Top 10 Tips for a Romantic Cruise Getaway
If you haven’t taken many cruises or have only sailed on the family resort style mega ships, that may come as a surprise but as someone who’s first ever cruise was their honeymoon, I hope that this top 10 list will go some way to convincing you to enjoy a cruise with a loved one as it really can be something special.
In this list we look at just what you need to think about before booking your cruise to really make for a romantic getaway and the added extras and small changes to your cruise that whilst only needing a small bit of effort on your part, they can really make all the difference.
This list is great for those who are wanting to enjoy a cruise for Valentine’s day, to celebrate an anniversary or, if like us, you are wanting to book a cruise holiday for your honeymoon.
Our Top 10 Tips for a Romantic Cruise Getaway
Location, Location, Location
We love cruising but it must be said that some of the destinations that you visit are anything but romantic.
Some ports are well away from the city they are billed as, and some are nothing more than a run-down warehouse in a container port.
Those are anything but romantic but thankfully, there are plenty of options that are.
For us, the small villages you can visit at the end of fjords in places such as Norway and Alaska are the perfect place to spend some quiet time with your loved one whilst others will find the sparkling lights of metropolises such as Singapore or New York as the most romantic.
No matter what your preference, the chances are that there is a cruise itinerary going there at a cost you can afford.
Make a Night of It
If we are cruising on a birthday or anniversary, or if we just want to really make a night special, we do just what we would do if we were having a weekend away or heading out for a night in our nearest city centre.
For us that includes getting dressed up, enjoying a trip to a restaurant before heading to see a show at the theatre.
On a ship, we can also do just that but if your preferred night out is heading to a bar, to a nightclub or simply finding somewhere quiet to spend time together all of that can be done on a ship.
A special occasion is also a great reason to splash out on speciality dining or even in stateroom dining that is offered onboard some ships.
Stateroom Upgrade
When we cruise, it tends to be in an inside cabin as the money we save on our room can go on either excursions or hotels to extend our holiday before or after the cruise but if the cruise part of your holiday is the best part for you, why not make it bit better by upgrading your stateroom.
If you usually sail in an inside or outside cabin, why not choose a balcony cabin and give yourself the chance to sit under the stars on your balcony with your loved one or if you usually sail in a balcony cabin, why not choose a mini-suite or full suit for some space to have breakfast in bed?
Private Excursions
One of the best parts of cruising is exploring the places that you visit but doing it on your own can take a lot of planning and can lead to some stresses including racing back to the ship if you get any delays.
Booking an excursion with your ship does take away some of those worries but you tend to be packed onto full coaches, with 100’s heading to the same place as you meaning your time exploring is always busy but there is another option and that is to book a private excursion.
These can sometimes be done via your cruise line but it is often worth the effort of searching for a local company who offer the service as not only do your get to spend time together creating memories with your loved one, but you can often tail your day on shore to your own preferences to really make for a special trip.
Movies Under The Stars
Several lines, including Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises, give holidaymakers the chance to not only watch the latest blockbusters onboard but you can do under the stars.
Up on the top deck, many ship have large screens, with some showing movies on them but the best lines will give you the chance to watch a movie at night whilst cuddling up to your loved one under a blanket and enjoying some included popcorn and a drink.
Couples Activities
Cruise lines love to make sure you are entertained throughout your holiday and whilst some are better than others, most will offer a range of activities including those designed for couples.
Some of these can make for a romantic experience especially if you choose ones that take place away from the busy lounges.
Options often available include the likes of cooking classes, spa treatments, massages, wine tasting or dance lessons and each allow you to relax and enjoy spending time together.
Photo Session
If you have ever cruised before, you will likely have either enjoyed having your photo taken by the ships professional photographers or you will have seen them onboard, but some lines go one step further and allow you to have your own photo session.
This includes having numerous ‘studio’ shots and location shots around the ship which are usually taken on a sea day or on the first day.
This can be the perfect memento of an anniversary and gives you the chance to commemorate your love.
Sharing Is Caring
This is something that really does depend on the line that you are cruising with but the best ones will allow you to add any special occasions you will be celebrating whilst onboard.
Sometimes nothing will come from it but for those who have a decent ranking with a cruise lines loyalty programme or for those cruising with a more premium line, the chances are that the line will do something to add to your occasion.
From simply leaving a note to a freebie in a speciality restaurant and from chocolate dipped strawberries left in your stateroom to a free upgrade- lots of people have had enjoyed some great little touches from lines that maybe not romantic on their won, really do make you feel that bit more special which always adds to a romantic occasion.
Choose The Right Line
Some cruise lines offer a no-frills getaway that can be great for the wallet but can makes things much harder than they need to be whilst some can be a bit over the top and can often keep you on edge throughout out your trip.
One thing is certainly true when it comes to cruising and that is that there is a cruise line for everybody.
If you have found the right cruise for you, make sure you book any special occasion cruise with that line or if you are new to cruising, make sure you do your research on choosing that line that will likely be best for you.
Sailing with a line that offers your style of cruising really does make a holiday that bit more relaxed and will help you to simply enjoy your getaway.
Avoid The Crowds
Cruise ships allow you to visit some of the worlds most popular tourist spots around the world, but that popularity often leaves to lots of crowds and you having to simply follow those crowds around.
That doesn’t matter too much on a regular cruise as it is just part and parcel of visiting the great places that are on offer but if you are looking for a romantic day onshore, we would recommend heading somewhere away from the crowds.
It does of course depend on just where you are visiting but there is always somewhere quiet to head to where you can spend some time alone with a loved one on a special day including the beach in a sunny destination or a park in a city.
