I must admit, I’ve never thought of going on a cruise from Southampton for a honeymoon. But, after doing some research into this type of break (you can find different itineraries here), I’ve definitely been persuaded of its benefits.
- cruise from SouthamptonChalkie_CC / Foter / CC BY-NC
For a start, you don’t have to endure hours of waiting around at an airport or waiting for transfers, not to mention the flight itself. Flying long-haul can often take up entire days of your time, but it is not something you want when you’ve already had the hectic task of organising your big day.
You also have a good choice of romantic destinations, and I’ve compiled a list of my favourite three below.
1. Amsterdam
Cruises from Southampton often set sail in the late afternoon or early evening. Once you step on board, you can let your honeymoon immediately commence. You might decide to unpack and take a nap in your cabin, before emerging to enjoy your sumptuous evening meal over a glass of wine or two.
While you soundly sleep, your ship will make its way to the Netherlands, so when you wake up in the morning you can look out of your window and be greeted by the port of Ijmuiden. It lies just 17 miles from beautiful Amsterdam, which is the ideal destination in which to celebrate being husband and wife.
Take a romantic stroll along one of its lovely canals, stopping to tuck into a warm pile of pancakes or to simply people-watch over a coffee at one of its pavement cafes. If you don’t fancy Amsterdam, you can take an excursion into the Dutch countryside and admire its pretty windmills.
2. Flaam
Flaam is located in Norway, and if you take a peek at photos of it online, you will definitely agree this is an amazing setting for a honeymoon. The lakes here are unbelievably blue, and one of the best ways to explore the area is to take a rail journey.
The railway first started running in 1923, and since then passengers have been wowed by just how breathtaking the scenery is. The locomotive will climb more than 3,000 ft, taking you to Voss, an ancient town that allows you to soak up fantastic views of the valley below. Throw in snow-capped mountains and waterfalls, and you can see why I think Flaam is a romantic spot.
3. Bilbao
Bilbao, in Spain, is the ideal place to head to if you’re a couple who love culture and food. The city is perhaps most well known for its Guggenheim Museum, and art enthusiasts will enjoy strolling hand in hand around all the different works on show.
The Guggenheim was established here in 1997 and you will definitely spot the building as your ship comes into port. It was designed by Frank Gehry and is certainly eye-catching. There are loads of other things you can get stuck into as a couple when in Bilbao as part of your honeymoon cruise.
The city is highly regarded for its cuisine, particularly its cod. Make sure you enjoy a leisurely lunch over a bottle of local wine and dishes of fresh seafood as you gaze out across the beautiful destination.
Have you ever been to any of these places? If so, leave your top tips for honeymooners who come on a cruise here.
