And just like that another celeb duo has called it quits. Several news outlets are currently reporting that Mariah Carey and James Packer have thrown in the towel, after getting engaged just this past January. The reason for the split is murky, although various sources are claiming that the “Glitter” star’s reality TV show may have something to do with the couple’s downward spiral.

According to TMZ , their relationship “has been plagued with issues” and “what may have been the deal breaker for Packer came when she had some sort of rendezvous with one of the dancers in her Vegas show.”

Oh, Mariah.

Apparently the Australian billionaire wanted nothing to do with his fianceé’s reality show, and it’s ultimately what caused their demise. “It’s all over,” a close family friend told Woman’s Day. “James had huge reservations about Mariah’s new reality TV show and the fact that she was willing to expose their lives to the world.” It was clear things were a little rocky between the two when Carey’s ex-husband, Nick Cannon, showed up to the singer’s Halloween party but her fiancé didn’t. On a lighter note though, she diiid slay in that devil costume.

Regardless of the outcome of this sad, sad alleged split, can we please take a moment to mourn Carey’s $7.5 million emerald-cut engagement ring? Sources report that the “We Belong Together” star gets to keep the ginormous bling that Packer proposed to her with in New York City in January, but wouldn’t she feel a little awk still showing it off on that finger? Maybe she can craft it into a necklace or something, but it’ll NEVER be the same.

See More: All of Mariah Carey’s Lavish Weddings, in Photos

After the Brangelina split, the Kim K engagement ring robbery, Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney breaking things off, and now THIS, honestly 2016 we give up on you.

It looks like Michael Phelps won something even better than five gold medals this summer — his bride! Surprise, surprise, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps secretly wed his fiancé Nicole Johnson before the 2016 Summer Olympics!

Be sure to wish Phelps and Johnson a happy anniversary come June 13 — yes, that’s the wedding date of these two newlyweds, who tied the knot in Paradise Valley, Arizona before the Team USA swimmer headed to Rio to compete in the Olympics. According to Us Weekly, the wedding was small and intimate, as is the usual for the top secret celebrity nuptials and was officiated by the groom’s close friend and agent, Peter Carlisle.

Records indicate that Phelps and Johnson managed to stealthy get ahold of their marriage license on June 9, and then six days later on June 15, they officially filed the record of their “I dos.” HOW DID WE NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS?! After all, the signs were all there right under our noses…

If you scroll way back on Johnson’s Instagram page to that mid-June date, she posted an oh-so-casual (wedding!) photo of herself, Phelps, and their five-month-old son, Boomer. “Such a memorable night with my lil fambam,” she captioned the sweet snapshot. Did Phelps wear sweatpants to his own wedding? It sure looks like it…

Another clue to their secret nuptials? During the 2016 Olympic games — just two months after their “I dos” — Johnson posted a photo to Instagram featuring what looked to be a gold wedding band on her finger — no engagement ring in sight. She included the hashtag “#replacementring,” leading one to believe that she simply switched out her diamond sparkler for her trip abroad. We were suspicious back then and lo and behold, we were right!

See More: Why Nicole Johnson ‘Loathed’ Michael Phelps at Times During Their Relationship

In August, Johnson teased us with big day details in an Access Hollywood interview. “We have a date,” said the former Miss California, stating that the wedding will take place at the end of the year. “It’ll be small and intimate for the wedding and then we’re throwing a massive bash for everyone in the States. So we’re kind of getting things rolling. I’ve been planning as we’ve been leading up to [the Olympics] so I think I have the wedding in order, and now it’s onto the party.”

While she could have just been trying to throw us off their track with fake-out wedding plans, this top-secret June wedding could’ve just been the “small and intimate” nuptials she was referring to, meaning we might still get to see Phelps and Johnson (in a gorg wedding dress, of course) say their “I dos.” (Fingers crossed!)

But one thing’s for sure — these two win the gold when it comes to sneaky secrecy…

Such a memorable night with my lil fambam ???????? boomer obviously didn't want to hold still????

A photo posted by Nicole Michele Johnson (@nicole.m.johnson) on Jun 13, 2016 at 10:43pm PDT

#RioReady!! Thanks @underarmour for the early morning delivery!!! And thanks to Nina for my #mp & #usa #nails!!! ?????????? #herewegoooo #nodiamondsinrio #replacementring

A photo posted by Nicole Michele Johnson (@nicole.m.johnson) on Aug 5, 2016 at 9:16am PDT

Let’s face it, from all of the available research we have reviewed about marriage and its benefits, the one benefit that stands out most is this: more and more people who get married are getting married “because marriage is a status symbol.”

Over the years, we have identified many benefits of marriage. The fact of the matter is this — marriage has become an important indicator of a successful personal life in the United States and around the world!

Marriage is the single greatest contributor to social order on planet Earth and the most profound commitment to lasting love that exists. Those who question its importance ignore the facts.

As love and marriage experts, we have seen a positive trend developing over the years and it is highly encouraging. The good news is more and more couples are committed to making their marriage work. In a society that is often characterized as “a disposable society,” marriage has too many benefits to be routinely “disposed.”

Interestingly, it is clear that some 75 percent (three-quarters) of folks who get married today met the traditional ways (work and school, friends and family, church/synagogue/place of worship). Just 20 percent get married who meet through bars and social events, or from online dating sites.

Traditional ways of meeting a future spouse continue to dominate for those who ultimately get married.

After a lengthy review of the current research on the benefits of marriage, we have selected what we think are the top 12 reasons marriage is the greatest contributor to social order in this country:

1. You will live longer.
The preponderance of evidence from research shows a relationship between longer life and being married.

2. You will be healthier.
The links between marriage and good physical health are overwhelming.

3. You will be happier.
Married people report being happier than unmarried people.

4. You will experience higher levels of psychological health.
Married people have lower rates of depression and schizophrenia than unmarried people.

5. You will have a built-in support system.
Research indicates that individuals in a marriage feel supported, saying that they have someone to share their feelings and thoughts with.

See More: These 20 Quotes Explain Why We Need Unconditional Love So DAMN Much

6. You will be less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.
Numerous studies indicate that married individuals are less likely than unmarried persons to engage in risky behaviors including the use of drugs or alcohol because of their feelings of responsibility.

7. Your earnings will be greater.
Numerous studies found that married individuals have significantly greater earnings than unmarried individuals even when all of the various possible factors are taken into consideration.

8. You will save more money.
In the United States married individuals in their 50s and 60s have a net worth per person roughly twice that of other unmarried individuals.

9. You will have sex more often and enjoy it more.
Married couples also have sexual intimacy more often than unmarried couples and enjoy it more.

See More: I Refuse To Let My Wife’s Depression Ruin My Marriage

10. Your children will be healthier, do better academically, and have fewer emotional problems.
Children living in families with married parents are more likely to have proper health care, better nutrition, less serious illnesses, better grades, better tests scores and less stress to deal with at home.

11. More couples in the 18-34 age range will be headed to the altar over the next couple years!
Marriages have increased some 4 percent since 2009 and will continue to increase. After a downturn in marriage due to the USA economic downturn, marriage is now on the rebound, and that is good news. The biggest increases are among women ages 25-34, college-educated, and the more affluent.

Marriages are declining or growing stagnant for those with a high school education or less and the poor and less affluent. The good news is this — marriage thrives among those who get married at the “right time.” In fact, it is one of 15 predictors of successful marriage.

12. Marriage is now a status symbol!
It appears from the available research that marriage is now regarded as an indicator of a successful personal life. Marriage is now considered a “privileged position” in society.

According to Hollingsworth v. Perry, marriage “confers a special validation of the relationship between two individuals and conveys a message to society that domestic partnerships or civil unions cannot match.”

When you consider what social science research tells us about the benefits of being married and what our research reveals about the importance of the seven characteristics of successful marriages, you have many powerful reasons to work hard Building a Love that Lasts with your spouse.

As love and marriage experts, it is our profound belief that the value of marriage to the world will not change over the next 50 years. The numbers tell us that the marriage rate per 1000 Americans will stay about the same or increase as the USA and world economy gets better, as it always has under similar circumstances for time immemorial.

Marriage is here to stay.

See More: 4 MUST-DO Tips For A Successful Monogamous Relationship

As love and marriage experts we took hundreds of tips from the thousands of happy couples we interviewed throughout the world and put them into our award-winning and bestselling book, Building a Love that Lasts. —By Drs. Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz, America’s #1 Love and Marriage Experts

This article originally appeared on YourTango.

Chances are you (and your partner) have spent countless hours brainstorming the perfect place and way to propose. For our New Jersey couples, the good ol’ Garden State has a bunch of stunning, scenic places where you can ask, “Will you marry me?” amongst a storybook backdrop. We’ve compiled a list of our five favorite scenic spots in NJ that are sure to take your breath away.

Waterfront Parks in Hoboken & Jersey City
Just across the river from Manhattan on the Jersey side is an abundance of parks and piers that provide the most beautiful scenery for popping the question. In Hoboken and Jersey City specifically, we recommends Pier C (conveniently located near the Hoboken PATH station) for the most amazing skyline views or Liberty State Park, which is nestled opposite of Liberty and Ellis Island for even more incredible sights to set your about-to-be-engaged eyes on.

The Great Falls
Just 12 miles west of New York City is this 77-foot waterfall located in Paterson. As one of the United States’ largest waterfalls, this beautiful spot also boasts a rich history being a driving force behind the Industrial Revolution. This breathtaking scene provides its visitors an opportunity to experience a natural wonder nestled within within an industrial, urban setting. It’s uniqueness and “hidden gem” qualities make it an ideal spot to make your love official.

Spirit of NJ Dinner Cruise
Dine, dance, drink and get engaged aboard the Spirit of New Jersey Dinner Cruise. Departing from Weehawken’s Lincoln Harbor, this cruise is a special date night where you can board the ship as a couple and leave as fiancés! The sparkling New York City skyline will take your breath away as it floats by your dinner table — while you and your love share a meal, tear up the dance floor to music provided by the onboard DJ, and begin a new chapter in your lives together. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Now That You’ve Got the Ring, Start Looking for the Dress at These New Jersey Bridal Boutiques

New Jersey Beaches
Even though it’s commonly known as the Garden State, New Jersey boasts a plethora of beaches to boot. With 130 miles of sandy shores from central to southern New Jersey, you won’t have to look too far to find a remote spot to pop the question. Our recommendations? Take a sunset walk on the beach somewhere with a favorite restaurant or bar nearby. That way, you can take a moment to celebrate together before you start spreading the happy news.

The State Line Lookout
This overlook is located at the highest point of the Palisades Cliffs, which you can find approximately a half mile south of the state line separating New Jersey and New York. This location offers free parking, and is open every day throughout the daylight hours. Complete with a refreshment stand and gift shop, this scenic spot offers views of the Hudson River, perfect for hiking, bird watching, and of course — proposing!

To see more New Jersey locales to pop the question (or say your “I dos!”), head to our Local Venues page!

Dating is not an easy process. You have to find someone you’re interested in, be lucky enough to have them be interested in you, and then decide to mutually hang out and judge each other based on whether you think you’ll be compatible as lovers.

Um, sounds fun?

As nerve-wracking of an experience as it sounds (and, let’s be honest, is!), dating isn’t just about getting to know another person. In the end, searching for love can, in all sorts of ways, teach you more about yourself. And if you’re thinking “Hey, I think I know enough about myself already. I’d rather concentrate on the potential love of my life, k?” then think about how knowing your dating strengths (and weaknesses), your past demons that often sabotage potential relationships and your inability to find someone who makes your long list of impossible-to-meet criteria — and give this a read:

What you can (and cannot) put up with
Dating around can be exhausting, but it can also teach you a lot about what you want and don’t want in a relationship. You may think you’d be okay dating someone who isn’t a huge fan of animals, but when he isn’t willing to make nice with your pet pooch, you’ll realize you’re not as cool with it as you think. Searching for love means testing out loads of different personalities, qualities and habits. And while this may sound tedious, it’s actually the best way to see what really matters to you.

Not to take dating so seriously
We’ve all done it: met the “perfect” person, wondered if he or she’s the one and fantasized of your fairytale wedding, future children and fabulous life together — only to discover on your first date that he or she is a total bust. Instead of feeling disappointed and frustrated at (another) bad date, consistently searching for love teaches you that not every date should be taken so seriously.

Dating isn’t always the romantic, love-at-first-sight experience we see in the movies. It’s more like a series of awkward pauses, getting-to-know-you questions and trying to decide if you wouldn’t mind waking up to this person in the morning. If you’re serious about looking for love, you’ll learn to accept duds as part of the process, and that if you’re going to keep trying, you might as well enjoy the ride!

Who your greatest resources are
They say being single makes you appreciate your friendships, but actively dating teaches you more about your pals than you think. Once you let your friends in on your newfound decision to date around, you’ll be able to immediately tell who’s the most supportive and who you’d rather not discuss your dating woes with.

You’ll discover your best double dating partners, the friends who will sit through endless happy hours scoping out any potentials, and the one’s who will help analyze your texts. Searching for love not only helps you find that special person, it also helps you realize what special people you already have in your life.

What you need to let go of
Look, dating is a scary thing. If you’re serious about looking for love, you have to allow yourself to be vulnerable, sometimes to a complete stranger. As much as we’d like to keep our heart guarded, letting others in is not only necessary in dating, but it’s also beneficial to your own growth as a person.

When dating around, you may be secretly wondering to yourself if he or she seems like the type of person who’d lie about a family reunion when instead hooking up with someone on the side. Or maybe you’re panicking that he hasn’t texted you back in, oh, 10 minutes, and immediately thinking, “Oh God, we’re done already. He doesn’t like me, he definitely thinks my hair is too frizzy and I’ve already scared him away.” They say dating makes you crazy, but what it really does is brings to light all the issues you need to deal with to be in a fulfilling, happy relationship.

See More: 6 Ways Working Out Can Make You Better in Bed

Looks really don’t matter
We’re not trying to be nice here. While we wish we could say looks don’t matter when it comes to dating, physical attractiveness is actually an important factor when looking for a potential partner. But they may not matter as much as we think they do. When you’re looking for love, you often have a laundry list of expectations: “I’m more into brunettes” or “I can’t date someone shorter than me.”

Sorry to break it to you, but falling in love does not work that way. When you’re searching around for someone you feel a spark with, you’ll discover everyone has different physical qualities — sometimes ones you never thought you’d be interested in. While someone outside your “type” may not work out, we guarantee it’ll be less about his looks and more about something a little deeper.

This post was originally published on ClassPass’s blog, The Warm Up by Danielle Page. ClassPass is a monthly membership that connects you to more than 8,500 of the best fitness studios worldwide. Learn more here.

It goes without saying that on your wedding day you want to look and feel your best. For many brides, that means a pre-wedding diet and workout routine, as well as hair and makeup trials. But before you walk down the aisle, there are a few more beauty-boosting treatments you might want to consider. From lash extensions to teeth whitening, we’re getting the scoop from some of the best in the biz, to guarantee you’re perfectly groomed and gorgeous on your big day. After all, wedding photos last a lifetime.

Laser Hair Removal
When it comes to tying the knot, there’s a lot to think about. The last thing you want to focus on is waxing or shaving. Laser hair removal is a permanent solution for smooth skin. Christian Karavolas, owner of Romeo & Juliet in Midtown Manhattan, recommends starting treatment six to nine months before your wedding date (laser hair removal requires on average six sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart). “Once you do a course of treatment, hair will not be prickly or stubbly. Plus, you won’t have to deal with ingrown hairs or irritation.” Beach honeymoon, anyone?

Highlights
Regardless of your hair color, brightening up your ‘do is a sure fire way to look fab on your big day. “You don’t have to go for a major contrast, but building dimension into your color makes all the difference in photos,” says Kristina Barricelli, founder of NYC’s Gemini 14 and Hairdo Ambassador. When it comes to color, timing is everything. Barricelli advises brides visit their colorist one week before the big day. “Highlights need about a week — and a few washes — to settle into a naturally luminous color. Any longer than that can start to reveal roots.” And if you plan on wearing clip-in extensions on your big day, she recommends bringing them to that appointment, to guarantee a perfect color match.”

Teeth Whitening
Want a sparkling smile for your wedding photos? “Professional teeth whitening allows brides to have the brightest smile in the shortest amount of time — with dramatic results in about an hour,” says Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Kevin Sands DDS (the man the Kardashians trust with their pearly whites). “The beauty of this procedure is that brides can come in a couple weeks or just a few days before their wedding date.” And to keep your smile looking its best, Sands suggests avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks, like blueberries, coffee and red wine.

See More: Find the Best New Beauty Product For Your Zodiac Sign

Gel Mani
What better way to show off your engagement (and wedding) ring bling than with a perfectly polished mani? When it comes to your big day, a gel mani is a must. Whereas regular polishes can chip and crack, gel will last a good two to three weeks, when applied properly. “It will hold up to the wedding day craziness and last through the honeymoon,” says Nina Werman, owner of NYC nail art mecca, Valley. When it comes to getting your digits prepped for the big day, Werman recommends brides come in a few days before. Opting for a design? She advocates one with negative space at the cuticle. “It helps you get the most out of your gel mani. It’ll grow out naturally over the next few weeks, without the noticeable gap between the cuticle and polish.”

Lash Extensions
If eyes are the window to the soul, lashes are the curtains. Extensions are the perfect way to take your bridal beauty look to the next level. They create thicker, longer lashes that still look natural. Plus, they look fab in photos! Sabah Feroz, lash expert at NYC’s Blink Brow Bar, recommends that brides have a trial, approximately three months out. “There are many different size options, depending on the look you’re going for, so a practice run is worthwhile.” When it comes to the wedding, she suggest coming in two or three days before. “If you look after them, they’ll last for up to six weeks, which means no need for mascara on your honeymoon!”

Getting married can be stressful enough, but when your upcoming wedding is blending a family, there’s a lot more to worry about than whether to get married in a church or on the beach. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, they are bound to have some anxiety about the impending changes in their lives. Here’s how to let your wedding help set the tone for blending your family.

Let them help with the wedding preparations.
You’ll spend months planning for your perfect day and make many decisions, so why not let your kids help with the process? There’s no need to go crazy and let them paint all over your wedding dress like Angelina Jolie, but there are plenty of other ways they can help. Take them to the wedding cake tasting and let them help pick the cake flavors. Let them help pick songs for the reception. Make assembling the wedding favors a blended family fun day activity. If your children are part of the planning, they’ll feel an ownership in the ceremony, and hopefully feel more excited about their new life with your spouse and their children.

Include them in the wedding party.
If at all possible, make your children members of the wedding party — flower girls and ring bearers, junior bridesmaids and groomsmen. Your children are just as much a part of the marriage as you and your spouse, so they should have a significant role in the ceremony. However, some children are horrified at the thought of standing up in front of a church full of guests. In that case, come up with an alternative that makes them feel just as included.

Make the wedding photos fun.
Of course you’re going to have photos with you and your children, but mix it up. Take photos with you and just your spouse’s children, and vice versa. Take photos of just your kids and their new siblings, and take some candid ones, too. These will be their first official photos as brothers and sisters, so make it fun.

See More: How Real Brides Reached Out to Their New Stepchildren

Let them give a speech.
Hopefully, your kids love their new step-parent. Why not let them give a toast at the reception telling everyone what they love about them? Your child will feel like he or she has a part in welcoming their new step-parent into the family, and it will help them feel invested in their new family.

Consider a family honeymoon
Maybe not the night of your wedding, or even the days following, but very soon after your wedding, take a trip together to celebrate your new family. Don’t worry if you have few hiccups — they’ll make great stories and new family memories that you share with your spouse and his or her kids.

Denise Grover Swank is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 30 novels and the mother of six kids in her own blended family. Her latest novel, ONLY YOU (October 25, 2016; Grand Central), the first in Denise’s Bachelor Brotherhood trilogy, features a protagonist who works as a wedding planner.

Just recently, Mother Nature not only wreaked havoc on the lives and property of people who lived in the path of Hurricane Matthew, and it coincidentally caused a LOT of weddings to be cancelled in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

For most brides and grooms who were affected, there was no option — there were forced evacuations along most of their coastlines. And guess where most couples get married in those states? Logically, it’s someplace with a view of the water.

Any impending natural disaster for your wedding weekend is worse than finding out that your wedding venue has had some awful emergency (fire or flood, for example) that requires you move your wedding on a few days’ notice. At least in that scenario, you would still be holding your wedding in same general region as it was originally planned, so your guests who purchased plane tickets wouldn’t be greatly inconvenienced.

There’s also the dilemma couples face about when to call a halt, or delay, to the festivities. Storms are unpredictable, and sometimes meteorologists are really off on their predictions about its path. Deciding to notify your guests that you’re going to cancel before the storm track is confirmed will frustrate the heck out of you. On the flip side, if you wait too late, you could completely mess up anybody who is coming from out of town.

So if you think there’s a chance you’re going to have to call a rain delay on your big day, follow these five steps:

1. Do all of your homework about the upcoming storm.
Don’t just freak over something you saw on Facebook — go to the official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) website and see what they have to say about the weather. They have a page specifically for hurricanes, and in the winter, they have one for blizzards.

2. Talk to your wedding planner or wedding venue and find out what they have in mind.
Most venues do not want to host a wedding if there’s a chance of a significant weather event, but some will be more difficult to work with if they’re not willing to give you a free pass to reschedule (without losing your money) and want to continue to reserve the right to cancel up to 48 hours in advance. And yes, that happens. It isn’t fair for them to wait until your guests are already traveling, and you may have to take the decision up the management chain to get a satisfactory result. Some hotels are only looking at the revenue they will lose if the bad weather misses them, not what your guests will lose if they cancel on you at the last minute.

3. Choose a new wedding date BEFORE you contact your guests.
You should be able to get it confirmed when you negotiate with your venue to postpone the wedding due to the impending natural disaster. As painful as it might be to do it, you need to send out an email to EVERYBODY as soon as possible. You must provide them with the new wedding date because many of them will be able to call airlines and get their flights changed if the authorities are suggesting evacuation from the areas where they’re flying. Ask each and every guest to respond to you directly, and let you know they received the message. Give it one hour, and after that time, you start calling anybody who hasn’t replied to your email. Leave messages. Send texts. But make sure you actually hear back from each wedding guest so that nobody gets an ugly surprise when it’s too late to change their trips without penalty. For those local guests invited to your wedding, your notification of the delay will give them relief if they need to be preparing for the storm at their own homes, or even evacuating their own families.

See More: Rain-Proof Your Wedding Hairstyle in 6 Simple Steps

4. Contact ALL of your wedding vendors with the new date, immediately.
There may be some who are already booked for your new date, and you might lose some deposits. But for the most part, you’ll find that wedding vendors are very sympathetic to your plight, and want to help however they can. The DJ cannot perform if the power is out, or even fluctuating. It’ll fry his system. Photographers don’t want to shoot your wedding in 75 mph wind gusts, and less light than they need for stellar pictures and video. If you have a wedding planner, she should be able to help you coordinate the changes with all of them quickly. If you get lazy and put it off a day, and they find out you’d already postponed with the venue, you’ll lose your deposit. And they’ll be justified in keeping it.

5. Follow up with all of your wedding guests and vendors, as soon as the storm has passed.
Everyone needs a confirmation of the new details, and an update on where things stand that have not yet been confirmed. Remember, there may be some guests who were planning to be there but will not be able to make the new wedding date. Do not let them hear your anger and frustration when they cancel on you — this is not their faults. Let them know how sad you are they won’t be there, and make plans to get together in the near future after your wedding day.

Sandy Malone is the owner of Sandy Malone Weddings & Events and author of How to Plan Your Own Destination Wedding: Do-It-Yourself Tips from an Experienced Professional. Sandy is the star of TLC’s reality show Wedding Island, about her destination wedding planning company, Weddings in Vieques.

You’ve said your “I dos,” you have your first mate, so now it’s time to sail off into newlywed bliss aboard a luxury honeymoon cruise. But cruising is for cheesy Hawaiian-shirt-clad retirees, right? Think again. Each of these stunning ships is packed with once-in-a-lifetime amenities, like ultra-romantic rooms (many with private balconies), Instagram-worthy cuisine, full-service spas, and to-die-for destinations.

We hand-picked these bespoke cruises for their unrivaled access to undiscovered cities, and deserted beaches, a diverse range of romance-packed excursions, and opulent onboard set-ups that will make you feel like a bonafide celebrity. Best of all, with minimal planning necessary — the logistics of destinations, activities, and excursions are already mapped out for you!) — cruising is the ultimate stress-free honeymoon. (And seriously, after all those guest list battles with your in-laws, who needs more stress?)

If you’ve never set sail before, here’s what you need to know: Cruise experiences can differ greatly on a small ship (fewer than 500 passengers), a midsize one (500 to 2,000), and a large one (more than 2,000). If you and your hubby crave energy, people, and nightlife, choose a large vessel, which will have multiple bars and restaurants, plus often a casino and theater for movies and live shows. If you prefer a sense of community and intimacy, stick to smaller boats, where you get to know your fellow cruisers (but also have less privacy, so plan alone time when you’re in port).

Also, watch out for add-ons. Food and drinks (even alcohol) are often included on luxury ships, making a cruise a superb choice if you’re looking for some all-inclusive honeymoon ideas. Shore excursions, gratuities, WiFi, ground transfers, precruise hotels, and airfare may also be built in. As you move down the price scale, however, you’ll find these tacked on as extras — and they add up quickly. And be sure to come prepared! Map out which sites you plan to visit before you leave the U.S. because WiFi can be slow and expensive on board, and book specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and spa treatments as soon as reservations become available so you get first pick. And use your days at sea to sleep in and relax because once you arrive at each port, you’ll be busy seeing the sights.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you dream of island-hopping, taking in major cultural sites, or chilling on a stunning swath of sand, we’ve found the perfect honeymoon cruise for you. Time to set sail!

For the couple who wants exotic sites…
Destination: Myanmar
Ship: Scenic Cruises’ Scenic Aura
Capacity: 44 Passengers
If you’re looking to go where no one you know has ever been, consider this Asian nation that only started allowing foreign travelers in 2012 and remains blissfully free of crowds and tourist traps. As you head north from Yangon on the 1,300-mile Irrawaddy River, you’ll pass centuries-old golden Buddhist temples, bustling markets, and monks draped in long red robes. While most ships plying the river have an antique feel, this one, which launched in September, is clean and modern, with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the lush green landscapes inside. Don’t miss a sunrise hot-air-balloon ride over nearly 2,000 gilded pagodas in the ancient city of Bagan. It’s not included, but it’s worth arranging — and waking up for at 5 a.m. Ten nights from $5,740 per person, all-inclusive.

For the couple who wants to island-hop…
Destination: Caribbean
Ship: Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity
Capacity: 1,070
To hit a handful of beaches on your bucket list (and find your favorite one for the anniversary trip), book an itinerary with stops on St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Martinique, and St. Barth, where the ship stays in port until 10 p.m. (instead of the usual 6) so you can celeb-watch at Le Ti. (Kate Moss and Jessica Alba have been.) Back on board, cocktails and wine are included, so make sundowners a nightly ritual; ask your butler to bring hors d’oeuvres to your cabin and sip bubbly and munch on fruit and cheese while you shower off the sand. Then slip into a sundress for dinner and a mind-blowing magic show from the folks behind L.A.’s Magic Castle (a fave of funnyman Jason Segel). Don’t miss local-catch-of-the-day sashimi at the ship’s Nobu-helmed sushi bar. If you’re staying in a top-tier suite, you get the best seat in the house: your own private terrace. Fourteen nights from $6,810 per person, all-inclusive.

For the couple who wants serious culture…
Destination: Mediterranea
Ship: Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer
Capacity: 750
This newly christened, over-the-top ship is the ideal base camp for a Euro trip filled with edifying must-dos — Rome’s Colosseum, Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, Athens’s Parthenon — and sexy islands like Capri and Mykonos. Every cabin is a suite (with its own balcony) that’s so spacious, you may never want to leave. In fact, so many passengers do hide away that the crew hosts an upscale “block party” in the halls so you can meet other couples over a glass of Chianti. The best upgrade? The Regent Suite — the world’s largest floating penthouse, at 4,500 square feet — which comes with the most insane perk ever: unlimited treatments in the in-room Canyon Ranch spa, equipped with a sauna and heated marble lounge chairs. Eight nights from $6,799 per couple, all-inclusive, including round-trip airfare for two.

For the couple who wants a mobile safari…
Destination: Botswana
Ship: ZQ Collection’s Zambezi Queen
Capacity: 28
With floor-to-ceiling windows, fluffy white duvets, and stunning wildlife photography on the walls, the Zambezi Queen is more floating luxury B&B than cruise ship. And it’ll feel just as intimate when you glide along the remote waters of the Chobe River between Namibia and Botswana. It’s the perfect way to extend a classic safari; whether you’re riding in a small boat (called a tender) or perched on your private balcony, being on the water lets the elephants, hippos, antelope, and water buffalo come to you. The best activity aboard? Take a tender out and cast a line for bream; the chef will cook up your catch for dinner. Three nights from $1,485 per person, all-inclusive.

For the couple who wants deserted beaches…
Destination: The Seychelles
Ship: Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Esprit
Capacity: 62
This new ship from Crystal Cruises feels like a megayacht that Jay Z and Beyoncé might charter, with luxe furniture, metallic accents, and herringbone wood floors. While cruising the clear blue Indian Ocean, you’ll raft to uninhabited islands, hike to remote waterfalls, and play volleyball on the beach. On board, expect top-notch service — the ship has a staff of 91 for 31 couples — so don’t be surprised if, after you mention at dinner that you love the peanut-butter-parfait dessert, warm peanut-butter cookies arrive in your cabin the next day. A 30-minute tour in the two-passenger submarine ($599) is definitely worth the splurge. You’ll spot turtles, schools of silvery jack fish, and maybe even a reef shark on your journey to the sea floor. Five nights from $3,240 per person, all-inclusive.

See More: Can We Set Up a Honeymoon Fund Instead of a Traditional Registry?

For the couple who wants ancient history…
Destination: Egypt
Ship: Nour El Nil’s Meroe
Capacity: 20
Shallow-bottomed sailboats, like this traditional Egyptian dahabiya, can ply parts of the Nile River larger ships can’t, so you’ll rarely see other tourists on your trip from Luxor to the ancient port city of Aswan. The onboard local guide will help you remember everything you ever learned (and promptly forgot) about pyramids and hieroglyphs as you take in 5,000 year-old temples and tombs carved into mountains. And after a few days in your airy room, with its chandeliers and colorful Egyptian cottons, you’ll feel like a pharaoh yourself. Be sure to take a walk on a riverbank and swim in the clear Nile waters — because who can say they did that on their honeymoon? Five nights from $1,909 per person, all-inclusive.

For the couple who wants to be one with nature…
Destination: Galapagos Islands
Ship: Ecoventura’s MV Origin
Capacity: 20
Few landscapes are as untouched as this highly protected Eden 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Only 10 couples get to sail on the region’s new luxury vessel, though it has all the comforts of a big ship (gym, library, dining room, bar). Expect an active itinerary: Starting at 7 a.m., you’ll board a Zodiac and be whisked to uninhabited islands with naturalist guides who spot animals like the famous blue-footed booby. After lunch, you can sea kayak or snorkel along the shore with turtles and penguins. Cap the day on a top-deck hammock with millions of stars overhead. remember to pack A durable waterproof camera (we like GoPro HERO4, $400), so you can film sea lions twirling underwater and snap selfies with giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island. Seven nights from $6,500 per person, all-inclusive.

For the couple who wants insane cities and scenery…
Destination: South America
Ship: Silversea’s Silver Spirit
Capacity: 540
For an epic Southern Hemisphere journey, book a voyage on this all-suite ship with a Relais & Chateaux-designated restaurant and full-service spa (with everything from massages to teeth whitening). Embark from Buenos Aires for an authentic Argentine steak dinner followed by (what else?) a tango performance. A few days later, you’ll overnight in Rio de Janeiro, giving you time to snap a photo in front of Christ the Redeemer and people-watch on Ipanema Beach. Or pick a more remote itinerary that starts in Valparíso, Chile, rounds Cape Horn, passes the fjords of Chilean Patagonia, and stops in jet-set beach towns like Punta del Este. Our favorite perk? Unlimited bubbly. Like your champs in a mimosa? Your butler will place a pitcher of orange juice in your fridge each morning so you can mix one up whenever the mood strikes. Seventeen nights from $7,065 per person, all-inclusive.

Sherri Eisenberg is the Editor-in-Chief of ShermansCruise.com, a new deals, reviews, and advice site just for cruisers.

In December of 2013, Catherine Bowen went home to her family’s ranch for a weekend when she met one of her brother’s law school friends, Richard Reed. The two began dating shortly thereafter and celebrated their one year anniversary in May of 2015 with dinner and a show. “Since we were already celebrating, I didn’t even think to expect a proposal,” Catherine says, but that’s exactly what she got. The elated couple ended their meal with a champagne toast and enjoyed the second half of their celebration as a newly engaged twosome.

Catherine and Richard spent the next year-and-a-half preparing for their January 16, 2016, black-tie wedding in San Antonio, Texas. When the couple began planning, they knew they wanted to have their ceremony in the University United Methodist Church, where Catherine’s parents were married almost 30 years earlier. And when the bride grabbed a drink at Club Giraud after work one evening, she fell in love with the historic charm of the space and knew it was perfect for their reception. She and Richard enlisted the help of Katherine from Sweet August Events to create a romantic all-white celebration, and Mint Photography was there to capture the details.

“My vision was classic romance,” the bride says. “We wanted a black-tie event but we didn’t want it to feel stuffy.” Their William Arthur invitation suite totally nailed the vibe.

When Catherine learned about an upcoming trunk show at a local bridal salon, she figured it would be a good way to kickstart what she thought would be the long process of finding her wedding dress. But when she arrived for her appointment, the very first gown she saw caught her eye. She held off on trying on the Martina Liana lace ball gown, but as soon as she did, everyone in the room cried. “It was perfect. I didn’t expect to find it so quickly,” she says.

One of the aspects the bride loved most about her wedding dress was how versatile it was. Complete with a removable lace topper, Catherine was able to remain covered up during her church ceremony but then convert the dress into a party-ready strapless style for the reception.

She completed her look with a cathedral-length mantilla veil, her mother’s earrings, and a diamond tennis bracelet Richard gave her as a wedding gift. Her all-white bouquet featured white roses, carnations, and hydrangeas, paired with touches of foliage for texture, and was wrapped in ivory silk ribbon.

It was important to Catherine that her bridesmaids be comfortable on the wedding day, so she carefully selected these white chiffon dresses from Donna Morgan. They varied in style so that each woman could choose her favorite style but were uniform in length to keep their look cohesive.

The bride and her father walked down the aisle towards the altar, which was decorated with tall candelabras and gorgeous ivory arrangements of flowers. There, the couple exchanged traditional vows in front of their 200 guests.

The newlyweds got the party started with their first dance to “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé while guests watched on and sipped on the cocktail of the night: champagne with St. Germain liqueur, garnished with a raspberry.

Rather than hosting a traditional sit-down dinner, this couple decided on food stations featuring all of their favorite dishes. They had everything from duck gumbo to shrimp and grits. “We love to socialize, so we definitely didn’t want our guests to feel chained to a table with six people they’ve never met before,” Catherine says. But skipping a plated meal didn’t mean this couple wanted to skimp on decorations. Tables were elegantly dressed with low arrangements of white and green flowers, including roses, peonies, anemones, eucalyptus, and berries.

The pair snuck away for 20 minutes to share their dinner in private. “It was so nice to just spend time with Richard one-on-one before spending four hours talking to everyone else we invited to the wedding,” the bride says.

After everyone had their fill of dinner, Catherine and Richard cut into their six-tiered wedding cake. Inside, the confection contained alternating layers of white cake with bavarian cream filling and chocolate cake with raspberry filling, all topped with a thick layer of buttercream frosting.

Catherine has some advice for brides who are just getting started on wedding planning. “Trust the professionals! They do this all the time, and they definitely are there to help you!”

Ceremony Venue: University United Methodist Church || Reception Venue: Club Giraud || Wedding Planner: Sweet August Events || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Martina Liana || Shoes: Badgley Mischka || Hair & Makeup: Mistique Salon || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Donna Morgan || Groom’s Attire: Hickey Freeman || Flowers: Clementine || Invitations: William Arthur || Music: 5150 Productions || Cake: Cakes by Cathy Young || Rentals: DPC Event Services || Videographer: Oak and Cypress Films || Photographer: Mint Photography

Can’t get enough of this gorgeous wedding? Then check out another couple’s formal bash in the video below.