Are you planning a romantic getaway with your significant other? Would you like to see the world’s most scenic beaches, isolated islands, and crystal blue oceans? Why not go on a cruise for couples and experience the oceanic wonders of the globe with your partner.
If you’re wondering what’s the best cruise line for adults looking to go on a couple’s trip, you’ve come to the right place. While it can be challenging to narrow down to the perfect one, this comprehensive guide does all the heavy lifting for you.
Best Cruise Lines for Couples
Couple’s trips have become quite synonymous with cruising in recent years. Nothing spells romance like laying out on sandy beaches, sipping piña coladas, and watching breathtaking, kaleidoscopic sunsets.
Here are a few top recommendations for the best couple’s cruises around the globe:
Voyagers Galapagos Cruises
These islands are famous for boasting some of the world’s most incredible wildflowers and animal species. The Galapagos Islands are also credited as the inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s Theories of Evolution.
A couple’s cruise to this stunning 19-island archipelago is enthralled with gorgeous scenery. Discover the hidden gems of the Galapagos from isolated volcanoes, white sandy beaches, and the most unique and endemic wildlife.
Voyagers cruises around the Galapagos Islands are some of the best couple cruises you’ll come across. Their multi-day itineraries boast water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and wildlife spotting — offering up-close views of unique species like the giant tortoise.
The voyage also offers a classic cruise experience with romantic onboard dinners, fascinating land excursions, and unparalleled expeditions to remote islands. Hosted on smaller ships, these tours allow you to fully immerse yourself in the islands without competing with large crowds.
One thing you may not appreciate on a romantic cruise is sleeping in claustrophobic cabins, overcrowded decks, and noisy children. Galapagos cruises carry a limited number of passengers, giving you free rein to enjoy the spacious sundeck, swimming pool, jacuzzi, and fitness center.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Featuring gorgeous sun decks, luxury restaurants, and a Scandinavian-inspired spa, Viking Ocean’s cruises provide the ideal setting to escape the noisy and everyday hustle and bustle. Other amenities include shipwide Wi-Fi, a shopping boutique, salon, gym, and an all-weather main pool with a retractable roof.
The Viking fleet boasts six identical ocean ships, comfortably accommodating 930 passengers in modern cabins with charming verandas. Viking Ocean Cruises are ideal for young, adventurous couples who love learning about the culture and history of each destination. The cruise itinerary is jam-packed with port excursions and plenty of onboard activities.
Moderately smaller than most cruise liners, Viking ships are narrow enough to access exclusive ports throughout the confined waters of Europe, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. These ships don’t offer children’s programs, making it ideal if you want a kid-free vacation.
Celebrity Cruises
If you’re looking for a cruise with luxury amenities at an affordable price, the Celebrity Cruises fleet is an excellent option. Suitable for first-time cruisers, options range from small, 48-passenger ships to larger ships, accommodating almost 3,000 guests.
Celebrity Cruises is popular amongst cruisers for its state-of-the-art interior design, creative cuisine, and unique Lawn Club. Every ship boasts a broad range of beverages, Wi-Fi access, various dining options, and specialty restaurants run by renowned chefs like Daniel Boulud.
Sunbathe on the deck, attend wine workshops or glass blowing classes, then head over to the wellness spa for a calming massage — all in one day. Among these exciting activities, you’ll also enjoy exploring the art gallery, breaking a sweat in HIIT class, and dancing the night away at the silent disco.
Seabourn Cruise Line
Experience the crème de la crème of romantic cruises with Seabourn. The luxury cruise carrier boasts sophisticated amenities and extraordinary culinary journeys crafted by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller.
The seven-ship fleet can accommodate 458 to 600 guests each. The ultra-luxury suites offer an in-suite bar, spacious walk-in closet, an elegant marble bathtub, and double vanities. Every cabin features sea views, so you’ll constantly be flooded by views of the traversing ocean.
Seabourn’s moderately-sized liners provide premium exclusivity as one of the best luxury cruise lines for couples. With an open bar serving the finest wines and spirits, they also offer world-class dining options, a holistic spa, and wellness experiences. And their most exciting treat; shore excursions courtesy of its partnership with UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises is one of the best cruise lines for adults if you’re going for maximum adventure and intimacy. With limited onboard activities due to relatively smaller ships, Azamara boasts the best port excursions.
The AzAmazing Evenings events bring you closer to the culture and people of your destination. Enjoy a cruise staff-facilitated night outing to the Sydney Opera House or a vibrant Maori cultural performance at Te Papa Museum.
When you’re not out painting the town red on Azamara shore excursions, you’ll be enjoying the couples cruise’s all-inclusive amenities, cabaret shows, and uncrowded dining areas.
Holland America Line
Are you a seasoned cruiser looking for a relaxing aquatic getaway? The Holland America Line is the best cruise line for couples seeking a laid-back vacation away from work and kids.
The liner accommodates between 1,400 to more than 2,600 guests in affluent, mid-sized ships with loads of adult-focussed activities.
Enjoy attending a cooking demonstration or mixology class before learning about digital photography at an enrichment course. You can join the fun and lively “Dancing With the Stars” lessons or boogie down at the B.B. King’s Blues Club.
The Holland America Line has a fun-filled shore itinerary, from city biking tours to museum visits. The cruise also has tons of overnight port dockings, encouraging self-guided destination explorations. Onboard you’ll find trendy dining options serving seafood, select wines, and a New York Times branded library.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Looking for a couples cruise that won’t break the bank? The Carnival Cruise Line offers a budget-friendly voyage featuring entertaining, elegant staterooms and various dining options, from fast food joints to sophisticated steakhouses.
Ideal for first-time cruisers, Carnival Cruise Liners boast a vibrant, informal atmosphere and fun shore excursions. Enjoy a breathtaking 4×4 ride on the coast, a scenic helicopter tour, a train ride in the jungle, or bobsledding in the mountains.
Onboard you’ll be privy to Vegas-style productions, karaoke bars, and Family Feud live game shows. Other amenities include winding pool slides, the Cloud 9 spa, and specialty restaurants like Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint and Shaquille O’neal’s Big Chicken. Carnival Cruise Line is the best cruise for couples looking for a fun-filled adventure.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises combine a quintessential sailing experience with elegance and class, offering couples cruises with all-inclusive access and high-end luxury service. The fleet offers spacious suite cabins boasting expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and modern decor.
This cruise is perfect for young couples looking for an escape from the norm, sealed with upscale dining and unbelievable attractions. From making paella in Spain to going on an elephant safari in Bali, the Regent covers all the nooks and crannies needed in a luxury cruise.
As one of the best luxury cruise lines, it provides the finest onboard activities like cultural anthropology enrichment programs, a wellness spa, and interactive board games. You’ll also enjoy working out at the fitness center before dipping into the back-of-ship infinity pool and singing your heart out at the karaoke bar.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Another entertaining couple cruise filled with light-hearted amenities, delicious cuisine, and adult-only entertainment decks is the Norwegian Cruise Line. The cruiser’s free-style dining is one of the most popular features, where no reservations are made, and you’re free to walk in and sit at any table.
Easily one of the best cruise ships for adults, the Norwegian boasts some exhilarating onboard activities. Enjoy everything from go-kart racing to waterpark rides, a sports deck ideal for one-on-one basketball matches, and rock climbing contests.
There’s also tons of entertainment, from classic Broadway shows to adult-only spaces where you can spend quality time with your significant other. The Norwegian also offers incredible shore excursions, like Caribbean cruises, which stop by a private island, and Great Stirrup Cay, where guests can go snorkeling and zip-lining.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
If you’re a thrill-seeking couple looking to reignite the romance spark through fun and exhilarating activities, the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is for you. The cruise liner boasts itself in offering high-quality service and even better amenities.
Ideal for sporty couples, the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers some of the best cruise activities, from ice skating to rock climbing, zip-lining, surfing, and skydiving simulations. The ships also offer an outdoor stunt show at the Aqua-theater, where an onboard mixologist keeps the drinks flowing.
The Royal Caribbean Cruiser is popular amongst families; their partnership with DreamWorks Animation presents characters from “Shrek,” “Madagascar,” and “Kung-Fu Panda.” But kids don’t have all the fun; adults are welcome to be dazzled by famous Broadway shows like “Hairspray” and “Saturday Night Fever.”
Princess Cruises
Perhaps one of the most famous liners on this list, Princess Cruises, is renowned as the epitome of romantic couples cruises. Dubbed the “Love Boat,” the Princess Cruise Line offers a range of activities for lovebirds, from relaxing couple’s massages to breakfast for two on the balcony.
The liner offers movies under the stars at the pool, with padded recliner seating suitable for snuggling up with a warm blanket. Don’t forget to grab a glass of wine, and a bucket of popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show. Continue the romance by heading up to the Adagio, an adults-only private top-deck lounge.
From breakfast to lunch and dinner, you’ll be inundated with supreme dining options, from lobster and champagne to a tasty seafood grill, a course-by-course Italian delicacy, or the more casual wine and sushi. If you’d like something sweeter, entice your taste buds with desserts created by master chocolatier Norman Love.
P&O Cruises
Although not the most luxurious cruise line, P&O Cruises is the oldest cruise line in the world. They offer adults-only cruises, ideal for couples who prefer wine-ing and dining over whining children.
P&O Cruises features amenities designed for ultimate relaxation. From massages at the wellness spa to hot tubs, heated tile loungers, and exquisite restaurants. Onboard activities range from active ropes courses to more laid-back mixology masterclasses at the Mix Bar.
Tables for two are available, but make sure to get there early as spots fill up quickly. Otherwise, you’ll be sharing a table with four new friends — but that gives you an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. For a more romantic scene, Marco Pierre White’s extra-fee Ocean Grill offers contemporary English cuisine with a twist.
Virgin Voyages
Ideal for budding young love, Virgin Voyages offers kid-free cruises featuring a vibrant nightlife, private dining rooms, and a wellness spa for ultimate relaxation. The super yacht design features exquisite suites, marble bathrooms, and a stunning terrace.
With over 20 dining options, you won’t struggle to find a table — you’re actually more likely to struggle to pick one. For a private dinner for two, head to the Gallery and dip your hands into over 100 cuisines from all over the world.
Unwind at the Aquatic pool deck and get a facial or seaweed wrap at the spa before stopping by the salon to prepare for the romantic night ahead. Besides dancing the night away, Virgin offers classic Broadway and festival-like shows by world-renowned artists, choreographers, and directors.
SeaDream Yacht Club
If you want to know what it feels like to be a billionaire, The SeaDream Yacht Club offers cruise-style sailing on its almost identical 112-passenger yachts. Boasting sophisticated staterooms and suites, SeaDream offers you luxurious cruising from deck to deck.
SeaDream offers top-notch amenities, from their signature Balinese Dream Beds overlooking picturesque shores and the most beautiful sunsets to yoga on the deck. Unwind by playing some simulated golf, lying by the poolside, and joining superb watersport activities.
The liner also boasts a handful of restaurants, piano bars, movie nights, and exclusive shore activities. Enjoy biking along the coast, tasting caviar and champagne on the beach, and exploring the world’s most hidden channels and harbors.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cruises for Couples
Now that you know which are the best couples cruises, you’re ready to book the adventure of your life. Sail across the globe and create ever-lasting memories with your favorite person.
The best thing about cruising is that you’re not bound to one destination. You can be in Italy today and Spain tomorrow, all the while enjoying delicious cuisine, partying ’til you drop, and getting exclusive pampering at a spa.
Last updated on October 13th, 2023 at 02:35 pm
