It’s not hard to see why honeymooners and love birds have long flocked to the seas. With majestic ocean views, luxurious amenities, and exotic destinations on the itinerary, the best cruises for couples carry the promise of romance and glamour.
Whether you and your significant other are adventure chasers or the kind of pair that prefers to spend your days taking naps under a palm tree, there are plenty of romantic cruises for you.
The best cruises for couples all depends on what you’re looking to do and where you want to go. If you’ve always wanted to travel to Alaska and experience the majesty of the glaciers up close, then a trip to the Last Frontier is in the cards. Or if you’ve always wondered what it would be like to jump into the blue waters of the Mediterranean with your sweetheart by your side, then there are several journeys across Europe that will satisfy your curiosity.
Stavanger, Norway
Whether you sail around Canada or the Caribbean, all of Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning ships have plenty of activities and venues to keep you more than entertained on board. From world-class dining experiences to indulgent spa offerings, our cruise ships have all the makings of a getaway to remember.
The top cruises for couples include European jaunts, trips around the tropics, and thrilling vacations in the Northeast, along with romantic activities for you and your significant other to enjoy both on board and in port.
1: Southern Caribbean Cruise
Watch: Discover Grand Cayman With Celebrity Cruises
Sandy beaches, crystalline water, and stunning sunsets are just a few of the reasons why cruising to the Caribbean is always at the top of the list for a couples getaway. If you want to celebrate a special occasion, or perhaps just looking for an excuse to spend some quality time together, pack your swimsuits and embark on a nine-night journey around the Southern Caribbean with your sweetheart.
On a Southern Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale, you’ll spend two relaxing days at sea before arriving in Oranjestad, Aruba. Spend a day swimming in the refreshing ocean at Aruba’s Eagle Beach and enjoying a good book on its long stretch of white sand.
End the day by boarding a wooden catamaran and sailing off to Aruba’s western coast, where you and your partner can sip on hand-crafted cocktails while admiring the pink, violet, and golden colors of the sunset.
Caracas Bay in Willemstad, Curacao
From there, you’ll sail to Willemstad, Curacao, a charming port city with pastel-colored coastal buildings and beautiful beaches. Board an open-air bus and tour the Dutch island’s wildlife, salt flats, and stop and take a photo posing with a pack of bright pink flamingos.
Go on a scenic snorkeling adventure in Caracas Bay—one of the best spots for snorkeling in Curaçao—where you’ll swim through spectacular coral reefs, marine wildlife, and an old sunken tugboat. Or if you’re both scuba certified, go on a diving trip around the Sea Aquarium and Mambo Beach, two top diving locations to spot turtles, eels, angel fish, and lobsters.
Watch: Southern Caribbean Cruises on Celebrity Cruises
From there, your cruise will continue on to Kralendijk, Bonaire, where you can sign up for a cycling excursion that will take you through all of the island’s natural and historic landmarks. Pedal alongside Bonaire’s coastline, then spend the rest of the day on Te Amo Beach, which fittingly translates as “I Love You” Beach.
Before returning, you’ll make a final stop in George Town, Grand Cayman, where you can pull up a beach chair, open an umbrella, and lounge away with a rum punch on George Town’s famous Seven Mile Beach—the perfect end to a vacation to some of the best Caribbean islands for couples.
2: Italy, France, Monaco, and Spain Cruise
Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy
One of the best cruises for couples is a European jaunt around Italy, France, Monaco, and Spain. Start off this seven-night journey in Civitavecchia, a port city located just thirty minutes away from Rome.
Walk hand in hand as you visit historical landmarks including the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Sistine Chapel inside St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. During an intimate lunch for two, feast on pasta, pizza, and a glass of vino before strolling towards the Trevi Fountain, where you can both throw in a penny and make a wish.
In the city of Naples, stay and explore the many archeological sites and historic city center, or board a ferry and head off towards Capri, a dreamy island once favored by Roman emperors. Shop designer items in the town square, enjoy a seaside lunch, and sneak in a kiss inside the famous Blue Grotto, where the sun’s reflection creates a magical azure glow in the water underneath.
Capri, Italy
After sailing for a day, you’ll dock in La Spezia, a Tuscan port city located near Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre, a picturesque collection of five seaside fishing villages.
Art lovers might decide to head to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, and the home of David’s Michelangelo and masterpieces by Da Vinci, Botticelli, and more inside the Uffizi Gallery.
Florence, Italy
If you and your partner are foodies, take a trip to the village of Lari, where you’ll visit an artisanal pasta producer and enjoy a four-course farm-to-table Tuscan lunch at a vineyard and farmhouse.
If you’re into architecture, you can’t go wrong with a day-long excursion around the historical centers of Lucca and Pisa, where you can explore expansive piazzas and have fun taking a couple’s shot in front of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Luxurious yachts in Monaco
Next, dock in Monaco and admire some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. Spend your day in the affluent principality browsing Monte Carlo’s many stores and boutiques, strolling past the Prince’s Palace square, and trying your luck at the famous Grand Casino.
Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes, France
On day six, you’ll feel like a movie star once you reach Cannes, the home of the annual film festival and one of the chicest beach towns in France. Stroll through the Promenade de la Croisette, famous for its views, hotels, and designer stores.
If you prefer to explore a little farther, head off to any of the nearby French Riviera destinations, including the medieval town of St. Paul de Vence, the beautiful seaside city of Nice, the charming Antibes, and Grasse, the birthplace of perfume.
The next day, you’ll arrive at Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands. Spend the day relaxing under the sun at one of Mallorca’s secluded beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. Walk around the city and visit Gothic churches and historic bullrings, or take a day trip to the mountain village of Valldemossa, and stop by the palace of La Cartuja, which once was the winter residence of Frederic Chopin.
Cathedral of Barcelona, Spain
There’s no better way to end this incredible cruise than by disembarking in Barcelona, one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe. With so much to see and do here, it’s not a bad idea to plan on staying a few extra days after your cruise ends.
Don’t miss admiring the wonder of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia cathedral, hitting the busy promenade of Las Ramblas, making your way through the winding streets of the old Gothic neighborhood, and of course, enjoying a glass of Rioja and some tapas while you’re at it.
3: Eastern Caribbean Cruise
Sailing to the Eastern Caribbean is one of the best cruises for couples thanks to its pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, and exciting shore excursions.
Watch: Discover Puerto Rico With Celebrity Cruises
You’ll depart from Fort Lauderdale and cruise to four different ports: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas; Samana, Dominican Republic; and Nassau, Bahamas.
Read: Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic
You’ll first dock in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, where you’ll find plenty to discover, from the historic center of Old San Juan to the beautiful marine life swimming in its ocean. If you’re looking for a couple’s excursion, take a sunset walk overlooking San Juan Bay.
Throughout your stroll, you’ll visit several Old San Juan landmarks, including the Fort San Felipe, a 16th-century fortress, La Rogativa Monument, San Juan Gate, and La Princesa Boulevard. Once you’ve finished taking photos of the stunning sunset in the background, cap off your day with traditional tapas and cocktails at a nearby gastropub.
Watch: Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Celebrity Cruises
Then you’re off to Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, a gorgeous Virgin Island that has enchanted pirates and sailors for centuries. Couples on a honeymoon cruise shouldn’t miss taking a luxury catamaran out to Honeymoon Beach in nearby St. John, where you’ll be able to snorkel, swim, or simply enjoy a relaxing day under the coconut trees.
Adventure-chasing couples will love visiting Samana in the Dominican Republic, a nature and wildlife paradise. Board a speedboat and head to Los Haitises National Park and Bird Cay, a sanctuary for numerous species of birds.
From there, continue on to San Gabriel Cave. Kayak around mangrove canals and step inside the caves, marveling at the indigenous Taino pictographs left behind. If you prefer to take it easy, there’s also a day excursion to Cayo Levantado, a small island off the coast of Samana, where you can sip on rum punches and melt your worries away on the sand.
Read: Bahamas vs. Caribbean: Which Should You Cruise to?
Nassau, Bahamas
The fourth and final destination on your cruise is a stop in Nassau, Bahamas, where you can engage with marine wildlife, enjoy a day at the Atlantis Resort, or unwind by the ocean. If you’re into animals, you won’t want to miss snorkeling in Nassau, where you’ll discover what it’s like to swim next to sea turtles.
Once you’re done, spend the rest of your time at Green Cay Beach before heading back to the ship and setting off on your return journey to Fort Lauderdale.
4: Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
There’s a reason why one of the best cruises for couples visits the romantic islands of Hawaii. With its awe-inspiring waterfalls, dramatic mountains, and perfect beaches, Hawaii is always an unforgettable vacation.
Departing from either Honolulu, Hawaii or Vancouver, British Columbia, our Hawaii cruises last anywhere from 8 to 13 nights and visit a number of exotic island destinations.
Browse Cruises from Vancouver to Hawaii
If you sail from Honolulu, you and your significant other are free to spend the day discovering the sights, including Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor. At night, experience a traditional Hawaiian feast and luau, where you’ll take in a Polynesian show and witness the theatrics of a Samoan fire knife dancer under the stars.
Haleakala National Park in Laihana, Hawaii
Once you set sail, your first stop will be in Lahaina, Maui. If you’re looking for adventure (or the chance to squeeze in a workout), head to Haleakala National Park, where you can climb up the summit of Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano. Once you reach the top, sit back and enjoy the magnificent Maui sunset. Afterward, feast on a delicious dinner featuring the fresh catch of the day and Kona coffee ice cream.
The following day, you’ll dock in Hilo, which is known for its two stunning waterfalls: Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls. Sign up for a day-long excursion and discover all of Hilo’s natural beauty in a coach ride that will take you across hidden rivers, beaches, Rainbow Falls, a black sand cove, and Kaumana Caves, a large lava tube cave that formed after the eruption of a volcano in 1881.
Kailua Kona, Hawaii
After Hilo, your ship will sail to Kailua Kona, a coffee-producing center and home to the marine sanctuary of Kealakekua Bay. Learn more about exotic seahorses at the only seahorse farm in the U.S.
Stock up on gifts during a sensory excursion to a Hawaiian chocolate factory, natural soap company, and Kona coffee farm, or take off with your loved one on a helicopter ride around the Kohala Coast, where you’ll see black lava fields, sea cliffs, and cascading waterfalls from above.
Even though the Hawaiian portion of your journey has ended, your romantic getaway continues. Spend five blissful days at sea on your way to Vancouver, British Columbia. Indulge in all of the luxurious amenities onboard with your sweetheart by your side. Couple’s massage at the spa, wine tastings at our specialty restaurants, and intimate picnics on the Lawn Club are just some of the unforgettable moments you’ll experience on your Hawaii cruise.
Read: Best Way to See Hawaii
5: Scandinavia Cruise
Fans of design and history will want to look into this 14-night cruise around Scandinavia and Northern Europe. With eight port stops and five sea days, this luxurious journey is one of the best cultural cruises you’ll ever experience.
Departing from Southampton, England, spend a day at sea before arriving in Oslo, Norway’s capital. Visit all of the must-see sights in the Nordic city including the Royal Palace, the Vigeland Sculpture Gardens, and the National Theatre.
Ice Bar in Oslo, Norway
Stop by for a drink at Oslo’s famous Ice Bar, where the walls, chairs, and tables are all carved out of ice, providing the perfect excuse for a close snuggle. Don’t leave the city without trying some classic Norwegian food.
Next, you’re off to Copenhagen, Denmark, one of the most fascinating cities in Scandinavia that happens to have some of the happiest people in the world. Stroll around the colorful harbor and sample its award-winning cuisine.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Take photos in front of some of its most famous landmarks, including The Little Mermaid sculpture (also known as “The Most Famous Lady in Denmark,”) the Amalienborg Palace, and the gorgeous Tivoli Gardens. If you want to experience the city from a unique perspective, you can also take a boat tour through the many canals of Christianshavn, which can be a pretty romantic jaunt, too.
Read: Things to Do in Aarhus
After another day at sea, your boat will dock in Nynashamn, Sweden. Sign up for a day excursion to nearby Stockholm and tour its famous City Hall (where the annual Nobel Prize ceremony takes place) and walk around the stylish neighborhood of Ostermalm.
Stockholm, Sweden
Shop in Scandinavian fashion boutiques, and finish off with a stop at the Vasa Museum, where you’ll see a 17th-century warship that was salvaged after spending hundreds of years under the sea. Don’t forget to squeeze in a cozy lunch with a plate of delicious Swedish meatballs, too.
Art lovers will appreciate the next port stop in Helsinki, Finland, which is known for its high caliber museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Design Museum, and the National Museum of Finland.
Indulge in some self-care at a typical Finnish smoke sauna, or enjoy a leisurely walk around nearby Porvoo, a charming small town full of picturesque streets and artisanal shops.
Tallinn, Estonia
Next, you’ll cruise to Tallinn, Estonia, a modern city that has traces of Baltic, Nordic, and Russian culture in its food and history. A popular stop in Tallinn is the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval center that has been perfectly preserved since the 17th-century.
One of the most unforgettable things to do in Tallinn is to walk along its cobblestone streets and tunnels, where you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time. If you’re looking for some inspiration, make your way over to Creative City, a hip neighborhood full of design stores, food trucks, and artist studios. Sample an Estonian beer at a local bar.
Read: Baltic Cruise Excursions
Berlin Wall, Germany
The last stop on your cruise before returning will be Warnemunde, Germany, a resort town which most cruisers use as an entryway to nearby Berlin. If you want to learn more about the formerly divided city, take a train to the capital and visit Soviet-era landmarks including the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate.
If you prefer to stay closer to the ship, there are also day tours to the Hanseatic city of Rostock (only 30 minutes away), the waterfront port of Lubeck, and the medieval town of Wismar.
6: Hubbard Glacier, Alaska Cruise
Adventure-loving couples should look no further than a cruise to Alaska. Journey with your loved one to the Last Frontier and discover its rugged terrain, exotic wildlife, and larger-than-life glaciers.
Watch: Alaska Cruise: Experience The Last Frontier
One of the top cruises for couples is a seven-night itinerary to Hubbard Glacier. Departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, your cruise will sail through the Inside Passage, the route that takes ships into a maze of fjords, bays, and islands.
During your day at sea, you’ll be able to spot an abundance of animals including orca whales, bald eagles, brown bears, and adorable puffins.
Your first stop will be in Icy Strait Point, where plenty of heart-racing activities await. Board the world’s largest and highest zip line, which features a 1,300-foot vertical drop, or kayak on the sparkling waters of Port Frederick. Try your hand at freshwater stream fishing at Game Creek, or search for whales and sea lions aboard a high-speed open-air boat.
The next day, your ship will visit Hubbard Glacier, one of Alaska’s most impressive natural wonders. Measuring seven miles long, 76 miles wide, and 30 stories high, Hubbard Glacier is the world’s longest tidewater glacier.
On a round-trip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, your ship will sail to Hubbard Glacier. Here, you’ll witness one of its thunderous calving displays, which is when enormous chunks of ice split from the glacier and fall into the ocean. Witness the exhilarating thrill of this natural phenomenon up close while sipping a mug of hot chocolate and holding on to your significant other.
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Then you’ll dock in Juneau, a popular Alaskan destination with nature and animal lovers. Board a helicopter and enjoy the view of Juneau’s Icefield before touching down at Norris Glacier, where you’ll be able to board a dog sled pulled by a trained group of Alaskan Huskies.
If you’re looking for even more excitement—especially if you’re on a honeymoon in Alaska—take a river raft through Mendenhall River, where you’ll encounter your fair share of rapids, or take a kayaking trip out to Mendenhall Lake and pass by small icebergs and animals in their natural habitat before reaching the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Before your cruise heads back to Vancouver, it’ll make a final stop in the tranquil town of Ketchikan. Couples who love camping can take a canoe ride out to a secluded mountain lake in the Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest, where you’ll have a hard time not staring in awe at the gorgeous scenery around you.
Once you dock, you’ll be treated to an Alaskan lunch of smoked salmon and clam chowder, followed by a short hike around the area. It’s a lovely way to end your unforgettable journey through the wilderness of Alaska.
7: Adriatic, Greece, and Italy Cruise
What’s more romantic than cruising from Venice? This dreamy eight-night trip visits eight ports around Greece, Italy, and Croatia, promising couples plenty of turquoise oceans, quaint seaside villages, and to-die-for Mediterranean food.
Gondola ride in Venice, Italy
Before you depart on one of the best cruises for couples in Europe, spend a day in Venice discovering its labyrinth of canals aboard a cozy gondola for two. Walk around La Serenissima’s cobblestone streets and picturesque bridges. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the iconic St. Mark’s Square while eating gelatos to cool down if you’re visiting Italy in the summer.
Venice, Italy
Then you’re off to Rijeka, Croatia, where you’ll want to dive into the water once you catch a glimpse of the deep blue hue of the Adriatic Ocean. Stay in Rijeka and visit its many landmarks including its own Leaning Tower, the Cathedral of Saint Vitus, and a busy green market.
Or head off to any of the gorgeous nearby destinations including the sunny island of Krk, the ancient town of Pula, or the artsy village of Labin.
The second stop on your cruise to Croatia is Split, a charming city full of Roman ruins and sparkling beaches. Take a walking tour and discover all of the city’s highlights, including the Diocletian Palace, the former fortress and home of the Roman emperor, and the Cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the most well-preserved ancient architectural structures in the world.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Then it’s time to visit Dubrovnik, arguably the most well-known city in Croatia and a hot spot for summer tourists. Take in the view of the city’s terracotta rooftops and azure ocean by walking around the Old City walls that have stood for centuries.
For lunch, visit the Stradun, Dubrovnik’s famous pedestrian street, which is full of shops and restaurants. Board a boat and set off to Sveti Jakov pebble beach, where you can relax for the rest of the afternoon while enjoying the sight of Dubrovnik in the background.
Your cruise around the Adriatic will then take you to Corfu, a popular Greek island known for its hilly terrain and pristine Mediterranean water. Enjoy some quality R&R time with your loved one on the beach, breathing in the salty air under the warm sun. At a local beach club, enjoy handcrafted cocktails and fresh Greek seafood in an al fresco restaurant by the water.
Before your next port stop, you’ll spend a relaxing day at sea, where you can make use of the cruise ship’s many restaurants and amenities. Take your romantic getaway to new heights with The Retreat, which includes luxuriously appointed suites, an exclusive lounge and sundeck, access to Luminae, a butler, and so much more.
Your Mediterranean cruise will end in Italy, with stops in Sicily and Naples. In Sicily, you’ll dock in Messina, a city rich with historical treasures and architectural gems. Take a guided tour and visit all of its iconic landmarks including the Golden Mantle of the Madonna, the almost thousand-year-old cathedral, and the world’s largest astronomical clock.
Pompeii, Italy
In Naples, Italy—one of the best wine cruise destinations in the world—foodie couples can visit a rural farmhouse and learn all about olive oil and mozzarella while feasting on a tasting menu of charcuterie, cheese, plenty of wine, and Limoncello. Later, stroll the streets of Sorrento, a lovely Amalfi Coast town, where you’ll shop and enjoy fresh seafood while taking in the view of the Mediterranean Sea.
End your day with a stop in Pompeii, the ancient town that was buried under ash after a volcanic eruption in 79 AD, before heading back to your cruise ship for your final disembarkation in Rome.
Browse Italy and Greece Cruise Itineraries
Book Your Couple’s Cruise Today
Ready to go on one of the top cruises for couples? Book your dream vacation to Europe, Hawaii, or the Caribbean now on Celebrity Cruises. Choose your suite, make dinner reservations, and start planning all of the exciting activities you’ll be doing onboard and in port. Surprise your loved one with an unforgettable vacation today.
