When it comes to planning the perfect luxury honeymoon, landing on an idea that ticks all the right boxes is easier said than done. In order to simplify your decision-making, you first need to determine what matters most – activity, variety, privacy, tranquility – what do you fancy?
One of the pillar options newlyweds face is whether checking into a luxury resort or embarking on a luxury cruise is the best idea for a honeymoon. Luxury cruise ships tend to offer a more tailored and more social experience, while luxury hotels give you room to spread out and relax. Cruises are great if you can’t decide on one place to go, while resorts are best for just relaxing on the beach for a week. Can’t decide? These tips can help.
Young couple snorkeling in clean water over coral
Assess your activity level.
While you can do as much or as little as you like in both venues, luxury cruises tend to be a bit more on-the-go, with a timetable to keep from port to port, activity to activity, meal to meal. With a luxury resort, it’s much easier to hide under a cabana if that’s your thing – and not feel like you’re missing out.
Ponder the variety.
Cruises offer a little bit of everything in terms of excursions at each destination, with more things planned for you, including wine tastings, cycling tours, cooking classes, etc. If this geographical and recreational variety is important to you, a cruise might be it. On the other hand, you may prefer to focus on one country, where you can learn about a specific community rather than a smattering of cultures.
Young beautiful couple on the deck of a cruise liner in the sea
Gauge the privacy.
Honeymoons are meant to be private by their very nature, but resorts will net you the most solitude. Cruises, particularly the small ships – not so much. Cruise ships tend to attract more families, too, which can mean more children, which equals a less peaceful environment.
Take your social temperature.
Are you chatty or are you hiding behind your sunglasses? Luxury cruises encourage mixing, via onboard activities, table assignments at dinner, formal nights, etc. And while luxury resorts, too, have theme nights, trivia contests, and sports on the beach, you can always avoid socializing, simply because there’s more space to do so. As well, your suite will be larger and more comfortable, so you can spend more time in it.
Rate the rooms.
Speaking of which, even the most luxurious ship cabins can be smaller than a luxury hotel option. If room size is important to you, opt for a resort. Imagine a giant suite, private balcony, room service, full bath, cue the music – you get the picture.
The Travel Designers at Tully Luxury Travel can help decipher all the pros and cons of both cruises and resort stays. We have luxury travel planning down to a science – so all you have to do is enjoy yourself.