Cruise suggestions for Honeymoon in the Mediterranean?

Question

My fiance and I are looking for suggestions for cruises around the Mediterranean in Sept '07 for our Honeymoon. This is our first cruise. We were looking at Princess versus Royal Caribbean. Any thoughts on which one is better. The Princess one will be a new ship debuting in April '07.

Also, suggestion on room types. Some people said not to bother with oceanview because the window is very small and some views are obstructed. Should I just get an interior room on a higher floor or just pay an extra $2000 for a balcony room.

Answer 1

Hi Spiderman!

Congratulations on your engagement!  I think you made a wise decision looking at a cruise for your honeymoon - unpack once an enjoy! September will be a great time to visit this area too.

Since you want to make your honeymoon memorable you should ask yourself several questions before deciding on a cruise line:

How long of a cruise are you planning? What part of the Med. do you want to see - East or West or all of it? Are you looking for more time relaxing on the ship or would you rather be sightseeing in ports?  If you want to go sightseeing, what are your interests - history, art, architecture, culture, etc?  Lots of questions to consider, and if you're travel agent didn't ask some of these questions, I suggest you look for one that asks questions and is interested in providing you a memorable honeymoon and not just making a quick sale.  

There are also a lot more cruise lines to consider for a trip like this: Oceania, Holland-America, Princess, Celebrity, Royal Carribbean, Cunard, SeaDream, Seabourn, Regent, SilverSea, Crystal, Windstar, etc. so please don't be quick to select a cruise line without reseaching and considering the others. Each of these lines offers something different.  Its just a matter of finding what will work best for you and your finance to create an unforgettable honeymoon.

Ideally, you want to book your cruise and make a deposit ASAP to take advantage of any Early Booking Discounts.  If you don't have passports, please apply for them ASAP because there will be a mad rush toward the end of the year and into next year because of the new requirements.  It normally takes 6-8 wks to get a passport, but because of the new government requirements, its taking longer and longer to get them back.

I am assuming you are getting married in Sept 2007 as well and then leaving for your honeymoon.  Your fiance will need to get her passport and her travel documents in her maiden name as her name will not legally change until after your marriage. You will need to take along your original marriage license as well.  Once you return from your honeymoon your wife can submit her passport for a name change.  

When you book your honeymoon, make sure you get travel insurance.  This will not only cover you in case you have to cancel the trip due to illness, death in the family, etc. but will also cover you for missed connections, lost luggage, trip delay, and most importantly, medical costs in case you become ill or injured during your trip.  

There are a lot of details invovled in booking a cruise / honeymoon, so, if you don't already have one, please find a good travel agent.  I am also an agent, and if you'd like to discuss your plans with me, I'd be glad to do so, at no obligation to you.  If you'd like me to book your honeymoon for you, it would be my pleasure to put together a wonderful honeymoon for you.  You can reach me at 866-485-8175.

Again, congratulations, Spiderman!  Bon Voyage!

Answer 2

If you are down to the two cruiselines, stay with Princess for your Honeymoon.  The Emerald Princess is going to be a great ship to experience your first time cruising.  I would definitely book a balcony to the Mediterranean, especially its your honeymoon.  You want to remember coming into port from your balcony with a cup of coffee in your hand and still in your bathrobe.  Need a great price with excellent service, just contact me at [e-mail] and I would be glad to go over all details of each line and the best room for you