Calling all lovebirds! Are you dreaming of a romantic getaway that combines luxurious pampering with exciting adventures? Look no further than a couples cruise! The best cruises for couples include one that suits your needs, whether you want the lively energy of a larger ship full of entertainment options and thrilling shore excursions or the opulent intimacy of a small ship with personal service and gourmet food.
What Are The Best Cruises For Couples?
Maybe you picture yourselves having massages as a couple on a balcony that gets plenty of sunlight, then spending nights dancing outside. Perhaps your ideal romantic trip entails traveling to a distant location and touring ancient ruins hand in hand before returning to the ship for a candlelit meal and stunning views of the ocean. There are countless options, and the secret is to figure out what it is that really makes you and your spouse feel a romantic connection.
Here’s our curated list of the top 10 cruises for couples, complete with the best time to visit, things to do, where to stay onboard, and what to eat:
Celebrity Cruises
Best Time to Visit: Celebrity cruises offer year-round itineraries to various destinations. Choose the Caribbean for sunny escapes or Europe for a cultural immersion.
Things to Do: Indulge in world-class dining at Celebrity’s specialty restaurants. Take a dip in the adults-only pool or relax in the luxurious spa. Participate in onboard enrichment programs or dance the night away at the nightclub.
Where to Stay: Celebrity offers a variety of stateroom options, from cozy studios to expansive Penthouse Suites. Choose “The Retreat,” an exclusive enclave with private sundecks and butler service, for ultimate romance.
What to Eat: Celebrity boasts an impressive selection of restaurants, from sushi at Sushi to French fare at Le Petit Chef. Don’t miss the innovative molecular gastronomy experience at The Chef’s Table.
Virgin Voyages
Best Time to Visit: Virgin Voyages sets sail to the Caribbean throughout the year.
Things to Do: Get your adrenaline pumping with rock climbing walls, a running track, and a state-of-the-art gym. Enjoy themed pool parties, live music performances, and interactive entertainment. Savor unique culinary experiences at onboard specialty restaurants.
Where to Stay: Virgin Voyages offers a variety of stylish cabins and suites, all featuring ocean views and innovative amenities like in-room tablets for controlling the temperature and lighting. Choose a Rockstar Suite for a balcony, hammock, and private whirlpool.
What to Eat: The all-inclusive Virgin Voyages experience means you can indulge in a vast array of dining options. From Korean BBQ at Korean BBQ to upscale Italian cuisine at The Test Kitchen, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Holland America Line
Best Time to Visit: Holland America offers cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond. Choose the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for Alaska for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Things to Do: Expand your culinary horizons with Holland America’s EXC Tours, featuring exclusive shore excursions with cooking classes and winery visits. Participate in onboard enrichment programs on art, history, and local cultures. Relax in the Lido Pool or enjoy a couples massage at the spa.
Where to Stay: Holland America offers spacious and comfortable staterooms, with oceanview and balcony options for added romance. Choose a Neptune Suite for a private balcony, whirlpool bath, and butler service.
What to Eat: Holland America’s main dining rooms offer classic and delicious meals, while specialty restaurants provide a taste of the world. Savor French cuisine at Rudi’s Sel de Mer (TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.8 stars) or Italian specialties at Canaletto.
Oceania Cruises
Best Time to Visit: Oceania Cruises offers itineraries to Europe, the Caribbean, and exotic destinations like Asia and the South Pacific.
Things to Do: Indulge in culinary artistry at The Culinary Center, offering hands-on cooking classes and wine pairing workshops. Enjoy enrichment lectures on art, history, and local cultures. Relax by the pool or unwind at the spa with a couples massage.
Where to Stay: Oceania Cruises prides itself on intimate luxury with a smaller passenger capacity compared to mega-ships. Spacious and elegantly decorated staterooms are standard, with Veranda staterooms offering private balconies for romantic evenings at sea. For the ultimate indulgence, choose an Owner’s Suite, boasting expansive balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs.
What to Eat: Oceania Cruises is a haven for gourmands. Savor exquisite French cuisine at La Boutique or enjoy steakhouse classics at Toscana. The intimate setting of The Grand Dining Room allows for a romantic atmosphere while enjoying delicious course meals.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best Time to Visit: Regent Seven Seas offers cruises to a variety of destinations year-round. The Mediterranean is a popular choice for its charming towns and historical landmarks.
Things to Do: Regent Seven Seas is all about indulgence. Relax in the spacious Canyon Ranch Spa at Sea or soak up the sun by the infinity pool. Participate in onboard cooking demonstrations or attend lectures by guest speakers. In the evenings, enjoy world-class entertainment productions and live music.
Where to Stay: All suites on Regent Seven Seas are luxurious and spacious, featuring private balconies and butler service. For an unforgettable experience, choose a Regent Suite, boasting expansive balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs.
What to Eat: The all-inclusive nature of Regent Seven Seas Cruises allows you to experience a world of culinary delights without any additional charges. Savor French specialties at La Petite Chef or enjoy succulent steaks at Prime 7. More casual options like Sette Mari at the Pool offer poolside dining with stunning ocean views.
Silversea Cruises
Best Time to Visit: Silversea offers cruises to a vast array of destinations, including the Mediterranean, the Galapagos Islands, and Antarctica. Choose shoulder seasons for the most comfortable weather in many regions.
Things to Do: Silversea’s small ship size allows for intimate exploration and unique itineraries. Silversea Expeditions offer immersive experiences in remote destinations like the Arctic and Antarctica. Onboard, relax in the spa, take a dip in the pool, or participate in cultural enrichment programs.
Where to Stay: Silversea boasts spacious suites, most with private balconies. For the ultimate in-suite luxury, choose a Silver Suite, featuring a separate living area, walk-in closet, and a marble bathroom with a whirlpool tub.
What to Eat: Silversea’s all-inclusive dining allows you to explore a world of flavors. Savor classic French cuisine at La Dame or enjoy Asian specialties at Indochine. The intimate setting of The Restaurant allows for a romantic atmosphere while enjoying delicious course meals.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Best Time to Visit: Viking offers one of the best cruises for couples to Europe, the Caribbean, and fascinating destinations like the Great Lakes and the Baltic Sea. Choose spring, summer, or fall for the most comfortable cruising weather in most regions.
Things to Do: Viking is a haven for curious couples. Participate in enriching onboard lectures by renowned experts on history, art, and local cultures. Explore destinations through Viking’s culturally immersive shore excursions, designed to go beyond the typical tourist spots. Relax in the serene infinity pool or unwind at the spa with a couples massage.
Where to Stay: All staterooms on Viking are elegantly appointed and feature private balconies, perfect for enjoying scenic views together. For an extra touch of luxury, choose a Veranda Plus stateroom with a larger balcony and a comfortable sitting area.
What to Eat: Viking offers a variety of dining options to tantalize your taste buds. Savor delicious regional specialties at The Restaurant, featuring a menu that changes with each destination. Enjoy casual fare at Mamsen’s, a modern take on Scandinavian cuisine, or indulge in a gourmet grill experience at Chef’s Table.
Princess Cruises
Best Time to Visit: Princess offers one of the best cruises for couples to a variety of destinations year-round. The Caribbean is a popular choice for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather.
Things to Do: Princess Cruises caters to a wide range of interests. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner at a specialty restaurant, participate in dance classes, or attend world-class entertainment productions. The cruise line also offers a variety of activities for the more active couple, from onboard rock climbing walls to shore excursions featuring hiking and kayaking adventures.
Where to Stay: Princess offers a variety of stateroom options, from cozy interiors to expansive balconies with stunning ocean views. For an extra touch of indulgence, choose a Club Balcony stateroom, which grants access to the exclusive Club Class amenities, including priority embarkation and disembarkation, private dining areas, and a dedicated concierge service.
What to Eat: Princess offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Savor classic Italian cuisine at Sabatini’s or enjoy fresh seafood specialties at Ocean Terrace. The main dining rooms offer delicious meals in an elegant setting, perfect for a romantic evening.
Carnival Cruise Line
Best Time to Visit: Carnival offers one of the best cruises for couples to the Caribbean, Mexico, and The Bahamas year-round. The Caribbean offers the best weather conditions from December to April.
Things to Do: Carnival is all about fun and excitement. Couples can enjoy thrilling waterslides, test their luck at the casino, or dance the night away at lively nightclubs. Carnival also offers a variety of shore excursions perfect for adventurous couples, from ziplining through rainforests to exploring ancient ruins.
Where to Stay: Carnival offers a variety of stateroom options, from budget-friendly interiors to luxurious balcony suites. For some extra space and a more premium experience, choose an Ocean Suite, featuring a private balcony, a spacious living area, and a luxurious bathroom.
What to Eat: Carnival offers a variety of casual and specialty dining options. Grab a quick bite at Guy’s Burger Joint, created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, or savor delicious Italian specialties at Cucina Italiana. The main dining rooms offer a variety of dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Royal Caribbean International
Best Time to Visit: The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are ideal for cruising to Europe and Alaska for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Things to Do: Royal Caribbean is a leader in cruise ship innovation, boasting features like rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and even a skydiving simulator on some ships. Couples can enjoy Broadway-caliber shows, world-class entertainment productions, and themed nights at nightclubs. For a more relaxed experience, soak up the sun by the pool, unwind at the spa, or participate in onboard enrichment programs.
Where to Stay: Royal Caribbean offers a variety of stateroom options, from cozy interiors to expansive suites with private balconies and stunning ocean views. For an unforgettable experience, choose a Royal Suite Class stateroom, featuring a private balcony, a separate living area with a sleeper sofa, a luxurious bathroom with a whirlpool tub, and exclusive access to the Suite Sun Deck and Concierge Club.
What to Eat: Royal Caribbean offers a vast array of dining options to satisfy every craving. Savor succulent steaks at Chops Grille or enjoy fresh seafood specialties at Seafood Shack. The main dining rooms offer delicious meals in an elegant setting, perfect for a romantic evening. Casual options like Wipeout Café and Sorrento’s Pizza are perfect for poolside bites or a quick lunch.
More Than a Honeymoon
Don’t let the title mislead you, the best cruises for couples aren’t exclusively reserved for newlyweds. Couples cruises offer a special chance to reconnect and rekindle the romance in your love story, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, reigniting the flame, or just want to spend quality time amidst the spectacular majesty of the open seas.
So prepare to embark on an incredible journey by packing your bags, grabbing your closest travel companion, and setting sail. Allow the vastness of the ocean to serve as a canvas for memories that will endure a lifetime, and let the rhythm of the waves serenade your love.