Which cruise itinerary for a honeymoon?

[FSU Girl]

So I'm planning ahead (not quite yet engaged, but is happening soon). My boyfriend and I decided we want to do a week long European cruise and then a week either before or after exploring other countries.

Which cruise itinerary would be better?

A Mediterranean one (possible ports would be Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Florence, Monaco) My boyfriend has not been to Italy before or the French ports that are usually included in these type of itineraries. I've done a Mediterranean cruise twice before and I've spent a month in Italy.

A Northern European one (possible ports would be Copenhagen, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Estonia) Neither of us have been to any of these countries so all of them would be new to us. I've been wanting to do this type of cruise forever. My concerns are the rough seas I've read about and that it would be less romantic for a honeymoon.

For our week exploring Europe I'm thinking two days in Iceland, two days in Paris, two days in Amsterdam and one day early for our cruise in the city it leaves out of.

 

[dcassetta]

Med cruises involve long days and the summer is hot. The cooler temps in northern Europe could lead to much cuddling....

 

[FSU Girl]

Med cruises involve long days and the summer is hot. The cooler temps in northern Europe could lead to much cuddling....

That is a good point. I do love to cuddle.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

The Baltic cruise is in protected waters. It's only when you get out to the Northern European cruises to Norway where you could experience the North Sea. On our Norway cruise 2 years ago, the North Sea was not that bad and we hardly felt it on the ship. Even then, it was only for a couple of days in and out of Copenhagen.

 

[FSU Girl]

The Baltic cruise is in protected waters. It's only when you get out to the Northern European cruises to Norway where you could experience the North Sea. On our Norway cruise 2 years ago, the North Sea was not that bad and we hardly felt it on the ship. Even then, it was only for a couple of days in and out of Copenhagen.

Oh that's good to know. I remember reading about rough seas up north so I just assumed it was the Baltic cruises. I think most of those type cruises don't go to Norway so that shouldn't be a problem. It'll be for 2019 so I'm not sure if the ports will change.

 

[piccolopat]

I haven't cruised before but I would go with the Northern European cruises because neither of you have been to any of those places and because those ports look interesting. I would also want much more time than a day excursion to the ports in the Mediterranean cruise and think that would frustrate us. I would like to add that you might consider picking just one place to explore on land after your cruise. Going to three different places so far apart would mean a lot of lost time packing and traveling. Paris is a favorite of ours and although we've already gone twice and spent almost two weeks there each time, we would gladly go back. 2 days wouldn't get you much more than a tour bus around town and a brief taste of a couple tourist spots.

 

[FSU Girl]

I haven't cruised before but I would go with the Northern European cruises because neither of you have been to any of those places and because those ports look interesting. I would also want much more time than a day excursion to the ports in the Mediterranean cruise and think that would frustrate us. I would like to add that you might consider picking just one place to explore on land after your cruise. Going to three different places so far apart would mean a lot of lost time packing and traveling. Paris is a favorite of ours and although we've already gone twice and spent almost two weeks there each time, we would gladly go back. 2 days wouldn't get you much more than a tour bus around town and a brief taste of a couple tourist spots.

Ya, we are trying to cram a lot into a short time. It'll be our first time together going to Europe and not sure when we will be back. I've always wanted to go to Reykjavik and I know there are some airlines that will let you have a long one or two day layover there on your way somewhere else. I figured we could then fly to Paris, spend time there, take a little detour towards Versailles and then one of those high speed trains into Amsterdam. My boyfriend's family came from there so he wants to show it to me. Once we actually look at flights and what time things are we might need to cut it down to two places.

You're all making a good point about how intense the ports are in the Mediterranean. The last time I went we did 10 hour excursions every day and it was very exhausting.

 

[disneynewcruiser]

My wife and I took a Mediterranean honeymoon cruise. We sailed in very late August and the weather was not a factor; yes, it was hot, but not unbearable or uncomfortably so. We loved our honeymoon cruise (it was with RCL but you'll enjoy it just the same with DCL).

 

[piccolopat]

Ya, we are trying to cram a lot into a short time. It'll be our first time together going to Europe and not sure when we will be back. I've always wanted to go to Reykjavik and I know there are some airlines that will let you have a long one or two day layover there on your way somewhere else. I figured we could then fly to Paris, spend time there, take a little detour towards Versailles and then one of those high speed trains into Amsterdam. My boyfriend's family came from there so he wants to show it to me. Once we actually look at flights and what time things are we might need to cut it down to two places.

You're all making a good point about how intense the ports are in the Mediterranean. The last time I went we did 10 hour excursions every day and it was very exhausting.

Versailles is incredibly large. We've spent two full and exhausting days there and still haven't seen everything. You can see the highlights of the main palace building in an afternoon but that's just scratching the surface. It will also mean missing the Grand and Petite Trianons, Queen's Hamlet and the extensive gardens. It's an easy train ride from Paris or you can catch a bus trip through a company like Viator.

If I were you, I would consider stopping at Reykjavik as a layover on the way to your cruise starting port since it's up in that next of the woods anyway. After the cruise, I would spend time in Amsterdam and leave Paris for a future trip, perhaps a memorable anniversary. I haven't been to Amsterdam yet but hope to in a few years as we've seen many things we want to go to there. Since your boyfriend's family is there, you might want to just visit and do some light sightseeing after the exhaustion of the cruise.

 

[tink1970]

I voted for N European because:

1) new to you
2) not as hot nor humid
3) Iceland and Amsterdam are more "on the way" to a N European cruise

basically what everyone else has said

Hopefully after you go (on either) you'll report back on your trip!

 

[jdb in AZ]

I would do the Baltic too. We were surprised how smooth the water was. I hope 2019 cruises will be available while kids are still in school -- it will be cheaper, cooler, and quieter.

 

[FSU Girl]

Versailles is incredibly large. We've spent two full and exhausting days there and still haven't seen everything. You can see the highlights of the main palace building in an afternoon but that's just scratching the surface. It will also mean missing the Grand and Petite Trianons, Queen's Hamlet and the extensive gardens. It's an easy train ride from Paris or you can catch a bus trip through a company like Viator.

If I were you, I would consider stopping at Reykjavik as a layover on the way to your cruise starting port since it's up in that next of the woods anyway. After the cruise, I would spend time in Amsterdam and leave Paris for a future trip, perhaps a memorable anniversary. I haven't been to Amsterdam yet but hope to in a few years as we've seen many things we want to go to there. Since your boyfriend's family is there, you might want to just visit and do some light sightseeing after the exhaustion of the cruise.

If we had to cut one out I'd prefer cutting the Amsterdam, but probably would have to compromise since he'll really want to go there lol. I just think Versailles is so pretty, I've done a few virtual tours and I've been watching the TV show Versailles. I think the travel times for planes and trains will come into a deciding factor when we start booking everything.

I voted for N European because:

1) new to you
2) not as hot nor humid
3) Iceland and Amsterdam are more "on the way" to a N European cruise

basically what everyone else has said

Hopefully after you go (on either) you'll report back on your trip!

I definitely think I'm more in favor of the Northern European cruise. Just have to convince the boyfriend. I have a little time to do that before the cruise itineraries come out. I definitely will make a trip report after the trip. Just need to wait a long time for it to happen lol.

I would do the Baltic too. We were surprised how smooth the water was. I hope 2019 cruises will be available while kids are still in school -- it will be cheaper, cooler, and quieter.

That would be nice

I noticed for next year there's only 1 seven day cruise for the northern Europe. I feel like this year there were a couple in a row, but can't check since they're past now. I hope there's more than one week so I can have options.

 

[tink1970]

I noticed for next year there's only 1 seven day cruise for the northern Europe.

IIRC there was one at the end of May (we were actually booked on that until DD ditched the plan ) and then one later in the summer, late June I believe.

 

[cmph]

I second the new-to-both-of-you choice! I had a thing about doing that, which fortunately DH was agreeable about. We grew up in different parts of the country and he lived in multiple European countries as well, and we had both done a fair amount of traveling - so when it came down to our remaining choices: we ended up traveling around Oregon. Everyone thought we were odd except my grandmother. But we thought it was the best way to start our married life together - experiencing something entirely new to both of us, together!

 

[FSU Girl]

IIRC there was one at the end of May (we were actually booked on that until DD ditched the plan ) and then one later in the summer, late June I believe.

Hopefully they offer more than one in 2019. I'm sorry you didn't get to go.

I second the new-to-both-of-you choice! I had a thing about doing that, which fortunately DH was agreeable about. We grew up in different parts of the country and he lived in multiple European countries as well, and we had both done a fair amount of traveling - so when it came down to our remaining choices: we ended up traveling around Oregon. Everyone thought we were odd except my grandmother. But we thought it was the best way to start our married life together - experiencing something entirely new to both of us, together!

My boyfriend did say he is open to the idea of the northern European one so I think I can guide him to that choice. And I think the way you started your married life is really cute

 

[piccolopat]

If we had to cut one out I'd prefer cutting the Amsterdam, but probably would have to compromise since he'll really want to go there lol. I just think Versailles is so pretty, I've done a few virtual tours and I've been watching the TV show Versailles. I think the travel times for planes and trains will come into a deciding factor when we start booking everything.


I definitely think I'm more in favor of the Northern European cruise. Just have to convince the boyfriend. I have a little time to do that before the cruise itineraries come out. I definitely will make a trip report after the trip. Just need to wait a long time for it to happen lol.


That would be nice

I noticed for next year there's only 1 seven day cruise for the northern Europe. I feel like this year there were a couple in a row, but can't check since they're past now. I hope there's more than one week so I can have options.

Just remembered - if you decide to go to Versailles, the fountains in the gardens only operate one or two days a week. I think it's just on the weekend but you'll need to check before you go. It is really worth trying to go on a day when they are running.

 

[FSU Girl]

Just remembered - if you decide to go to Versailles, the fountains in the gardens only operate one or two days a week. I think it's just on the weekend but you'll need to check before you go. It is really worth trying to go on a day when they are running.

Thanks for the tip! I had no idea they weren't always on. I want to see it in all its glory

And I mentioned to my boyfriend maybe we won't have enough time for all three countries in a week and he said he doesn't want to give any of them up so I guess we will have to make it work lol

 

[Pens Fan]

I'm guessing your honeymoon will be plenty romantic no matter which you choose.

That being said, I really like the idea of both of you visiting new places together for the first time. Kind of a nice beginning to your life together. I also agree with previous posters about the Baltic seas. We had some rough seas between Norway and Iceland, but that was it - the rest was just fine. And even that wasn't so bad. Just look at it as a reason to hang on to each other while the boats a rockin'!!

Congratulations, whatever you decide!

 

[FrannyPack]

My wife and I just took the Mediterranean cruise for our honeymoon last month! We absolutely loved it as we both have not been to Europe before and always wanted to visit the ports on our itinerary. It really gave us a good idea of the cities we would like to see again (Rome, Florence) and the places we are good with only going to that once (Pompeii and Pisa). I would say we were really fortunate with the heat as many said it was a cooler summer and we even had some wet weather on a few days.

No matter which cruise you take, it will be great. The Disney Magic treated us well for our honeymoon.

 

[olafLover]

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