Twenty years ago, travel agents wouldn't think of putting honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic getaway on a cruise. There was no such thing as open-seating dining. Almost all passengers had to dine at assigned tables, at assigned times. So much for intimate dinners for two. And there were no alternative restaurants to steal away to.
Back then, most cabins had twin beds, which isn't exactly what honeymooners have in mind. And ships weren't really designed to appeal to younger adults.
But that's all changed, and these days, cruises are extremely popular with honeymooners and couples celebrating their anniversaries. Since honeymoons are a big ticket item, many cruise lines have introduced new amenities and services to make them more attractive to couples.
Many cruise ships now have open seating at dinner, so passengers who don't want to dine with others don't have to. The cruise ships that still have assigned seating have alternative restaurants where love birds can reserve a table for two. On Sea Dream Yacht Club, the two of you can arrange to have dinner table out on deck in the moonlight. And couples aboard Paul Gauguin can arrange a picnic lunch on a private beach.
If you spring for a cabin with a balcony or stay in a suite, you can usually have dinner served course by course in your stateroom or on your verandah. And on several all-inclusive cruise lines, you can have Champagne and caviar hor d'oeuvres delivered to your stateroom 24 hours a day.
As far as destinations go, turquoise water, white sand, and balmy breezes are hard to beat. Paul Gauguin, which is in Tahiti year round, provides an unforgettable backdrop for romance.
Several of the cruise ships have upgraded or expanded their spas, and many offer treatments that couples can enjoy together. For the ultimate experience, reserve one of the Spa Villas on Seabourn Odyssey. The 750-square-foot suites have a treatment room for two, a double bed lounger, a tub for two, and wraparound deck with chaises for relaxing. The villa is yours for half a day.
The latest thing this year is private, pool-side cabanas where couples can enjoy the fresh air and a little privacy simultaneously. You'll find them on Oceania Nautica and Regent Seven Seas Mariner. Other al fresco hideaways include two balconies tucked away on either side of the Star Clipper Royal Clipper bow, the Canopy beds in the Bliss Ultra Lounge on Norwegian Gem, and the hammocks on Windstar Wind Spirit.
Perhaps the most romantic spot on any cruise ship is the Balinese bed at the front of Sea Dream Yacht Club vessels. The staff will tuck you in, with Champagne on ice, rose petals, and chocolates, so you and your one and only can sleep under the stars. Once they rope off the area, it's actually quite private.
Active couples will enjoy a ship with a water-sports platform that lets you jet ski, snorkel, windsurf, or sail right from the stern. Windstar, Sea Dream, and Paul Gauguin all have them. And the staff aboard Crystal Serenity are happy to arrange almost any activity ashore that a couple could want.
Read more about cruise ships for couples. And find all the top cruise ships.
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