Great Ideas for a Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation

The best honeymoon vacation is the all-inclusive, romantic cruise. Aboard a hulk of a ship, you'll enjoy entertaining shows by musicians, comedians, hypnotists and theatrical performers. You'll enjoy anytime dining in a variety of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. You can swim in pools, watch movies under the stars, soak in Jacuzzi tubs, receive massages at the spa, gamble in the casinos, play mini-golf, take dance lessons or a cooking class, and shop for souvenirs. Once your ship reaches port, you'll have the opportunity to purchase some additional tours or adventures on the island. Here are some of the most romantic travel destinations in the Caribbean islands.

San Juan, Puerto Rico is an intriguing US territory and a popular honeymoon vacation stop. In New San Juan, you'll find McDonald's and American cuisine, fancy hotel resorts, business districts and trendy bars. In Old San Juan, you'll encounter an exotic blend of Spanish, Italian and South American influences that are very much akin to Cuba. You'll see preserved 16th century architecture, forts, antique shops, pastel buildings, cobblestone streets and stunning cathedrals.

History lovers will appreciate the El Morro fort, San Cristobal Fort, La Fortaleza, Catedral de San Juan and Museo Pablo Casals. The Bacardi Rum Factory can add a little fun to your romantic weekend and, if you're feeling lucky, try your hand at the Sheraton or Ritz-Carlton casinos. Waterfalls and wildflowers await a scenic stroll at El Yunque rainforest.

Aruba is a honeymoon vacation destination with rich cultural influences — from the Arawak Indians to the Old World Spanish and later, the Dutch. Aruba has been called "One Happy Island" and "The Caribbean's Theme Park" because it boasts over 24 diving sites, famous shipwrecks, championship golf courses, casinos and duty-free shops featuring everything from Tommy Hilfiger to diamonds. Eager shoppers load up on British chocolates and Dutch cheeses in the gift shops here, while beach vacation-loving people sip Pink Iguanas and Balashi beer on the sandy shores. While shops and restaurants are within walking distance, the beaches are a $14 taxi ride or $2.30 bus ride away. Many cruisers like to rent snorkel equipment from Red Sail Sports at the cruise terminal (for $15), then head down to Malmok Beach to see colorful coral and tropical fish just ten feet from shore, as well as Antilla, a WWII German freighter wreck. Romantic vacation activities include horseback riding to Malmok Beach, Alto Vista Chapel or in Arikok National Park; golfing at a Robert Trent-Jones course in Tierra del Sol; parasailing at Palm Beach; and dinner at Passions on the Beach at the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort. Real party animal couples won't want to miss the Kukoo Kunuku party bus for dinner and a tour of local watering holes.

It's amazing that Grenada, "the Isle of Spice," is still a viable honeymoon vacation spot following the 1994 Hurricane Ivan, which destroyed 90% of the buildings on this island. Despite the terrible devastation, much of the land has been rebuilt and revitalized. After your ship docks, your island vacation begins. You can walk to the St. George's tourist destinations like the Grenada National Museum, the Market Square and several beautiful churches. If you dock at Carenage, you'll be a quick cab ride from the city's forts and the world-renowned Grand Anse Beach. Once you reach the beach, you'll be able to go diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing and kayaking. For the best snorkeling, visit Moliniere Point and for the best hiking, visit Annandale Falls or Grand Etang National Park. The Dougaldston Spice Estate and Goyave Nutmeg Processing Station can give you an interesting look into how spices are produced. La Sagesse Beach is one of the more secluded, relaxing areas of the island, complete with a salty pond, mangroves and tropical birds.

Your honeymoon vacation will create memories that will last forever, so it's important that you plan it carefully. Many couples choose to go on cruises, and this can be a good value if you do your homework.