Heidi BucoloPlanning the perfect cruise vacation for you and your significant other? As a couple with over 90 cruises under our belt, we’ve experienced firsthand what makes for an unforgettable getaway at sea. For 2025, we’ve updated our comprehensive guide to the best cruise lines for couples. It features our top 10 picks to help you choose the perfect experience.
From luxury amenities to unique entertainment options, exceptional dining experiences, and adults-focused environments, these cruise lines offer something special for every type of couple. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a honeymoon, or simply wanting quality time together, these cruise lines deliver experiences that will help create lasting memories.
Best Cruise Lines for Couples in 2025
1. Virgin Voyages
As the newest cruise line, Virgin Voyages has quickly established itself as the go-to adults-only cruise line perfect for couples seeking a fresh, contemporary experience. Sir Richard Branson’s cruise venture offers an all-inclusive approach with gratuities, all dining venues, basic beverages, basic WiFi, and fitness classes included in your fare.
Why Couples Love It
Virgin’s Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and the newest addition Brilliant Lady offer an 18+ escape with a perfect balance of relaxation and fun. The ships feature over 20 eateries instead of traditional buffets and main dining rooms. Standouts include the Korean BBQ spot Gunbae and the upscale steakhouse The Wake, among others.
Entertainment aboard Virgin ships breaks cruise traditions with immersive experiences rather than typical Broadway shows. The Manor nightclub, Scarlet Night parties, and the Beach Club at Bimini (on Caribbean itineraries) provide lively options both day and night.
The ships’ design emphasizes social spaces with intimate nooks perfect for couples to connect. Our favorite spot is The Dock, with its yacht club-like vibe, tasty snacks, and gorgeous wake views. Accommodations include innovative Sea Terrace cabins with signature red hammocks on most balconies and unique RockStar Quarters for those wanting to splurge on larger suites with exclusive perks.
2. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises continues to be a standout choice for best cruise lines for couples, particularly those seeking modern luxury with sophisticated amenities. The fleet combines elegant design with exceptional service, upscale specialty dining, and unique bars and lounges that appeal to discerning travelers. If you’re looking for a refined cruise vacation without the party atmosphere then nothing comes close to Celebrity.
Why Couples Love It
Celebrity’s sophisticated atmosphere attracts a primarily adult crowd. This makes it perfect for couples seeking relaxation without the family-focused activities found on many other lines.
Celebrity’s “All Included” pricing model offers a good value with unlimited basic WiFi and the Classic Beverage Package built into the fare, with upgrade options available for those who want to indulge in signature cocktails. Specialty venues like Tuscan Grille, Murano, Fine Cut Steakhouse, and Le Voyage provide intimate dining experiences perfect for date nights.
For an even more exclusive experience, The Retreat offers suite accommodations with private restaurants, lounges, and sun decks. Celebrity also places an emphasis on well-being with its AquaClass featuring unlimited thermal suite access, complimentary fitness classes, and more.
3. Viking Cruises
Viking has established itself as the gold standard for exploring the world in comfort. Whether on their river, ocean, or expedition vessels, Viking delivers an elegant, yet not stuffy, experience ideal for couples who prioritize cultural exploration and refined onboard amenities.
Why Couples Love It
Viking’s “no nickel and diming” approach has an impressive array of inclusions: one shore excursion in each port, WiFi, alternative restaurants, beer and wine with meals, specialty coffees, and access to thermal suites.
The Scandinavian-inspired ship design creates sophisticated spaces featuring light woods, clean lines, and thoughtful touches like heated bathroom floors in staterooms. With no casinos, no children under 18, and no formal nights, the atmosphere remains consistently adult-oriented and elegant.
Dining emphasizes regional cuisine inspired by your destinations. And specialty venues like Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table provide intimate alternatives without surcharges.
Further, Viking’s enrichment program stands out with resident historians and destination-specific lectures that enhance your connection to the places you visit together, making every voyage “for the thinking person” (or couple)!
4. Atlas Ocean Voyages
This luxury expedition brand has quickly gained recognition for combining adventure travel with upscale amenities, creating a perfect balance for couples seeking both exploration and indulgence. The line’s small ships provide an intimate atmosphere and visit ports larger vessels can’t.
Why Couples Love It
Atlas offers inclusive premium spirits, wines, and cocktails, pre-paid gratuities, WiFi, all dining, and even emergency medical evacuation insurance in your fare. Not to mention, there’s onboard enrichment, wine and culinary experiences, and other inclusions based on the type of expedition you choose.
The “luxe-adventure” approach balances thrilling experiences like Antarctic adventures, Arctic sailings, and remote destination explorations with luxury amenities, including L’OCCITANE bath products, a spa, and sophisticated public spaces often not found on other expedition vessels.
Dining focuses on quality, with regionally inspired cuisine in The Restaurant and 7-AFT Grill offering spectacular ocean views. After dinner, guests can enjoy live music and craft cocktails in an elegant setting perfect for evening relaxation with their significant other.
5. Royal Caribbean International
For those who want their couples getaway to include excitement and diverse entertainment options, Royal Caribbean delivers an impressive array of activities, dining venues, and shows. While there will be plenty of families and kids onboard, couples can still find space to call their own.
Why Couples Love It
Royal Caribbean excels in providing world-class entertainment, including Broadway shows like “Hairspray” and “Grease” in main theaters, high-diving aquatic shows in the Oasis-Class Aqua Theaters, and immersive productions in the Quantum-Class Two70 venue.
The cruise line offers numerous dining options as well from the traditional MDR to several casual spots. Specialty restaurants include the steakhouse Chops Grille, the imaginative Wonderland, Italian cuisine, sushi, and more, all perfect for special date nights during your cruise.
For active couples, Royal ships feature attractions like FlowRider surf simulators, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and skydiving simulators. Adult-centered entertainment highlights comedy shows, themed parties, and game shows like the Crazy Quest and Love & Marriage.
The Central Park neighborhood on Oasis-Class and Icon-Class ships provides a surprisingly romantic outdoor garden space. For additional privacy, The Solarium adults-only retreat offers pools, hot tubs, and loungers in a tranquil setting. And there’s plenty of bars too, like our favorite Schooner Bar.
6. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line‘s “Freestyle Cruising” concept makes it ideal for couples who prefer to vacation on their own terms without rigid schedules dictating their getaway. The flexibility to dine when and where you want allows couples to create their ideal vacation.
Why Couples Love It
The cruise line’s More at Sea promotion offers valuable perks like specialty dining, beverage packages, WiFi, and shore excursion credit. This allows for a more inclusive vacation experience with the ability to pay upfront for these extras.
Norwegian ships feature adult-focused areas like Spice H2O and the Vibe Beach Club for soaking up the sun away from all the families and kids. The Observation Lounge on Breakaway Plus-Class ships provides panoramic views in an elegant setting perfect for relaxed moments together, especially while cruising more scenic destinations.
Entertainment options include themed parties, comedy performances, dueling pianos, and nightly production shows. Specialty venues like the District Brewhouse and Sugarcane Mojito Bar offer crafted drinks in sophisticated environments. There’s also thrilling attractions like race tracks, ropes courses, and even a slidecoaster on the new Norwegian Aqua.
For couples seeking privacy and luxury, The Haven, Norwegian’s ship-within-a-ship complex, offers premium accommodations with a private pool, lounge, restaurant, and dedicated service team.
7. Windstar Cruises
For couples seeking a yacht-like experience with personalized service and access to smaller ports, Windstar Cruises offers an alternative to large-ship cruising. In fact, Windstar is a leader in vacations to one of the most romantic destinations, French Polynesia!
Why Couples Love It
With ships carrying less than 350 passengers, Windstar provides a genuinely intimate cruise where staff quickly learn your preferences. The small size allows access to hidden harbors and secluded bays that larger ships cannot visit, creating the perfect setting for romance.
The fleet includes both sailing vessels and all-suite motor yachts, each offering an elegant but relaxed atmosphere. The ships also feature a Water Sports Platform for complimentary kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming right from the yacht.
Culinary experiences stand out with menus designed in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and featuring locally sourced ingredients. And the line’s signature Deck BBQ event transforms the entire deck into an alfresco dining experience under the stars with live music and dancing.
8. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises delivers a traditional cruise experience, making it ideal for couples seeking classic cruise traditions with modern touches. The cruise line also excels in Alaska cruises, with top-notch enrichment opportunites, regional food and beverage offerings, and even land and sea options to explore more of the region.
Why Couples Love It
The OceanMedallion technology enhances your cruise experience with touch-free boarding, keyless stateroom entry, and on-demand food and beverage delivery anywhere onboard– allowing more time to enjoy together.
Culinary offerings include specialty venues like Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini’s Italian restaurant, and partnerships with celebrity chefs like Chef Tony Gemignani and Chef Rudi Sodamin, among others. The cruise line also partners with mixologist Rob Floyd for craft cocktails across the fleet. What could be better than enjoying an intimate evening of dinner and drinks?
The Lotus Spa provides extensive treatment options and thermal suites for couples’ relaxation. There’s also Movies Under the Stars on the pool deck, live music, and various evening entertainment around the ship.
Additionally, you can’t beat the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages. These inclusive packages cover everything from specialty dining, drinks, and WiFi to premium desserts, fitness classes, room service, and gratuities.
9. Holland America Line
Holland America Line offers voyages designed to connect travelers to the world and each other. For couples seeking the perfect balance of onboard elegance and authentic destination experiences, Holland America delivers a sophisticated yet unpretentious atmosphere.
Why Couples Love It
The perfectly mid-sized ships strike an ideal balance, being large enough to offer diverse amenities but small enough to provide access to ports that mega-ships can’t reach. Holland America also specializes in longer voyages and leisurely travel, with extended port stays, overnight visits, and carefully crafted itineraries that allow couples to truly experience destinations rather than merely get a glimpse of them.
Destination dining is a hallmark of the Holland America experience with regionally inspired dishes reflecting the places you visit. While specialty venues like Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, and Tamarind offer some of the best cuisine found on a cruise ship. Not to mention, the Have It All Package bundles extras into the cruise fare like a Signature Beverage Package, WiFi, specialty dining, and shore excursion credit.
The signature Music Walk features multiple live music venues to enjoy in the evenings. And for relaxation between ports, the Greenhouse Spa offers thermal suites and treatment rooms designed for couples’ experiences.
10. MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises combines European flair with American comfort to offer couples an international cruising experience with stylish ships and value-focused pricing. The cruise line has been steadily growing its presence in the cruise market, particularly for North American travelers with the recent launch of MSC World America.
Why Couples Love It
MSC Yacht Club is a ship-within-a-ship concept providing a luxury experience at an affordable price point. Guests can enjoy an exclusive restaurant, lounge, pool area, and butler service while still having access to all the ship’s other amenities. This offers the best of both luxury and mainstream cruising.
For relaxation, the Aurea spa features a thermal suite, and there’s the stunning adults-only infinity pool on select ships as well. The line’s private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay, has multiple secluded beaches and evening events with light shows and dance parties. Though for couples looking to travel the world, MSC features diverse global itinerary options as well.
Entertainment options range from Cirque-style shows to F1 simulators, interactive water parks, the only over-water swing ride on a cruise ship, and some of the most happening parties at sea. So, whether you’re looking to live it up or experience affordable luxury, MSC Cruises has it all.
How to Choose Your Perfect Couple’s Cruise
When selecting the ideal cruise for your couple’s getaway, consider these factors:
- Budget and Included Amenities: Consider the total vacation cost, including whether you prefer a more inclusive luxury experience or a value-focused option with à la carte additions.
- Atmosphere: Some cruise lines cater specifically to adults or mature travelers, while others welcome all ages but offer adult retreats.
- Ship Size: Smaller ships provide intimacy and access to unique ports but fewer amenities. Larger vessels offer more entertainment options but larger crowds.
- Destination: Consider which regions you want to explore: Europe, Alaska, or Caribbean adventures, expedition destinations like Antarctica or the Galapagos, or a short weekend getaway to the Bahamas. Then, choose a cruise line with strong offerings in those areas.
- Onboard Focus: Determine what matters most – culinary experiences, entertainment, enrichment, adventure, or relaxation.
These top cruise lines for couples offer distinct experiences to create your perfect getaway in 2025. From intimate luxury to action-packed adventure, there’s a cruise waiting for you and your spouse! If you need help booking, our perferred travel partner can help.
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Which of these best cruise lines for couples have you sailed on in the past? Do you have another cruise line to nominate? Drop us an anchor below with your picks for the best couple’s cruise.
