Weddingbee Blog

We put off our honeymoon travel decision until just about a week ago. We weren’t really sure where we wanted to go or what we wanted to do, but we did have a few factors that impacted our decision:

1. We aren’t beach people. Yes, we like the beach, but spending a week there isn’t really us. I guess we are more of an active couple, as opposed to the types who would lounge around on a beach chair and listen to the waves crash. I think I can handle the beach for maybe two days, and then I’m over it. Also, we are both very prone to sunburn. Mr. DE is poster child for proper sun protection, and I’m usually pretty good about using sunblock daily, at least on my face. I’m one of those people who burns if I stay out in the sun for a few hours, even when I’m wearing SPF 50. Deviled Eggs on the beach for a few days + direct sunlight = overcooked eggs!
2. All-inclusive doesn’t really appeal to us. I know there are great deals to be had at all-inclusive honeymoon resorts throughout the Caribbean right now, but Mr. DE and I aren’t big drinkers. (And by not big drinkers, I mean I can count on one hand the number of times we’ve ordered drinks when we’ve been out and I’d still have a finger or two left over.) Combined with point #1 about not being super keen on spending a week at a beach, we just don’t think an all-inclusive beach resort is a wise way to spend our honeymoon. In a way, we’d feel like we were paying for others to drink.
3. We wanted to go someplace we’ve never been before. We kicked around spending a week in Las Vegas, but Mr. DE went there for his 21st birthday. Together, we’ve been to Ocean City/Bethany Beach area and Chicago. We also considered heading out west to some luxury cabin resort, but we’ve both spent some time in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, etc., earlier in our lives.
4. We were looking for a bargain. I’m not ashamed to admit it—we didn’t want to spend a lot of money on our trip.

So, considering these factors, we set out to plan a trip.

It was actually harder than I thought it would be to meet all of our criteria. The last thing I wanted to do was not plan something now, postpone to a later time, and then never end up going on a honeymoon.

We (okay, mostly me) did some research and came up with what seemed to be a perfect blend of all of our criteria: cruising.

Source

On a cruise, we can still enjoy a nice, Caribbean atmosphere without spending too much time on a beach. We would also have all-inclusive meals, but wouldn’t feel like we were getting ripped off, because alcohol isn’t included in the package. And, neither of us have been on a cruise before, so this will be an adventure we’ll experience together. I also like how we would get to visit three different ports with lots of activities and excursions to explore while on shore. Oh, and the cost? Very reasonable, considering everything that’s included: lodging, food, and some activities. It all fit right into our honeymoon budget.

We met with a travel agent and booked with Royal Caribbean. I think we made the decision to go after about two days of deliberation, which has to be some kind of record for me. Our cruise would take us to Key West, FL, Cozumel, Mexico, and Belize City, Belize, over the course of five nights.

That was, until the swine flu outbreak. Just over a week after booking, our plans have changed. Yesterday, Royal Caribbean canceled all Mexican ports for the immediate future, so our Cozumel stop is no more. We will now get an extra day at sea.

In a way, I’m glad that we will be avoiding Mexico and shouldn’t have to worry about the potential to get  Swine Flu on our honeymoon. But, I’m also a little disappointed that we will not be going to an alternate port. I guess I hoped they would redirect our cruise to another city or island. I’m hoping that we’ll find lots of fun things to do on the ship and won’t get bored during our now two days at sea.

But regardless, I’m sure we will have a great time. This is our honeymoon, after all!

Has the Swine Flu had any impact on your honeymoon plans? I can imagine there are plenty of May and June brides with Mexican honeymoon resorts or cruises booked. Are you changing your travel plans?