Best Cruises for Couples in 2023

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The Rundown

Best Overall: Celebrity Cruise

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

  • Sails From: Southampton
  • Duration: 8 nights
  • Ship Name: Celebrity Silhouette
  • Itinerary: Bilbao, Spain; Vigo, Spain; La Coruna, Spain; Le Havre, France

Celebrity found its niche as the more chic, graceful mainstream cruise line that’s considered part of the “premium” cruises. Its ships depict modern, elegant décor and cutting-edge designs to create a romantic atmosphere. Celebrity Silhouette is part of the iconic Solstice-class of ships and has unique aspects like the Lawn Club, a stretch of fresh green space lined with cabanas that’s home to outdoor cooking demonstrations, or Qsine, a specialty restaurant with iPad menus and innovative presentations of dishes. For a little more romance, couples can book an Aqua class cabin with exclusive perks from the Canyon Ranch Spa. Additionally, Silhouette sails a series of voyages from Southampton to various ports in Spain and Western Europe. 

Best Budget: MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

  • Sails from: Miami
  • Duration: 7 nights
  • Ship Name: MSC Divina
  • Itinerary: San Juan, Puerto Rico; Road Town, British Virgin Islands; Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Nassau, Bahamas

For an affordable Caribbean getaway out of Miami with a Mediterranean style, consider a voyage on the MSC Divina. Inspired by actress Sophia Loren, the 4,345- passenger ship is an elegant, romantic vessel with a sweeping main piazza, dazzling Swarovski crystal staircases and a beautiful infinity pool. Couples can book a suite in the MSC Yacht club, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship, and enjoy 24-hour butler service, unlimited drinks, exclusive access to sun decks, lounges and the thermal area in the Aurea Spa. MSC Yacht Club guests also have tailor-made excursions and access to Le Muse, a dedicated fine-dining restaurant. In the evenings, couples can take in live performances at the Pantheon Theater with everything from opera and ballet to pop rock tributes. 

Check out our other reviews with the best Caribbean cruises you can book today.

Best for Activities: Holland America

Holland America

Courtesy of  Holland America

  • Sails from: Ft. Lauderdale
  • Duration: 7 nights
  • Ship Name: Nieuw Amsterdam
  • Itinerary: Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas, Half Moon Cay

Holland America’s mid-sized fleet appeals to couples who enjoy cruising without the crowds, and the company caters to an older demographic compared to other mainstream vessels. Activities on the 2,160-passenger Nieuw Amsterdam focus on the arts and education with a $3 million art collection, cooking demonstrations, enrichment lectures and plenty of live music opportunities. In the evenings, there are instrumental concerts at “Lincoln Center Stage,” at the BB King Blues Club and at Billboard Onboard — an interactive setting for rock music. Couples can opt to stay in a spa verandah suite, with access to spa treatments from Greenhouse Spa and Salon and amenities like in-suite bathtubs with massage shower heads and iPod docking stations. 

Best Boutique: Uniworld

Uniworld

Courtesy of Uniworld

  • Sails from: Bordeaux
  • Duration: 8 nights
  • Ship: SS Bon Voyage
  • Itinerary: Cussac Fort Medoc, France; Pauillac, France; Cadillac, France; Blaye, France; Bourg Sur Gironde, France; Libourne, France; Quai Des Chartrons, France

Couples who enjoy boutique hotels will love the cruising style of Uniworld. Unlike many other river cruise lines, each ship on Uniworld is completely different – with its own sense of style, décor and design. The newest ship in the fleet, the SS Bon Voyage will ply the waters of Southwest France for a truly romantic setting. The included tours go far beyond a scenic walking tour to include museum visits, yoga in a fortress, private wine tastings and bike riding in wineries. The luxurious SS Bon Voyage sparkles with French flair, with open-air cooking demonstrations, an one-of-a-kind infinity pool with poolside service and beautiful staterooms with marble baths and French balconies. 

Best Amenities: Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

  • Sails from: Civitavecchia, Italy
  • Duration: 7 nights
  • Ship Name: Sky Princess
  • Itinerary: Livorno, Italy; Genoa, Italy; Toulon, France; Gibraltar, Gibraltar; Barcelona, Spain

Princess Cruises’ tagline is “Come Back New,” and the company offers endless ways for couples to do just that. The Sky Princess debuts this fall in the Mediterranean and will feature private balconies in 80 percent of the staterooms, as well as sprawling Sky Suites that overlook the "Movie Under the Stars" screen. The ship will also have a retreat pool and more Jacuzzis, with two cantilevered over the ships’ new deep-tank pools. For a romantic stroll, passengers can explore the SeaWalk, a glass enclosed walkway suspended over the ocean, or at the Lotus spa, couples can book treatments in the couples’ villa. For a sultry night out, the line’s new Take Five Lounge is home to live jazz music. 

Best for Adventure: Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Club Cruises

Courtesy of Azamara Club Cruises

  • Sails from: Rio De Janeiro
  • Duration: 10 nights
  • Ship Name: Azamara Pursuit
  • Itinerary: Montevideo, Uruguay; Punta Del Este, Uruguay; Santos (Sao Paulo), Brazil; Ilhabela, Brazil; Parati, Brazil; Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Azamara Club Cruises is ideal for couples who like to discover more adventurous destinations on a smaller cruise ship. The newest addition to the fleet, the Amazon Pursuit, has just 702 passengers, so there’s added space and privacy. In addition, the company’s “Destination Immersion” program allows more time in ports so there’s no rush to get back to the ship. Adult beverages and gratuities are bundled into the pricing, and suites come with a personal butler and in-suite afternoon tea service. The ship’s new Club Spa Suites place couples next to the spa and feature a glass-enclosed soaking tub and separate rain shower, plus private balconies. On the South America voyage, the ship will stay docked overnight in Rio De Janeiro so couples can take in the sizzling nightlife.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best cruise lines for couples.

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