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USA Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
The best couples cruises to take in 2025 and 2026
The best couples cruises to take in 2025 and 2026 Show Caption Hide Caption '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. NO HIDDEN COSTS: 7 best all-inclusive cruise lines in the world 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. BEST TRIP EVER: 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget 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. MAKE MEMORIES: 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages 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. ROMANTIC ESCAPES: 12 Best Vacation Spots in North America for Couples 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. NO KIDS ALLOWED: 11 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean 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. BABY ON THE WAY: 22 romantic babymoon ideas for expecting couples 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. CULINARY ADVENTURES: 12 foodie hotels that will delight your taste buds 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 More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and 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.
USA Today
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Inside the 'Star Trek' cruise: How fans boldly sail where no convention has gone before
Inside the 'Star Trek' cruise: How fans boldly sail where no convention has gone before Show Caption Hide Caption '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." The annual Star Trek: The Cruise allows fans to sail with actors, participate in themed activities, and celebrate their fandom. The cruise fosters a strong sense of community among attendees, many of whom find the experience to be more intimate and welcoming than land-based conventions. The overall atmosphere is one of shared passion and camaraderie, where fans can fully embrace their love for Star Trek and connect with like-minded individuals. My cruise last month made a detour to outer space. During a late-night deck party on a Royal Caribbean International ship, Star Trek: The Cruise took passengers to Risa, a 'pleasure planet' seen in the franchise. A horga'hn statue – a fertility symbol – stood by the pool bathed in green light while a band played 'Smooth' by Santana and Rob Thomas. Roiann Nimis and her friend Denny Wagner were dressed as human-sized Tribbles, a troublesome alien species, in costumes Nimis and her mom made. They passed out toy versions of the creatures – which notoriously reproduce at a rapid rate – to fellow guests. The Minnesota pair bonded over 'Star Trek' after meeting at a mutual friend's party. The late-February sailing marked their sixth 'Star Trek' cruise. 'After five cruises, you get assimilated into the Collective, is what they call it,' said Nimis, 43, a term that references the Borg alien group of "resistance is futile" fame. 'This is a unique experience,' said Wagner, 44. "We've each been to some conventions and they're fun and all, but there's something about this because we're all on the ship together, it just feels a little bit safer or just more of a community.' Trekkies set sail on the annual cruise to spend a week sailing alongside their favorite actors, participating in themed activities from cosplay to karaoke and reveling in their shared fandom. But it's more than the stars and 'Star Trek' screenings that keep them coming back. 'This is my tribe' Passenger Josh Kline has been on the cruise seven years in a row. He started watching shows from the franchise at 13 with his friend, who had VHS tapes of 'Star Trek: The Original Series.' For the Colorado-based jeweler, now 50, the sailings are as much a social event as a convention at sea. 'When I'm on the cruise, I just feel like everybody's my friend,' he said, sitting in a lounge on the ship's top deck. He and his wife meet fellow passengers there each year, planning shore excursions together and hanging out on board. On the cruise, where most people have a shared interest, he can be himself. 'This is my tribe, so I feel really at home,' he said. The guiding principles of Starfleet, the space exploration and defense service at the heart of the franchise, shaped Kline's worldview. 'My morality is basically based on, 'Is that a Starfleet thing to do?' ' he said. 'Like, if someone's in trouble, I try and help them. You answer distress calls. You do what you can and be kind to everybody.' 'People are here to celebrate what brings us together' 'Star Trek' – originally created by Gene Roddenberry – is set in a future where humankind has generally left racial prejudices and bigotry behind but addresses those real-world issues through characters' interactions with alien cultures. The franchise has historically embraced diversity, allowing many viewers to see themselves in the characters onscreen. Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Nyota Uhura on 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' said that aspect of the franchise 'reminds people that there is a place for them in the future.' The character initially appeared in the original series played by Nichelle Nichols, one of the first Black women to be a lead in a TV show. 'We can fight and put in the work and have that infinite diversity and infinite combinations because that is what is going to give us the utopia that we see in 'Trek,' ' Gooding said. 'Star Trek: Voyager' star Jeri Ryan has seen her character, Seven of Nine, resonate with members of the LGBTQ+ community and particularly neurodivergent people. Seven – a human captured by the Borg who has to relearn her individuality when she's freed – was an 'outsider,' according to Ryan. 'Her struggle resonates with (the fans), and they see themselves represented,' she said. This year's cruise marked the 30th anniversary of 'Voyager,' which premiered in 1995 and ran for seven seasons. Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Kathryn Janeway, said the fans onboard practice the Prime Directive, 'which is to live and let live.' (In 'Star Trek,' the Prime Directive prohibits Starfleet from interfering with a society or planet's natural development.) 'People are here to celebrate what brings us together and what unites,' she told USA TODAY. Compared to land-based conventions, Mulgrew said the cruise environment is like being in a capsule together and is "surprisingly very freeing." "So, I think the feeling is one of, 'Let's have a ball.' No one's going to tell our secrets. Let's be as open and as honest and engaging as we possibly can be." Cruises immerse fans in 'Star Trek' That celebration is an immersive experience. If fans can't spend their vacation on the Starship Enterprise, a cruise ship might be the next best thing. As a relative newcomer, I was struck by how many spaces were transformed. The Crown & Kettle pub was renamed Bat'leth & Bloodwine, with heroic Klingons adorning the walls, while the Royal Promenade became the Delta Quadrant Promenade. Elevators bore a 'turbolift' label. One afternoon, while I browsed cabin door and hallway decorations – one adorned with a United Federation of Planets flag while another featured a transporter made of curtains that whooshed when guests walked by – the soundtrack from 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' played through the speakers. Later, perched on a couch near an elevator bank, I saw a man in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt walk by – classic cruise attire – with spotted alien makeup in the style of 'Voyager' character Neelix covering his arms and face. Costumes of all kinds – including those not 'Star Trek'-related – were a mainstay at nightly events. I saw a full-size T. rex dance down the promenade while holding a Foster's beer at Gorn's Pajama Party. The week culminated in Q's Costume Party, with a contest judged by audience cheers. Q, played by John de Lancie, is from a race of godlike aliens of the same name. Jen Usellis, 47, was among those dressed up in a red gown with faux-fur sleeves, silver studded bracers, and a red wig hand-stitched to a prosthetic forehead with ridges as seen on Klingon characters. The musician has performed as the Klingon Pop Warrior since 2014, singing translated versions of songs like TLC's 'No Scrubs' and Pat Benatar's 'Love Is a Battlefield.' 'Getting into a Klingon costume is a little bit like putting on a little bit of armor,' said Usellis, who has been on the cruise four times. 'It allows me to live in the moment a little bit more. And then to also be surrounded by all of these people who are like, right there with me or love the same thing I love and are enthusiastic about it, it's a very beautiful thing.' The Chicago resident was even invited to perform in an opera with 'Voyager' actor Robert Picardo and Mexican tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz during the sailing (Usellis also worked as a Klingon language advisor on the animated series 'Star Trek: Prodigy.') The programming sets Star Trek: The Cruise apart from other themed events, according to Robb Pearlman, a guest author onboard and writer of books like 'Fun with Kirk and Spock' and 'The Wit and Wisdom of Star Trek.' He pointed to game shows such as Voyager Family Feud, where guests faced off against cast members, or mixology classes. One afternoon, actors Denise Crosby (plays Tasha Yar and Sela) and Nana Visitor (plays Kira Nerys) led a group in making tequila and mezcal cocktails. 'Star Trek' cruise 2026: Celebrate show's 60th birthday with William Shatner and more stars 'You know, it may not be immediately 'Star Trek,' but it brings you a little bit closer to the people who are involved in the thing that you love,' Pearlman said. I was walking down the ship's main promenade one evening when a group of fellow passengers raised their fists and shouted at me in unison: 'Qapla' ' 'Hello' or 'hi' might have sufficed back on shore, but here the Klingon word for 'success' was a standard greeting. I raised my fist and shouted back. When in the Delta Quadrant, right? The reporter on this story received access to this event from Star Trek: The Cruise. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
