22nd Anniversary · Belated Honeymoon · 7-Night Cruise
Your Perfect Anniversary Voyage
Compare destinations, cruise lines & prices — all in one place
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Alaska Inside Passage
Glaciers calving into iron-grey water, humpbacks breaching off the bow, Ketchikan totem poles and Skagway's gold rush history. Alaska is wild, cinematic, and unforgettable — a true once-in-a-lifetime landscape best seen from the sea. Perfect for a couple who wants adventure and awe.
May–SepSeason
Seattle / VancouverDeparts From
$1,600–$4,800Per Couple, Balcony
Best Time to Book
No sailings
Shoulder (lower price)
Peak (July–Aug)
Best value: May / Sep
✦ Alaska Tips for Your Anniversary
- Book a balcony — glaciers require a private view. Interior cabins miss half the magic of scenic cruising days in Glacier Bay or College Fjord.
- Best timing: May or early September gives you shoulder-season pricing (15–30% cheaper than July) with plenty of wildlife and far fewer crowds.
- Depart Seattle for a round-trip — no need for repositioning flights. Vancouver departures often unlock different ships.
- Holland America holds more Glacier Bay permits than any other line — a big advantage if glaciers are your priority.
- Don't skip Juneau excursions — whale watching and the Mendenhall Glacier are worth every penny, budget $200–$400/person for excursions.
- Booking now (early 2025) vs. last minute can save 10–20% and secures the best balcony cabin locations.
Full Budget Estimate (2 people)
| Line Item | Budget Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Fare (Interior) | $1,300–$3,200 | Total for 2; varies by line & season |
| Cruise Fare (Balcony) | $1,900–$5,000 | Highly recommended for Alaska |
| Gratuities | $224–$280 | ~$16–$20/person/day |
| Taxes & Port Fees | $400–$600 | Required, often added at checkout |
| Flights (Idaho Falls → Seattle) | $400–$900 | Round-trip for 2 |
| Hotel (Seattle, pre-cruise) | $150–$300 | 1 night near pier |
| Shore Excursions | $400–$1,000 | $200–$400/person recommended |
| Onboard Spending | $300–$700 | Drinks, specialty dining, spa |
| Total Estimate | $3,700–$8,500 | Wide range; mid-range realistic: ~$5,000–$6,000 |
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The Caribbean
Turquoise bays, rum punch, steel drums, and warm trade winds year-round. The Caribbean is the world's most popular cruise destination for good reason — it's endlessly festive, sun-drenched, and supremely romantic. Choose Eastern (St. Maarten, Barbados, St. Lucia), Western (Jamaica, Belize, Cozumel), or Southern (Aruba, Curaçao).
Year-RoundSeason
Miami / Ft. LauderdaleDeparts From
$1,600–$6,000Per Couple, Balcony
Price by Season
Value season
Peak (Dec–Apr, holidays)
Best deals (Sep–Oct)
Good balance
✦ Caribbean Tips for Your Anniversary
- Avoid hurricane season peak (Aug–Oct): prices are lowest but risk of itinerary changes is real. September and October offer the cheapest fares if you're flexible.
- December–April is the sweet spot — dry, sunny, and comfortable. You'll pay peak prices but conditions are ideal.
- For a romantic honeymoon vibe, choose Eastern Caribbean (St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Maarten) over Western, which is more excursion/adventure focused.
- Norwegian's Free at Sea deal can include unlimited drinks, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi — worth considering for an all-inclusive feel.
- From Idaho Falls, Florida departure ports are the most common — budget for flights into Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
- Many ships include private island stops (Royal's Perfect Day at CocoCay, NCL's Great Stirrup Cay) — these are genuinely excellent for couples.
Full Budget Estimate (2 people)
| Line Item | Budget Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Fare (Interior) | $1,000–$2,400 | Wide variation by line; Carnival is cheapest |
| Cruise Fare (Balcony) | $1,600–$6,000 | Luxury lines (Celebrity, Princess) mid-high |
| Gratuities | $224–$280 | ~$16–$20/person/day |
| Taxes & Port Fees | $300–$500 | Varies by itinerary |
| Flights (Idaho Falls → Miami) | $500–$1,100 | Round-trip for 2 |
| Hotel (Miami, pre-cruise) | $150–$300 | Optional 1 night |
| Shore Excursions | $200–$600 | Often cheaper per port than Alaska |
| Onboard Spending | $200–$800 | Drinks package adds significant cost |
| Total Estimate | $2,800–$9,000 | Mid-range realistic: ~$4,500–$6,000 |
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Hawaii Inter-Island
Volcanoes glowing at dusk, plumeria-scented air, black sand beaches, and the gentle cadence of the islands. NCL's Pride of America is the only major ship doing year-round 7-night inter-island cruises — you visit Maui, Kona, Hilo, and Kauai with zero sea days. You then stay 2 nights in Oahu. This is the most unique and immersive of your three options.
Year-RoundSeason
Honolulu (Oahu)Departs From
$3,500–$8,000+Per Couple, Total Trip
Price by Season
Year-round sailing
Peak (Dec–Apr, Summer)
Best value: Sep–Nov
✦ Hawaii Tips for Your Anniversary
- NCL Pride of America is unique — it's U.S. flagged, departs Honolulu, and visits a different island every single day. No other major line does this year-round.
- Your plan to fly in, cruise, then spend 2 nights in Waikiki is perfect. Book flights into/out of Honolulu (HNL). You won't need repositioning flights.
- Include taxes and fees in your budgeting — NCL's Pride of America fares advertised online often don't include them but they are in the final price.
- Fly in 1 day early before the cruise to settle in and avoid any flight-delay disaster. Waikiki has amazing accommodations at all price points.
- Best value months are September through November — the islands are less crowded and NCL sometimes runs promos on drink packages.
- For your post-cruise 2 nights, consider the North Shore of Oahu (Haleiwa area) for a romantic, less touristy experience than Waikiki.
Full Budget Estimate (2 people)
| Line Item | Budget Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Fare (Interior) | $2,000–$3,600 | NCL Pride of America — all-in is higher but quality |
| Cruise Fare (Balcony) | $3,200–$6,000 | Worth it — island views are stunning from a balcony |
| Gratuities | $252+ | U.S. crew expectations; often higher than other lines |
| Taxes & Port Fees | $200–$400 | Domestic ports, so lower than international |
| Flights (Idaho Falls → Honolulu) | $800–$1,800 | Round-trip for 2 — fly in a day early |
| Hotel in Honolulu (2–3 nights) | $300–$800 | Pre-cruise night + 2 post-cruise nights |
| Shore Excursions | $200–$600 | 6 port days — you can pick & choose |
| Onboard Spending + Oahu activities | $300–$1,000 | Includes Waikiki dining, activities |
| Total Estimate | $4,000–$11,000 | Mid-range realistic: ~$6,500–$8,000 |