Dreaming of honeymooning in Bora Bora, St. Barths, Santorini, or Capri but shocked by the nightly rates at resorts? Cruises that visit these romantic isles — such as those offered by Windstar, SeaDream, Celebrity, and Princess — offer more affordable access and all-inclusive (or mostly inclusive) pricing so that these luxurious island havens can be an option for even budget-conscious couples.

Can’t decide between a honeymoon in France or Italy? The right Mediterranean cruise itinerary allows you to do both — without the hassle of booking trains or intercity flights. Other popular multi-country itineraries visit Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Montenegro (Adriatic sailings from Venice to Athens), Spain (sometimes calling on Mallorca or Ibiza), Portugal, Greece, and Turkey.

If you’re a couple that’s just looking to chill out resort-style, cruise ships, with their multiple pools and restaurants, are the perfect option  — plus, you’ll spend each day in a new place. Island itineraries in the Caribbean, South Pacific, and Hawaii generally have a relaxed pace. On some Caribbean sailings, you can even spend a day on a private island, complete with cabanas and watersports.

Generally, the larger the ship, the cheaper the fare. So, if money’s tight, consider a mega-ship, such as those from Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, or Princess. With a little more to spend, you can honeymoon aboard a Celebrity, Oceania, or Windstar vessel. Small luxury lines — including  Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent — are a true splurge and are popular with more mature travelers.

Cruise ships are essentially floating hotels, with some resembling intimate boutique properties and others Las Vegas resorts. Honeymooners looking for a serene sailing can consider a small-ship cruise with Windstar, SeaDream, Paul Gauguin, or Seabourn. Meanwhile, those looking for lively late nights can sail with Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or Carnival to enjoy cool clubs and parties.

If you’re not seeking the usual fun-in-the-sun honeymoon but rather something more remote — seeing the glaciers of Alaska or Patagonia, the moai of Easter Island, the icebergs and polar bears of Greenland, or the Amazon rainforest — cruising is a great way to do it. Luxury expedition cruising does attract more mature travelers, but indulgence paired with soft adventure has no age restrictions.

To truly experience being at sea, choose an itinerary with at least one and preferably two “sea days,” when relaxation is the focus. Then, book in advance a couple’s massage or other indulgent treatment for two in the onboard spa. Experiencing this quiet time together, without distraction — followed by sipping bubbly in a hot tub — is a honeymoon-must while at sea.

If you’re more interested in gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and sophisticated shore excursions — and don’t mind that fellow passengers are likely celebrating 30, 40, or even 50 years of marriage — the all-inclusive luxury itineraries offered by Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea are some of the most romantic sailings imaginable.

Dinner seatings with the same ten passengers in a massive dining room are long gone on most ships. Instead, expect al fresco eateries and specialty restaurants serving global cuisine (think Mexican, upscale French and Italian, American steakhouse fare, Mediterranean-inspired seafood, and more). And, if you meet other couples and want to eat together, that’s possible, too.

Choose a tropical itinerary, such as the Caribbean, Hawaii, or South Pacific, and spectacular water and sealife-rich reefs will beckon you to jump in and explore. Most cruise lines visiting island locales offer snorkel and scuba excursions. Plus, some smaller ships — notably those from Windstar, Paul Gauguin, and SeaDream — have watersports platforms at their aft, making snorkeling and kayaking a breeze.