Honeymoon in Paradise: Sandals vs. Hawaii vs. Celebrity Cruise
Choosing a honeymoon is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, but it can also be one of the most overwhelming (one of the reasons why smart couples choose to use a travel advisor who is expert in the experiences they are considering). The best honeymoon is not always the one with the lowest starting price. It is the one that gives you the right mix of romance, value, space, and experiences that actually match the way you like to travel.
For couples weighing a Sandals honeymoon in the Caribbean, a premium Hawaiian honeymoon, or a Celebrity cruise in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, the differences go far beyond the room itself. What really matters is what’s included, what costs extra, and how much you’ll actually spend once you arrive.
If you want effortless budgeting, Sandals delivers a true premium all-inclusive experience. If you want breathtaking scenery and a more independent island escape, Hawaii can be incredible. If you want to see multiple destinations in one trip, Celebrity offers a polished cruise experience with strong onboard amenities. Here is how they compare.
Honeymoon Comparison at a Glance
(priced for the 1st week in October, 2027)
- Sandals Royal Bahamian (Nassau) or Sandals LaSource (Grenada): about $800 per night on a great discount this week (sale varies every week) and includes everything you need (transfers, gratuities, wifi & much more). See much more about Sandals Greanda in the viideo at this link
- Celebrity Beyond: An “Infinite verandah” cabin is about $600 per night with beverage package and Wi-Fi, but not including gratuities, specialty dining, excursions, transfers, and other extras.
- Sheraton Poipu Beach in Kauai: about $750 per night for an oceanview room, with meals, beverages, beach services, and activities all extra.
Sandals Honeymoon: The Easiest All-Inclusive Value
Sandals is one of the easiest honeymoon options to budget because so much is already included. Couples can settle in, relax, and enjoy the trip without constantly thinking about the bill.
What is typically included at Sandals
- Unlimited dining
- Premium alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages (also unlimited)
- Gratuities
- Many water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, often including water skiing, tubing, glass bottom boat tours and more
- Beach and pool access with no charge for beach chairs, umbrellas, palapas
- Couples-focused atmosphere
Why couples love Sandals
- It is the closest thing to a true “pay once, relax fully” honeymoon
- The value is strong for couples who enjoy food, drinks, and activities
- The included water sports give the trip more energy and variety than many other all-inclusive resorts
One important note
Even at an all-inclusive resort, it is smart to get off property and experience the destination. The best way to do that is often through affordable group excursions, which can be fun, social, and a great way to meet other travelers while seeing the island.
Celebrity Cruise Honeymoon: Stylish, Social, and Packed With Variety
A Celebrity cruise is a strong choice for couples who want a polished onboard experience and the fun of visiting multiple destinations without repacking every few days.
What is included in the 2 perk package
- Stateroom
- Beverage package
- Wi-Fi
What is still extra on Celebrity
- Gratuities
- Specialty dining
- Excursions
- Transfers
- Premium coffees, lattes, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages if not covered by your package
Why couples like Celebrity
- You get a stylish cruise with a lot of included convenience
- It is a good option for couples who enjoy entertainment and destination variety
- The base fare can look attractive, but it is important to budget for the extras
Hawaii Honeymoon: Beautiful, But Much More Pay-As-You-Go
A honeymoon in Hawaii can be incredibly romantic, but it works very differently from an all-inclusive resort. The beauty is undeniable, but so is the amount of spending that happens outside the room rate. For many people who enjoy robust spending habits this is not an issue, for others who are content with some hiking and nature forward relaxation not inclined to indulgence in food & beverage choices it’s no issue either, but for those who want a very robust experience and are concerned about not exceeding budgeting plans it can be stressful.
What is usually not included in Hawaii
- Meals
- Beverages
- Most activities
- Beach chairs and umbrellas, which can sometimes cost $100 per day or more
- Transportation for exploring the island
Why a rental car matters
For Hawaii it is strongly encouraged to rent a vehicle if you want to explore independently, dine around, and make the most of the island. That adds cost for both the rental itself and often parking fees at your hotel, which should absolutely be part of the honeymoon budget.
Why couples choose Hawaii
- Stunning scenery and a more comfortable cultural destination experience
- A slower, more flexible honeymoon style
- The freedom to explore local dining and attractions at your own pace
Kauai Honeymoon Focus: Sheraton Poipu Beach
If we narrow the Hawaii conversation to Kauai, the trip becomes even more destination-driven. Kauai has recently emerged as a favorite for Millennials and Gen Z couples looking for an authentic, nature-focused experience. It’s Hawaii’s oldest island and one of its most beautiful, but it’s also easy to underestimate when it comes to the total cost of a trip.
A room at the Sheraton Poipu Beach (a nice mid-range option) is priced from about $700 per night for an oceanview room in October, but that rate does not include meals, beverages, beach services, or activities. Once you add in dining, drinks, beach setup, a vehicle rental, parking, and excursions, the total can rise quickly.
Best for
- Couples who want breathtaking scenery and love hiking, adventure experiences & a slower pace
- Honeymooners who enjoy independent exploring
- Travelers who want a more custom, self-guided honeymoon
Room Space and Daily Experience
Each of these options feels very different once you are there.
- Sandals Loxury Included Resorts: resort-style comfort with a romantic, all-inclusive feel and lots already built in (leave your wallet in the safe in your room, you won’t need it).
- Celebrity Cruise: a compact but stylish cruise stateroom with a lively, changing itinerary.
- Hawaiian Islands: a traditional hotel or resort room, often beautiful, but with much more out-of-pocket spending day to day.
Daily life also looks different:
- Sandals: beach, pool, dining, drinks, water sports, and relaxation in one place.
- Celebrity: wake up in a new destination and enjoy shipboard dining, entertainment, and shore visits.
- Hawaii: slow mornings, driving, dining out, beach time, and independent exploring.
Pros and Cons of Each Honeymoon Style
Sandals
- Pros: Best all-inclusive value, gratuities included, many activities included, easy budgeting, couples-focused.
- Cons: Less freedom than a fully independent trip, generally not advised or convenient to rent vehicles on the islands and excursions off property usually cost extra.
Celebrity Cruise
- Pros: Variety, entertainment, casino, multiple destinations, polished onboard entertainment and experiences.
- Cons: Extras add up quickly, especially drinks, specialty dining, excursions, and gratuities.
Hawaii
- Pros: Stunning scenery, flexibility, memorable island experiences.
- Cons: Meals, drinks, beach services, car rental, and parking can make the trip much more expensive than expected.
As a true expert in each option I would say this –
If you want the clearest honeymoon value and the least financial guesswork, Sandals is the best value for premium options.
If you want a stylish cruise with variety and do not mind extras along the way, Celebrity is a strong choice.
If you want breathtaking scenery, Pacific cultural immersion, and a more independent style, Hawaii can be unforgettable, but it is the easiest to underestimate on total cost.
If you are considering honeymoon options and want help choosing the best fit for your style, budget, and wish list, I would be glad to help you narrow it down. The expert guidance and advice that we can help with does not cost any extra – and can save you $$ as well as lots of uncertainty and often even frustration. The right honeymoon is the one that feels effortless, romantic, and worth every dollar from the moment you arrive. Reach out now to scott@eztravelpad.com for the help you deserve.
The food was good, the atmosphere was festive, and the open bar was available, though it felt a little more limited compared to the second luau we attended. Still, for many travelers, this luau would be an excellent choice, particularly if value is a top priority.
What stood out most here was the food. It was slightly better overall, and the family-style service at the table made the experience feel more relaxed and communal. That detail really made a difference, and it was something many guests seemed to appreciate more than the buffet style offered at the Myths of Maui Luau.
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