Nine of the Best Cruises for a Romantic Getaway
Traveling on water with your loved one is a romantic experience in itself, especially if you choose the right cruise line. Travel & Leisure has compiled the best routes for a romantic sailing trip.
Whether you prefer river cruises or sea crossings, many couples' cruises offer all-inclusive packages, including food and drinks, free Wi-Fi, a variety of onboard entertainment, and other perks. Some companies go even further, including unlimited shore excursions, spa access, airfare, and private transfers—so there are virtually no extra costs. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, adults-only cruises or ships with separate areas reserved exclusively for adult passengers are ideal.
Below are the best cruise lines for couples and our recommendations for romantic getaways.
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Seabourn
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With fewer than 600 passengers on each of Seabourn's ships, this small luxury cruise line is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway. The almost complete absence of children creates an atmosphere of tranquility and privacy: there are no kids' clubs or programs onboard, although during the summer or holidays, you may occasionally encounter a few families with small children. Sea days can be spent enjoying couples' massages, dining in one of several restaurants under the guidance of award-winning chef Thomas Keller, and relaxing in a stateroom with an ocean view. A personal steward will prepare a bubble bath, especially enjoyable while sipping champagne.
Where to goFor a truly unforgettable experience, choose an expedition cruise to Antarctica. On the 11-day The Great White Continent itinerary, couples can observe majestic wildlife from their cabin or venture out on Zodiac inflatable boats and kayaks.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
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With their compact ships, elegant decor, and ever-changing scenery, river cruises are especially romantic, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are ideal for couples. Each Uniworld river vessel carries a maximum of 120 passengers, and the crew-to-guest ratio is approximately 1:2,4, ensuring a high level of personalized service. The company offers an all-inclusive experience, including locally sourced meals, excursions, entertainment, and premium alcoholic beverages. Cabins boast thoughtful details, from handcrafted beds to marble bathrooms.
Where to goExplore the Netherlands and Belgium—with their windmills, historic towns, blooming tulips, and rural landscapes—on a nine-day Tulips & Windmills cruise from Amsterdam to Antwerp.
Silversea
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Silversea is known for its small, luxurious ships, each with between 51 and 364 cabins, each a full suite. The staff-to-passenger ratio is nearly one-to-one, so assistance is always on hand, whether it's a fragrant bubble bath or breakfast in bed. Regardless of cabin category, all guests enjoy butler service. Gourmet restaurants, premium spirits, a relaxing spa, and complimentary shore excursions complete the experience.
Where to go: French Polynesia, with its white beaches, clear waters, and picturesque islands, has long been considered the ideal honeymoon destination. Silversea offers an 11-day journey through this region.
Scenic Cruises
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All Scenic river vessels, with a maximum capacity of 228 guests, offer exclusively suites and personal butler service. Scenic cruises are all-inclusive, including gourmet meals, alcohol, excursions, e-bikes, onboard Wi-Fi, transfers, and, in some cases, roundtrip airfare. Port fees, gratuities, and taxes are also included, so there are no hidden charges. When not on excursions, you can visit the salt room and then dine in the privacy of your own cabin. The company does not welcome guests under 12, so noisy families are rare.
Where to goRiver cruises in Europe are wonderful at any time of year, but are especially atmospheric during the Christmas markets. The 14-day Christmas Markets itinerary from Budapest to Amsterdam includes stops in Vienna, Salzburg, Cologne, and other cities.
Viking Ocean Cruises
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Viking Ocean Cruises does not allow passengers under 18 years of age on board, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere. The company's nearly identical ships accommodate up to 930 guests and offer bright lounges, stylish restaurants, spacious terraces, and cozy libraries. All cabins feature verandas, and the interiors are designed in a discreet Scandinavian style. The spa area, with saunas and "snow grottoes," is especially noteworthy.
Where to goSet course for the Northern Lights on a 13-day cruise, In Search of the Northern Lights. The journey begins in London, stops in Amsterdam, sails along the coast of Norway, and concludes in Bergen.
Virgin voyages
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This adults-only cruise operator is known for its bold approach and extensive program. There's a tattoo parlor with vegan ink and over 20 restaurants onboard, from Korean barbecue to modern Mexican cuisine, all included in the price. Entertainment ranges from provocative shows to dance parties, ensuring there's never a dull moment. After a night at The Manor Club, you can recharge with a hearty breakfast and indulge in spa treatments, like a seaweed wrap. The Sea Terrace cabins, with their private balcony and wicker hammock, are especially ideal for couples.
Where to go: The seven-day Irresistible Med itinerary starts and ends in Barcelona and includes Toulon, Marina di Carrara, Ajaccio and Ibiza, where the ship stays overnight.
Windstar Cruises
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Windstar Cruises is renowned for its five-star service and outstanding cuisine—the company is even recognized as the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. Each ship resembles a private yacht and accommodates fewer than 350 passengers. Children under eight are not permitted. Couples can enjoy Michelin-starred dining, regionally inspired spa treatments, and complimentary water activities, including SUPs, snorkeling, kayaks, and water skis. Ashore, guests can choose from culinary excursions with master classes and market tours with chefs. For special occasions, romantic packages are available, including flowers, sparkling wine, dinner under the stars, and an intricately decorated cabin.
Where to go: The Caribbean remains a safe bet thanks to its beaches, historic cities, and rich underwater world. A seven-day itinerary from St. Maarten includes Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, St. Barths, and Antigua.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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- Couples who appreciate luxury will appreciate Regent Seven Seas Cruises. All cabins are suites, almost always with private balconies. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, then enjoy a cooking class, afternoon tea, a pool bar, and a spa. All specialty restaurants are included in the fare. One of the company's key advantages is its two-for-one fares, which can include roundtrip airfare, pre-cruise hotel accommodations, and unlimited excursions, as well as meals, alcohol, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and transfers.
Where to goThe Northern Explorer Alaska route runs from Vancouver to Whittier, traveling through the Inside Passage and stopping in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Straight Point, and Hubbard Glacier.
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Celebrity Cruises
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Celebrity Cruises is known for its modern and elegant ships with thoughtful public spaces for relaxing, dining, and socializing. Before dinner, stop by the Sunset Bar and admire the ocean panorama. While children are welcome on board, adults seeking privacy can relax in the adults-only Solarium. Chef Daniel Boulud's Le Voyage and Luminae restaurants are ideal for a romantic evening. End the day in one of the bars or lounges, such as the Sky Observation Lounge with live music or the Martini Bar & Crush with its chilled ice bar.
Where to go: Hawaii, with its beaches, volcanoes, and tropical forests, provides a stunning backdrop for a cruise for two. This 11-day itinerary from Vancouver includes stops in Hilo and Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, a passage along the Na Pali Coast of Kauai, and a final stop in Honolulu.
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