The deal
Wedding season is just around the corner, and what better place for love-struck newlyweds to begin their new lives together then in paradise itself? The romantic islands of Tahiti and Hawaii are honeymoon central; even the celebs manage to disappear here after the ceremony.
Although paradise comes with its price, by opting for a cruise you’ll pay as little as $62 a night. Our editors found a remarkable deal on a romantic 16-night sailing from just $999, well below the average price of $4,500-$6,000, so you won’t need to sell off the wedding gifts on eBay when you get back.
Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas sets sail from Sydney April 13, and spends five days at sea before reaching far-off Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands. This tiny paradise rests on the top 2,000 feet of a 13,000 foot volcano and boasts a variety of vegetation. Next, the ship visits Papeete, in Tahiti, where you’ll find bustling markets and cozy sidewalk cafes. A day trip will delight with plentiful waterfalls, archeological sites, temples, and caves.
Following Papeete is quiet Raiatea, also known as the “sacred isle,” because it was once the center of religion and culture in Polynesia. After that is the honeymoon capital itself, Bora Bora, where passengers can take a dip in the surreal blue-green lagoon three times the size of the island’s landmass, or snorkel the dazzling coral banks.
From there, the ship sails for four more days before reaching Hawaii, on the island of Maui. A trip down the road to the village of Hana will uncover rainforests, waterfalls, taro farms, and black-sand beaches. After taking a day to explore this island, the cruise continues on to the final port of call in Honolulu.
The dollars
All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Accommodations, meals, some beverages, entertainment, and port charges are covered in the cost. Government fees and taxes as well as off-boat expenditures are extra.
The catch
Once the honeymoon is over, reality sets in.
is a guide to top travel deals and destinations. which features the best editor-screened deals from hundreds of travel providers and is delivered to over 2.5 million subscribers, free, each week. ShermansTravel also publishes to inspire, guide, and go.