There are so many travel options when it comes to taking the time to experience all the wonderful places in the world we have to visit.
Cruise ships are one of those travel choices we can take to begin our adventures.
They are an all-inclusive travelling water resort, a floating hotel.
You can choose your desired area of travel, type of cruise whether it be families, couples or singles and so much more.
Cruising is a way to enjoy a vacation while being catered to, pampered and enjoying all the sights and cultures the world has to offer.
How to Choose a Romantic Cruise
If you and your partner have decided that you want to sail into the sunset on your honeymoon, anniversary or as a romantic getaway there is so much to consider as you choose a trip to meet your amorous goals.
Whether you and your partner are regular cruisers, or this is your first time setting sail there are always options to meet your every romantic whim.
When you decide to go on a cruise, there is a great number of ports of call to select from, various cruise line options, even cruises that are a little out of the norm such as trips that include a river cruise or night cruise or perhaps one that has a theme and special guests.
Beyond figuring which of these you prefer, you also have to consider price, cabins, itineraries and socializing.
With a little research through a travel agent, word of mouth or reading some Cruise news you can come up with a plan to book and board a romantic cruise with your love.
Here are some things to consider before you book:
- How much do you want to spend on your romantic cruising excursion?While many of the main cruise lines are generally all-inclusive to a point, there are some extra costs that you should be aware of.All-inclusive on a ship is not the same as it is at an island resort.While your stateroom, meals and entertainment are included in your cruise costs, you usually have to pay extra for drinks, spa services and shore excursions.You can find some great cruise deals if you look at last minute sites or talk to a travel agent.If budget is no issue, then you may want to look at a luxury cruise.
These getaways are top of the line and tend to be on smaller ships with a higher crew to guest ratio.
There is someone always available to be at your beck and call.
These types of cruises are the ultimate in romantic getaways.
Royal Caribbean, Regent and Oceania are three cruise lines who specialize in this.
They go from regular cruises to luxury to Ultra-luxury all with their own price points attached.
All these things are factors to consider when pricing out your trip.
You want to enjoy it to the fullest but be aware of the various pricing options.
- How long do you want to go away?Cruises come in varying lengths.You can join a day cruise, a 2-day “cruise to nowhere” or go all out and do a 130-day world cruise.A typical cruise is usually 4, 7 or 11 days depending on where it cruises to but there are always other options depending on your schedule, budget and desired locations.There are actually retired people living on cruise ships which are probably a little longer than you and your partner want but if you were looking for long time romance under the sun some cruise lines will let you negotiate a long term stay.Not a bad life of maid service, prepared meals, entertainment and moonlight strolls on the ship deck.
It may actually be cheaper than some other retirement options.
- Where do you want to go cruising?The options are endless, and you can visit any continent you want and travel any of the seven seas.Many tourists from North America who want to enjoy some sun choose the Caribbean or other hot island spots.These are great cruises if you want to visit more than one island.There are also great European or Alaskan cruises that offer a whole other world perspective.If you want to see some beautiful pictures from cruises others have been on so you can get an idea of what you will enjoy, try Pinterest or Instagram where people have decided to pin it to show and tell about their adventures.
Seeing people’s trips and the areas they have experiences; may help you narrow down where you might want to go on your trip.
Figure out where you think your romantic trip should cruise to and then look at the various cruise lines with good reviews that head in those directions.
You may find that social media helps you find a cruise you may have never considered as a romantic getaway.
Other people’s perspectives can be eye-opening.
- Where are you departing from?While many of the US cruisers live close enough to drive to a departure port, others do not.Others who are not close to a coast in their home country will need to include the costs of travel to and from where their cruise is coming and going from.The departure point is determined on what your cruise itinerary is and where the destination point is going to be.You may need to leave from a European port, western or eastern ports depending on where you have decided to cruise to and the length of time you have chosen to be on board.This extra travel needs to be accounted for in your budget if it is not included with your cruise package.
- Cabin fever is something you want to avoid.You will need to choose a stateroom when you book your trip and while we all have good memories of when we watched the “Love Boat”, you will want to make sure you choose the right cabin for your romantic getaway.Real-life does not translate well when it comes to TV versus reality.Inside cabins on a ship are less expensive but can make your stay feel claustrophobic with no windows.If you want true romance and the joy of seeing the water and travel, try to book a cabin with a balcony where you can watch the night skies, the sunrises and sunsets with your love.It’s pricier but the benefits are substantial and can make a cruise all the more romantic.
- Mix and mingle or stay private is something you need to decide on before you book your cruise.If you are looking for privacy and romance, you will want to be assured by the cruise ship that you can get a set table for two when you have your meals.You will want to have flexible dining options as many ships have set seating that means you are with the same group of people for dinner every night.If you and your partner are looking to be social, then there is no issue but if you want time to yourselves then check what the dinner seating is going to be as privacy may be limited.
- Is ultimate romance the goal?Do you want to get married onboard?Or renew your vows?If that’s the case, then make sure the ship you choose is equipped to do that.Many include a wedding chapel where your guests can join you for a service or an outdoor area that has a spot for your nuptials.You find a ship that has this, then you have the choice to ask everyone attending to book a trip with you and have the service as you travel or so it before you leave so they can disembark before you leave the shore.
The latter allows you and your love can sail away for your honeymoon without worrying about hosting a week of family and friends but either may work depending on what you are comfortable with.
- River or ocean cruises?Do you care if the cruise ship is a huge passenger ship or one that offers an intimate number of people?Ocean cruises tend to be the floating hotels that are considered to be some of the largest in the world by gross tonnage.They can have 1000’s of passengers and crew members on board at any time of travel.In contrast, a river cruise uses a much smaller ship and is moving fewer people at a time.Cruise lines cater to specific cruises so if you have a preference you are best to look for a tour company that specializes in that area.
For example, Tauck tours focus on the small more intimate river cruises in various countries around the world, whereas Royale Caribbean International has its massive Voyager series of ships that are some of the largest ships to cruise all the seas.
Their cruise line ship Symphony of the Seas is the largest carrying up 6608 passengers with 22 restaurants, 42 bars and ice rink and zip line.
- Special cruise choices are another option that may take your romantic goals up a notch.While a Disney cruise may not be the romantic option, there are others that are really great for couples.Club cruises are one of these options.These are boutique cruises that take place on smaller ships where you often get not only personalized attention but the ability to visit smaller ports that the big ships can’t go.The offer longer expeditions off the ship in areas that are not frequented by the mass tourism ships carrying thousands.A great intimate trip that can be very romantic.
Another couple-friendly trip can be the ones that are offered by Celebrity Cruises.
These themed getaways can be fun while being romantic as well.
While you may not find the fitness cruise to your liking for romance, there are other ones themed to meet almost every musical taste and interest.
Whether you want to join a Flower Power cruise and enjoy a cruise through the ’60s, or perhaps a 70’s Rock and Romance or one that has disco, jazz, blues or salsa.
So many options to enjoy as a couple.
Surround yourself with the sounds you love with the one you love.
Another trip you may find enticing is a green cruise.
As we become more aware of the environmental impact of cruising with their use of heavy fuel oil, the expulsion of black and grey water and the use of single-use plastics, some cruise lines are stepping up to be eco-friendlier.
Holland America cruise line ships that are attempting to become more energy-efficient and reduce waste.
They have a black water treatment system, reduced their 8 tons a day of garbage, no waste is tossed overboard, and they have implemented low flow showerheads and taps as well.
They use plug-in power at ports and have worked on ship design to reduce drag and lower emissions.
The cruise line ship Solstice from Celebrity Cruises has gone one step further and added solar panels to run the elevators and LED lights.
So, if you and your partner are looking to cruise in a more environmentally friendly way you most certainly can.
Romance can be found on the seven seas or amongst the rivers of the world.
There is something special about being on the water while you are spoiled by crew and staff on a ship.
There are as many cruising adventures available as there are trips on land.
You can find almost anything you want when it comes to a cruise in a price range that is within your budget be it large or small.
If you want romance, then it won’t be difficult to find.
You can pick your destination, your room, the amount of interaction you want and the size of the ship to create the best cruise scenario for you and your partner.
Whether it’s a last-minute romantic getaway or a long-planned wedding or anniversary, a cruise will give you the flexibility you need to make it your best romantic vacation ever.
