Five of the Most Romantic Things to Do on a Cruise

• Morning Bliss: Discover why the "Ultimate Balcony Breakfast" is the only way to start a sea day.

• Spa Sanctuaries: Explore the best thermal suites at sea, from the Persian Garden on Celebrity to the Enclave on Princess.

• Dining for Two: Find out which speciality restaurants offer the most intimate settings, from Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grill to the new Love by Britto on Sun Princess.

Romance on a cruise ship can be easy to find. Sailing away to beautiful destinations on a luxury cruise ship where your every need can be attended to, it’s the perfect setting for you and your loved one to enjoy quality time together.

Whether you're looking to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, Valentine's Day, or simply being together, we've got some fantastic ideas for romantic things to do on a cruise ship.

Read on below to plan your romantic cruise. As well as suggested activities, we'll help you find the best cruise line for couples and the ultimate romantic cruise ship.

1. Wake Up to Breakfast in Bed

Start the day the right way - away from the bustle of the buffet, just you and your partner watching the waves roll by from your duvet.

Whether you want a simple continental spread (often free on lines like P&O Cruises and Royal Caribbean) or a full hot breakfast, having your morning coffee in your cabin is the ideal slow start to a romantic cruise.

For an extra special occasion, upgrade to the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast on Princess Cruises. Served by dedicated waitstaff, this isn't just room service; it is a multi-course experience complete with chilled champagne, warm pastries, and smoked salmon, all set up on your private balcony.

2. Book a Private Shore Excursion

One of the best things about a cruise is discovering new, beautiful destinations together. While group tours are fun, a private excursion offers the chance to make memories just for two.

• Bora Bora: Wander the immaculate white sands or book a private snorkelling trip to The Coral Gardens, where reefs and marine life are simply stunning.

• Santorini: Explore the white-washed villages or skip the crowds and book a private wine tasting at a vineyard overlooking the caldera.

• Venice: Although ships now dock in Ravenna or Marghera, a shore excursion into the city for a private gondola ride through the quieter canals remains the gold standard of romance.

3. Relax Together in the Spa

One of the best romantic activities for couples on a cruise has to be indulging in the spa together.

Sit back and relax in the luxury thermal suites, with features such as steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, and day beds, alongside herbal and aromatherapy scents to help you unwind.

For even more cruise romance, book a couples massage, where you and your partner can enjoy the restorative benefits side-by-side.

• Celebrity Cruises: Offers eight nature-inspired therapeutic experiences for couples in their SEA Thermal Suite (Edge Series) and relaxing aquatherapy environments in The Persian Garden (Millennium/Solstice Class).

• Norwegian Cruise Line: The Mandara Spa® has over 50 speciality treatments, including an Aroma Stone or Herbal Poultice massage.

• MSC Cruises: Offers traditional Balinese, hot stone, or Himalayan salt massages, as well as a soothing Finnish sauna and snow grotto.

• P&O Cruises: On Arcadia, the hydrotherapy pool in the Oasis Spa is one of the best in the fleet, perfect for a relaxing afternoon without the kids.

4. Enjoy a Candlelit Dinner

Sharing an intimate candlelit dinner is a must-do on a romantic cruise, and you'll find several options on board your ship. You and your partner may even like to treat yourselves to dinner at one of the speciality restaurants.

For example, there's the Steakhouse at The Verandah on Cunard, the Far-Eastern cuisine of Izumi Hibachi onboard Royal Caribbean's ships, or Indian fine dining at Sindhu on P&O Cruises - all just perfect for cruise romance.

However, for the ultimate in cruise ship romance, you can book a cosy candlelit meal on your own cabin balcony.

• Princess Cruises: Their famous "Ultimate Balcony Dining" experience includes a multi-course meal (breakfast or dinner) served by waitstaff right on your private balcony, complete with champagne and flowers.

• Regent Seven Seas: As an ultra-luxury line, they offer full in-suite dining where your choice of dishes is served course-by-course to you and your partner by the waiting staff, all included in your fare.

5. Watch the Sunset (or Sunrise)

There's little more spectacular than watching the sunset while at sea, and it is also one of the most romantic things to do on a cruise ship. 

Choose to stroll up on deck, watching the glorious colours of the sky give way to the starlit sky. Alternatively, you could watch the sunset from your balcony, perhaps ordering a bottle of champagne to enjoy together as you soak up this memorable moment on your cruise.

The Best Cruise Ship for Romance

Cruise holidays are made for romance, and most cruise lines will have romantic options for you and your partner to enjoy. However, some do it particularly well...

Celebrity Cruises

Voted the 'Best Cruise Line for Couples' multiple times, Celebrity tops the list. You and your loved one can enjoy romantic activities such as an alfresco picnic on the top-deck Lawn Club (on Solstice Class ships—the only real grass at sea!), a visit to the adults-only Solarium, or dining in speciality restaurants with menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs.

Princess Cruises

Renowned for its cruise ship romance as the line of the 'Love Boat' TV show, Princess is a classic choice. With features such as 'Movies Under the Stars', the adults-only retreat The Sanctuary, and the sumptuous sweet treats from their Chocolate Journeys programme, their ships have plenty of wonderfully romantic activities for couples.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent has some of the best cruise ships for couples who want uncompromising luxury. Its suite-only, all-balcony ships offer first-rate comfort. With a 1 to 1.5 staff-to-guest ratio, you'll experience the best in personalised service, unrivalled space onboard, and exceptional dining options - all the ingredients needed for the perfect cruise romance.

Whether you are dreaming of a sunrise breakfast or a midnight stroll under the stars, these romantic touches are the key to a truly unforgettable voyage. To start planning your perfect escape, contact our expert cruise consultants today, and let us help you find the ship that best suits your own love story.