Which Is Better: a Cruise Honeymoon or an All-Inclusive Honeymoon?

One of the top questions couples ask when planning their honeymoon is: Should we go
on a cruise or book an all-inclusive resort? Honestly, it’s a great question, because both
can be incredible. Cruises give you constant variety—different destinations, activities,
and nightlife. All-inclusives give you pure relaxation and a sense of
home-away-from-home luxury. If you love being on the move, a cruise may win. If you
love slowing down, the resort life may be perfect. No matter which one you choose,
upgrades and adult-only options can transform your honeymoon into something truly
unforgettable. Let’s compare the two so you can decide.

Cruise Honeymoon vs All-Inclusive: Which One Is Right for You?

Cruise Honeymoon

Pros of a Cruise Honeymoon
Cruises are all about variety. Imagine waking up in a new destination every morning
without ever having to repack your bags. One day you’re exploring cobblestone
streets in Europe, the next you’re snorkeling in turquoise Caribbean waters. Onboard,
the fun never stops—Broadway-style shows, world-class dining, rooftop pools,
late-night lounges, and spa treatments all keep your honeymoon buzzing with
energy.

Couples who love options will thrive on a cruise. You can be as adventurous or as
laid-back as you want, and the range of excursions—from cooking classes to dolphin
encounters—adds unforgettable experiences to your trip. Plus, the romance of sailing
into the sunset? Pure honeymoon magic.

Cons of a Cruise Honeymoon
Of course, cruises come with quirks. Privacy can be limited since you’re sharing the
ship with thousands of other passengers. “All-inclusive” doesn’t mean the same
thing it does at a resort—while your meals and standard entertainment are covered,
extras like specialty dining, excursions, tips, Wi-Fi, and cocktails often come at an
additional cost.

Schedules are also structured. Port stops mean you might only get a few hours in
each destination, which can feel rushed. And if you or your partner get seasick, the
rocking motion of the ship could be a dealbreaker.

Who a Cruise Honeymoon Is Best For

A cruise honeymoon is perfect if you and your partner:
● Love the idea of exploring multiple destinations in one trip
● Want a lively atmosphere with constant entertainment
● Enjoy meeting new people and socializing with other travelers
● Prefer structure and a packed schedule over free-form days
● Don’t mind trading some privacy for variety

If you’d rather spend your honeymoon soaking up constant activity, new sights, and
endless food and entertainment options, a cruise could be your match.

Upgrade Ideas for Extra Romance

If you’re leaning toward a cruise, consider upgrading your cabin. A balcony stateroom
gives you private sunrise coffee dates and champagne under the stars. Some cruise
lines also offer exclusive adults-only areas for more serenity. Virgin Voyages, for
example, is a fully adults-only cruise line that’s perfect for honeymooners who want
to avoid the family crowds altogether. If Virgin isn’t your style, look for ships that
feature adults-only pools or luxury suite perks like butler service. These little extras
transform a fun cruise into a romantic, just-for-you experience.

All-Inclusive Honeymoon

Pros of an All-Inclusive Honeymoon
All-inclusive resorts epitomize stress-free travel. Once you check in, nearly
everything is covered—meals, drinks, entertainment, and sometimes even
excursions. You don’t have to think about a budget or surprise add-ons. Just order the
piña colada, book the spa appointment, and enjoy.

These resorts are designed for romance. Imagine private candlelit dinners on the
beach, infinity pools overlooking the ocean, and tropical gardens where you can
sneak away for a quiet stroll. Many all-inclusives cater specifically to couples, with
adults-only resorts offering even more privacy and tranquility. For couples who want
to stay in one place, slow down, and completely relax, this is honeymoon bliss.

Cons of an All-Inclusive Honeymoon
The “all-inclusive” label can sometimes be misleading. Not all resorts include
premium drinks, top-tier dining, airport transfers, or excursions—so it’s important to
read the fine print. While these resorts excel in relaxation, they don’t always offer
the same level of variety you’d get on a cruise. You’re anchored in one location, so if
you’re craving new sights every day, you may feel a bit stuck.

Another potential downside: unless you choose carefully, some resorts may feel too
busy or family-oriented. A honeymoon deserves romance, not kids cannonballing
into the pool—so selecting an adults-only resort is key.

Who an All-Inclusive Honeymoon Is Best For

An all-inclusive honeymoon is perfect if you and your partner:

● Want to relax in one beautiful spot without rushing around
● Love the idea of unlimited food and drinks with no surprises
● Prefer privacy and intimacy over big crowds
● Value slow mornings, beach days, and spa indulgence
● Would rather unpack once and never worry about schedules

If your dream honeymoon looks like sipping cocktails by the pool, romantic dinners
on the beach, and plenty of uninterrupted downtime, an all-inclusive might be your
perfect match.

Upgrade Ideas for Extra Romance
For all-inclusives, it’s worth splurging on your room. A swim-up suite, private plunge
pool, or oceanfront villa can elevate your honeymoon from great to unforgettable.
Many resorts also offer honeymoon packages with perks like couples’ massages,
breakfast in bed, or private excursions. If you’re foodies, consider upgrading to
resorts that feature specialty dining experiences or wine-pairing dinners. Those
touches turn your honeymoon into something uniquely yours.

Cruise vs. All-Inclusive: How to Decide

So, which is better: a cruise honeymoon or an all-inclusive honeymoon? The truth is,
neither is “better.” It’s all about what you value as a couple.
● Variety vs. Relaxation
Cruises offer constant variety, new ports, and lots to do. All-inclusives focus
on relaxation and staying in one romantic setting.
● Budgeting vs. Surprises
All-inclusives are usually easier to budget, with most costs upfront. Cruises
can look affordable at first but costs start to add up quickly with extras.
● Privacy vs. Social Atmosphere
Resorts, especially adults-only ones, tend to offer more privacy. Cruises are
more social, with lots of people and a bustling vibe.
● Adventure vs. Ease
Cruises pack in adventure and new places daily. All-inclusives prioritize ease
and comfort in one dreamy location.

At the end of the day, it comes down to your personalities. Do you two light up at the
idea of adventure, entertainment, and variety? Or does your love story sound more
like sandy toes, slow mornings, and total relaxation? There’s no wrong answer—only
the right fit for you.

There’s no single “best” honeymoon—it all depends on the memories you want to
create. Whether that means sunsets from your private balcony at sea or lazy mornings
in a swim-up suite, your honeymoon is about celebrating you two. With the right
planning, either option can feel like the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Are you ready to start planning? Let’s design a honeymoon that’s as
unforgettable as your forever. Get started here.