A relative newcomer to Alaska sailings, the upscale cruise brand operates longer Alaska sailings than is the norm, with every one of its Alaska departures lasting at least 10 nights. But you can filter your search based on price,. Free at Sea, a popular promotion offered by Norwegian, does not apply to all bookings; some rooms are sold with traditional a la carte pricing for drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions and specialty dining. Every Celebrity ship is filled with fantastic dining options, and on Edge series ships, you can enjoy dinner alfresco on the Magic Carpet. U.S. News Announces the 2022 Best Cruise Lines 9 Best Cruises for Couples - Travel + Leisure Best Cruise Line for Couples on a Budget Source: Carnival Cruises; Havana Bar Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line generally have excellent cruise fares for those on a budget. Opt for a magical transatlantic cruise to stay on the ship 24/7 and take advantage of everything from enriching lectures to lazy days in the spas thermal suite. There are alternative dining options for a charge, as well as a complimentary buffet. Impress your spouse with the culinary skills you'll learn in the hands-on cooking demonstrations, or enjoy spa treatments together at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. The vessels carry skiffs for exploring and landings, kayaks, paddleboards and other adventure toys. 2022 Member Choice Awards: Best Cruise Lines See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. FYI, despite its name, Holland America doesnt just sail to Holland. As with most luxury lines, the Seabourn dress code is a notch up from the mainstream ships. Every step of the way, cruisers can expect the same attention to detail onboard as they would find in a Disney park or resort. 4.4. Best Cruise Lines for Couples What is it about sailing the high seas that inspires romance? Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The line has long offered both one-way and round-trip Panama Canal cruises, and seasonally moves a number of ships to Northern European and Mediterranean routes, as well as to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. While best known for its seven-night Trans-Atlantic crossings between London and New York and its 100-plus-night world cruises, Cunards fleet actually sails almost the entire globe aside from the Arctic and Antarctic. Additionally, keep in mind that a handful of the best cruises for couples are solely adults-only, while others offer select onboard spaces geared towards grown-ups. What is the best Alaska cruise for couples? Reasons Carnival Cruises Are Best for First-Time Cruisers - Insider Best of all, Scenic sailings are truly all inclusive. Visit each cruise line's website for more information.). Where to Cruise: With its pristine beaches, volcanic landscape, and lush rainforests, Hawaii makes the perfect setting for your next couples trip. This program includes activities like scavenger hunts, building robots, Pizza making parties and teen ping-pong tournaments. Crew tips are not included in cruise fares. That'll give it the most modern fleet of luxury ships in the state. Dont worryyou can work off the calories in a wide variety of unlimited fitness classes, whether you prefer the intensity of indoor cycling or the zen of yoga. This adults-only cruise line is famous for its edgy offerings and value-packed perks, which range from an onboard tattoo parlor that uses vegan ink to 20-plus restaurants ranging from steakhouses to Korean BBQ and beyond (all included, no less). Heres Why Carnival Cruises Is the Best Cruise Line for Value. The line has long been praised by its fans for having plenty of tasty food choices included with the cruise fares. The main focus of UnCruise sailings in Alaska is the Great Outdoors. The 180-year-old cruise lines rich history is evident throughout each Art Decoinfluenced ship, and theres a touch of glamour that celebrates the Golden Age of cruising and will inspire you to celebrate each other. The ships are intimate with the largest one carrying barely over 3,000 passengers. Holland America is a great choice, featuring lovely spaces like Silk Den Lounge and the Pinnacle Bar, where you can while away a couple of hours enjoying each others company with a cool drink in hand. MSC Cruises - 4.356. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. By Jo Blyth Published: 18 May 2023. (Note: Some shore excursions, dining options, onboard amenities and activities may be unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Best Cruises for Couples: Romantic & Luxury Cruise Lines Guide 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. .css-18jw8gc{-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;-ms-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;position:relative;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;line-height:1.2;border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-md);transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);height:auto;min-width:var(--chakra-sizes-10);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);background:none;border:0;color:black;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0!important;font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-Roboto);font-weight:500;padding-top:0.625rem;padding-bottom:0.625rem;-webkit-padding-start:1rem;padding-inline-start:1rem;-webkit-padding-end:1rem;padding-inline-end:1rem;}.css-18jw8gc:focus-visible,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-18jw8gc:disabled,.css-18jw8gc[disabled],.css-18jw8gc[aria-disabled=true],.css-18jw8gc[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}.css-18jw8gc:active,.css-18jw8gc[data-active]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:hover,.css-18jw8gc[data-hover]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:focus,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}Cookie Consent, Pacific Explorer: What's Free -- and What's Not. The window views at dinner will vary by destination, though, adding a bit of pizzazz. Booking an Alaska cruise? Know your cruise lines and best time to go You should also plan to explore lesser-known ports of call together through Azamara's cultural immersion program. What You Need to Know When First-Time Cruising With Norwegian Cruise Line. Wi-Fi is also included, as is gear suitable for the specific expedition. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Based on a methodology that factors in expert reviews, approval among couples and health ratings, here are the most romantic cruise lines. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Whatever you choose to do, love is in the air! If you're looking for an Alaska cruise for couples that won't break the bank, I'd probably steer you to one of the Holland America ships sailing north to Alaska out of Seattle. Here's Why You Shouldn't Panic, Couple on the sun deck on Queen Mary 2 (Photo: Cunard), Brilliance of the Seas TA Listings Page Image, Seabourn Encores Main Pool (Photo: Seabourn Cruise Line), Carlos Martinez and Joel Vazquez relax with drinks on the Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge. I've sailed on over 12 Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival ships in the past decade. What You Need to Know When First-Time Cruising with Silversea. Romance on the High Seas: The Best Cruise Lines for Couples Other highlights include ample fine dining options, premium alcoholic beverages, a tranquil spa, and complimentary shore excursions. Packages and pre-pay options are available. These cruises are the epitome of adults-only, with offerings like risqu cabaret and sultry themed nights. Many couples prefer midsize cruises because they offer the intimacy of a small ship with more activities. Best Cruise Line for Young Couples: Virgin Voyages. A few stellar examples include the Culinary Arts Center, a partnership with America's Test Kitchen that focuses on cooking demos and hands-on workshops, self-guided art tours of the onboard art collections and Explorations Central. The tricky part of booking a Celebrity cruise is having a clear understanding of what you are paying for. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Is It Best to Book a Cruise Last-Minute? - NerdWallet We examined several last-minute deals for cruises . Have cruises recovered from COVID? Or maybe you want the best cruise lines for adults only. We searched through over 125,000 verified traveler reviews to provide the top cruise lines and what they offer travelers. They range in capacity from around 2,000 to just over 4,000 passengers on the four newest ships. My favorites are the Wilderness vessels, which are less pricey, on average. All of the vessels in Scenics river fleet which carry no more than 200 passengers offer top-of-the-line, all-suite accommodations plus private butler service. All these experiences will enrich your cruise and your memories together. Coasts, Europe, Asia, the Mediterranean and the South Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand. The innovation doesn't stop there, however. Your cabin class assigns you to a specific restaurant, each class being a step up in both the stateroom and included dining experience. For couples looking for a more in-depth exploration of Alaska's coastal areas than most lines offer, Viking may be the perfect choice. Viking Cruises launched into the expedition cruise market with the same approach it has used for decades: first in European river cruising, then with its ocean-going cruise ships. Its like a city in itself, boasting eight unique neighborhoods, including one exclusively for Royal Suite Class guests. Weve come up with a list of the best cruises for every type of travelertimes two!to ensure you have fun together and dont end up having to look for singles cruises instead! Consider Scenics 14-night-long Christmas market itinerary, which sails from Budapest to Amsterdam, calling on noteworthy locales like Vienna, Salzburg, Cologne, and more. Cruise line companies are seeing a strong rebound after years of COVID-related setbacks, with passenger booking rates up industry-wide. Best Cruise Line for Active Couples: Royal Caribbean International. (Generally, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, keeping with its no nickel-and-diming philosophy. We're talking tiny bays surrounded by miles of forests where you'll be the only ones around. Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ships Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The ships are small enough that new friendships form easily over shared dinner or lunch. On the best cruises for couples, you get to experience so many exciting new sights, sounds and tastes together, youre likely to fall in love with each other all over again. Princess Cruises Sabatini's on Golden Princess (Photo: Caroline Gladstone). But, there are a few things included while sailing on Disney Cruise Line that youd end up paying extra for on other lines. The provided gear will include outerwear (a souvenir parka is yours to keep on polar expeditions) and the ships are equipped with complimentary launderettes. There are romantic short cruises, all-inclusive cruises, adults-only cruises and even cruises that sail around the world. Celebrity Beyond is the top-ranked ship overall. Silversea Cruises is the leader in this market, with two ships sailing to Alaska in any given year. What they do for their guests is undeniably above and beyond. With its enrichment programs, winetastings, ballroom dance lessonsand themed galas, Cunard appeals to older couples who appreciate the line's upscale, old-world ambiance (think white-gloved servers and elevated dress codes). Whats more, the beloved cruise lines (nearly) identical ships which carry a maximum of 930 passengers offer sleek common areas in the form of natural light-flooded lounges, elegant eateries, tranquil terraces, and enchanting libraries. 22, 2023 It's impossible. Celebrity ships cruise a large part of the globe. Romantic and relaxing, a cruise is the perfect complement to a hectic wedding. Princess Cruises Tops the Charts for Traditional Romance Virgin Voyages is Perfect for Young Love Carnival Cruise Lines Offers the Best Budget Friendly Option Crystal Cruises Are Designed. Planning a cruise? Keep in mind that while the butler can arrange for your laundry to be done, there is an extra charge for that. Every stateroom features its own private veranda, perfect for cozying up and watching the world go by, but dont miss afternoon tea in the lovely Wintergarden. Celebrity Cruises takes the No. What You Need to Know When First-Time Cruising With AmaWaterways. Personal butlers can assist with other services, such as breakfast in bed and scented baths. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, 11 Best First Time Cruise Lines for Every Travel Style, cruising and exploring in luxurious style. Silversea offers door-to-door inclusive fares featuring executive car transfers within 52 miles of your chosen airport, plus flights and hotels as needed. Upper classes and suites are available for booking by singles with an added supplement, but Cunard often has reduced supplements available. Additionally, children under 12 are not allowed on board, so you wont encounter any screaming babies, which, of course, take away from the romantic atmosphere. Each vessel, which feels more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship, carries fewer than 350 passengers. The best romantic cruise lines for Couples | Expedia That serene setting, certainly, but also intimate dinners, What is it about sailing the high seas that inspires romance? What Viking ships dont offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. That serene setting, certainly, but also intimate dinners, relaxing spa treatments, enriching cultural. Enjoy live entertainment at B.B. . Many of the lines ships feature impressive technology-based attractions like robotic bars, virtual reality games and entertainment venues. Usually, just one on short cruises and two on six nights or longer sailings. Though each ship is distinct, the fleet consists of a mix of expedition-class vessels and classic ships, but even the expedition ships are designed around making every trip both exciting and luxurious. Here we list our top picks for the best Alaska cruises for couples. So, if you're on the younger side, this might not be the perfect couples cruise for you. Holland America Line "Silver Award". These trips range from 10 to 13 nights in total. Seabourn luxury cruises are exceptional for offering some of the highest space for all guests in the industry while offering a private club atmosphere. We've rounded up nine of the best cruise lines for couples and the top itineraries to book. That makes it by definition a cruise line for couples as well as some solo travelers. Whether you're in the infinity pool, by the common area's fireplace or on your stateroom's veranda, Viking Ocean Cruises' adults-only ships offer ample ways to cuddle up with your loved one while taking in your surroundings. Indeed, Viking is known for catering specifically to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler who is as interested in learning while on vacation as being pampered. They also offer several seasonal sailings, including Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Hawaii, both U.S. Thats not all, though. Just don't expect anything too fancy. Heres Why Seabourn Is the Best Cruise Line for Luxury. Royal Caribbean has always been known for its multitude of options, which have expanded even further with its launch of Wonder of the Seas, the worlds largest cruise ship. The small vessels also do not have any family-focused attractions on board like you'd find on bigger cruise ships. Here are top cruise lines for couples 1. The company is known for trips into wilderness areas of Southeast Alaska, where passengers can enjoy hiking, kayaking and wildlife-watching. Disney cruise fares include free room service, soft drinks and character meet-and-greets. For the 2023 season, the line is sending one of its newer ships, the 596-passenger Silver Muse and the older, 382-passenger Silver Whisper to Alaska. Add in the onboard laundry facilities, and cruising with kids becomes a whole lot easier -- and whole lot more enjoyable. Cruising with Disney is expensive when compared to budget cruise lines. With an oceanfront view from every room and all-inclusive fare, Seabourn is worth the splurge for a romantic getaway. How to Choose the Best Room on a Cruise Ship for You - Reader's Digest Top Cruise Line Stocks for 2023 - Investopedia With ships named after Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, its no wonder couples get the royal treatment on Cunard. Ranking the best of the best Cruise Lines around the world! The line caters to a broad spectrum of guests, with ample activities and attractions onboard that perfectly match the needs and desires of guests of all ages. AmaWaterways offers nearly identical tours, but with differing mobility requirements. You wont find massive water slides and zip lines on Celebrity ships, but Celebritys Camp at Sea is designed as a flexible way for children on board to have as much fun as their parents. Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises sail to both Montego Bay, located on the northern side of the island, and Ocho Rios. 12 Best Cruise Lines for Couples - Cruise Critic Related: The 18 best small cruise vessels sailing the world. 10 Cruises From Florida for a Warm-weather Getaway, 10 Around-the-world Cruises for the Trip of a Lifetime, The 11 Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According to T+L's Experts, Great All-inclusive Cruises to Book for Your Next Vacation, World's Best Cruise Lines for Families 2015, 10 Best Cruises for Seniors to Take As Soon As You Retire, 25 Caribbean Cruises for Your Next Tropical Vacation, The 16 Best Cruises to Book in 2023, According to T+L's Expert, The Top 10 Large-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2020, Every Cruise Line's Requirements for COVID Vaccines, Testing, Club Med's Yacht Just Started Sailing All-inclusive Cruises, After a $10-million Makeover Here's What It's Like on Board, Seabourns 11-Day The Great White Continent. Besides value, Carnival puts a strong emphasis on fun for everyone. Here is our list of the 7 best cruise lines for couples looking for a romantic vacation. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. River cruise tours often include a good deal of walking, whether its through charming towns, Christmas markets, castles and/or museums. Check out our list of the best cruise lines as ranked by the Cruiseline.com community. AmaWaterways leans heavily on its array of European river cruises, with itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, the Seine, the Rhone and the Douro in Portugal. There is no one right answer. Suites in The Retreat, which are sold as an all-inclusive package, includes meals in Luminae (the suite-class private dining room), Wi-Fi, drinks and gratuities. In the top class of Queens Grill Suites, complimentary mini bars are stocked with soft drinks and two bottles of wine or spirits. But in 2024, it'll swap in its newest, snazziest vessel, the 728-passenger Silver Nova, for Silver Whisper. Twosomes can sign up for romantic excursions (think: private guided toursand food and wine experiences) or stay on board for one-on-one time at the spaor piano bar. Richard Bransons adults-only cruise line is young and hip. What are the best affordable cruises for couples? A guide to the most popular lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly, 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise, The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up, Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The 7 best Bahamas cruises for every type of traveler Viking Ocean Cruises prohibits anyone under 21 from stepping foot on board, which means passengers are able to enjoy a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere without the kids. Windstar Cruises is known for its five-star service and incredible culinary offerings (it has even been deemed the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation). In addition to 10-night sailings to Alaska, the ships occasionally offer longer, 22-night sailings that extend beyond Alaska all the way to Japan. That's it. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), things you wont be able to do on cruises anymore, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Holland America caters to retirees looking for a refined atmosphere not dominated by families. Disney Cruise Line. And all this is before you even head out on shore excursions at your destinations. 14 Best Cruise Lines, Ranked By Their Reviews - TheTravel Maybe it should be ranked as one of the best cruise lines for fun, as well as for being budget friendly. The best adults-only cruise ships | Stuff.co.nz The Best Cruise Lines for Couples. Drinks, Wi-Fi and crew tips are not included in the cruise fare. While the cruise line is not adults-only, grown-ups seeking solitude can head straight to the adults-only space: The aptly named, natural light-filled Solarium is ideal for rest and relaxation. The category received the bulk of the reviews for the year, as these lines had the most ships return to the seas. For those in search of athletic pursuits, there are plenty of options to match any preferences, such as tai chi, yoga and tennis, none of which require a 21-year-old's physique. It is the only cruise line able to cruise the Hawaiian Islands without including a foreign port; it has an extensive Alaskan schedule, and has a strong presence in The Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico. If thats more your style, you might want to look into these themed cruises as well. Choose the soundtrack to your cruise at Voyage Vinyl, an onboard record store, where youre likely to find your song. Which company offers the best cruises for couples? Celebrity Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises Crystal Yacht Cruises Azamara Club Cruises Viking Ocean Cruises 1. Grab pre-dinner drinks and admire sweeping ocean views at the stylish Sunset Bar, which boasts a casual country club-esque ambiance. Most Viking sailings to Alaska also begin or end with an overnight call in Anchorage, which is too far north for ships on seven-night Alaska itineraries from Seattle and Vancouver to reach. Below is our guide to the 11 best cruise lines for first-time cruisers of all travel styles. The best cruises for couples - Good Housekeeping For an intimate dinner, splurge at Prime C, the onboard steakhouse, then steal away for a live performance at the Cabaret Lounge. The 17 ships in their fleet are large, but not overwhelmingly. What You Need to Know When First-Time Cruising With Carnival. The 8 Best Luxury Cruise Lines of 2023 - TripSavvy AmaWaterways is known for innovation in river cruising. 1 Still . In short, think of these ships as floating Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton hotels. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Specialty dining is also included, so be sure to work up an appetite. Note that UnCruise Adventures' nine small vessels break down roughly into two categories. Thats especially true for the Edge series ships, the newest in the fleet, which include the recently launched Beyond, a wonder in and of itself. Azamara's ships are limited to about 700 guests, meaning it won't be difficult to find secluded nooks for relaxing with your one and only. Itineraries on Holland America tend toward longer sailings and are often sold in point-to-point segments as well as long and short options sold for the same start date. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Holland America Line. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. One might be an 11-night cruise and the other a 21-night cruise. The staterooms come in six main categories, more than 80% of which offer a stunning ocean view. In addition to fine dining and alcoholic beverages, fares include return flights, excursions and e-bikes, onboard Wi-Fi, and transfers. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Full dinners can even be served, course by course, in your cabin, white tablecloth and all. And commemorate your romantic vacation by getting matching tattoos at Squid Ink, the first tattoo shop at sea.