Top Romantic Cruises for Couples This Season

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Kevin Ford

If you asked me what the most romantic trip I could take with my fiancé would be, my answer would be simple: A trip he planned. Facilitating the logistics of our trips often distracts me from the moment. Therefore, I believe cruises are inherently perfect for a romantic getaway: Everything is planned for you. The cruise line sets the itinerary which includes the cities you’ll visit, the excursions you’ll partake in, and the days you’ll spend relaxing.

One of the most intimate elements of travel is sharing new experiences with someone you love. A cruise takes you to various exciting ports (why choose one place when you can visit several honeymoon destinations in one trip?). Moreover, the luxury of the vessel ups the romance factor, with private dining options and couples massages that provide countless opportunities for reconnection. Here are some romantic cruises for couples that accommodate every travel style.

Seven Seas Explorer, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For adventurous couples, Regent Seven Seas Cruises manages all logistics—from round-trip business-class flights to unlimited shore excursions—so you can immerse yourselves in culture together. For a unique date night, the Seven Seas Explorer offers Gourmet Explorer Tours, allowing you to delve into the local food scene and subsequently create dishes using local ingredients in an onboard cooking class.

What Your Itinerary Might Look Like: Travel from Bangkok to Bali onboard the 738-passenger Seven Seas Explorer, enjoying cruising in the Gulf of Thailand, with stops in Singapore and Koh Samui.

Regatta, Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is known for its elegant ambiance, and the Regatta’s custom design and nearly 1.6:1 crew-to-traveler ratio enhance the luxury experience. The suites and staterooms feature ocean views and private terraces. For a romantic day on the ship, start at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center and conclude with a wine tasting in Horizons, the Regatta‘s observation lounge.

What Your Itinerary Might Look Like: The 694-guest Regatta’s voyage from Auckland to Sydney takes you on an unforgettable two-week tour of New Zealand and Australia, with stops at the Bay of Islands and Otago Peninsula.

Paul Gauguin, Paul Gauguin Cruises

The flagship vessel of Paul Gauguin Cruises feels exclusive and luxuriously intimate. With a passenger capacity of 332, it visits smaller ports that larger ships cannot access, with most rooms featuring private, oceanfront balconies. For couples seeking a challenge that can strengthen their bond, the Paul Gauguin offers PADI scuba diving programs and certification.

What Your Itinerary Might Look Like: Experience a Tahiti and Society Islands seven-night cruise, with a day at the beautiful Motu Mahana and a glamorous stop in Bora Bora.

Emerald Princess, Princess Cruises

The entertainment on the Emerald Princess is extensive—from a casino to live theatre and nightclubs. However, few experiences match spending a day with your partner amidst the saltwater pools and hot tubs. Though the ship accommodates over 3,000 passengers, intimate spots abound to enjoy private moments. For a highlight of your trip, try the Chef’s Table Experience, an extravagant multi-course dinner designed by the ship’s executive chef.

What Your Itinerary Might Look Like: The 16-day Hawaiian Islands Cruise departing from Seattle feels like a honeymoon, showcasing the beauty of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island.

Viking Venus, Viking Ocean Cruises

This elegant ship accommodates only 930 passengers, ensuring that you can easily enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped Nordic mountains. It’s an all-veranda ship, meaning every room is set for romance with a private balcony.

What Your Itinerary Might Look Like: For a romantic winter escape, the Viking Venus embarks on a journey for the northern lights, cruising the North Sea and Norwegian Sea from England to Norway. The secluded waters you and your partner will explore are unparalleled, with stops in Arctic Circle cities like Tromsø.

American Queen, American Queen Voyages

The American Queen takes passengers back to the mid-19th century with spacious decks designed for river view relaxation. The 417-passenger riverboat is perfect for couples desiring local exploration rather than an international flight. Enjoy live jazz and blues concerts onboard for a truly special evening.

What Your Itinerary Might Look Like: The American Queen embarks on a journey from New Orleans to Memphis, with two delightful days in New Orleans before sailing along the iconic Mississippi River.

Zuiderdam, Holland America Line

Ideal for artistic couples, Holland America Line thoughtfully decorates its interiors with beautiful art and antiques. The 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam offers a wealth of activities, catering to both adult travelers and families. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon is perfect for couples seeking together-time, while kids enjoy Club Hal.

What Your Itinerary Might Look Like: Discover romance in the Caribbean aboard Holland America Line’s Panama Canal Sunfarer cruise, with stops in Curaçao, Colombia, and Costa Rica for the ultimate beach getaway and jungle adventure.

Evrima, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

With six restaurants, six bars, and two pools, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Evrima resembles an all-inclusive luxury resort at sea. Couples can enjoy live jazz while sipping reserve wines, indulging in massages, or relaxing by the infinity pool. Each of the 149 suites features a private terrace, allowing for intimate moments while sailing through stunning landscapes.

What Your Itinerary Might Look Like: Evrima offers voyages ranging from five to twelve nights. A five-night voyage from Athens, for instance, includes exploration of ancient Ephesus, Turkey, along with stops in Santorini and Milos, for breathtaking views and beach outings.

Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages

For those looking to escape noisy children, Virgin Voyages’ adults-only Scarlet Lady offers 11 restaurants, 9 bars, and a two-story nightclub, catering to couples who enjoy both partying and sightseeing. Many cabins feature balconies with hammocks, while RockStar suites come with additional perks like priority boarding and personal agents.

What Your Itinerary Might Look Like: The four-night Fire & Sunset Soirées cruise starts in Miami before heading to Key West, where you can bike, kayak, or catamaran around. The ship subsequently stops at Virgin Voyages’ private beach club in Bimini, Bahamas, allowing for relaxation or dolphin spotting.

AmaLucia, Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways

For couples seeking a slow-paced, epicurean adventure through Europe, a river cruise with Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways offers a perfect balance of fun and tranquility. The 156-passenger AmaLucia features twin-balcony staterooms, complimentary biking, and a sun-deck pool with a swim-up bar.

What Your Itinerary Might Look Like: On Adventures by Disney’s eight-day Rhine River Cruise, you’ll sail from Basel, Switzerland, exploring the Rhine River while visiting France, Germany, and the Netherlands, with activities including cooking classes and wine cave tours, ultimately disembarking in Amsterdam.