What could be more romantic than going on a cruise together as a couple?
You and your sweetheart will have the opportunity to spend the day exploring new locations together, strolling arm in arm across the open decks as the sun sets over the ocean, and then in the evenings, you will be treated to supper, drinks, and a show. Couples can strengthen their relationship by competing against one another in the ship's quiz contest or by unwinding in the spa together.
The very finest vacations for couples don't have to be prohibitively expensive, but they should cater to adults rather than children and offer a higher standard of cuisine, service, and lodging than is typically seen on cruise ships.
When we were developing our list of best recommendations, we kept in mind that couples have a wide variety of hobbies, so we based our top choices on the distinguishing characteristics that each of these lines possesses.
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Based on those factors, the following are the 10 cruises that we believe are the best for couples, whether you are searching for a romantic escape or a holiday that the two of you can enjoy together.
The most complete vacation for couples may be found on Celebrity Cruises.
Because it caters to the needs of a diverse range of passengers, Celebrity Cruises comes out on top of our ranking of the best cruise lines for couples. The line's newest Edge-class ships feature trendy eating and drinking areas, which will appeal to couples in their Gen-X years.
It is recommended that older couples look into the line's longer itineraries, such as those that travel via the Panama Canal or to destinations in the South Pacific and Australia. Both the famous Martini Bar and the welcoming attitude of the line have long been favourites of gay couples travelling together.
The ships owned by Celebrity are large, although they are not very large, and the upper decks of these ships contain resort-style lounge spaces, hot tubs, and pool decks rather than waterslides and rollercoasters.
It is possible for couples who do not wish to be charged additional fees throughout their vacation to pay in advance for an "All Inclusive" package that includes alcoholic beverages, tips, and wireless internet access. This will allow you to concentrate on spending quality time with your partner rather than worrying about your finances.
Related: the top 10 honeymoon cruises for a blissful start to married life
SeaDream Boat Club is the best trip for couples looking for an experience similar to that of a yacht.
On a cruise with SeaDream Yacht Club, nearly everyone is paired up with someone else; this is not the cruise line to take your children or your closest friends on. Because of this, the line can provide the kind of pampered VIP experience that is ideal for romance on its two ships that are reminiscent of yachts and with its all-inclusive, over-the-top service.
The majority of your meals will be served on deck, where you can choose from the ship's raw food menu or indulge in freshly produced ice cream. Spend the day at sea lazing around in one of the Balinese beds on the top deck with your significant other.
Instead of going on a tour with all of your fellow shipmates, suggest that instead you and your friends spend the afternoon kayaking or standup paddleboarding directly from the ship's watersports platform. At one of the line's Champagne and Caviar Splash parties, guests can toast each other with champagne while eating caviar and feeding each other caviar.
If you don't want burgers at the BBQ, the crew will provide you with every possible option, including running into town to buy a case of your favourite beer to keep on board. If you don't want burgers at the barbecue, the crew will provide you with every possible alternative. You won't have to worry about anything, other than how you're going to spend the day with the person you care about the most.
Paul Gauguin Cruises: Best cruise for far-flung romance
A vacation to Tahiti, which has been on many people's bucket lists, is the perfect gift for a honeymoon or a special anniversary. It is highly recommended that you set aside at least one or two nights to enjoy a posh over-water bungalow at a Polynesian resort; but, if you are interested in visiting various locations, taking a cruise is the most efficient method to island hop.
If you are interested in having a culturally immersive experience while also having a luxurious home away from home, the cruise ship Paul Gauguin is the one to book.
After celebrating a significant anniversary with your partner in a Polynesian blessing ceremony, take some time to relax and unwind with an outdoor massage on one of the private islands at which the ship will stop.
Learn to scuba dive or, if you're already qualified, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the stunning Polynesian reefs together. First, you should plant a passionate kiss on your significant other, and then you should snap a selfie while you're soaking in the gorgeous views of the sail away from the lush green islands on your itinerary. This will be a memorable trip that the two of you can enjoy together.
Related: the top cruise lines for couples looking for some romance
The most romantic cruise line for young couples is Virgin Voyages.
The finest cruise line for you to choose from is Virgin Voyages if you and your travelling companion are not the type of pair that wants to spend the vacation gazing wistfully into each other's eyes but would rather have fun or become a little bit saucy.
You may ditch the formality of the work week and let loose on board the line's ships, which set the standard for innovation. Get matching tattoos at the onboard ink shop and party on deck like a rockstar in your hottest red attire or get matching tattoos at the ink shop.
When you cruise with Virgin, every night is date night because your meals at any of the ship's restaurants are complimentary, and you can dine on Mexican, Korean, Italian, Mediterranean, or Japanese cuisine at any point throughout your voyage. The sex-themed cabaret, the witty game show, or the dance-off in the nightclub are all great ways to get you in the party spirit. Shake your phone to buy champagne, and possibly have it delivered to your cabin balcony, where you can lounge in a hammock and watch the world go by.
Related: Is it too trendy or is it perfect? This is the truth of what it was like to experience Virgin Voyages for the very first time.
The perfect cruise line for older couples is Holland America.
Couples who are retired no longer have to worry about the constraints of limited vacation time and are free to embark on longer cruises that visit more remote locations. If you feel as though a week spent at sea is not quite enough, Holland America is the cruise line for you.
You could go on a cruise that lasts four weeks and visits every port in Alaska, or you could go around Northern Europe for 35 nights. Are you both members of a pair that despises flying? If you are willing to spend more than a month on board, Holland America may take you from ports in the United States to Africa and South America on one of their cruises. You might even take your next trip to Australia, Asia, or the South Pacific islands and get on a plane to get there.
Share bites with your sweetheart from delicacies crafted by celebrity chefs who are members of the line's Culinary Council while you're on board. Then, after dinner, go on over to B. B. King's Blues Club to get your groove on. Spend your time at sea relaxing at the Greenhouse Spa, learning how to cook at Port to Table, or taking photography classes that will come in handy when you arrive at your next destination.
Related: Here are the top five places a Holland America cruise can take you to see in the world
Oceania Cruises: Best cruise for gourmet couples
The road to your partner's heart may be through their stomach. If this is the case, then you and your significant other will want to plan your next romantic getaway on an Oceania cruise. The upscale cruise line collaborates with Jacques Pepin to develop the menus for all of its complimentary dining venues, which include Jacque's eponymous French restaurant, an authentic Italian venue whose dishes are based on recipes contributed by the line's Italian crew members, a traditional steakhouse, and a contemporary pan-Asian eatery.
In addition, if the two of you are serious foodies, you should splurge on romantic dinners matched with wine and Champagne at La Reserve by Wine Spectator (in partnership with Moet & Chandon). During the days spent at sea, put your culinary know-how to use at a Culinary Center class, while on port days you can participate in a Culinary Discovery Tour to learn about the regional cuisine and food culture.
Your trip will be a "chef's kiss" if it includes a gorgeous pool deck and spa, heavenly in-room mattresses, and port-intensive itineraries throughout the world.
Related: Some of the most delicious food you can have at sea
The ultimate in extravagant luxury can be found on a Regent Seven Seas Cruise.
You want to give the very finest to the person you care about, possibly as a honeymoon present or as a present for an important anniversary. You need to go no further than Regent Seven Seas Cruises if you are searching for luxury that goes above and beyond. Because it is the cruise company that offers the highest level of all-inclusive service, it is the greatest option for couples who are looking for the very best.
All of the spacious cabins are suites, which provide separate rooms for sleeping and sitting. When you want to organise cocktail parties in your onboard accommodations or when you want to pretend the hundreds of other guests on board don't exist, booking one of the line's top suites, such as the vast and sumptuous Regent Suite, is the best option. Place an order for room service if you and your significant other simply cannot face the thought of separating yourselves from the luxurious bed linens.
If you can drag yourself away from your suite, there are several bars located throughout the ship where you may have a private conversation while sipping complimentary cocktails. Even while gratuities are included in the cost of your cruise fare, the quality of the service and the food in the main dining rooms as well as the restaurants that require reservations are both exceptional. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to create unforgettable moments during the complimentary shore excursions offered at each port. You will have the choice between active excursions, guided tours, and trips to wineries.
Related: the greatest luxury cruise lines when it comes to exclusivity and elegance
The best small-ship cruise line for adventurous couples is Un Cruise Adventures.
Do you envision a leisurely bike ride with your significant other or a trek up a local mountain as the ideal way to spend a date? If this describes you, the perfect vacation for you would be an expedition cruise. UnCruise Adventures is the ideal vacation for married couples who would rather be busy during their vacation than laze about and watch the water pass by.
Small ships carrying between 22 and 86 passengers take adventure seekers to sites in Alaska, Hawaii, and Central America, where they may participate in sports like kayaking, trekking, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and more daily. You will gain an understanding of the culture of the areas you visit and have the opportunity to investigate off-the-beaten-path locations that you would never reach on a mega-ship.
However, it is not entirely harsh and unforgiving. Indulge in meals prepared on board using components collected from the surrounding area and raise a glass of wine or cocktail in a toast to your significant other (all included in your cruise fare). Relax your tired legs in the hot tub that is located on the deck. The staterooms aren't exactly luxurious, but you probably aren't planning to spend much time there either. Put on your hiking boots and take your significant other with you to meet the great outdoors.
Silversea Cruises: Best luxury cruise for adventurous couples
What if the two of you want to go on that adventurous vacation, but at the same time, you want to be pampered and indulged while you're on board? Then you need to turn to Silversea Cruises, which has created a name for itself by combining exotic destinations with extreme indulgence on board. If you want to experience the best of both worlds, then Silversea Cruises is the way to go.
Cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic take place seasonally aboard the expedition ships operated by the line. These voyages take passengers to the very edge of the world. One of Silversea's ships is exclusively devoted to cruising the Galapagos Islands, while the company has additional vessels that explore more outlying regions of Australia, the South Pacific, and Africa.
These tough vessels have strengthened hulls to handle the frigid waters and a fleet of aboard Zodiacs. In addition, they bring all of the creature pleasures that a newlywed couple could want.
Each stateroom is tastefully decorated and comes complete with butler service, premium bath amenities, flat-screen televisions, and pillow menus. The snowy landscapes of Antarctica are stunning, but the addition of five-star spas and restaurants only adds to their allure. When you purchase a ticket with an inclusive fee, you won't need to pull out your money to buy a drink for your daring date or to take her on a tour where she can meet some penguins.
Related: the five finest destinations offered by Silversea Cruises
The most enlightening and culturally significant cruise line is Viking.
A Viking cruise ship is the ideal home-away-from-home for married couples who both have a passion for expanding their knowledge base. The cruise line takes great satisfaction in the fact that it provides a more intellectual experience than the typical cruise does.
During the pre-cruise phase of your vacation, Viking will provide you with a recommended viewing and reading list that will help you become better acquainted with the location of your upcoming trip. You and your travel companion can talk about these selections as you make your way to the ship. On board, you can attend lectures given by resident historians about the significant events that shaped the region through which you are sailing; some ships even have planetariums. You will be able to fully immerse yourself in each site thanks to the featured tours that are offered ashore.
But it's not all academics. Viking spent a lot of time and effort thinking about what makes a wonderful cruise ship experience, and then they produced something excellent for you and the person you are travelling with.
Cabins that have been thoughtfully designed are not only roomy and pleasant but also have thoughtful small touches like drawers that close quietly and heated floors in the shower. The hotel has a variety of eating options, all of which are included in the price, so mealtimes are never boring; the Wintergarden is a stunning setting for afternoon tea. When the sun is out, you and your companions can take a dip in the aft infinity pool and relax. You won't get in trouble if you engage in idle chatter instead of the topic at hand, which is community politics.
Additionally, the definitive guide to Viking cruise ships and itineraries may be found here.
Bottom line
Couples are more than welcome onboard any cruise ship, even those operated by Disney Cruise Line. However, some cruise lines place a greater emphasis on the adult experience and provide a variety of services that make their ships even more suitable for couples or other couples travelling together.
Because the people who sail on the finest cruises for couples are as varied as the couples themselves, you can rest assured that you will be able to select a ship that both you and your significant other will like.
Making plans for a cruise? You can get started with these tales:
- These are the five-cabin positions on a cruise ship that passengers covet the most.
- An introduction to the process of selecting a cruise line.
- The eight stateroom placements that are the most undesirable on any cruise ship.
- The complete list of items that you need to bring on a cruise.
- An overview of the most well-known cruise lines in the industry
- 21 helpful hints and suggestions that will make your trip more enjoyable.
- 15 reasons why cruisers are a money pit.
- The complete guide to picking the perfect accommodation on a cruise ship