If you’re the kind of couple who swoons over lace gloves, handwritten letters, and the romance of old films, then your honeymoon shouldn’t just be a holiday – it should be a continuation of your love story. And what could be more fitting than sailing away on a vintage-inspired honeymoon cruise?
Cruising has undergone a transformation in recent years. Gone are the days when it was all matching T-shirts and never-ending buffets (unless that’s your vibe – no judgement!). Today, there’s a whole category of beautifully designed, slow-paced, and utterly romantic cruises that channel the elegance of a bygone era with all the ease and comfort of modern luxury.
Whether you’re dreaming of riverside strolls in Paris, dancing under the stars to a live jazz trio, or sipping Champagne as your ship glides into Venice, a vintage-style cruise can offer the perfect blend of old-world glamour and modern love.
Why Choose a Cruise for Your Honeymoon?
Cruises offer something few other honeymoons can: the chance to travel through multiple destinations with minimal effort, all while staying in one beautiful suite and being looked after like royalty.
But what really sets them apart for vintage lovers is the aesthetic. You can:
- Dress for dinner every night, if you fancy
- Indulge in afternoon tea served in bone china cups
- Listen to string quartets in grand lounges
- Watch the sun melt into the sea with a glass of fizz in hand
It’s the kind of honeymoon that feels less like a trip and more like a chapter in your very own love story.
Europe’s Most Romantic, Storybook Ports
Whether you prefer riverside cities steeped in literary charm or coastal hideaways dripping in art and history, Europe has no shortage of honeymoon-worthy stops. And sailing makes reaching them utterly effortless.
Venice, Italy: The Dream Begins
Venice is practically a love letter in itself. Arriving by sea, watching the domes and bell towers rise from the water, is nothing short of spellbinding. Wander hand in hand through secret alleyways, glide down canals in a gondola, and enjoy aperitivo with a view of the Grand Canal.
If your cruise begins or ends here, be sure to stay an extra night or two – Venice deserves your time.
Paris, France: The Original City of Love
Sailing through France on the Seine is like slipping into a postcard. Visit Monet’s garden in Giverny, sip wine in riverside cafés, and let the literary and artistic history of Paris wrap around you. If your hearts beat to the rhythm of vintage cinema and poetry, this is your city.
Vienna & Budapest: A Waltz Through Time
The Danube takes you through two of Europe’s most elegant cities. Vienna’s palaces and coffee houses ooze Sissi-era glamour, while Budapest offers steamy spas, fairy-lit ruin bars, and river views straight from a storybook. You’ll feel like royalty without lifting a finger.
Browse European cruise holidays to find itineraries featuring Venice, Paris, Vienna, and more.
Luxury Cruises with Vintage Glamour
For couples who want their honeymoon to feel like an Art Deco dream, there are cruise lines that still honour the golden age of travel. Think Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 – all rich woods, marble staircases, and clinking glasses at cocktail hour, or smaller boutique cruises that prioritise atmosphere over spectacle.
Expect:
- Afternoon teas served by white-gloved waiters
- Grand ballrooms with live music
- Libraries, cigar lounges, and lounges worthy of The Grand Budapest Hotel
- Glamorous dress codes that give you every excuse to wear that vintage veil again
Explore luxury cruises that offer immersive romance and refined elegance.
What to Pack for a Vintage-Style Honeymoon at Sea
- A silk slip dress for golden-hour strolls on deck
- Tailored linen or a three-piece suit for formal evenings
- Vintage jewellery and accessories that tell a story
- A travel journal or fountain pen for love notes on the go
- Polaroids or instant cameras to capture the magic, analogue-style
- A classic novel (A Room With A View, anyone?) for riverside reading
Top Tip: bring one outfit each that makes you feel like you’re in a black-and-white movie. There will be moments that deserve it.
At Magpie Wedding, we know that couples today want their wedding and honeymoon to reflect who they are. And for many, that means choosing experiences that are intentional, meaningful, and filled with beauty and nostalgia. A vintage-inspired honeymoon cruise is perfect for modern romantics who believe that love, like travel, is best when it’s savoured slowly. Whether you’re soaking up the charm of old Europe, clinking glasses under the stars, or simply reading beside one another as the world glides by, this is your time.
Your love story is already magical – now give it a honeymoon to match.
This is a collaborative post.
