, and interactive fighter plane training simulators that offer guests a startlingly realistic experience of piloting a jet.
“A cruise ship is a destination in itself, with a climbing wall, skeet shooting, lots of things for an active couple to do,” says Cecile L. Roth of CRTravel1 in Newark. “In port, couples can see the sights.”
For example, on a Princess tour of the eastern Caribbean, lovebirds can swoop over the rainforest in Barbados. Other options include guided tours of shopping districts and historic landmarks.
Choosing an excursion is a balancing act, Roth says. Typically, booking onboard is more expensive than arranging for an outing on land yourself because the cruise line marks up the price.
That said, it could be worth paying a little extra to lock in hot activities that sell out quickly. “I advise couples to review what is offered and then pick the two excursions that appeal the most to you,” she says.
Arriving at your departure point a day or two in advance? Cruise lines staffers often offer to book a night at a fine hotel for travelers who arrive early.
Before you sign on, Roth suggests asking your travel agent to inquire about reserving a room or making a price check yourself.
“These types of add-ons are usually very expensive,” she says. “You might be able to get a better deal by making a call on your own.”
