Romantic Cruise Vacations

Ideas for Romantic Cruise Vacations

The first step to creating romantic cruise vacations is to set the appropriate mood when booking the cruise. choosing your cruise cabin is a critical decision: many cruise cabins are identical and do not lend themselves to an idealistic fantasy. For a more romantic atmosphere, choose a higher class of cabin such as a verandah or suite. If that is not possible, consider the cabin location and opt for a more private, out of the way stateroom in the extreme aft or bow of the ship, or on a deck with very few cabins.

Itinerary also contributes to cruise romance. While any destination can be romantic, a key is to insure that there will be ample time to enjoy one another without bustling from port to port. Days at sea, though they are often filled with organized events, provide opportunities for togetherness and privacy without missing a port of call or shore excursion. Choosing an itinerary with more than a single day at sea guarantees more potentially romantic moments than a cruise filled with new sights and sounds.

The cruise line itself can contribute to the romance of the occasion. The larger mainstream lines: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian in particular, are known for a more frenetic atmosphere and livelier passengers. While that may be enjoyable to many people, it is not necessarily romantic. A more laid back cruise line such as Holland America may be a better option with more romantic ideas for a cruise vacation.

Romance at Embarkation

For a truly romantic voyage, the fantasy should start as soon as you board the ship. Purchasing a higher class cabin can help with that – they often have priority boarding privileges, allowing passengers to bypass lengthy check-in lines. The mood can also be established with in-cabin departure decorations such as fresh flowers, wine or champagne for two, intimate treats such as petit fours or chocolate-covered strawberries, or other bon voyage gifts. These amenities are available on most ships for an additional fee and can be arranged when you book the cruise or after your reservation has been made. Passengers interested in such indulgences should note, however, that extended notice is required, usually several weeks before sailing, to arrange these packages.

Romantic Options Onboard

Once onboard, there are many romantic ideas for a cruise vacation that enhance the mood and add extra sparkle to any getaway. While different ships and cruise lines have different amenities and options to choose from, standard romantic indulgences include:

• Flowers or gourmet chocolates from the formalities boutique
• Couple’s spa treatments including massages or steam rooms
• Intimate meals in a specialty restaurant
• Personalized cakes or other indulgent treats arranged through the dining room or restaurants

Of course, each of these options involves sometimes hefty fees, but there are many other choices that do not cost extra, such as:

• Formal nights for elegant dancing
• Room service enjoyed in the privacy of one’s cabin
• Star gazing from upper decks of the ship and spotting other brilliantly lit cruise ships
• Enjoying the sunset from your stateroom balcony or on deck

Whether you want to spend extra money to create a romantic atmosphere or you’d rather enjoy the quiet romance inherent in a cruise vacation, there are plenty of ways to bring out the best of the passionate ambience.

Romantic Cruise Vactations: Ports of Call

Even in ports of call there are several ways to create romance. Choosing a romantic shore excursion can be done with a bit of creativity: sunset cruises and beach getaways are frequent options that can provide an extra bit of romance. It may be easier to arrange a romantic day on shore by researching the port of call before sailing, however, and choosing one of these romantic ideas for a cruise vacation to make it a memorable destination:

• Visiting a luxury restaurant to sample local cuisine
• Spending a few hours at a nearby resort for spa treatments, intimate meals, or private beaches
• Arranging a private shore excursion such as snorkeling, horseback riding, or sightseeing
• Finding a secluded beach for intimate relaxation without large crowds

Many couples also choose to use port-of-call days to enjoy shipboard romance: indulging in hot tubs, port day spa discounts, and lighter crowds in restaurants while the majority of the passengers are on shore.

Cruise Line Romance Packages

Enjoy every romantic moment.

Nearly every cruise line offers romance packages that combine many different romantic ideas for a cruise vacation into one convenient bundle. Wedding packages are the most popular, but anniversary, honeymoon, vow renewal, and simple “romance” packages are also offered. There are usually several different levels of service to choose from depending on the length of cruise, budget, and type of celebration. Sample amenities with romance packages include:

• Flowers, chocolates, wine, or champagne in your stateroom on embarkation
• Spa treatments, possibly in the cabin
• Private stateroom dinners or breakfast in bed options
• Personal photography sessions or a choice of free photograph during the cruise
• Canapés or other treats in the cabin on formal nights
• Souvenirs or onboard coupons

Naturally, these packages are in addition to the standard cruise fare and must be arranged when the reservations are made, though a travel agent may be able to make adjustments after booking in order to preserve the secret.

From simple ocean sunsets to elaborate romance packages, there are many romantic ideas for a cruise vacation. Whether it is a honeymoon voyage, a first cruise, special occasion, or simply a long-overdue break, a cruise provides a multitude of romantic opportunities, making the vacation one of the most idyllic getaways of a couple’s life.