When it comes to booking a getaway, cruises have a lot of appeal. They're an easy way to see multiple destinations in a single trip and all-inclusive package deals make planning (and budgeting) simple. Also, there's a cruise out there for just about everyone, particularly those romantically involved. Whether you're looking for adventure, some pampering, or just time to reconnect, there's a luxe couples cruise with your name on it.
If you and your partner want to book a trip of a lifetime (and check off some bucket-list boxes, while you're at it), consider setting sail on a posh ocean liner that offers top-tier amenities, all in one place. Choose from ships with onboard spas, gourmet restaurants, exciting entertainment, and of course, unforgettable excursions in faraway (or nearby) lands.
Not sure where to look? Stay tuned. Ahead, travel experts give their top picks for the best luxury cruises around the world, and discuss why they're suited for couples. From a long weekend in the Caribbean to a 16-day tour of the South Pacific, you and your S.O. can find the perfect cruise to fit your vacation style. So if you're ready to reconnect, have a honeymoon, or avoid the travel FOMO, book one of the incredible trips below.
1. Quasar Expeditions' 7-Night “Following Darwin’s Trail” Cruise
Sails from: Baltra Island, Ecuador
Prices starting at: $6,900 per person
"I sent a couple on the 'Following Darwin’s Trail' cruise to the Galapagos last year," says Eric Hrubant, president of CIRE Travel. "It was incredible. The Quasar M/Y Grace was Grace Kelly’s royal honeymoon yacht. It’s a small ship, only 18 guests per cruise. If you want a smaller, more intimate cruising experience, and the Galapagos is on your bucket list, this would be my choice; a great ship and cruise for history buffs, too."
2. Star Clippers' 7-Night Winward Island Rendezvous
Sails from: Bridgetown, Barbados
Prices starting at: $2,260 per person (advance purchase rate)
"The Royal Clipper is the world’s largest passenger sailing ship, which means no loud engine noise," says Jason Villacres, who works on both leisure and corporate travel for CIRE. "And since it’s smaller than traditional cruise ships, it can anchor in areas the big ships can’t, which translates to private and quiet beach opportunities. Also, the food is amazing with a capital 'A.' It’s the quality and consistency of a top gourmet restaurant, at each and every meal — no mass-produced buffet lines here. The more intimate experiences make for a vacation that diminishes stress rather than creating more. You’ll never have to work your way through throngs of guests for anything."
3. Royal Caribbean's 3-Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise
Prices starting at: $251 per person
Sails from: Miami, Florida
Short on time? That's okay! You and your S.O. can spend a long weekend aboard the newly-renovated Navigator of the Seas. A rep for Royal Caribbean explains, "'Perfect Day at CocoCay' will feature more luxury spots in December of this year, such as Coco Beach Club, where guests can find their zen at the beachfront infinity pool or indulge in delectable culinary experiences at the exclusive restaurant. However, starting in May, couples can experience the same level of chill at Oasis Lagoon, where they can sip on tropical cocktails and lounge in private cabanas."
4. Cunard's 7-Night (One Way) Or 14-Night (Roundtrip) Transatlantic Crossing
Sails from: New York, New York
Prices starting at: $749 per person one way / $2,449 per person roundtrip
"There is nothing more luxurious and elegant than sailing across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2," says Amy Brueckner, an intrepid traveler and CIRE's chief of staff. "This is not a 'cruise,' since there are no stops along the way. 'Cunardists' – they exist! – will remind you that it’s a 'crossing.' [Enjoy] black tie dinners, afternoon teas, a Canyon Ranch spa on board, and cocktails overlooking the bow of the ocean liner. There are tons of things to do each day, but you can also relax or read a book from the sizable library. The staterooms are well-sized so you don’t feel cramped if you just decide to snuggle in your room and watch the ocean go by…" (And in case you're wondering, the end/turnaround point of this journey is Southhampton, England.)
5. Viking Ocean Cruises' 12-Night Baltic Sea Cruise
Sails from: Reykjavik, Iceland
Prices starting at: $5,999 per person
Chris Gray Faust, managing editor of Cruise Critic, recommends this trip for couples, thanks to its complimentary spa and thermal suite, and its adults-only policy. “With no kids onboard, Viking Ocean Cruises offers a pleasant adult atmosphere with several excellent restaurants for date night and comfy lounges for nightcaps," she says. "Don't miss the complimentary thermal Nordic spa, which boasts a co-ed sauna, steam room, snow grotto and warm pool.”
6. Silversea Cruises' 16-Day South Pacific Islands Cruise
Sails from: Lautoka, Fiji
Prices starting at: $14,300 per person (includes economy class airfare)
"This particular itinerary is a perfect getaway for the couple that wants to do something unusual and decadent," says Katy Rebrovich, CIRE's senior leisure agent. "Venture from Fiji to Micronesia through many of the stunningly beautiful Polynesian islands, each unique and vibrant in its own right. Silversea has a current fleet of nine ships with a maximum occupancy of 304 suites on their largest ship. They are famous for their intimate and personal white glove butler service. Excursions to unusual places and more inclusions than you regularly get on a standard cruise, this is a perfect luxury cruise for the couple that wants to get away somewhere exotic this spring."
7. Paul Gauguin Cruises' 7-Night South Pacific Cruise
Sails from: Papeete, Tahiti
Prices starting at: $4,295 per person
“What's more romantic than Tahiti and the tropical islands of the South Pacific?" asks Gray Faust. "Heralded often as a honeymoon choice, Paul Gauguin's single ship — also known as Paul Gauguin — is an intimate way to explore the region, with beach BBQs, water sports, and relaxation on the agenda.”
8. Norwegian Cruise Line's 12-Day Denali Alyeska Southbound Cruisetour
Sails from: Denali, Alaska
Prices starting at: $2,098 per person
"The Norwegian Jewel was totally revamped last year and the transformation is incredible," explains says Esther Klijn, who specializes in honeymoon and high-end leisure business travel for CIRE. "This is the cruise line I’d choose to 'do' Alaska. So many great activities and excursions, but you can also just find a comfy spot and take in the scenic beauty that is Alaska. And what’s better than snuggling up with your person in a cozy cabin when it’s chilly outside? They also built a rail trip into this itinerary, which is properly romantic in my book."
9. SeaDream Yacht Club's 7-Night Caribbean Cruise
Prices starting at: $3,999 per person
Sails from: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
“Carrying just 110 passengers, the two small ships in the SeaDream fleet offer casual luxury in some of the world's upscale islands and ports," says Gray Faust. "The two of you will feel like royalty with the line's outstanding service, as well as [enjoy decadence] during the signature Champagne Splash party. Top deck Balinese beds and ship-provided jammies allow you to sleep under the stars.”
