Top Picks for a Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation

Princess Cruise line offers a wonderful honeymoon vacation amid the Caribbean islands. A romantic cruise is the best type of honeymoon because you can leave all your worries at home. After months of stressful wedding planning, husbands and wives are often feeling frazzled and exhausted. Likely, the high of being newly wed will fill them with energy to make it to their romantic vacation, but once aboard the cruise ship, the temptation to lounge in the sun with a drink in one’s hand is strong. This April, Princess will offer a 7-night cruise out of San Juan, Puerto Rico to St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba, which offers ample opportunities for romantic and adventurous port stop activities.

San Juan, Puerto Rico is an intriguing US territory and a popular honeymoon vacation stop. In New San Juan, you’ll find McDonald’s and American cuisine, fancy hotel resorts, business districts and trendy bars. In Old San Juan, you’ll encounter an exotic blend of Spanish, Italian and South American influences that are very much akin to Cuba. You’ll see preserved 16th century architecture, forts, antique shops, pastel buildings, cobblestone streets and stunning cathedrals.

History lovers will appreciate the El Morro fort, San Cristobal Fort, La Fortaleza, Catedral de San Juan and Museo Pablo Casals. The Bacardi Rum Factory can add a little fun to your romantic weekend and, if you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at the Sheraton or Ritz-Carlton casinos. Waterfalls and wildflowers await a scenic stroll at El Yunque rainforest.



Once you gaze upon the island peaks of St. Lucia, you’ll see why it’s been dubbed “Helen of the West Indies.” Even though honeymooners frequent the island, 19,000 acres are protected as part of the St. Lucia National Rain Forest, so you’ll see unspoiled territories and dense tropical foliage. The capital city of Castries is within walking distance from your port stop in Place Carenage or Pointe Seraphine. Avid shoppers will enjoy duty-free shopping, local crafts markets, farmer’s markets and souvenir shops. The white, relaxing sands of Choc Beach is a 20 minute cab ride away, although Pigeon Beach is preferred for visitors who love museums, restaurants, water sports and other amenities. Anse des Pitons is a fantastic beach for snorkeling and diving. Gros Islet offers countryside and beach horseback riding, which can be part of romantic vacation packages. Another romantic travel option is to take a bus, rental car or cab to the south, where you’ll see the former French colonial capital, Soufrie’s drive-in volcano and sulfur pools, as well as the Diamond Botanical Gardens. Adventurous types can trek through the rainforest, uncover hidden waterfalls and snorkel amid sunken ships in Anse Cochon.

It’s amazing that Grenada, “the Isle of Spice,” is still a viable honeymoon vacation spot following the 1994 Hurricane Ivan, which destroyed 90% of the buildings on this island. Despite the terrible devastation, much of the land has been rebuilt and revitalized. After your ship docks, your island vacation begins. You can walk to the St. George’s tourist destinations like the Grenada National Museum, the Market Square and several beautiful churches. If you dock at Carenage, you’ll be a quick cab ride from the city’s forts and the world-renowned Grand Anse Beach. Once you reach the beach, you’ll be able to go diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing and kayaking. For the best snorkeling, visit Moliniere Point and for the best hiking, visit Annandale Falls or Grand Etang National Park. The Dougaldston Spice Estate and Goyave Nutmeg Processing Station can give you an interesting look into how spices are produced. La Sagesse Beach is one of the more secluded, relaxing areas of the island, complete with a salty pond, mangroves and tropical birds.

Your honeymoon vacation will create memories that will last forever, so it’s important that you plan it carefully. Many couples choose to go on cruises, and this can be a good value if you do your homework.