Cheers
Few things are more romantic than watching the sun set or gazing at the stars from the deck of a cruise ship – or better yet, from your own private veranda. With virtually everything taken care of for you, a cruise makes it easy to relax, unwind, and reconnect with your special someone.
But there are a couple of key things you should look for when planning a romantic getaway at sea. First of all, choose a ship that makes it easy to dine as a couple – sharing a table with six strangers isn’t conducive to romance. And neither are someone else’s kids, so look for an adults-only ship or one that has adults-only facilities.
Lastly, make sure you invest in a stateroom that’s roomy, comfortable, and well equipped. You won’t want to spend much time in cramped quarters, so upgrade to balcony cabin or a suite.
Here’s our list of the best cruise ships for couples:
1) Sea Dream Yacht Club II
Whether you’re sleeping out on deck in one of the Balinese beds the staff has made up for you — with rose petals, chilled Champagne, and chocolates — or dining under the stars at a table for two, Sea Dream II will make all your cares disappear.
2) Paul Gauguin
With Tahiti as a backdrop, private dining options that include dinner for two on the balcony or lunch at a secluded beach — and freely flowing Champagne — this ship is a top choice for honeymooners. The sports platform makes it easy to enjoy the turquoise water.
3) Windstar Wind Spirit
Snuggle up in one of the hammocks in the rigging, take a kayak to a private beach, or do a little star gazing late at night. The resort-casual dress code makes it easy to kick back. Both your hearts will quicken when they unfurl the sails and you sail off into the sunset.
4) Azamara Quest
Azamara schedules overnight stays on their cruises, so you can enjoy the glittering nightlife of Saint Tropez, or the romance of Venice after dark. All cabin categories receive butler service and fresh flowers, and wine is included at lunch and dinner.
5) Norwegian Gem
Couples can dine by themselves in a different restaurant each night. With private balconies and luxurious bathrooms, the suites on the Gem are some of the best accommodations at sea. And they include access to a separate Balinese-inspired pool area. Canopy Beds in the Bliss Ultra Lounge are just made for cuddling.
6) Crystal Serenity
If money’s no object, splurge and book a Penthouse Suite on Crystal Serenity. These 491-square-foot staterooms have butler service, Jacuzzi tubs, and large verandas. With an excellent sushi bar, an Asian restaurant from Nobu Matsuhisa, and caviar hors d’oeuvres in your suite, food is also a highlight.
7) Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity Penthouse Suite
8) Oceania Nautica
Reserve a private cabana for the day, enjoy a two-by-two massage in the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and dine at a table for two from a menu created by Jacques Pepin, served on Versace china. With only 342 cabins, Nautica is an ideal size.
9) Ruby Princess
The adults-only Sanctuary and the Lotus Spa offer lots of services for couples. And ultimate balcony dining is available for just $100. Grab a blanket and curl up together on deck at Movies Under the Stars. If you’re just getting around to tying the knot, the Captain is licensed do it.
10) Star Clippers Royal Clipper
A replica of a five-masted clipper ship built in 1902, Royal Clipper has fewer distractions than most cruise ships. The surf, the sky, and the gorgeous Caribbean or Mediterranean scenery are the main attractions, leaving you plenty of energy to focus on each other. Make one of the hidden balconies on either side of the bow your special place.
Cheers Image Flickr: stephen_bolen
Celebrity Penthouse Suite Image Flickr: Tom Mascardo 1