The Best Cruise Lines For Couples

• Romantic Retreats: Discover the perfect setting for two, from candlelit dinners to sunset balconies and rejuvenating couples' spa treatments.

• Tailored Experiences: Whether you prefer the "Love Boat" vibe of Princess or the ultra-luxury of Regent Seven Seas, we explore the top five lines designed for connection.

• Exclusive Moments: Learn about unique offerings like Azamara's "Nights in Private Places" and Celebrity's real grass lawns that elevate date night at sea.

Cruise holidays have all the special ingredients needed for a romantic couple’s holiday: candlelit dinners paired with glasses of opulent champagne, cosy balconies looking out to the glorious sunset, and luxury spas, which leave you utterly relaxed, re-energised and rejuvenated. 

Although many cruise lines offer some combination of these elements, some ships are more couple-focused and pay more attention to those special moments for two than others. 

In this article, we take a closer look at our top five cruise lines which are perfect for a couples getaway.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises pretty much have romance built into their brand. Not only was this cruise line the feature of the hit American series 'The Love Boat’, but they are arguably the best premium line for couples who want flexibility.

Snuggling under a blanket on a comfortable lounger at their ‘Movies Under the Stars’ nights is the perfect way to rekindle the romance. For true exclusivity, book a suite in the new Sanctuary Collection on their latest ships (Sun Princess and Star Princess), where you get access to a private restaurant, lounge, and sun deck exclusively for adults.

Dining is done your way, with MedallionClass technology enabling couples to go ‘off-schedule’ and enjoy flexibility across a fantastic range of options. Try the romantic Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, the classic Crown Grill, or the new Love by Britto - an artistic dining experience designed specifically for couples.

Regent Seven Seas

Claiming their Seven Seas Explorer is the “most luxurious ship ever constructed”, Regent Seven Seas provides an all-suite, all-balcony vessel, where their personalised service, with a 1 to 1.5 staff-to-guest ratio, ensures every couple’s need is perfectly attended to.

With everything included in your fare (from flights to shore excursions), you and your partner can soak up every ounce of luxury without ever discussing a bill. Enjoy a blissful swim with your loved one in the Infinity-Edge Plunge Pool on the spectacular Seven Seas Grandeur, or indulge in a couples' treatment at the Serene Spa & Wellness™.

The elegant fleet departs on a variety of itineraries year-round, offering the most inclusive luxury experience at sea.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is consistently voted one of the best lines for couples, and their Edge Series ships (Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, and Xcel) have been designed with modern romance in mind.

Onboard, you and your partner can enjoy a range of activities for two. As well as couples' massages and the adults-only Solarium, you can enjoy a sunset cocktail on the Magic Carpet - a floating platform that hangs off the side of the ship - or have a picnic on the Lawn Club (available on Solstice Class ships), the only lawn of real grass on a cruise ship.

Dining options offer plenty of opportunity for romance, with menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs. For an extra special evening, book a table at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud or experience the animated dinner show at Le Petit Chef.

If you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday or even a wedding, Celebrity Cruises offer a range of Special Occasion Cruises that commemorate your celebrations in the most wonderfully unique and memorable ways.

Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises has an adults-only focus, where their ‘Destination Immersion’ itineraries allow you to linger for longer at ports and truly embrace cultures around the world. Their intimate ships also offer memorable date nights, personalised culinary experiences and fine dining five-course menus paired with delicious choice wines.

Azamara Club Cruises are fantastic for those looking for a small ship, inclusive cruise experience, as there is a range of amenities included as part of cruise fares, including gratuities, soft drinks, speciality coffees, teas, selected spirits, beers, wines and shuttle services - where available - to and from ports. 

However, the romantic highlight has to be the ‘Nights in Private Places’ package. This gives you and your partner private access to the aft spa deck to enjoy a candlelit dinner served by a personal butler, exclusive use of the open-air thalassotherapy pool and an outdoor-canopied bed.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises' Arcadia and Aurora ships offer adult-only cruises, ensuring you can enjoy a romantic getaway with no children in sight. Arcadia and Aurora usually travel to inspiring destinations across the British Isles, Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, and Norway, among other locations. 

Cruises are laid-back, elegant and tranquil, giving couples the opportunity to enjoy the room service breakfast or while away the hours with some pampering with a treatment for two in the expansive Oasis Spa.

With world-class fine dining, including authentic Indian cuisine and Marco Pierre White’s Ocean Grills on Arcadia, and a range of fresh, contemporary menus on Aurora, there’s plenty to nurture the romantic mood for you and your loved one.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can we get a table for two in the main dining room?

Yes, absolutely. While cruising traditionally involved large banquet tables, modern lines like Princess (with Dine My Way℠) and Celebrity Cruises make it very easy to request a table for two. It is always best to request this when booking or as soon as you board.

2. Which is the best cabin type for romance?

For ultimate romance, an Aft Balcony cabin is a top choice - they overlook the ship's wake, offering incredible sunset views and often larger balconies. Alternatively, a suite on Regent Seven Seas guarantees luxury and a bathtub, perfect for relaxing after a day ashore.

3. Can we renew our vows onboard?

Yes! Princess Cruises is famous for this, but almost all major lines (including P&O and Celebrity) offer "Renewal of Vows" packages. These typically include a ceremony conducted by the Captain, flowers, photography, and champagne.

4. Are there special packages for honeymoons?

Yes. Most cruise lines offer "Bon Voyage" or honeymoon packages that you can pre-book. These can range from a simple bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-dipped strawberries in your cabin upon arrival, to elaborate packages including spa treatments, speciality dining, and breakfast in bed.

5. Is dining on your balcony possible?

While room service is available on all these lines, Princess Cruises offers the "Ultimate Balcony Dining" experience. This is a step up from standard room service - a multi-course meal (breakfast or dinner) served by waitstaff right on your private balcony with champagne and flowers.

6. Are these ships strictly adults-only?

Only P&O Cruises' Arcadia and Aurora are strictly adults-only ships in this list. While Azamara, Regent, and Celebrity are not strictly adults-only, they are "adult-focused," meaning there are very few children onboard, especially outside of school holidays.

7. Can we get married at sea?

Yes, Celebrity Cruises, Princess, and P&O Cruises all offer legal weddings at sea captained by the Master of the vessel. Note that some lines (like Azamara) may offer symbolic ceremonies rather than legally binding ones, so always check with our concierge team first.

8. What is the dress code for romantic dinners?

It varies. Regent Seven Seas and P&O Cruises (on Gala Nights) lean towards elegant formal wear (Black Tie), which many couples love for a special date night. Azamara and Celebrity operate a "smart casual" or "resort chic" policy, which is more relaxed but still stylish enough for a special evening.