The best couples cruises to take in 2025 and 2026
The best couples cruises to take in 2025 and 2026
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'This is my tribe': Star Trek-themed cruise wows fans
Royal Caribbean took Star Trek fans through an immersive experience on a themed cruise celebrating the 30th anniversary of "Voyager."
There's nothing better than fresh ocean air and a full day of adventure ahead on a cruise. And while some people instantly think of family cruises when they think of booking a cruise, some of the best cruise lines are also perfect for couples cruises. Imagine getting away with your partner for a week of island hopping, incredible food, relaxing spa treatments, all wrapped with a bow of excellent service. That's exactly what you'll get on a romantic cruise for two.
Our list of the best couples cruises features smaller luxury cruise lines like Viking and Oceania Cruises, plus some big hitters like Royal Caribbean and the adult-only Virgin Voyages. No matter what cruise line you pick for a couples cruise, you're sure to have a good time sailing the open ocean and experiencing some of the best destinations in the world.
The best cruises for couples offer many experiences specially tailored for romance and relaxation. Here are the top couples cruises in the world, and which voyages offer the most romantic vacation experiences.
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Virgin Voyages
Best cruises for adult-only fun
Virgin Voyages is known for its adult-only cruises, where nearly anything goes, especially because kids are left at home. Each of the three "lady ships" (with one on the way), as Virgin calls its vessels, is nearly identical. Specialty dining restaurants, a sprawling pool deck, and a host of entertainment offerings are all onboard, so the only thing you really need to figure out is where you want to go.
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One of the best times to sail is during Virgin Voyages' Eat & Drink Festival, which takes place fleetwide in July. These sailings include one-of-a-kind dining and drinking experiences. This year, it's all an ode to the newest ship in the fleet, Brilliant Lady, which debuts this fall. With pop-up experiences around the ship, unique menus in the Galley, and even a secret speakeasy, foodie couples will not want to miss this.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best cruises for couples looking for complete luxury
One of the most luxurious cruise lines to sail with is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The line is known for its attention to detail and exquisite service. The all-inclusive cruise line features amenities like spacious suites (most of which have ocean-facing balconies) with marble bathrooms, unlimited shore excursions in ports of call, specialty dining at no extra cost, unlimited Wi-Fi, and pre-paid gratuities. The fleet's six ships all carry fewer than 750 guests, so everyone onboard is taken care of well.
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For a more adventurous itinerary, consider the line's 13 different seven-night Alaska sailings on Seven Seas Explorer. Most sailings go from Whittier, Alaska, to Vancouver, Canada, or vice versa, though one sailing is a closed loop from Vancouver, Canada. On the idyllic couples cruise, you'll visit places like Sitka, Skagway, Juneau, and Klawock. Plus, you'll have a scenic sailing day near the Hubbard Glacier.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Best cruises for couples looking for smaller ships
Couples looking for a romantic vacation with an intimate feel love the smaller ships of Viking Ocean Cruises, all of which accommodate just 930 guests. The dedicated staff on each of Viking's cruise ships are there to serve your every whim as you travel from port to port. Since Viking's ships are smaller in size compared to ocean liners like those of Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line, they can dock and spend quality time in more unique ports of call.
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One of the best cruises for couples offered by Viking is the North Pacific Passage voyage, which starts in Tokyo, Japan, and ends in Vancouver, Canada. The couples cruise is 23 days long and visits three different countries. Another great option for a couples cruise is the eight-day Viking Shores & Fjords itinerary, which travels to three countries: the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. Along the way, you'll see historic cities and beautiful landscapes.
Celebrity Cruises
Best couples cruises on a mega ship
Accessible luxury is a top priority at Celebrity Cruises. From romantic dinners at some of the best restaurants at sea to beautifully designed spaces where couples can simply hang out with a drink in hand, Celebrity really does have it all. For the ultimate couples cruise, book a fully furnished suite. This can be a place of refuge after a busy day of new experiences or from the bustling pool deck. When night falls over the ship, step into the theater to see a jaw-dropping performance. Alternatively, dance the night away under the stars with one of the cruise line's iconic parties that last until the wee hours of the morning.
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One itinerary that is particularly enticing for a couples cruise is a seven-night cruise through Italy and the French Riviera. This sailing takes place on Celebrity Ascent, one of the brand's newest ships. You'll set out to see incredible ports of call like Cannes, France; Portofino, Italy; and Naples, Italy. For a sailing a little closer to home, consider the three-night Key West and Bahamas cruise on Celebrity Reflection, where you'll visit Key West, Florida, and Bimini, Bahamas. This perfect beach vacation is ideal for those who need a mini-vacation.
Royal Caribbean
Best for adventurous couples cruises
Couples cruises on Royal Caribbean are affordable, packed with fun things to do on board, and sail to romantic destinations. Adventurous partners will fall in love with any of the line's cruises that stop at Royal Caribbean's private island, CocoCay. One of the most talked-about ships in the fleet is Harmony of the Seas, which features an outdoor stunt show at the AquaTheater and a bar where the mixologist is actually a robot. Active couples will love trying fun outdoor activities like the FlowRider and waterslides before heading back inside for a date night in the stunning dining room.
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If you're looking to get away from hot summer days, consider a trip to Alaska. Here, cool weather, incredible views from every part of the ship, and bucket list-worthy adventure await. One of the best options from Royal Caribbean is the seven-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise, from Vancouver, Canada. On this sailing, you'll visit destinations like Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan, to do everything from panning for gold and riding a historic train to seeing glaciers and whale watching.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Best cruises for couples who are experienced cruisers
For partners who already love the cruise vacation lifestyle, Norwegian Cruise Line is ideal. Its grand ships offer a wide array of activities and adults-only spaces where couples can enjoy quality time together.
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On board ships like the Norwegian Prima, fun activities like go-kart racing pair nicely with elevated French cuisine at Le Bistro. Many of the line's best cruises for couples stop at Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Here you can do everything from snorkeling and zip lining to simple romantic experiences like enjoying the sound of the ocean crashing against the shore while you sip on a tropical drink.
If you want a cruise that goes to some of the most romantic places in the world, consider the nine-day Greek Isles: Athens, Mykonos & Croatia on Norwegian Viva. On this itinerary, you'll call upon destinations like Kusadasi, Turkey; Athens, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Venice, Italy.
The best couples cruises to take in 2025 and 2026 originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
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