9 Best Cruises for Couples

Sailing with your sweetheart is inherently romantic — especially if you choose the right cruise line. Whether you prefer river or ocean voyages, the best cruises for couples are those that offer some sort of all-inclusive element in the form of unlimited food and alcohol, free Wi-Fi, included gratuities, plenty of onboard entertainment, and other added perks. Some cruise lines even offer unlimited shore excursions, free spa access, airfare, and private transfers — so there’s no need to bring along extra cash. Additionally, keep in mind that a handful of the best cruises for couples are solely adults-only, while others offer select onboard spaces geared towards grown-ups. 

For a romantic couples getaway featuring a few of our favorite honeymoon-worthy locales, simply keep scrolling. We’ve rounded up the best cruise lines for couples, along with our top recommendations on where to sail.

Seabourn

All Seabourn ships carry fewer than 600 passengers — making this small luxury cruise line an especially great pick for grown-ups seeking a romantic sailing. The almost child-free ambiance (there are no kids clubs or offerings on board, though you may find a few tots in tow during the summer season or holiday time) sets the scene for a serene escape. Spend your sea days indulging in couples’ massages, eating and drinking at one of several acclaimed restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, and relaxing in your oceanfront suite. Your suite attendant is also on hand to draw bubble baths — best enjoyed with Champagne, of course. 

Where to Cruise: For a truly memorable cruise, consider an epic Antarctica voyage. Couples sailing Seabourn’s 11-Day The Great White Continent itinerary will have the opportunity to spot majestic wildlife from the comfort of their suite; alternatively, they can hop aboard a Zodiac or kayak. 

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 

Thanks to their small size, elegant ships, and ever-changing surroundings, river cruises are nothing short of romantic — and couples of all ages will especially love Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. All Uniworld river ships hold a maximum of 120 passengers and offer a crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 2.4. As such, cruisers can expect top-notch, highly personalized service. To make things even more seamless, the cruise line offers all-inclusive pricing with farm-to-table cuisine, excursions, entertainment, and premium alcoholic beverages, all folded into one flat fare. Meanwhile, staterooms are equipped with lavish touches like handcrafted beds and marble bathrooms. 

Where to Cruise: Admire and experience all that the Netherlands and Belgium have to offer — including towering windmills, historic villages, blooming tulips, and lush landscapes — as part of the cruise line’s nine-night Tulips & Windmills itinerary, which sails from Amsterdam to Antwerp. 

Silversea 

Silversea is famous for its small luxury ships, which range in size from 51 to 364 suites (yes, every stateroom on board is actually a suite!). Plus, Silversea’s staff-to-guest ratio is almost 1:1 — which means someone is always available to cater to you and your partner’s every need or want, such as drawing a scented bubble bath or arranging breakfast in bed. With this in mind, and regardless of which suite category you’re staying in, butler service is always a given. That’s not all, though. Other highlights include ample fine dining options, premium alcoholic beverages, a tranquil spa, and complimentary shore excursions. 

Where to Cruise: With its sugar-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picture-perfect surroundings, Tahiti is a popular honeymoon spot for many reasons. Experience the idyllic isle with Silversea, which offers an incredible, 10-night voyage. 

Scenic Cruises 

All of the vessels in Scenic’s river fleet — which carry no more than 200 passengers — offer top-of-the-line, all-suite accommodations plus private butler service. Best of all, Scenic sailings are truly all inclusive. In addition to fine dining and alcoholic beverages, fares include return flights, excursions and e-bikes, onboard Wi-Fi, and transfers. Port charges, tips and gratuities, and taxes are also included, which means you need not worry about any hidden fees.  

When you’re not exploring your surroundings in the various ports of call, grab your partner and head to the Salt Therapy Lounge before indulging in a gourmet lunch from the privacy of your suite. Additionally, children under 12 are not allowed on board, so you won’t encounter any screaming babies, which, of course, take away from the romantic atmosphere. 

Where to Cruise: While a European river sailing is magical any time of year, consider cruising during the holiday season — when centuries-old, historic cities are lined with charming Christmas markets and decorated with twinkling lights. Consider Scenic’s 14-night-long Christmas market itinerary, which sails from Budapest to Amsterdam, calling on noteworthy locales like Vienna, Salzburg, Cologne, and more. 

Viking Ocean Cruises 

Viking Ocean Cruises prohibits anyone under 21 from stepping foot on board, which means passengers are able to enjoy a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere without the kids. What’s more, the beloved cruise line’s (nearly) identical ships — which carry a maximum of 930 passengers — offer sleek common areas in the form of natural light-flooded lounges, elegant eateries, tranquil terraces, and enchanting libraries. The all-veranda staterooms and serene Scandanvian-inspired decor are added bonuses, as is the onboard spa, which offers both saunas and snow grottos.

Where to Cruise: Spot the northern lights with your sweetie aboard Viking Ocean Cruises’ In Search of the Northern Lights voyage. The 13-night adventure kicks off in London and stops in Amsterdam before winding through Norway and the Norwegian Inside Passage, ultimately disembarking in Bergen. 

Virgin Voyages

This adults-only cruise line is famous for its edgy offerings and value-packed perks, which range from an onboard tattoo parlor that uses vegan ink to 20-plus restaurants ranging from steakhouses to Korean BBQ and beyond (all included, no less). Meanwhile, with entertainment options ranging from sultry game shows to dance parties, it’s nearly impossible to be bored on board. 

After a fun-filled night spent at the Manor nightclub, you and your partner can refuel with a hearty breakfast followed by a rejuvenating spa treatment (seaweed body wraps, anyone?). We recommend booking a Sea Terrace stateroom, which comes complete with a handwoven hammock out on the balcony for you and your partner to snuggle up on. 

Where to Cruise: Cruising the Mediterranean just got even cooler: Virgin Voyages’ seven-night Irresistible Med itinerary sails round trip from Barcelona and calls on Toulon, France; Marina di Carrara, Italy; Ajaccio, France; Olbia, Italy; and Ibiza, Spain (where it’ll stay in port overnight for the party-loving crowd).

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises is known for its five-star service and incredible culinary offerings (it has even been deemed the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation). Each vessel, which feels more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship, carries fewer than 350 passengers. Plus, guests under eight are not allowed on board, which only adds to the intimate ambiance. Couples can enjoy Michelin-star-worthy meals, regionally inspired treatments and services at the World Spa, and free watersports (think: stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, kayaks, waterskis, and more). 

Once on land, consider splurging on one of the culinary shore excursions, which include everything from hands-on cooking classes to chef-led market tours. Take things up a notch even further by springing for one of the romance packages (prices vary), which include fresh blooms, bubbly, chocolates, dinner under the stars, and dreamy nightly turndown service. 

Where to Cruise: Cruising the Caribbean is always a good idea. That’s because this sunny region is chock-full of postcard-worthy beaches, historic towns, and vibrant marine life. This six-night Windstar itinerary — which sails round trip from St. Maarten and visits Falmouth Harbour, Road Bay, Soper’s Hole, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Gustavia — is a favorite. 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Luxury-loving couples will adore Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ all-suite accommodations, almost all of which are equipped with private balconies. Once — and if — you two can lure yourselves out of the ultra-plush bed, sit down for a leisurely breakfast before planning out the rest of your day. If you’re cruising, consider an onboard culinary class at the state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Kitchen followed by afternoon tea service, a poolside cocktail or two, and a spa treatment. Specialty dining is also included, so be sure to work up an appetite. 

Perhaps the best part about sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the two-for-one all-inclusive fares, which may include round-trip airfare, a pre-cruise hotel stay, and unlimited shore excursions — along with alcohol, food, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and transfers. 

Where to Cruise:  Explore the Last Frontier on the Song of Alaska itinerary, which sails from Vancouver to Seward. You’ll cruise the scenic Inside Passage and make stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point. 

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is known for its sleek and sophisticated ships, all of which are complete with elegant onboard spaces for drinking, dining, and mingling. Grab pre-dinner drinks — and admire sweeping ocean views — at the stylish Sunset Bar, which boasts a casual country club-esque ambiance. 

While the cruise line is not adults-only, grown-ups seeking solitude can head straight to the adults-only space: The aptly named, natural light-filled Solarium is ideal for rest and relaxation. Meanwhile, gourmet restaurants such as Le Voyage and Luminae (both helmed by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud) make the perfect date night spot. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at one of many bars and lounges, including the Sky Observation Lounge (which offers incredible live music) and the Martini Bar (which offers a selection of classic and contemporary 'tinis). 

Where to Cruise: With its pristine beaches, volcanic landscape, and lush rainforests, Hawaii makes the perfect setting for your next couples trip. This 12-night voyage from Vancouver includes overnights in Hilo (on The Big Island), Kailua Kona (The Big Island), and Lahaina (Maui) before disembarking in Honolulu (Oahu).