Best honeymoon cruise for a young couple… what’s your advice?

Hi everyone,

My partner and I are trying to figure out our honeymoon plans. We’re thinking about a Caribbean cruise in January or February, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.

We’re both 26 and have been on cruises before. I’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean in the Caribbean, and we’ve both been with MSC in Europe. I liked both! MSC had better late-night stuff, but Royal felt a bit more polished in entertainment overall.

I’ve been eyeing Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises. Virgin looks fun, but it seems like it might be a bit too wild for what we’re going for (or am I wrong?). Celebrity looks great, but I’ve heard it’s more geared toward an older crowd, which makes me hesitate.

Here’s what we’re hoping to find: a cruise that has good late-night options without being a constant party, activities during sea days, good food (but I enjoyed dining on Royal and MSC, so I’m not super picky), and a younger vibe. We want time to relax and enjoy being together but also enjoy some fun along the way. Kids on board are fine, but we’d rather avoid an overwhelming number.

I’ve also been considering shore excursions, so a mix of chill days and adventure would be perfect.

Lastly, I’ve looked into NCL, but their vibe looks a bit dull to me… am I off about that?

Which cruise would you recommend? Any suggestions would be amazing. Thanks!

Here’s the original post for context:

Hi everyone,

My partner and I are trying to figure out our honeymoon plans. We’re thinking about a Caribbean cruise in January or February, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.

We’re both 26 and have been on cruises before. I’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean in the Caribbean, and we’ve both been with MSC in Europe. I liked both! MSC had better late-night stuff, but Royal felt a bit more polished in entertainment overall.

I’ve been eyeing Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises. Virgin looks fun, but it seems like it might be a bit too wild for what we’re going for (or am I wrong?). Celebrity looks great, but I’ve heard it’s more geared toward an older crowd, which makes me hesitate.

Here’s what we’re hoping to find: a cruise that has good late-night options without being a constant party, activities during sea days, good food (but I enjoyed dining on Royal and MSC, so I’m not super picky), and a younger vibe. We want time to relax and enjoy being together but also enjoy some fun along the way. Kids on board are fine, but we’d rather avoid an overwhelming number.

I’ve also been considering shore excursions, so a mix of chill days and adventure would be perfect.

Lastly, I’ve looked into NCL, but their vibe looks a bit dull to me… am I off about that?

Which cruise would you recommend? Any suggestions would be amazing. Thanks!

We did our honeymoon with Virgin Voyages, and it was such a good choice! You don’t have to party every night if that’s not your thing. There are tons of relaxing options, and the crowd is really mixed—there’s a good balance of younger and older people.

@Ollie
Totally agree. Virgin lets you pick your vibe. Want to party? You can. Want to chill? There are quiet spots, classes, and even puzzles to work on. The food and service were amazing too. Highly recommend!

Virgin Voyages would be my top pick for a honeymoon. No kids on board, which is a huge plus. The food is top-notch since there’s no buffet—it’s all made fresh. The ships feel less crowded, and there’s a great mix of fun and chill. You can even add some romance by upgrading for extra perks like priority boarding.

The only thing is, if you’re big on pools or water slides, it might not be the best choice. The pool area is more for lounging than swimming. Other than that, it’s a great option for a special trip.

We did our honeymoon on NCL in The Haven, and it was amazing! I was 31 at the time, and it didn’t feel old or boring at all. If you’re looking for something extra special, The Haven is worth it. The food in The Haven restaurant was some of the best I’ve had on a cruise.

If you can, look into one of their newer ships like Prima or Viva. The Haven is all in one spot on those, so it’s way more convenient. It is pricey, but it’s one of those things that feels worth it, especially for a honeymoon.

I’ve mostly sailed with NCL, and I’d call it more low-key. If you like something classic without feeling like a giant floating amusement park, you might like it. The smaller ships are definitely more laid-back, but you get more personal attention from the crew.

I wouldn’t write NCL off completely, though! They’ve been attracting a younger crowd lately, and the dining is fantastic—especially in the specialty restaurants. Plus, the promenade decks and Oceanfront areas make it feel like a real ship, not just a resort.

That said, it might be a bit too quiet for what you’re looking for. You might want to check out YouTube videos to get a better feel for the vibe.