Cruising down the river was always deemed by couples the
ultimate romantic date. You can’t be much more together alone than
when you’re separated from the rest of the world by sheets and
sheets of water.
But who started the idea of a floating honeymoon is not hard to
imagine. As in most wedding traditions, it was probably suggested by
the action of the rich and the famous, or the royals who are usually
one or the other; and often both.
The newly-wed royals themselves, keen for some intimate privacy,
left the palace grounds soon after the wedding. Some showed a
suprising lack of imagination. With the whole country at his disposal,
Henry V111 chose the same honeymoon spot on three of his marriages. If
the late Princess Diana thought there were too many people in her
married bed, that seems to go double for that of Henry's.
When going off on their own, the British royals never actually
said that they were taking a honeymoon. Rather it was considered a
wedding tour. And the means of transport was always the best available
at the time.
In the last century it was the train. The Orient Express type of
thing. But as private yachts became almost indispensable to anyone who
was anyone, sea travel became a romantic option. Not surprising, many
couples since then, have made a cruise their favourite honeymooning
option also.
The ships at their disposal are many and varied. There are those
impressive liners which not only resemble a floating hotel, but
literally are floating hotels. Some are up to six stories in height
– or should I say six decks in height – have bedroom suites with
private balconies to remind you, in case you’ve forgotten, that
you’re on the sea.
Like high-class hotels, these ships might even have a dress code
where passengers are expected to dine in style – gentlemen in a
tuxedo, ladies in an evening gown.
For a less formal getaway, there are smaller ships that carry
only several hundred passengers, as opposed to several thousands. On
the decks of these, casual clothes will be more appropriate, though
even here jeans and working boots might raise eyebrows.
However, whatever ship you choose, whether it's one of
England’s “Queen” ships, or the USA “Princess” which started
the whole business of “Love Boat” romance, you can expect one
thing to be of high standard on all sea voyages. Excellent cuisine.
Perhaps it all started with all those mutinies on the high seas.
But it seems maritime officialdom has learned to accept that people
can put up with a lot of things when isolated on the sea for long
periods of time. But bad food isn't one of them.