With majestic ocean views, sumptuous amenities, and exotic destinations to explore, the best cruises for couples carry the promise of romance and glamor.
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 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, then there are several journeys across Europe that will satisfy your curiosity.
But wherever you choose, Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning ships have plenty to keep you more than entertained on board. From world-class dining experiences to indulgent spa offerings, a cruise will be a romantic vacation to remember.
ABC Islands Cruise
Aruba
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 an adventure around the Southern Caribbean with your sweetheart.
Oranjestad, Aruba is one of the highlights of an ABC Islands cruise. Spend a day swimming in the refreshing ocean at Eagle Beach and basking on the dazzling 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.
Willemstad, Curacao
Willemstad, Curacao is a charming port city with pastel-colored coastal buildings and beautiful beaches. Board an open-air bus and tour the Dutch island’s wildlife and salt flats, and stop and take a photo posing alongside a flock 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 and over 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
On Kralendijk, Bonaire, you could 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.
Some ABC Islands cruises visit 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.
Mediterranean Cruise
Rome, Italy
One of the best cruises for couples is a European jaunt around Italy, France, and Spain, destinations that combine history, culture, great cuisine, and more than a little glamor.
In 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.
Capri, Italy
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 for 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.
La Spezia is a Tuscan port city located near Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre, a picturesque collection of five seaside fishing villages.
From the port, 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.
Wine tasting in Tuscany, 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 shot in front of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of the most unique buildings in the world.
Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes, France
Cannes, home of the annual film festival and one of the chicest beach towns in France, exudes movie-star glitter. Stroll along 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, charming Antibes, and Grasse, epicenter of the perfume industry.
Many Mediterranean cruises include 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 composer Frederic Chopin.
Cathedral of Barcelona, Spain
Mediterranean cruises often start or finish in Barcelona. 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 Quarter, and of course, enjoying a glass of Rioja and some tapas while you’re at it.
Eastern Caribbean Cruise
St. Kitts & Nevis
Sailing to the Eastern Caribbean is one of the best cruises for couples thanks to its pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, and exciting shore excursions.
An Eastern Caribbean cruise can encompass several ports, depending on the itinerary. You could visit San Juan, Puerto Rico; the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; and St. Kitts & Nevis, as well as Nassau in the Bahamas and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Watch: Discover Puerto Rico With Celebrity Cruises
In San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, you’ll find plenty to discover, from the historic center of Old San Juan to the colorful marine life close to the shore. 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
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas, a gorgeous Virgin Island that has captivated 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.
If your voyage calls at Tortola in the BVI, one of the most romantic excursions is to hop across to neighboring Virgin Gorda and explore The Baths, a series of massive boulders concealing shady caves and limpid lagoons.
Adventure-chasing couples will love visiting Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, a nature and wildlife paradise. Splash around in natural rock pools at the 27 Waterfalls, or kayak through the mangroves in search of gentle manatees.
Grand Case Beach, St. Maarten
St. Maarten is surrounded by dreamy, romantic beaches, perfect for a day together under the shade of a coconut palm. Head for Grand Case on the French side of the island for some of the best fine dining in the Caribbean.
Eastern Caribbean cruises also visit Nassau, Bahamas, where you can engage with marine wildlife, enjoy a day playing on the waterslides at the Atlantis Resort, or unwind by the ocean.
Hawaii Cruise
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.
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.
Hilo 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.
Bay View Farms in Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Kailua Kona, meanwhile, is a coffee-producing center and also the location of 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.
Tuscan Grille
Hawaiian cruises also include several deliciously relaxed days at sea. Indulge in all of the amenities onboard with your sweetheart by your side. Try a couple’s massage at the spa, wine tastings at our specialty restaurants, and intimate picnics on the Lawn Club, just some of the unforgettable moments you’ll experience on your Hawaii cruise.
Read: Best Way to See Hawaii
Scandinavia Cruise
Royal Palace in Oslo, Norway
Fans of design and history will love cruising around Scandinavia and Northern Europe, where in summer, you’ll enjoy long, bright days and a fascinating mix of places to visit.
In Oslo, Norway’s capital, must-see sights include the Royal Palace, the Vigeland Sculpture Gardens, and the National Theatre.
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.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark, one of the most fascinating cities in Scandinavia, with a laid-back ambiance and a strong sense of style. Stroll around the colorful Nyhavn harbor and enjoy a beer at one of the many outdoor pubs here.
Take photos in front of some of its most famous landmarks, including The Little Mermaid sculpture, the Amalienborg Palace, and the gorgeous Tivoli Gardens. If you want to experience the city from a unique perspective, another one of the best things to do in Copenhagen is to take a boat tour through the many canals of Christianshavn, which can be a pretty romantic jaunt, too.
Cruises to Denmark also visit Skagen, all rolling dunes and vast skies. The light here has attracted the attention of artists and the pretty town is packed with galleries.
Stockholm, Sweden
In Stockholm, tour the famous City Hall (where the annual Nobel Prize ceremony takes place) and walk around the stylish neighborhood of Ostermalm.
Shop in Scandinavian fashion boutiques, and finish off with a stop at the Vasa Museum, one of the best museums in Stockholm. Here, 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.
Visby, Sweden
There’s more Swedish culture at Visby, a walled medieval city on the island of Gotland. Wander around the old center and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.
Art lovers will appreciate 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
Tallinn, Estonia has traces of Baltic, Nordic, and Russian culture in its food and history. Head straight for the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a medieval center that looks as though it’s come straight from a fairytale with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and graceful spires.
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.
Berlin Wall, Germany
Some Scandinavia cruises call at Warnemunde, Germany, a grand old beach town which most cruisers use as an entryway to nearby Berlin. If you want to learn more about the formerly divided city, take a tour 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.
Alaska Cruise
Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
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, exciting wildlife, and impressive glaciers.
Alaska cruises start with a day of sailing the Inside Passage, a maze of fjords, bays, and islands. This is the perfect place to look out for orcas, dolphins, and on the stony beaches, bears.
Flightseeing in Juneau
Ports of call include Juneau, the state capital. 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 team 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
The tranquil town of Ketchikan is surrounded by the vast Tongass National Forest. Couples who love the wilderness can take a canoe ride out to a secluded mountain lake here, in the world’s largest temperate rainforest, bald eagles perch in the trees and bears forage for food.
Skagway, meanwhile, is associated with the heady era of the Klondike Gold Rush. Take a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway to admire dazzling mountain scenery and learn more about the hardships faced by the early prospectors.
Endicott Arm, Alaska
You’ll also sail along the dramatic Endicott Arm fjord, on the lookout for seals, to be confronted by the half-mile-wide wall of ice that’s the Dawes Glacier. Dress up warm, head out on deck, and watch the glacier calve off great chunks of ice, with a sound like a thunderclap.
Bermuda Cruise
Jobson’s Cove, Bermuda
Set sail from Cape Liberty to the exquisitely beautiful island of Bermuda, a world of dazzling flowers, narrow country lanes, fringing coral reefs, and those famous pink sand beaches.
Bermuda can’t help but exude romance. Join a sunset catamaran cruise together or cycle the Railway Trail, surrounded by lush vegetation, with captivating views of the sparkling sea.
You could play a round of golf together on world-class courses, or go snorkeling in Bermuda over the dazzling coral reefs.
Snorkeling in Bermuda
Celebrity’s Bermuda cruises spend the night at the Royal Naval Dockyard, a chance to experience Bermuda after dark. One of the most exciting things to do is to take an after-dark cruise on a glass-bottomed boat.
As well as hearing tales of the Bermuda Triangle and the ships that it’s claimed, you’ll have a chance to admire the marine life when the boat’s lights are switched on, showing all the fish and coral in their brilliant colors.
Alternatively, simply enjoy the nightlife. The Frog & Onion is one of the island’s most famous pubs, located in an 18th-century cooperage at the Royal Naval Dockyard. It’s the perfect place to try a Dark ‘n’ Stormy, the island’s signature cocktail of dark rum with ginger beer.
New Zealand Cruise
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Discover the bucolic beauty of New Zealand on a cruise that takes in the best of the North and South islands. Explore the tranquil setting of Fiordland National Park, a landscape of jagged mountains, serene bays, and forested islands.
Learn about Dunedin’s Scottish heritage as you explore its grand architecture, or visit a working sheep farm from Christchurch. This east coast city is also the jumping-off point for the vast landscapes of the Southern Alps, also known as Middle Earth, where the famous books were turned into epic movies.
Middle Earth, New Zealand
The North Island is just as thrilling. In Tauranga, bathe in healing volcanic mud springs together, and learn about Maori culture at Te PaTu Maori village. Take a tour of art deco Napier, and in Auckland, explore the city’s maritime heritage and enjoy gourmet dining along the waterfront.
Cruise through the Bay of Islands and take in the scenery of 144 islands dotting the northeastern shore of the North Island. Join a foodie tour here to sample local honey, handmade chocolate, artisan gelato, and of course, some of New Zealand’s fine wines.
Asia Cruise
Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Japan
Experience the culture and scenery of the Far East with Celebrity Cruises on a thrilling Asian adventure. You might opt for a cruise to Japan, taking in the snowy pink of the cherry blossom, snow-capped Mount Fuji, and the intricate temples scattered across Kyoto.
Or start your voyage together in dreamy, spiritual Bali, where spectacular beaches meet volcanic scenery and lush rainforest. Admire intricate Hindu temples, or head inland to boho Ubud to shop for art, join a yoga class, and visit the Sacred Monkey Forest.
Lombok, a short hop across the water, is a place of brooding volcanoes and dense forest. Bask on Senggigi Beach, or hop on a boat to the Gili Islands, which embody barefoot living and have some of the best snorkeling in the region.
Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia blends multiple cultures, evident in its delicious street food. Explore the glitz and gloss of Kuala Lumpur, the skyline dominated by the soaring Petronas Towers, which offer sweeping views across the city. There are more views in Langkawi, where the brave can walk along the graceful curve of the SkyBridge, some 300 feet above the forest canopy.
Many of Celebrity’s Asia cruises visit Thailand. From Phuket, head for the glorious Phi Phi islands, where sheer cliffs plunge into a turquoise sea. Or take a boat trip through the karst landscapes of Phang Nga Bay, dotted with limestone towers that conceal sea caves and green lagoons.
Or perhaps your Asia cruise will take you to Vietnam, with its bustle and multi-layered history. Spend time in Ho Chi Minh City, where soaring glass skyscrapers sit alongside ancient temples wafting incense.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Explore pretty Hoi An, crisscrossed with canals and packed with craft shops and excellent restaurants; joining a Vietnamese cooking class here is a lot of fun. Halong Bay, meanwhile, is a world of mystical beauty, where you can kayak through the dramatic scenery and explore caves packed with spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.
Norwegian Fjords Cruise
Pulpit Rock, Norway
Sailing along the glorious Norwegian fjords against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains is undeniably romantic, especially in summer, when the days are long and the wildflower meadows are in bloom.
There are experiences to be had here that you won’t forget. From Stavanger, join a hiking tour to Pulpit Rock, a square block of stone jutting precariously over the glassy Lysefjord, with a 1,980-foot drop.
Briksdal Glacier, Norway
From Olden, at the end of the Nordfjord, join a tour to Briksdal Glacier, the ice streaked with blue and aquamarine, or head out on a RIB to catch crayfish. Back on dry land, you’ll be rewarded with your catch cooked over an open fire, served with crusty fresh bread and mayo.
Alesund is another treat, distinguished from other Norwegian towns by its proliferation of Art Nouveau architecture. Explore the town on foot, then join a tour to Trollstigen, one of the most hair-raising roads in Norway, with 11 switchbacks and views of plunging waterfalls and sheer rock walls.
Galapagos Cruise
Hiking in the Galapagos
For wildlife-loving couples, a cruise to the Galapagos islands, scattered across the equator some 560 miles off the coast of Ecuador, is the ultimate bucket list experience.
There’s nowhere on earth like this. You’ll spend your days hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring on the ship’s rigid inflatables, always in the company of an expert wildlife guide.
Whichever itinerary you choose, you’ll see the extraordinary creatures that are endemic to the islands, from craggy marine and land iguanas to Galapagos sea lions and tiny Galapagos penguins.
Snorkeling in the Galapagos
Spot blue-footed boobies performing their curious courtship dance, and snorkel among graceful sea turtles, which nest on Galapagos beaches. Swim among black-tipped reef sharks and admire the spectacular shoals of fish in every color of the rainbow.
The landscapes here inspire romance, too. You’ll see smoldering volcanoes, ancient craters, cliffs streaked with mineral deposits, and pristine beaches in every shade, from red to white and even sparkling green. At night, lie on deck and gaze at the heavens; with no air pollution here, the canopy of stars is truly spectacular.
Bahamas Cruise
Atlantis in Nassau, Bahamas
You can’t beat a romantic getaway on a short cruise to the Bahamas, which will transport you to a world of soft sand beaches, glittering seas, and thrilling experiences.
In Nassau, head for Aquaventure at the glitzy Atlantis Paradise Island. Fly down the waterslides before admiring the marine life of the Marine Habitat, where you can see sharks, moray eels, rays, and sea turtles.
Or admire the island’s architecture on a walking tour that takes you to the candy-pink Parliament Building and the limestone-cut Queen’s Staircase.
Honeymoon Harbor in Bimini, Bahamas
Sleepy Bimini lends itself to doing very little, with powdery beaches and coral reefs to enjoy. But adventurous couples have plenty of options. Join a tour to snorkel with reef sharks, or try sport fishing.
Take a boat to pristine Honeymoon Harbor, where you can hand-feed docile stingrays. Or head out on a local fishing boat to learn how conch, a local delicacy, is harvested.
CocoCay, Bahamas
The award-winning CocoCay is a dream for any couple, with its spectacular waterpark, limpid lagoon, and glorious beaches. Head to the adults-only Hideaway Beach and sip cocktails to a soundtrack of chill-out music.
Or elevate your experience at Coco Beach Club, where the ultimate romantic experience is to spend the day in a private overwater cabana, the first in the Bahamas. An attendant will keep you supplied with refreshments, and you can glide down your own slide into the crystal-clear water to cool off.
Book Your Couple’s Cruise Today
Infinite Veranda
Ready to go on one of the top cruises for couples? Book your dream vacation to Europe, Alaska, 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.
