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Couples checked into Danube Deck, Junior and Royal Suites can look forward to sumptuous dishes, chilled wine and a romantic atmosphere at Table La Rive aboard your Scenic sailing.

Courtesy of Scenic

Couples checked into Danube Deck, Junior and Royal Suites can look forward to sumptuous dishes, chilled wine and a romantic atmosphere at Table La Rive aboard your Scenic sailing.

7 steps to plan the perfect couples cruise

Tips for couples looking to get the most out of a cruise getaway

Cruises can be a great choice for couples looking to recharge their batteries, ramp up the romance or simply enjoy a well-earned kick-back vacation. Yes, cruises are a good choice for families and groups, but there's nothing like a great getaway for two. 

 
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We should know: We've been cruising together for the past eight years, mostly just the two of us! While we have traveled with family and friends, there's something to be said about planning a cruise vacation for just you and your significant other. Whether you're a millennial, Gen Xer, baby boomer or retiree, you'll find activities, events and amenities on board to keep you engaged and entertained.

With that in mind, here are 7 simple steps to help you plan the perfect cruise for two.

 

Unwind in Celebrity Millennium's Persian Garden steam room.
Troy House / Courtesy of Celebrity CruisesUnwind in Celebrity Millennium's Persian Garden steam room, minus the kiddies. 

Choose the right time of year

1

Have kids? Taking a special vacation for two doesn't mean you'd prefer to leave them behind — it just means everyone needs an escape now and then.  While some cruise lines tend to be more adult oriented — say, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America or any of the luxury lines — the time of year you sail will also be a key factor in how many families and children are on board. To limit the number of screaming children and worn-down parents, cruising during the off season will mean fewer families and more adults on board looking for the same thing you are: some peace and quiet. September to mid-December and mid-January to May (except for spring break) will likely increase the adult quotient.

Bonus tip: During port visits, the ship gets pretty subdued during the day with most of the kids and families on shore, so you can even sneak in a waterslide or two, without the crowds, if you stay on the ship. 

 


While sailing the Galápagos Islands on a Lindblad Expedition, you'll be able to see flamingos and other local wildlife.
Sven-Olof Lindblad / Courtesy of Lindblad ExpeditionsWhile sailing the Galápagos Islands on a Lindblad Expedition, you'll be able to see flamingos and other local wildlife.

Find your perfect match

2

Picking the right cruise ship is something that you and your partner should do together. Make sure that you find a cruise that offers public spaces and activities that you both will enjoy. If you're into soft adventure then Lindblad Expeditions, Un-Cruise Adventures, Paul Gauguin, G Adventures or a some Royal Caribbean sailings could be the perfect cruise. However, if you're into art auctions, glass shows and a drink on the lawn, then a ship like Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Silhouette, Reflection, Equinox or Eclipse may be right for you. If romance is the thing, use the Bliss Filters at the right to see your best choices, including Windstar Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn, Star Clippers and Paul Gauguin. Spend time on Cruiseable and research the ships that appeal to you both. 

 


Try your luck at the casino aboard Celebrity Equinox.
JD Lasica / Special to CruiseableTry your luck at the casino aboard Celebrity Equinox.

Indulge in adult entertainment

3

The kids are back at home, so it's time to let loose. You remember how, don’t you? This is your chance to act like a grown-up. Feel free to go to the dance club and get down to your favorite tunes until 1 am. Or, grab the dice and play some craps or blackjack in the casino until the wee hours. Go see an adult comedy show, sip cognac, play cards or chat up some interesting strangers in a dark lounge. You're multidimensional, right?

 


Relax with a couples massage at the Cunard Royal Spa aboard Queen Elizabeth.
Courtesy of Cunard LineRelax with a couples massage at the Cunard Royal Spa aboard Queen Elizabeth.

Schedule some time together

4

This vacation is about the two of you, so be sure to set aside some time to rekindle the flame. Perhaps a couples massage in the ship’s spa can relieve some tension and bring you and your mate closer together. Or maybe a romantic shore excursion like a sunset cruise or horseback riding could really set the mood. Book a dinner at a specialty restaurant or surprise your significant other with a bottle of champagne and roses. Whatever it is, make sure that there are some established activities that let you spend some quality time together during the trip.

Bonus tip: Don't forget to plan some activities on shore for just the two of you, away from the crowds. 

 


A parasailer comes in for a landing in Mazatlan, Mexico.
JD Lasica / Special to CruiseableA parasailer comes in for a landing in Mazatlan, Mexico. Now's your chance to let loose a little. 

Throw caution to the wind

5

No one is around to see you, especially your usually omnipresent children, so now is the chance to risk it all and do something totally unfamiliar and uncharacteristic. How about an adventurous ziplining or parasailing shore excursion? Learn to scuba dive or go swimming with dolphins and stingrays. This is your chance. No worries if you're not 100% successful, we won’t tell.

 


Cool off with a brew, dig into some comfort food and meet new people at O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, an Irish-inspired pub. (This shot was taken on Norwegian Epic.)
Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line At O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill on Norwegian Epic. Dare to be social! 

Make some new friends

6

While you're traveling with your honey, that doesn't mean you can't make a few new friends. Cruises are great for socializing and meeting others who share the same interests and hobbies. Whether you're lighting up the dance floor or enjoying one another’s company in the pub or wine bar, feel free to strike up a conversation with your fellow travelers. Who knows where those mutual interests may lead?

 


Shop for souvenirs in Costa Maya during your Norwegian Jewel cruise to Mexico.
Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise LineShopping for souvenirs in Costa Maya during a Norwegian Jewel cruise to Mexico.

Don’t forget those back home

7

Even though this trip is about the two of you, be sure to allocate time to connect with those back home. You can buy some Internet minutes to email the grandma/sister/babysitter or call home while at a port of call. While away, also make sure to grab the little ones some unique souvenirs and perhaps a few gifts for other family and friends back home.

Your take

With these simple tips in mind, you can begin to prepare the perfect cruise vacation for you and your significant other. Have other tips? Leave a comment below about your experiences on a cruise vacation for two.

In our Travel Romance series

DB & the Princess
Along with my wife, I'm the co-editor of EatSleepCruise.com, helping you sea the world, one port at a time!

Plan your cruise escape!

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