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Privacy, Please

Concerned that a ship filled with hundreds of other passengers isn’t the place for honeymooners? Follow our advice, and you’ll be able to carve out as much “alone” time as you need.

Splurge for a balcony cabin. There is nothing more intimate than a private breakfast (or lunch or dinner) on your very own balcony…unless it’s a private cocktail before bed.

Insist on a table for two. Cruise ships are known for large dinner tables, but on most of these sailings there are plenty of tables for two available. Make sure that the cruise line knows you’re on your honeymoon, so that you’ll get first priority.

Have a couple's massage. A good rubdown for two just might be the best antidote to those hectic months of wedding planning and the long, exhausting flight. Since the best time slots fill up first, book your spa treatments as soon as you board the ship—right before you go to the dining room to confirm that you were given a table for two.

Explore on your own. Your best memories will probably be of the places you discover along the way, not the whirlwind visits to famous sites that you get on a group tour. Hey, don’t get us wrong—we love the convenience of shore excursions. But we also know the value of time alone on a honeymoon, and the importance of taking the initiative and making sure you do some independent exploration on any cruise. Best of all, there’s no need to brush up on your French or Tahitian: You’ll find that most residents speak English.

Use plenty of sunscreen. The sun’s rays are particularly strong in the Southern Hemisphere, and nothing kills romance faster than a bad sunburn. (How close can you get if it hurts to touch each other?) So pack a bottle of SPF 25 sunblock, and use it liberally. Hats, sunglasses and beach cover-ups help, too.

Don't overdo it. While you may want to see every inch of this tropical paradise, be sure to take the time to relax together. Instead of signing up for every shore excursion, spend a quiet day working on your tans together by the pool, or hop in a taxi by yourselves and head to a secluded beach. You’ll never forget those afternoons in the sun. --Sharon Dodd