Heidi BucoloWhat are you doing this Valentine’s Day? If you’re lucky enough to be on a cruise ship for this romantic holiday, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the day with your significant other. If you need a little help planning this special day for next year, we give you our picks for the most romantic things to do on a cruise.
But before we get into the most romantic things to do during the cruise, we should go over some of the most romantic cruise lines.
What cruise line should I pick for a romantic vacation?
When many people think of a romantic atmosphere, they’re automatically going to think of a scenario that doesn’t involve kids. Therefore, any cruise line that’s reserved for adults only will automatically set a more romantic scene. Virgin Voyages and Viking are perhaps the most popular examples of an adults-only cruise line. Virgin Voyages offers a more trendy and off-beat cruise experience than other lines, while Viking provides a very relaxed atmosphere that leans into a cozy Scandinavian aesthetic. As of January 2026, luxury line Oceania Cruises is also adults only, which couples seeking a romantic getaway will surely appreciate.
Of course, it’s easy to have a romantic getaway without going all-in on a kids-free ship as well. Other popular cruise lines for couples include Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America, and MSC. For a more luxurious atmosphere, consider booking into a ship-within-a-ship complex such as The Retreat on Celebrity or the Yacht Club on MSC. Even Norwegian Cruise Line has such an enclave, The Haven. Many travelers will also find that luxury lines such as Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, and Explora Journeys offer a very romantic atmosphere with few kids, even though they are permitted on board.
For a more in-depth look on our cruise line recommendations for couples, check out this article.
Now, let’s get into our picks for twelve of the most romantic things to do on a cruise (we’ve even thrown in a few cruise date night ideas, too!).
The 12 Most Romantic Things To Do on a Cruise
1. Choose a romantic cruise destination
If you want romance to exude throughout your cruise vacation, the first thing you should do is choose a voyage to a romantic destination. Think popular honeymoon ideas, like Maui sunsets or over-water bungalows in Bora Bora.
Cruises to Hawaii or French Polynesia are popular choices. Norwegian Cruise Line has a ship that sails year-round in Hawaii, while other cruise lines make seasonal stops. Windstar Cruises sails year-round from Tahiti, while other cruise lines make seasonal stops as well.
If you are looking for an alternative to these tropical paradises, plenty of European destinations are also steeped in history and romance, and you’re bound to find lots of romantic spots in the sunny Caribbean as well.
2. Book a balcony and enjoy a sunrise breakfast
Once you have chosen your ideal destination and ship, it’s time to choose a cabin. For a romantic cruise especially, we highly recommend choosing a balcony stateroom.
Once you have your balcony cabin, be sure to utilize it! One of the best ways to start the day off right is to wake up early and grab two front-row seats for the sunrise right on your own private outdoor space. While you sit hand in hand, you can take in the soothing sounds of the ocean and the colorful hues on the horizon while sailing to your next destination.
If you want to enjoy the tranquility a bit longer, plan to have room service breakfast delivered and spend the morning sipping coffee and enjoying a morning meal together.
Tip: For those who want to sleep in on their vacation, enjoying the sunset from your balcony is just as romantic!
3. Book a couple’s massage or visit the spa’s thermal suite
Next, you can continue the relaxation a bit longer by taking advantage of your cruise ship’s spa services. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a couple’s massage? As the two of you lay side by side in a couple’s suite enjoying this pampering, you will soon agree that this is one of the most romantic things to do on a cruise.
Or, you could opt for passes to the thermal suite for a day (or a full week) of rejuvenation. Many cruise lines offer thermal suites that include heated loungers, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and sometimes even snow rooms.
4. Have some adult time
Spend the afternoon enjoying some of the ship’s activities and unique venues. Maybe you just want to relax near the adults-only pool while sipping a few drinks. Perhaps your ship has an infinity pool at the aft to admire the wake views, or you could sip some champagne in the hot tub.
You could even grab some lunch to go and have a picnic in a quieter area of the ship. Whatever activity you choose, it will be an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company.
5. Book a romantic shore excursion
During your days in ports of call, there are numerous shore excursions awaiting you. Sure, you can take a typical beach break or city tour. However, you can also step it up a notch by booking a romantic activity ashore.
Depending on your interests, you could go horseback riding along the beach or parasailing. You could also book a culinary tour or cooking class. If your cruise ship is in port later in the evening, a sunset sail is definitely one of the most romantic things to do on a cruise. Cuddling up on one of these intimate vessels as you gaze at the sun slowly fading into the horizon is the perfect way to rekindle that spark during your vacation.
6. Get dressed up
As the evening rolls around, get dressed up and feel fancy even if it’s not your ship’s designated “formal night.” Once you’ve donned your suit and tie and cocktail dress and heels, head to one of the ship’s portrait studios to take some photos as a keepsake of this special night.
There are usually a few pop-up portrait studios around the ship on any given night with various backdrops, so have a little fun with your poses.
7. Wine and dine
After taking a memorable photo, one of the best cruise date night ideas is to head to a specialty restaurant for dinner. Whether you want to go all out with a Chef’s Table experience or keep the costs a bit lower by dining at your cruise line’s signature steakhouse or French bistro, it’s sure to be a memorable evening filled with great food and even better company.
8. Go dancing
After dinner, keep the mood going with an evening of music and dancing. Find a spot on your cruise ship that has some live music and kick your heels off before you head onto the dance floor.
With so many venues, you are certain to find a genre of music that suits your taste. After a few cocktails, you’ll be singing your own rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” or Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” to your sweetheart.
9. Enjoy a movie under the stars
If dancing is not your thing, you can enjoy a quiet evening together by watching a movie under the stars. Several cruise lines feature movies on the big screen near the pool in the evenings. With comfy lounge chairs, blankets, and maybe even some popcorn, this is the perfect low-key cruise date night idea to wind down after a fun-filled day.
10. Participate in the Love and Marriage Show
If you are into more risqué fun, volunteer to participate in your cruise ship’s version of the Love and Marriage Show.
Most cruise lines offer some version of this popular game show where you can compete with other couples in the ultimate test of your relationship. Do you remember your wife’s bra size or the place you went for your first date? If not, start studying so you can win the ultimate couple’s bragging rights.
11. Enjoy a romance package
As the night starts to fade, you’ll make your way back to your room to retire for the evening. But, the romance doesn’t have to end quite yet. As your sweetheart opens your stateroom door, she/he will be pleasantly surprised by the romance package that you purchased. It might include a bouquet of flowers, chocolate covered strawberries, or some rose petals on the bed. A little thought can go a long way!
12. Renew your vows
If you are looking for the MOST romantic thing to do on a cruise (aside from getting married on board!), you can renew your vows. If you and your sweetheart love cruising, why not partake in some nautical nuptials to commemorate your love for each other?
Many cruise lines offer some form of a vow renewal package. These packages can include champagne, cake, photography, flowers, and more. The ship’s Captain or Cruise Director often officiates these ceremonies.
Comments
Do you agree with our list of the most romantic things to do on a cruise? What would you add to this list? Drop us an anchor below to share how you and your special someone spend quality time together on a cruise.
