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For many couples, traveling is a great way to strengthen their bond and create new memories together. Thus, it comes as no surprise that a previous post on ‘Wedding Trends for 2023’ includes destination weddings, as couples incorporate their love for travel adventures into their special day. Among the top locations for destination weddings is the Caribbean region, mainly due to its unique islands that offer stunning beaches and tropical climates.
However, beyond the wedding day itself, couples can also choose to explore the Caribbean for the rest of their honeymoon. What’s more, you can do so via cruise travel, which allows you to enjoy a stress-free, memorable time in the Caribbean through the following benefits when it comes to cost, planning, and dining options.
Great value for money
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Honeymoons are typically calculated into the wedding budget, so you will want to get the best deal for your money. The good news is that no matter how much your budget is, you can find a cruise line that meets your needs — from the Royal Caribbean International’s four-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary that starts at $272 per person to more luxurious round-trip journeys from Barbados to Florida, like that of Silversea Cruises’ Silver Dawn ship.
Additionally, wedding magazine Brides.com also recommends adding romance to the experience by looking into honeymoon-inclusive packages from cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise, which offers in-room treats like couples’ massages and breakfast in bed for newlyweds. Finally, a tried-and-tested tip is to register for a honeymoon cruise fund by including your booking information in your registry and allowing your guests to reserve onboard packages and amenities for you.
Seamless itineraries
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Besides its varied offerings at multiple price points, cruise travel also treats you to well-planned itineraries that combine culture, cuisine, nature, and adventure across various ports of call. Explora Journeys carefully curates trips across the Caribbean, with one of its most notable Destination Experiences being the 11-day Caribbean Escapes in European Outposts. Its itinerary complements the dreamlike, idyllic landscapes of the Virgin Gorda with the boulangeries at Deshaies, Basse-Terre Island, where you can enjoy sorbets and crepes.
If you and your partner are more of the adventurer type, the luxury cruise line also offers the eight-day journey to the Sainted islands of the Caribbean, like St. Lucia and St. Kitts, where you can trek and wander through forests and peaks. Overall, you can tick multiple destinations off your couple's bucket list in just one vacation.
Diverse dining options
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Lastly, cruise ships are a haven for couples with diverse taste palettes. Once you’re done exploring the gastronomy of the Caribbean region — characterized by seafood recipes and a fusion of globally renowned cuisine — at every port of call, your onboard dining experience will be equally satisfying. For instance, Norwegian Cruise has exclusive specialty dining that encompasses Japanese, American, French, and Mexican cuisine while also being categorized into BBQ, steakhouse, and pub-style venues for romantic dates every night. Recently, there’s also been a rise in cruise lines that cater to specific dietary preferences and restrictions, such as AmaWaterways where all menus have vegan options available upon request. Overall, arranging your Caribbean honeymoon via cruise travel provides a smooth and one-of-a-kind experience, as you have affordability, variety, and diverse dining within your reach by just booking one package. With many budget-friendly and luxury cruise lines popping up, you can also ensure there's something that works for you and your partner's travel needs and preferences — allowing you to return from your honeymoon revitalized with a newlywed glow. For more information on the Caribbean, do read our other articles on the Caribbean Entertainment Magazine.