14 Best Honeymoon Cruise Ships for Newlyweds Who Want to See the World

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Honeymoon cruises have gained top travel trend status over the last decade as couples seek a multi-destination honeymoon experience. While a beach getaway at an all-inclusive resort provides a stress-free vacation, some couples may grow tired of staying at one location. That's what makes a cruise ship honeymoon so appealing. You get the best of both worlds: unpack once without having to swap rooms and choose a cruise itinerary that lets you explore more. Furthermore, some sights are nearly impossible to reach without a boat, so the convenience of being at sea is a perk.

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Whether you take an ocean cruise to the Caribbean or a river cruise along the Nile, you'll take in some of the world's loveliest locations and all you have to do is book a room (or cabin in ship speak). Here's a peek at the world's best cruise ships for honeymoons departing from ports worldwide.

Aranui 5, French Polynesia

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French Polynesia has five major island groups encompassing well-known honeymoon destinations like Bora Bora and Tahiti. The furthest of those groups is the Marquesas Islands, which are sparsely populated and also the least developed. That makes it a great honeymoon destination for adventurous couples who want to go off-the-beaten-path. Aranui 5 is half cargo ship and half cruise ship. Setting sail from Tahiti on 13-day cruises, guests will take island tours, hikes, and dine at local restaurants in the Marquesas while the ship unloads cargo, all of which is included in the price.

The Aranui 5 is perfect for honeymooners who love culture, as most of the ship's staff are Tahitian and hang out with guests every night, singing, dancing, or playing the ukulele as the sun sets on the South Pacific. You could also consider the Paul Gaugin, which sails to Bora Bora, if you're looking for something a little less adventurous.

Windstar, The Greek Isles

Photo: Courtesy Windstar

The iconic Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos are a honeymoon pin-up, and you can island-hop the lot of them aboard Windstar's yachts. The boutique cruiser is well-known for plush interiors and exquisite fine dining, making it a top choice for newlyweds. The seven-day Treasures of the Greek Isles itinerary includes a visit to the hilltop Acropolis in Athens and the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, plus plenty of beach time. For more tips and reasons to extend the trip, peruse our Travel Expert's complete honeymoon guide to Greece.

SeaDream Yachts, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

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If you're keen to visit the Caribbean on a honeymoon but don't want to hit all the usual sites visited by big cruises, set sail instead with SeaDream. Because the ships are small, they visit locations other ships can't reach, like Jost Van Dyke (in the British Virgin Islands), where you'll be greeted with caviar and bottomless champagne. SeaDream Yachts are decidedly luxury cruises; newlyweds can sleep under the stars on a top-deck outdoor bed, arrange open-air massages, or relax with room service on their private balconies. Gratuities, on-shore activities, meals, and an open bar are included in all sailings, and every room has an ocean view. Consider Puerto Rico to St. Thomas if you only have a week to spare.

Hurtigruten, Svalbard, Norway

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Couples who love being active together will appreciate the routes and amazing shore excursions available on a Hurtigruten cruise to Svalbard, also known as the polar bear capital of the world. If you and your new spouse love wildlife, you'll have the opportunity to see polar bears, reindeer, walruses, whales and massive icebergs. While you're not paddling or trekking your way across the polar landscape, you'll be aboard the luxury ship, taking advantage of all-inclusive food and drink, and on-site couples massages. The concierge team also provides access to knowledgeable biologists and will reserve romantic dinners and time in the hot tub.

Avalon Waterways, The Nile

Photo: Courtesy Avalon Waterways

If visiting Egypt is on your bucket list, then Avalon Waterways' 10-day Taste of Egypt route will take you to must-see spots. Fly to Cairo to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Great Sphinx before flying on to Luxor to board a river cruise ship to take you down the Nile River. In between ancient site stops like the Temple of Edfu, take in scenic views from a private balcony suite, inspired by and outfitted in the style of a boutique hotel. Avalon is one of the top-rated cruise lines on Cruise Critic and with a 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio, there's always someone on hand to cater to every newlywed's need.

Azamara Cruises, Greece

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A luxury honeymoon cruise doesn't need to break the bank, especially if you pick an affordable destination, and Greece is a good spot to start. Azamara Cruises offers cruises to Greece ranging from seven-night cruises to trips spanning several weeks. Their 10-night "Greece Cruise" will take honeymooners to Volos (the "City of the Argonauts"), romantic Santorini and the temples and historical sites of Athens. Couples can enjoy dinner a la carte, while the spa and pampering treatments will occupy evenings while sailing from port to port.

WindStar Cruises, Costa Rica & Panama Canal

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Couples desiring a warm-weather cruise without sitting on the beach every day should consider the small-ship Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise on Wind Star, a sleek, 4-masted sailing yacht accommodating 148 guests. You'll enjoy plenty of quiet, secluded moments during sunset on the deck. Each cruise includes water sports and activities for couples, like paddling and snorkeling; plus, land excursions through rainforests and cloud forests with the cruise's resident naturalist. At well under $4,000 per person, it's an excellent honeymoon choice for couples who love tropical exploration, but don't want to spend the equivalent of a home down payment on their honeymoon.

SilverSea, New Zealand to Australia

Silversea Cruises

The best cruise lines aren't always the biggest, and nothing proves that more than Silversea – many of their ships are limited to around 500 guests. Couples who have time for an extended honeymoon should book a suite on the company's Aukland to Sydney cruise. If you've had a stressful wedding planning experience, the 14-day-long cruise should be just the thing to help you relax with your new spouse–especially since there's an on-site spa, free Wi-Fi for sharing photos with friends back home, and even private butler service in all the suites. Activities on land include local wildlife tours and cable car rides, all included in the total cost.

Viking River Cruises, Provence, France

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Who says cruises have to be on the ocean? Viking Cruises is famed for its luxurious river cruises, sailing down some of the most beautiful waterways in the world. You'll have no shortage of options, but one of their most romantic honeymoon cruises is the 8-day sail between Lyon and Provence, in France. Honeymooners can take a painting class in Arles, find a new shared favorite dish on a gastronomic tour of Lyon, or sip sparkling wine from local wineries. Viking's river cruises are designed for experienced travelers interested in culture and history, making this one a particularly great honeymoon option for newlyweds in their fifties and beyond.

National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions, Baja California

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For decades, National Geographic Expeditions have taken travelers into remote corners of the world, guided by professionals esteemed in their fields. Couples particularly keen on photography and marine life should book the Nat Geo/Lindblad Expeditions "Baja California Discovery" cruise. Your ship carries a maximum of 100 guests, with whom you'll socialize freely during your sail through western Mexico. Excursions like zodiac whale-watching tours and snorkeling with sea lions are included in the price. Back on the ship, take advantage of the resident photographer, who will provide assistance and suggestions on how to take the best honeymoon photos possible.

American Queen Steamboat Country, PNW Wine Country

American Queen Steamboat Company

There's no need to leave the country for a fantastic honeymoon cruise. If you can't swing a Mediterranean wine country cruise but still want to expand your collective palate, book the romantic Washington Wine Country cruise from the American Queen Steamboat Company – and yes, you'll be cruising along rivers on an actual steamboat. Along the way, you'll taste and learn about wine as you visit wineries and vineyards. You'll also get to explore charming Pacific Northwest towns like Stevenson (famous for hot springs) and enjoy chef- and sommelier-created wine pairings at dinner.

Aurora Expeditions, Antarctica

Newlyweds can cozy up under the Antarctic sky on a luxury ship from Aurora Expeditions: the Sylvia Earle, named for a groundbreaking marine biologist. During the ship's 12-day Spirit of Antarctica Voyage, couples can sleep on the ice with no tents to block their view of the stars. Since there are no predators (or other people), all lovebirds will need is their luxury bedding rolls and warm sleeping bags, all of which are provided when booking this unique experience. It's one of many high-end experiences available to guests on the cruise, along with glacier-skiing, whale-watching, and arctic-kayaking. While you won't have to worry about your fellow campers waking you up in the morning, you may find a few curious penguins staring at your cozy camp if you sleep in too late.

Aqua Expeditions, Bali and Komodo

The Bali to Komodo cruise from Aqua Expeditions is perfect for couples that want a cruise to be part, but not all, of the honeymoon. This exotic adventure will bring you to one of the most unique islands on earth: Komodo. If the name sounds familiar, it's because it's the only place on earth where you'll find the rare komodo dragon. When you're not on a photo tour looking for these amazing creatures, you'll be hiking in tropical rainforests, snorkeling on colorful coral reefs, or having sunset cocktails on a pink-sand beach. Once you return to Bali, you can add extra days on at a luxury beach resort or book a jungle retreat in Ubud before heading home.

Norwegian Cruise Line, The Dominican Republic & A Private Island

Go all-in on romance with a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise to the Virgin Islands and beyond. Its seven-night Stirrup Cay and Dominican Republic cruise stops and ends in Miami, Florida, making it a great choice for honeymooners who only have a week to spare. And at a starting rate of less than $1,000 per person, you'll have extra funds to add romantic upgrades like a honeymoon package (including sparkling wine and strawberries, massages, and professional photos) or a luxurious ocean view villa on the ship's private island.