Real Honeymoon: Europe Cruise

At Park Guell in Barcelona 

Garrett and Jessica recently celebrated their honeymoon by staying in Barcelona, taking a 7 night cruise to France and Italy, then returning to Barcelona and taking a train up to Madrid for a few nights.  Cruises are a great way to see a lot of different destinations, and then you can return to your favorite places at a later time!

Here is what Garrett and Jessica had to say about their honeymoon:

1. Where did you go?

We flew into Barcelona and stayed for 2 nights before embarking on our 7 day cruise to Nice (France), Genoa, Florence, Rome and Salerno (Italy) and back to Barcelona. Then we took the train to Madrid for another 2 nights and flew back to the states.

2.  How did you decide on this destination?

We knew that we wanted some new destinations to explore together and we love cities and experiencing various cultures. Europe has always struck us as being the ideal honeymoon destination so we went for it.

In Cinque Terre, Italy

3. Did you like where you stayed?

We enjoyed the locations of the hotels. We also loved how each of them was unique. They are not your typical big-chain hotels but had a very local flavor in addition to the English speaking staff.

4. What did you think about the destination?

Each city was very enjoyable and we really overdid ourselves with the exploration but it was well worth the physical effort.

5. Did you receive any special honeymoon amenities or upgrades?

We did receive a fruit platter at the U232 hotel but everything else was fairly standard.

At the Colosseum in Rome

6. What was your favorite part of your honeymoon?

We loved exploring Rome on our own. We took the train in from the port and got around on a tourist map using their public transportation system. It was neat seeing history blended with modern Rome.

7. Do you have any suggestions for other couples going on a similar honeymoon?

There is no pressure to book the shore excursions with the cruise. All of them are overpriced and you are able to get the information you need to get around from the concierge. There’s so much to enjoy on your own that it’s well worth the effort and planning. Also, don’t overdo yourself, otherwise you will spend many weeks recovering from what was supposed to be a relaxing time after the wedding.

8. What 3 words would you use to describe your honeymoon?

Adventurous, Cultural, Busy

Unique Cruises: Egypt River Cruise

River Tosca ship

The final unique cruise idea of the week is a 12 day River Cruise through Egypt called Splendors of Egypt and the Nile with Uni World Cruises.

The Sphinx in Giza

The cruise starts with two nights in Cairo followed by a flight to Luxor for the start of the cruise.  You then visit Dendera, Luxor, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Edfu, return to Luxor, and then spend two more nights in Cairo before flying back home.  There are a number of excursions available that include visiting the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, exploring the incredible Aswan, and visiting the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo.

Luxor Temple

Sounds amazing right?  Definitely not your average honeymoon to be visiting Egyptian pyramids and temples!  This would be the perfect honeymoon for a couple that is very into history and experiencing new cultures.

Sunset over Pyramids

Prices start at $3,449 per person.

Statues at Abu Simbel

For more information about this cruise or any others, contact Ever After Honeymoons.

Unique Cruises: Galapagos Islands

Next up is an 11 day cruise around the Galapagos Islands with Celebrity Cruises.

One of the many Sea Lions that roam the Galapagos

This cruise starts in Quito in Ecuador and then stops at many places including Baltra, North Seymour, Kicker Rock, P. Baquerizo, Punta Suarez, Cormorant Point, Baroness Outlook, Las Bachas, Bartolome, Urvina Bay, Punta Espinoza, Puerto Egas, Dragon Hill, Puerto Ayora, and then back to Baltra and Quito.

The Galapagos are also home to many exotic Lizards

The Galapagos Islands are known for the unique beauty, and the amount of animals on the islands.  The animals seem unfazed by the human visitors.  The Galapagos Islands are made up of several islands that are difficult to access if you aren't on a boat.  The best time to visit this region is from December to May, although June, July and August are also very popular because many almost are most active during this time.

Old Town Quito

What I love about this cruise is the number of islands you get to visit.  Also you get to spend 2 nights at the beginning and end of your cruise in Quito where you can explore the incredible Old Town area of the city.

The cruise starts at $3,699 per person plus taxes and airfare.

Contact Ever After Honeymoons for more information about this cruise.

Unique Cruise Ideas: Indian Ocean

Think cruises just go to Mexico and the Caribbean?  Think again!  There are cruises to plenty of other amazing destinations as well!

This week I am going to give some examples of unique and exotic cruises that would make fabulous honeymoons!  A big advantage to taking a cruise is that you can see a lot of different destinations without the hassle of changing hotels and spending a lot of time in airports or on trains.

First up is a 22 night cruise to Malaysia, Thailand, India and Maldives with Costa Cruises!

Singapore Cruise Port

This cruise starts in Singapore and then stops in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Langkawi in Malasia, Phuket in Thailand, Colombo in Sri Lanka, Cochin in India, Male in Maldives, Mahe in Seychelles, St Denis in Reunion, and Port Louis in Mauritius.

Maldives Beach

The boat stays overnight in Singapore, Phuket, Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritus.  This is really nice because you get to spend a little more time in these destinations.  There are also some days of just cruising, so you can relax on the ship on in the spa, and not be worried about missing out some place amazing.  But what I love most about this cruise is the variety of destinations.  You can experience a wide range of cultures while still getting plenty of time to relax on some of the world's best beaches.

Phuket Beach

The cruise starts at $1,399 per person plus taxes and airfare.

Contact Ever After Honeymoons for more information about this, or any other cruises.

Real Honeymoon: Hawaii Cruise

Ok so this trip wasn't a honeymoon, but it was definitely a special vacation because Francesco and Natalie got engaged on their first night in Hawaii!  They spent 2 nights in Waikiki and then took a 7 night cruise around the Hawaiian Islands that stopped in Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kauai.  Read on to hear about their amazing trip!

The trip was planned to celebrate Francesco's graduation, but they had much more to celebrate!  Francesco proposed at sunset on Waikiki beach.  And of course Natalie said yes!!!  Great way to start off an amazing vacation!

Francesco and Natalie wanted a combination of relaxation and activities, and by doing the cruise they were able to have both and see most of the Hawaiian Islands.

They started with 2 nights at the Moana Surfrider Hotel right in the middle of Waikiki beach which they loved.  This was the first hotel in Waikiki, and they loved the historical significance and great character the hotel has.

Next was the cruise.  The cabin was a little small, but they loved the ship, and especially the locations of where the ship docked.  They also loved the variety of restaurants to choose from on the ship.

They also loved Hawaii!  As Natalie said, "How could you not love Hawaii?!  It was fantastic.  The cruise is such a great way to see all the islands.  We probably never would have made a trip to the Big Island and it ended up being on of our favorites!  Every island is very different so we were able to get some variety, which is not always possible at a beach destination.  We were able to see an active volcano, a ton of gorgeous beaches, beautiful sunsets, lots of fish, and beautiful mountains all in the same trip."

As for advice for other couples going on a Hawaiian Cruise, Natalie said, "I would also suggest renting cars on the islands.  We were able to see so much of the islands by driving ourselves.  All the rental car companies have shuttles and it was very convenient."  

"Also, it is important to realize that, even though food is included, you will probably still spend a lot on board.  I expected to spend a lot, but the bill was still a little bit of a shock at the end."

Natalie and Francesco described their trip as "amazing, romantic and memorable".

If you are interested in taking a similar vacation please contact Ever After Honeymoons.  I can't guarantee a proposal though!