By Keith Evans
A honeymoon is intended to be an incredibly
romantic time that many couples will experience only once in a lifetime. After months of rushing, planning and negotiating, harried couples often look to cruise lines for an all-inclusive, no-hassle vacation for a peaceful, relaxing escape after the big day. With cruise lines now navigating the globe on a routine basis, there is no shortage of romantic destinations.
Alaska
The massive--though largely uninhabited--state of Alaska is home to some of the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery in the United States. Mild summers, colorful autumns and chilly springtime conditions make for perfect snuggling weather, or ideal scenery to be observed from a ship balcony while sipping hot cocoa. Depending on the time of year, major cruise lines may offer considerably lower fares in order to compensate for the assumption that Alaska is too cold to explore.
The Mexican Riviera
On the west side of Mexico, starting with the Baja peninsula and extending downward, is a peaceful, serene portion of the country known as the Mexican Riviera. Sailing, snorkeling, diving, and other ocean-themed activities welcome newlyweds all year long, and those with a penchant for history will find Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan valuable for their 16th century Spanish traces. As an added bonus, whales frequent the Mexican Riviera during the months of December through March, and honeymooners can easily catch a ship from ports along the California coast.
The Carribean
Residents of the eastern half of the United States may find it easier and more convenient to enjoy a honeymoon on the country's east side. cruises departing from as far north as New Jersey offer both western Caribbean cruises (visiting such renowned destinations as Cancun, Cozumel, and Belize) and eastern Caribbean cruises (with stops on islands like the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and Bermuda). Honeymooners pressed for time can easily book one- or three-day cruises from southern ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral, though a minimum of seven days will allow for a more indulgent experience. Because the Caribbean is relatively close to the continental United States, cruises in this region can be found at very low prices with only minimal searching, and some smaller cruise lines may have accommodations for two priced at under $500.
Europe
If time (and money) are of no concern, a European cruise on a major cruise carrier may be the ultimate honeymoon adventure. Cruises destined for a number of European nations leave the United States coast every day, or couples may choose to fly to a European coastal city for a truly international experience. Trans-Atlantic cruises do not come cheap, however, and may cost honeymooners as much as $2,000 per person each way. Ample time should be allowed, since the cruises take 10 or more days to complete each direction of travel.
Resources
About the Author:
Keith Evans has been writing professionally since 1994 and now works from his office outside of Orlando. He has written for various print and online publications and wrote the book, "Appearances: The Art of Class." Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts in organizational communication from Rollins College and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration in strategic leadership from Andrew Jackson University.
