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Which Island Suits You? Choosing a Hawaii Honeymoon Spot

August 14, 2011 By

Once you’ve decided that Hawaii is the perfect destination for your Hawaii honeymoon, then it’s time to consider which island is most deserving of your travel plans. Well, truth be told, it’s different for everyone. While many couples enjoy the splendor and luxury of a Hawaii honeymoon resort, other more earthy types may prefer the quiet cliffs and rushing water of Kauai’s Napali Coast.

So here’s a little breakdown of what each Hawaiin island has to offer. But first, consider a few things about how you picture your honeymoon. Are you looking for romance? Adventure? Would you prefer paradise to party town? A little black dress to boots and sunblock? Or a little of both? That’s for you to decide!

Maui

Maui is commonly referred to as the Magic Isle, and offers all the romantic wonders for a couple newly wed. This island caters to those who are looking for romance, luxury, and pure island beauty. If you find yourself unable to decide which island for your Hawaii honeymoon, Maui will give you a little taste of everthing. You can enjoy the sunrise on Haleakala, or hike across it’s peak and discover why it’s referred to as the “house of sun.”  Enjoy a stroll through Lahaina’s seaside streets or bask in the warmth of Maui’s famous beaches, which this island is especially known for. Rent a car and take the Road to Hana, but don’t forget to seek out this route’s natural waterfall pools.

Not sure where to stay? Check out the Ritz-Carlton or the Sheraton Resort & Spa for an epic experience.

Kauai

If you’re looking to slow your roll a little, then this may be the best pick for your Hawaii honeymoon. Kauai boasts unspoiled natural beauty, and is infamous for it’s beautiful Emerald Cliffs on the Na Pali Coast. You can wander through Waimea Canyon, which is also referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” If you’re the kind of couple that is looking for an earthy adventure, then choose Kauai and you won’t be disapointed. Depending on the timing of your Hawaii honeymoon, you may even get whale-watch from the shores.

Oahu

This island is for the newlyweds looking to party, and by that we mean that this the most robust island in terms of shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s also home to some more historical destinations, like touring the Arizona at Pearl Harbor, or visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center. If you’re looking to get dolled up and stroll the town, then Waikiki is your spot. You can also escape the busy downtown and travel up to Northern Oahu, where you can watch surfers or find a nice isolated beach along the coast.
Consider checking out the North Shore’s Turtle Bay or the Ocean Resort at Waikiki.

Molokai

As the smallest island of Hawaii, this is also the least commercial. There is one town- Kaunakakai. This is the best island for couples who are looking for pure escapism… newlyweds who want to shut off their phones, disconnect the laptop, and get lost for a while. It’s the most peaceful island and most isolated. Fish, kayak, get to the beach, snorkel, dive… it call be done in Molokai without the distraction of crowds and cheap tourism.

The Big Island

This Hawaii island is best known for it’s pure size and volcanic activity.  If you’ve chosen The Big Island as your Hawaii honeymoon destination, you should consider taking a helicopter ride along the coast to witness the natural beauty of the flowing lava as it hits the ocean and smolders. And what it lacks in white-sand beaches, it makes up for in it’s infamous black, green and red sand beaches. You can also enjoy all the other staple Hawaii activity, such as snorkeling, hiking, and all kinds of other water activities.

Still unsure? Check out this article on a few favorite places for a Hawaii honeymoon.

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Planning 101

Don’t Think You Can Afford a Hawaii Honeymoon?

April 11, 2011 By

If you have always dreamed of a Hawaiian vacation, you may have thought it was something you could never afford.  However, with a little research you will be able to find great deals on an inexpensive all inclusive Hawaii honeymoon.  By checking with travel agencies and looking online, you will be able to find cheap airfare or reasonably priced package deals that include both airfare and hotels.  You can get on lists to look for deals, and if your wedding happens to be in the off-season, the deals you will find will be even better. Or, check out our 5 Ways to Make Your Hawaii Honeymoon Cost Friendly, for some tips.

As you plan your activities for the week you will be there, you should know that there are many great things to do at little or no cost.  Some people make the mistake of hiring a tour guide to take them everywhere, when they could simply rent a car and go most of those same places without any additional costs.  By leaving out the paid guide, your inexpensive honeymoon can be planned at your own pace.  Keep this in mind as your browsing.

With the fabulous free beaches and gorgeous blue waters, exciting rainforests and the plethora of marine life, you can plan self-guided tours that will give you an amazing experience.  You can watch daily polo matches in Oahu or listen to the Royal Hawaiian Band perform.  Golf courses abound as do shopping experiences.  The Pearl Harbor Memorial is one of many historical and significant sights to see, and all of this can be done on a budget.

So before you decide that ‘you can’t afford it’, check out these articles:

5 Ways to Make your Hawaii Honeymoon Cost-Friendly
The Best Time for Your Hawaiian Honeymoon
Deals for Your Hawaii Honeymoon
6 Ways to Eat Cheap in Hawaii
Honeymoon Gift Registries: Why You Want One

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Planning 101

Deals for Your Hawaii Honeymoon

April 3, 2011 By

Arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world, Hawaii is a top spot for honeymooners.  Honeymoon deals to Hawaii can be found year-round.  By doing a little research, you can enjoy this paradise-like adventure for a very reasonable price.

One of the most expensive, if not the most expensive, part of your honeymoon is the flight.  Plan as far ahead of time as you can to look for flight deals.  Check out sites like SideStep, Travelocity, Hotwire, CheapTickets, Orbitz, and Hawaiian Airlines.  You should also ask a local travel agent; you never know what kind of deal you’ll find there.

Next step: accommodations.  You can choose the type of accommodations that you prefer, even ones initially thought to be outside your budget.  Honeymoon deals to Hawaii include hotels that range from world-class luxury resorts to small hotels to yachts that can be chartered.

When looking for deals at your destination in Hawaii, finding deals at restaurants is a great way to save money. You can find the most expensive restaurants as well as small restaurants and cafes that offer amazing dishes for a fraction of the cost.  Check out these six ways to eat cheap during your Hawaii honeymoon.

When choosing a time to travel, honeymoon deals to Hawaii can be found for any time of the year.  You don’t have to wait until the off-season to find a great price on a package deal.  If you decide to go in the off-season, you should know that the weather is amazing year-round.  You will be able to enjoy the incredible beaches any time you decide to go,  explore underwater and experience the fascinating marine life, or visit the rainforests and become one with nature.  No matter what you like to do, you will be able to do it here and the experience will be one that you and your new spouse will remember for the rest of your life.

 

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips

Hawaii Honeymoon Gift Registries: Why You Want One

March 28, 2011 By

It is not uncommon nowadays for couples live together before they tie knot and take that epic Hawaii honeymoon. In fact, you may already have heard the complaint from your friends- what am I supposed to get as a gift? You have everything! Or perhaps you are unsure how to afford your Hawaii honeymoon; or maybe you just wanted to step outside the box of stuffy wedding gifts. Whatever the reason– honeymoon gift registries are a great idea, and will allow you guests to have some real fun choosing a personal gift, with out the headache of traditional wedding gift pressures. Let’s clear that table of cards!

We have all heard of bridal registries; well this works kind of the same way. Except that instead of picking out physical merchandise, people choose to donate to a honeymoon fund that you create. Couples are usually charged a percentage per gift, which is worked out during the set-up, but there are no initial fees.

It’s simple. Here are the steps for creating the perfect Hawaii honeymoon adventure– on someone else’s dime!

 

1.  Set up an account online. Popular sites like Starwood and Honeyfund have tons of options for the best Hawaiian destinations.

2. Choose items for your honeymoon. This means you can choose your perfect Hawaii hotel & resort, type of room and activities for your trip like golfing, romantic dinners, snorkeling adventures, etc.

3. Begin blasting your friends. These kinds of tools come equipped with viral marketing techniques like blogs, email wizards, and create-your-own-website options. Who isn’t on Facebook these days? Put all those friends to work!

4. Watch the gifts roll in. Your friends can begin donating to your honeymoon account immediately. How much cooler is it to receive a spa package, instead of more dinnerware?

5. Schedule your vacation. You have complete control over your day-to-day activities. So arrange your Hawaii honeymoon how you see fit—and have a blast!

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Planning 101

4 Essentials for Your Hawaii Honeymoon Cruise

March 27, 2011 By

This is what you should avoid.

How many times have you returned from a vacation, only to realize you did not need half of what you packed? You are not alone. People go through great lengths to make their luggage travel-friendly. If you’ve chosen to take a Hawaii honeymoon cruise, the last thing you want to think about is extra luggage. So, in the spirit of making your honeymoon cruise adventure less of a hassle… here are four things to double-check before departure.

1. Sportswear & Gear

Hawaii honeymoon cruises are laid-back. Simply put, you are not going to be ‘dolled up’ every day; so make sure you include a swimsuit (yes, this should be obvious), work-out clothes (if you look forward to some light gym time) and casual clothing (for roaming around the deck or when you are in port). Speaking from experience, make sure you include two sets of sun glasses– it’s very easy to lose them if you don’t think before jumping into that crystal clear water. Trust us!

Don’t forget appropriate clothing for any of the side-adventures you plan to have. Most Hawaii honeymoon cruises, like Carnival Cruises, include some kind of shore excursion.  This means boots for hiking and snorkeling masks, if you have them (otherwise you can rent). And no matter what you plan, make sure to bring a light rain jacket. It can’t be sunny all the time; Hawaii is a sub-tropical environment and light, scattered showers are completely normal.

2. Personal Stuff

Most of us over-think when we pack, and a Hawaii honeymoon cruise is just the kind of vacation where you may be tempted to overload yourself. Try to anticipate the kinds of personal items you will really need; like less make-up and more deodorant. We kid… but seriously– depending on the type of Hawaii honeymoon cruise activities you’ve booked, you may be a little more ‘rugged’ than normal, and prefer an extra bandana over that stick of lipstick.  If you need any kind of prescription medicine, make sure to carry these with you onto the plane—do not leave them in your checked baggage.  Lost luggage happens all the time and although your odds are good, you wouldn’t want to leave that to chance.

It’s also a good idea to call the cruise ahead of time, and ask if hair dryers are provided. Most of the new ships come equipped with built-in hair dryers, which will free some space in your bag, but not all.

3. Sun-wear

If you’re coming to Hawaii from the US main-land, chances are, you are going to need sunscreen. Make sure to pack waterproof for the pool and ocean; the light reflecting off the water itself can do some serious damage. If you have naturally darker skin or you prepare for your cruise by tanning booths, you still want to use it. Go for at least SPF of 50 if your complexion is naturally light.

Pack extra sunglasses–and finally, bring a hat. Most of us are not in the habit of rubbing sunscreen on our scalps and it’s especially necessary if your fiancé prefers the shaved-head look.

4. Camera

Wouldn’t it be horrible to finally arrive in Hawaii for your honeymoon cruise, and realize you forgot your camera? Sure, you could purchase a disposal, but it’s probably not going to pack the same punch as your own.

Our advice: Put any electronics you want to bring in your carry-on. What could be worse than forgetting your camera? If your luggage was lost with your camera.

 

 

Filed Under: Cruises, Cruising 101, Honeymoon Tips Tagged With: ,

5 Best Hawaii Honeymoon Destinations

March 23, 2011 By

If you’re looking for the best honeymoon destinations in Hawaii, look no further! Here are five of the top widely sought-after locations for couples expecting a perfectly romantic honeymoon.

1. Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai

Hanalei means “lei-shaped bay” in Hawaiian, an accurate description of this half moon shaped beach that is considered to be one of the best beaches in Hawaii. If you’re looking to stay here for your honeymoon, consider Hanalei Colony Resort or Legacy Vacations Resort. Both are very close to this popular honeymoon destination and can provide a wide range of amenities.

In regards to activities on the Bay, you have your pick of swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and yacht cruises. If you are a swimmer, check out the Northern part of Hanalei Bay where the water is calmer than other parts of the beach.

2. Waikiki, Oahu

This is perhaps one of the most popular destinations for travelers to Hawaii, since it contains such rich history and is extremely active in terms of both tourist and local life. You can easily find uber-elite hotel options near Waikiki. If you’re up for a night of dancing, drinking and strolling the town then make sure to check out Waikiki Beach Walk; the newest addition to Waikiki night-life, complete with outdoor entertainment centers. It’s a perfect night for that little black dress.

Fun Fact: Waikiki served as a vacation retreat for Hawaiian royalty in the mid-late 1800s.

3. Na Pali Coast, Kauai

If you’re in the mood for something a little more isolated and relaxing, then the Na Pali coast might be just what you need. This fifteen-mile stretch of rugged coastline on the northwest shore of Kauai literally means “the Cliffs” and much of its terrain is inaccessible. The best way to view this gorgeous rocky part of Hawaii, is it board a boat, windsurfer, helicopter…. or hike.  And although you wouldn’t plan your vacation around whale migration patterns, if you’re honeymooning from December to April, you may get in some prime whale-watching time.

We suggest taking a look at Kauai Beach Resort. They all also have some great all-inclusive packages that include the Early Bird Special; book 30 days in advance to qualify for a discount.

4. Molokini

Never heard of it? That’s because Molokini is a small, partially sunken, volcanic crater located 2.5 miles off the coast of Maui. You can’t actually stay here. But it’s one of the best romantic honeymoon destinations in Hawaii. If you and your fiancé are into scuba diving or boating, Molokini should be on your list of activities during your honeymoon. The shape of Molokini protects the neighboring reefs against strong ocean currents and waves, making it a prime location for viewing natural marine wildlife; it also made the list for the Top 10 dive spots in the world.

5. Hamoa Beach at Hotel Hana-Maui

For couples seeking a slower pace, without all the hustle of outdoor activity and planned events, you may want to consider stay at this hotel. Hotel Hana-Maui is the best option for romance and luxury; where you don’t have to lift a finger if you don’t want to. Most amenities are provided by the resort such as snorkeling gear, towels, bikes and umbrellas. If you’re a couple that enjoys light competition, you can check out the tennis courts or golf. Other Hawaiian resorts pale in comparison to Hotel Hana-Maui’s pools and private lounges—but then again, why even bother with the pool when the world renowned Hamoa Beach is at your doorstep?

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Popular Articles, Romantic Attractions

Six Ways to Eat Cheap in Hawaii

March 20, 2011 By

One of the biggest challenges while vacationing in Hawaii is staying within a food budget.  Follow our guide so that you can avoid these tourist traps and enjoy a cheap Hawaii vacation!

1) Use coupons and deals – Before you even get to Hawaii, do some research online.  Look on restaurant.com where you can purchase gift certificates for less than they’re worth (for example, spend $10 for a $20 gift certificate).  Two popular sites offer deals that change daily, so check in every day long before your vacation: groupon.com and livingsocial.com.

2)  Avoid expensive tourist traps - Some of the most convenient places to eat can also be the most expensive, such as restaurants along Waikiki or eateries near airports.  Even eating at your favorite fast food place, while convenient, can be more expensive than you would find in the continental US.  Even worse, fast food won’t fill you up for very long; you’ll likely feel hungry again after just an hour or two.  If you’re on a tight budget, avoid these traps!

3) Ask for a menu - It may seem silly, but asking for a menu before walking into that delicious-looking restaurant can save you a bundle.  Don’t be embarrassed; ask for the menu, look at the prices and quickly calculate how much it’ll cost for the two of you to eat there and see if it fits your budget for the day.  If the prices don’t fit, move on!

4) Don’t wait until you’re starving – Stopping at a place to eat when really hungry can easily set you back more than you intended to spend that day.  Plan ahead, browse local restaurants, and choose where you’ll eat based on your budget and stick to it.

5) You don’t have to sacrifice quality to save $$$ – Use review sites like yelp.com and search for restaurants near where you’re staying.  While doing this, you’ll likely discover reviews that remark on what a good deal that particular restaurant is!

6) Explore and support local businesses – I still remember the best food my husband and I had while in Hawaii was at a market selling local arts and wares that we stumbled upon in Kauai, on the side of the highway while driving back to our cruise ship from hiking the Na Pali Coast.  There was a little kitchen/booth at the rear of the market serving Thai food for insanely cheap prices, and it was the best Thai food I have ever had in my life.  Moral of the story?  Explore!!  Go to farmer’s markets.  Stop by local markets and purchase groceries.  Ask locals where they like to eat.

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Planning 101

Trying to Find an All Inclusive Hawaii Honeymoon? Who Isn’t.

February 21, 2011 By

It can be quite difficult to find an all inclusive Hawaiian honeymoon, especially compared to other romantic destinations.  But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a nice little list of some of the popular all inclusive Hawaii honeymoons!  Because it doesn’t make wedding planning any easier when you have to worry about planning your honeymoon too!

Kauai Beach Resort

This resort, complete with multiple pools, stunning views and nestled alongside miles of beach (be aware that the beach is for lounging, not swimming), is perfect for honeymooners looking to just get away.  Even better, you have all inclusive Hawaiian honeymoon choices!  With hawaii-aloha.com, you’ll get five days stay including all breakfasts and dinners, Waimea Canyon and Hanalei Valley tours, some alcoholic beverages, and more for only $999 per person.  The only thing this doesn’t include is flight, which you can easily find on your own using sites like Expedia, Hotwire, etc.

Another all inclusive option at the Kauai Beach Resort can be booked through Aloha Hawaii Vacations.  Their deal includes round-trip airfare, seven days at the resort, meals, Waimea tour, a Swedish massage for each of you and more for $2,825 per person.  If you book your own flight, deduct $815.

Kona Village Resort

When you think all inclusive, you’re definitely picturing “a room and all meals.”  Just having your meals taken care of truly will ease your mind once you’re there.  Well, look no further than Kona Village; included in your stay are three daily meals plus an awesome bungalow.  There really is nothing else quite like  it anywhere else on the Hawaiian islands.  The cost may seem high, from anywhere between $300 and $1300 per night, but remember that this includes meals.  Just check out their website and the reviews on Yelp; you really will be blown away.

Royal Lahaina Resort

When most people think Hawaii, the setting at the Royal Lahaina Resort comes to mind: a warm soft breeze blowing through palm trees on white sandy beaches.  Maui is known for its amazing beaches, and the easily accessible Ka’anapali Beach does not disappoint.  There’s even a gorgeous golf course next door and nightly luaus.  AATPA offers an all inclusive option for this Maui resort, including some meals, daily sunset mai tais, open bar up to $50/per room/per day, catamaran sunset sail, and more for only $999 for five nights.  This is a fantastic deal for the quality Hawaiian experience you’ll immerse yourselves into.

Turtle Bay Resort Oahu

Turtle Bay Hawaii rooms and suites are all complete with beautiful private lanais and ocean views. Three or four bedroom Ocean Villas are available and include preferential access to the villas’ courtyard, large pool and Jacuzzi. A great idea for Hawaii honeymooners is to experience the private chef who will create a romantic meal for two. Check out the North Shore Romance package starting from $399 per night or the themed Wedding Wars Beach Cottage Package.

Other ideas

Try these other ideas for customized all inclusive Hawaii honeymoon packages:

Check out Pleasant Holidays and Apple Vacations where you can enter your departure point and when you’re planning your trip.  You can even enter where you would like to go.  These sites will then offer all inclusive options, including airfare and car rental.

Call a travel agent. This may seem old-school or unnecessary since it seems like you can find the same deals online, but for an all inclusive deal for your Hawaii honeymoon, this may be your best bet!

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Hotels & Resorts, Kauai Hotels, Maui Hotels, Travel Packages Tagged With:

Picking the Perfect Honeymoon Hotel in Hawaii

January 13, 2011 By

Hawaii thrives off its tourism; making the competition for a honeymoon hotel in Hawaii somewhat daunting. And even if you don’t plan on spending much time in your room (although we can’t imagine that being the case… you are newlyweds) there are literally thousands honeymoon hotels, motels, resorts and the like to choose from in Hawaii. There are a few questions to ask yourself before making your final pick.

  • What’s your budget for accommodations?
  • Are you looking for that special all-inclusive Hawaiian honeymoon deal to make your life easier?
  • Do you want to stay on the beach?
  • Do you want full service accommodations at your honeymoon hotel in Hawaiian, or are you willing to forgo certain amenities in order to save some cash?

Your Basic Options for a Honeymoon Hotel in Hawaii

Hyatt Hotels – Available on Kauai, Maui & Oahu

Marriot Hotels – There are many options for this hotel on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Oahu & the Big Island.

Four Seasons Resorts – Is it a coincidence that you have 4 Four Seasons Resorts to choose from? They are available on Maui, the Big Island & Lanai.

Holiday Inn – Check this out if you’re planning to spend your honeymoon in Waikiki. Oahu is the only location, so skip it otherwise.

Ohana Hotels & Resorts – This chain of hotels are located on Oahu, with three in Waikiki and one by the Honolulu International Airport. They also offer a few specials, although we wouldn’t categorize it as all-inclusive.

Aqua Hotel – Centrally located hotel chain, available on Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai & Oahu.

Uber Elite Resorts (most with all-inclusive Hawaii honeymoon hotel options)

Castle Resorts – Hotels, resorts and even condominiums are available on Oahu, Maui, Kaui, the Big Island and Molokai.  Depending on which island you choose to stay, prices vary from extremely affordable up to a bit pricey – so there’s opportunity for every budget to stay at a Castle accommodation!  They even offer vacation packages including airfare and car rental.

Hilton Hotels – You can choose between the location in Waikiki, Oahu or the Big Island.

Embassy Suites – This is Hilton Hotel’s ugly stepsister, but still more than adequate compared to other chains. You can only find this hotel in Waikiki Beach. They also retain a few Hilton-esque luxuries, such as the option for all-inclusive packages. Normally, Embassy Suites wouldn’t qualify as uber elite, but all-inclusive honeymoon packages are difficult to find and makes Embassy Suites in Oahu worth the honorary mention.

Ritz Carlton – No real explanation necessary here, but keep what you should know is that it’s located only on Maui. We’ve also saved you some legwork and did a search for their Hawaii romantic all-inclusive packages.

Halekulani Hotel – If you have some money to drop, and you’re heading to Waikiki, then this is the perfect choice. The hotel itself is 100 years old and caters to the couple who are going to be spending a lot of their time around the hotel and visiting cultural venues. Their food and spa options are unparalleled. Don’t overlook their unique all-inclusive package options.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows – Plan on visiting The Big Island? Have a significant budget? Then you have to check out this 3,200-acre luxury resort. It’s the perfect Hawaiian experience, with a front row view of the Pacific, elite dining choices and your very own bungalow. This experience is not all-inclusive, but they do offer a Romance Package.

Fairmount Orchid Resort – The Fairmount Orchid Resort on the Big Island is the perfect honeymoon destination if you don’t want to do a lot of leg-work planning activities. From the resort, you can see Mauna Kea’s winter snow-capped mountaintop, and almost feel the  heat of Madame Pele’s flowing lava. Honeymooners should definitely look into their Make Room for Romance package or Suite Escape.

Filed Under: Big Island Hotels, Honeymoon Tips, Hotels & Resorts, Kauai Hotels, Maui Hotels, Molokai Hotels, Oahu Hotels, Planning 101

Top 5 Tips for Cruising with the Princess

November 17, 2010 By

One boat. Endless adventure. This is what I learned from my Hawaii honeymoon experience on Princess Cruises.

1.      Rent a car on each island

2.      Get a room with a balcony.  No absolute need for a suite, though.  Just remember that any cabin will be much smaller than most hotel rooms.

3.      Relax!  Sleep in when you want to.  The activities will proceed without you!

4.      Pack nice clothing, including formal wear.  There will be a few formal nights!  (Meaning a tux or nice suit for guys, cocktail dress for ladies.)  Or, you could just stay in on those nights…

5.      Enjoy each other.  This may likely be the best vacation of your lives.

My husband and I were married in October 2009 and knew in advance that we wanted to splurge for our honeymoon. We had no idea when we would have the time or resources to take another vacation like this again.  Hours of following links on the internet led us to the same conclusion: Hawaii or bust.  But as like most adventures, it’s all about the journey… and neither of us had been on a cruise before.

That led us to Princess Cruises, an obvious choice considering both the options and the budget. Even better, the embarkation and disembarkation were in Los Angeles; perfect for us California residents.

Since this was our one and only honeymoon, we agreed on the no holds barred method of financing… well, as much as we could possibly stand anyway.  So that meant a mini-suite with a balcony.  As much as I loved our room, the mini-suite (or any suite) option would not be mandatory for our next cruise.  It was often nice to have the extra room, but honestly we didn’t use that space too often; even our room service we often enjoyed either in bed on on the balcony. Speaking of the balcony, this is a must!  We will never cruise without a room with a balcony…ever. You don’t know what you’d be missing… or maybe you do.  It was thrilling to sit outside on our semi-private deck, playing cards, watching the waves and eating our breakfast, lunch, dinner… or one of the myriad of snacks in between.

Speaking of food, Princess has some fantastic dining options.  Choose between either buffet or sitting down to a meal with a menu that changes daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  There are also a few restaurants when you feel like indulging in filet mignon, lobster tail… and for only $20 each, we were able to eat whatever we desired.  It was definitely worth it!

I have heard horror stories about people who took a cruise and felt obligated to attend each and every activity. But on the Princess, we didn’t feel overwhelmed in the least. Sure, there were activities every hour of the day… but participation wasn’t mandatory and that allowed us to take the time we wanted. Although, the activity that we did partake in almost every night was the aptly named Movies Under the Stars on the top deck, which played on the gigantic screen above the central swimming pool.  The stewards even walked around with blankets, popcorn, chocolate chip cookies and milk!

The magic of feeling free from obligations, relaxing on our balcony and falling asleep on a deck chair lasted for 14 days.  Of course, four of those days were spent visiting four Hawaiian islands: The Big Island, Kauai, Oahu and Maui (in that order).  Princess offers excursions (like guided tours, etc.) that can be purchased ahead of time, even long before you board the ship, but personally I don’t recommend those for honeymooners.

Here’s my recommendation: rent a car and go exploring.  Make your own adventure.  These islands are small; grab a road map, get some advice from the locals, and start driving.  You won’t be disappointed!  Of course, just be sure to get back in time so the ship doesn’t leave without you.

Princess is perfect for honeymooners who want to get a taste of Hawaii without having to choose just one island while also enjoying the luxuries that this cruise has to offer.  A huge perk is the savings: you won’t have to buy a flight to Hawaii!

Filed Under: Activities, Cruises, Cruising 101, Honeymoon Reviews, Honeymoon Tips, Romantic Attractions
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