Honeymoon Planning

Honeymoon Planning Tips

1. Plan early.  Typically the honeymoon is the last thing couples plan.  This is a big mistake. Advance planning allows you to choose the resort or destination with optimal advantages.  If you wait until the last minute, you will get the leftovers that no one else wanted.

2. Talk it over between the two of you and decide where you want to go. If you are having problems deciding, call your travel professional and let her offer some suggestions.  The decision needs to be mutually agreed upon.

3. Land or Sea?  There are cruises to fit every budget and personality but perhaps an all-inclusive vacation is more for you?  If you decide on a cruise, do not scrimp on the cabin.  The same goes for a land vacation.  Treat yourself to the nicest accommodations you can afford.  This is your honeymoon and it should stand out from all the rest.

4. All inclusive resorts are extremely popular with honeymooners.  It’s one price and you will know up front exactly what it will cost you.  They include everything from tips, to drinks to activities,  but beware.  If you are not huge drinkers or won’t take advantage of all the activities offered to you, then you will be paying a lot of money for services you don’t need.

5. Have a reasonable budget and don’t scrimp.  This is a once in a lifetime experience.  You should allow yourself the most you can afford.  The extra money will be well worth it.  Plan a budget and let your travel agent know what you want but allow about a 10% cushion.

6. Pack a couple of weeks before the wedding and get that part out of the way.  It’s one less thing you will need to do before the wedding.

7. Buy travel insurance.  Travel insurance will protect from the unexpected.

To sum it up….plan ahead, use a travel professional, and budget wisely and realistically.  You don’t want to become one of those couples who end up with a story of the Honeymoon from Hell.

Honeymoon Cruises

Congratulations, you’re engaged!  If you’re in the market for the ultimate, hassle-free honeymoon, think about hitting the high seas onboard a cruise ship.

Here are my top ten reasons for taking a honeymoon cruise:

1. Inclusive vacation.  One prices pays for your meals, entertainment and use of all the facilities onboard the ship
2. Romance.  Secluded beaches, spa services for two, in suite balcony dining to name a few
3. Delicious Food
4. Variety.  There are over 150 ships and thousands of itineraries to choose from
5. Activities.  Be as active or relaxed as you want to be
6. Simplicity.  You won’t need a vacation from your vacation
7. Pampering. From spa services to deluxe ding
8. New Horizons. You can wake up in a new place every day with no packing and unpacking
9. Value.  A cruise is a one stop shop and a great value for the money spent
10. Satisfaction.  Cruises rate a 97% satisfaction rate

As the saying goes…..”You haven’t lived until you’ve cruised”

Cruisng the Hawaiian Islands

Napali Coast

Diamond Head

Marvelous Maui

Experiencing the Hawaiian Islands by cruise ship is the way to go!  We sailed a 7 night itinerary on the Pride of America.  The beauty of Hawaii is beyond description and is truly a destination ideal for cruising. Pictures cannot do these islands justice….seeing is believing.

Here are a few pointers and highlights…..

Always arrive at least 2 days early (particularly from the east coast).  You will need to adjust to the time change and you shouldn’t miss the beautiful island of Oahu.  Do not miss Pearl Harbor and the North Shore.

Do your homework and plan your days so that you can pace yourself . Do not try to do too much in too little time.  Stop to “smell the roses” but in Hawaii, it’s more likely to be Orchids.  The flowers are abundant and tantalizing.

Gas is very expensive in Hawaii so if you rent a car, be leery of free upgrades to an SUV.  It could cost you a pretty penny in extra gas.

In Kauai, the helicopter tour is an absolute must. The Napali coast is spectacular and though you will sail by it, seeing  it from above will take your breath away.

Arguably, the best and most authentic luau is the Old Lahaina Luau on Maui.

This is a great destination for families but extremely popular for honeymoon couples as well.

Pack light and casual…..no need to dress up on this itinerary.

On your cruise you will pack and unpack  once and get to all the islands without the hassles of island hopping and dealing with the airlines and airport hassles. You will overnight in both Maui and Kauai and get to both Hilo and Kona on the big island. 

The word “shacka” means chill out or no problem.

Hawaii is truly paradise. It’s nearly perfect weather and beautiful sand beaches along with the multitude of activities, attractions and culture it offers will allow you to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. The spirit of Aloha awaits you.

Like a Floating W Hotel

I just toured the new Celebrity Solstice and wow: it’s a ship like no other. Designed by some of the world’s top architects, it’s the first of its class to have a sleek, modern look and feel, making cruisers feel as if they’re staying at a floating W Hotel or even the ultra-exclusive Wynn in Vegas. Cabanas at the pool, a solarium at the Persian spa, a putting green with live grass, nine to-die-for dining experiences…and the list goes on and on.

Bottom line, if you’re someone who enjoys exclusivity, modern design and a sophisticated atmosphere, this ship is perfect for you.

Honeymoon Cruise Tips

 

Planning your honeymoon cruise should be exciting and fun and should give your marriage the perfect start! To help you begin the planning process, here are some Cruise Chick tips:

 

• - Before Planning Anything, call a certified Elite Cruise Counselor since he or she will have the right expertise to help you get started and save you time, money and energy.
• - Plan Ahead. Make your reservations at least 6 months ahead if possible. This allows you to get early booking discounts, and get the type of room that you want and the best flight times.
• - Budget. Splurge but don’t overburden yourself. This is a trip you’ll remember the rest of your life. You’ll always remember the honeymoon, but you’ll forget how much you spent. All-inclusive resorts and cruises make your budgeting much easier, because these packages include practically everything.
• - Consider Activities you’re interested in: beach bumming, golf, snorkeling, nightlife, breakfast in bed, bicycling, scuba, exploring ancient ruins, gambling, etc. This will help decide what type of cruise and itinerary is right for you.
• - Check Your Calendar. How long do you want to be gone? If you can only be gone for a few nights, look for a cruise closeby. If you’re planning for one week, try to limit your transportation time. If you have a few weeks, the whole world opens up.
• - Food. Dining is always near the top of the list for vacationers, especially honeymooners. Make sure you’ll be able to have pleasurable dining experiences.  Some cruise lines are known for their world-class food and some, well, are better known for other things but certainly not their cuisine. A cruise travel expert can give you more insight into which line is right for you if you’re looking for delicious food.
• - Surprise or Not to Surprise. Planning a surprise honeymoon is very risky. Use extreme caution. Make sure you know it will be a pleasant surprise, or the surprise might be on you.
• - Friends and Family are great resources for honeymoon ideas.
• - Photographs. Force yourself to take as many pictures as you can stand. You’ll be happy you did.
• - Plan to Relax. Especially on the first day. Unwind. Smell the roses. Enjoy each other. Weddings tend to be stressful. The honeymoon should be stress free.
• - Accommodations. Book the best room that you can afford, you won’t regret it. We do prefer to put you in the best room possible within your budget, even if we have to put you in a room without an ocean view. The cruise lines, however, are always telling us about how many clients try to upgrade once they arrive and see the ocean view rooms.
• - Packing. Always put some of her clothes in his bag, and put some of his clothes in her bag, just as a precaution. Never pack valuables such as jewelry and cameras. Pack a carry on bag with valuables, prescriptions, suntan lotion, swimwear, travel documents, and sunglasses, just in case you have to wait for your room.