Sunday, March 31, 2024

9 Best Cruise Lines For Couples: A Guide to Romantic Cruises

best cruise lines for couples

But perhaps the biggest selling point of this Tahiti cruise is a call on private islet Motu Mahana, where you and your loved one can bond under swaying palms. When it’s time for lunch, you’ll enjoy a sprawling, beachside barbecue with drinks served in coconuts—or head to the floating bar for a top up. Any honeymoon or anniversary spent onboard qualifies for a complimentary Polynesian blessing ceremony, complete with Champagne.

Celebrity Cruises

Here are the best cruise lines for families, couples and those on a budget - AOL

Here are the best cruise lines for families, couples and those on a budget.

Posted: Sat, 20 Apr 2024 14:04:39 GMT [source]

The all-inclusive cruise line self-proclaimed the label but with an offering so vast, we’d say it has earned it, too. Aboard Silversea ships, guests can enjoy around-the-clock gourmet dining, scrumptious craft cocktails and bubbly Champagne, butler service, and 24/7 access to complimentary caviar. Their world-spanning voyages leave behind traditional cruises to pierce the globe's polar regions on icebreaker vessels. Truly adventurous couples can ditch the dime-a-dozen Titanic bow pictures in favor of candid shots surrounded by the penguins of South Georgia or with polar bears in the backdrop.

Scenic Cruises - A leader in all-inclusive options

best cruise lines for couples

The cruise line’s Solstice-class ships feature the signature Lawn Club, perfect for a romantic picnic for two on a real grass lawn. Virgin’s adult-only cruise ships offer a one-of-a-kind experience experience with over 20 onboard restaurants and bars on Scarlet Lady. Virgin Voyages has done away with the standard main dining room and buffets in favor of an authentic restaurant experience. Whether you’re in search of peaceful tranquility, unbelievable gastronomic delights, invigorating on-shore excursions, or merely a more intimate small-scale cruise experience, Windstar Cruises is worth considering. The six-ship fleet features smaller capacities, each carrying no more than a few hundred guests.

Silversea Cruises

Yet some brands prioritize the adult experience and offer amenities that make their ships even more ideal for a traveling twosome. Couples who share a love of learning will find the perfect home-away-from-home on a Viking cruise ship. The line prides itself on offering more of an intellectual experience than your average cruise.

The best cruises for couples don't have to break the bank, but they should focus on adults more than families, and elevated food, service and accommodations are always appreciated. I have been covering the cruise and travel industry across oceans, lakes, rivers and expeditions for more than a decade. Some of my favorite things to do on cruises is to dive into the ports and destinations visited for a taste of local culture. To date, I have been on over 50 cruises and have had the privilege of sailing some of the world's most scenic waterways, from Portugal's Douro River and the Galapagos Islands to Alaska and Arctic Svalbard. When I’m not at sea, I can be found (still by the sea) in my hometown of Asbury Park, New Jersey. The best way to really see the Caribbean is on a ship small enough to dock in tucked-away harbors on small, intimate islands.

Staterooms, despite the ships' small sizes, still provide ample amenities like queen-sized beds and spacious showers. Like the wind that carries the ships, the tempo of your journey will be variable, and the itinerary is one of the most flexible in the industry. "Hubbie and I booked this to celebrate our 25th anniversary. It is the best value for money to see the French Polynesian islands hands down," one reviewer wrote on Cruise Critic. Sailing (as in, literally propelling yourself with mast and sail) is little more than a hobbyist sport these days, but If you'd prefer a romantic Odyssean adventure, Windstar Cruises may be the ideal choice.

Carnival Cruise Lines – Best Cruise Line for a Fun Couples’ Experience

That’s especially true for the Edge series ships, the newest in the fleet, which include the recently launched Beyond, a wonder in and of itself. Beyond fully lives up to its name, especially if you upgrade to the Retreat, an exclusive ship within a ship that will make you feel like, well, a celebrity. It includes a beautiful, roomy suite with your own veranda and also grants you access to a private sundeck, lounge and restaurant conducive to more intimate conversations. For the perfect date night, be sure to make a dinner reservation at Le Voyage, the first restaurant at sea from Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, before heading off to a Broadway-quality show. What could be more romantic than a night at Movies Under the Stars, reclining on padded loungers while snuggled under wool tartan blankets on the pool deck?

The Atlas Bar is a trendy space where mixologists blend inventive, globally inspired drinks to be served alongside a variety of hot and cold small plates. (If you like a kick, the Mumbai Hug will instantly spice up your happy hour.) Once per sailing, Azamara hosts its signature White Night event, so bring your finest whites. The deck party promises a glamorous night under the stars with your special someone—especially in a captivating port like Capri. Food across the fleet is excellent, with a focus on local and locally sourced ingredients.

best cruise lines for couples

This ensures that you’ll have plenty of money for drinks, souvenirs, and shore shopping. This is much better than booking the most expensive cruise you can afford and then being broke the rest of the time you’re on board. Be sure to choose a cruise within your budget as a couple and determine who’s paying what before you make reservations.

THE 25 BEST Norwegian (NCL) Romantic & Couples Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Norwegian (NCL) Romantic & Couples Cruises (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 23:19:04 GMT [source]

Second, Scenic really means it when it says "all-inclusive." Complimentary beverages, stateroom minibars, restaurant gratuities, and Wi-Fi all come standard. You won't need to debate whether to shell out an extra hundred bucks to rent an e-bike to peruse Bordeaux; it's baked into your bill. Budget-conscious couples can rest assured their credit card won't be put into a chokehold once they're back on land.

The cuisine is Silversea's other strong suit, thanks to its renowned S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) diners, which showcase the flavors of your current port of call. As one example, you can see how the sausage gets made (literally) at an organic farm on the Greek island of Paros. S.A.L.T. destinations include dozens of foodie capitals throughout Sicily, Wales, and Norway. The Gauguin's main selling point is its intimate size, perfect for gaining access to lesser-known ports that competing cruise hulks cannot reach. Think pristine beaches with undisturbed wildlife versus sharing ports with invasive, roving bands of tourists.

If you do manage to abandon your suite, you can enjoy a quiet tete-a-tete over complimentary drinks at numerous bars around the ship. Meals are high quality in both the larger and reservation-only venues, and service is second to none, even with gratuities covered by your cruise fare. Plus, you can make memories during included shore excursions in every port; choose from guided tours, winery visits and active excursions. When your room’s lighting system has a “Get It On” setting, you know you’re on a cruise that encourages its guests not to take themselves too seriously. This is the case for Virgin’s at-sea (and adults-only) venture, which boasts an undeniably cool and sexy vibe. The cruise line’s newest ship, Resilient Lady, sails weeklong voyages through Greece, bringing its carefree and fun-loving mindset to the Med.

Best Antarctica cruise ships: 11 new expedition vessels that will take you to the White Continent

best antarctica cruise

The sea ice has dramatically receded which mean that ships can explore more than in early season months. This is also one of the best times to see fur seals in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. Penguin chicks begin to molt, losing their fuzzy plumage and growing their adult feathers. As a side note, keep in mind that activities like kayaking, camping, and snowshoeing are not always included in the price of cruises and tend to be limited in number.

When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

The cabins are typically much larger and often times offer private balconies. Often times a selection of wine, beer and spirits will be included in the price of the trip. This means larger ships typically make fewer landings and passengers are allotted less time to explore. If you wish to spend more time on land, it’s in your best interest to choose a smaller ship, ideally one with 200 or fewer passengers.

Best Antarctica cruise ships: 11 stylish expedition vessels exploring the White Continent

Setting foot on the Antarctic mainland, or one of its many islands, is an indescribable moment. Zodiacs not only allow you to step food on land, but they also let you get up close to icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife. There are no ports in Antarctica that allows for a ship to dock, so the only way to get off the ship and explore land is on a small, inflatable boat called a Zodiac. The length of Antarctica cruises vary quite a bit, with options ranging from a week right up to an entire month. Of course you can sometimes find trips for as long as USD$5,000 per person if you book it super last minute on a special deal, and ones as expensive as USD$50,000 or more. Essentially, you get what you pay for when it comes to the ship; the more you pay, the nicer the onboard experience.

THE 5 BEST Cruises from Buenos Aires to Antarctica (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 5 BEST Cruises from Buenos Aires to Antarctica (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 02:59:46 GMT [source]

Magellan Explorer

Other nights when the sky was clear, the reflections from the sun would paint bright yellows and pinks across the sky. Zodiak rides were some of my favorite activities as they took passengers close to the continent’s massive icebergs. We’d cruise by colonies of birds and right along the water’s surface to see penguins swimming quickly through the crystal clear and icy waters. When heading to Antarctica there are alot of options for the size and style of the ship, ranging from intimate small ship cruises with less than 100 passengers to huge mega ships that won’t allow you to disembark on the continent itself.

Between the Poles - Our Epic Global Expedition Cruise

Then, they head out to sea to be in the path of totality, before circling around to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. On their newest vessel, the m/v Janssonius, launching October 2021, they’re offering a 20-day Grand Tour that checks off all the top spots on your Antarctic must-see list, like the Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falklands. The eclipse will be viewed near the South Orkney Islands close to the Weddell Sea pack-ice. Perfect for hardy adventurers, their hands-on itinerary includes snowshoeing and hiking, as well as wildlife observation to see King, Gentoo, and rockhopper penguins, seals, and more. Expedition cruises offer as much time as possible off the ship, exploring the waters by zodiac and the land by hiking.

best antarctica cruise

The company only cruises in Antarctica and this singular focus results in a deep knowledge of the continent. They are founder-owned-and-operated and it may be the only Antarctica cruise line where you might find an owner driving you on a Zodiac excursion. Cut through the ice with experienced ocean-going expedition company Hurtigruten. Here’s a rundown of some of the top ship options, tour operators, and travel companies for traveling to Antarctica and what makes each stand out.

The Antarctic Peninsula

best antarctica cruise

Like Lindblad's chartered navy ship, many of the early vessels used for tourism to the White Continent were tough-built government or scientific ships that were designed with navigating icy areas but not necessarily comfort in mind. The last few years have brought a stunning new crop of small "expedition" cruise vessels specifically designed for Antarctica sailings that are far more upscale and elegant than anything seen before. No, there are no hotels in the traditional sense, however, there are several camps for tourists which are the next best thing, some are very close to a hotel in terms of the level of luxury.

Weddell Sea Cruise

The most pristine white snow blankets untouched mountains in all directions. On calm days, some of the bays we parked in were so still, flat, and glass-like it felt like you could step right off the boat and skate across the water. With almost 24 hours of summer light, the evenings brought strange and otherworldly colors to the sky. Sometimes inverted clouds would meet the sea, cutting out the light and creating a grayish-blue twilight that hung over the water like a layer of cool whip on a blueberry pie.

Antarctica expedition cruises

These ice chunks, which get bluer with age, are known to float for years getting trapped in the currents that circumnavigate the continent. It’s a truly magical sight to see and Antarctica is one of the best places to witness it all, as the continent houses approximately 90% of the world’s glacier ice. Travel to Antarctica during nesting season and this could be your welcoming committee. On the southern-most tip of the planet rests one of the world's most massive and mysterious landmasses - the frozen realm of Antarctica. Support the scientific community in collecting valuable data on Antarctica that contributes to global research by participating in our Citizen Science Programme.

Let our experts take you deep into the heart of this majestic environment so it can get into yours. Lengthier cruises include visits to such destinations as the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. To bypass the notoriously rough waters of the Drake Passage, passengers can book an Antarctica Bridge sail.

If you want some creature comforts as well as an adventurous trip, look at going on an expedition cruise and opt for the upgraded room options. Antarctica can have wild weather and huge swings in temperature, which means the best way to prepare is similar to how you would to hike a snow covered mountain. Having a good range of layers within your wardrobe is best, and outerlayer that is wind and waterproof.

It’s also when you have the best chance to have a calm Drake Passage crossing. This is the peak season in Antarctica with the best chance for calmer water while crossing the Drake Passage. The sea ice has receded some which means that you will be able to travel farther south.

Contact us () if you’d like to learn more about this exclusive Quark Expeditions discount. After lots of research, personal testing, and fielding quite a few (better) offers from competitors, we decided that Quark Expeditions is the company we trust to operate our own group tours to Antarctica. Our own group tour on the trio includes the most amount of days in each location available.

With interest in expedition cruising at an all-time peak, cruise lines race to unveil posh new ice-class ships that provide both jaw-dropping experiences and sumptuous cruise travel. Check out our alphabetically arranged insider's list on the best luxury Antarctica cruises. Then, you decide which cruise ship and expedition style capture your White Continent fancy. Summer is the only time ships are allowed to travel to Antarctica, because in winter the ocean around it freezes, making the land mass 100 times bigger. That packed ice can easily crush ships to pieces, making it a dangerous journey.

If you are thinking of cruising in Antarctica this coming season (or even the next), you’d be wise to book now for the best choice of cabins and itineraries. There is huge pent-up demand after the pandemic shut down sailings for much of 2020 and 2021. Start planning your journey to exploring this pristine world of ice, wildlife, and awe-inspiring beauty. Nowhere on Earth feels as remote as Antarctica, yet the wildlife here is abundant and spectacular.

A couple of companies now also offer skiing and snowboarding trips to Antarctica. You must be an experienced climber, and be able to prove it, before a company will accept your booking for these challenging adventures. Imagine sleeping under the Antarctic sky, surrounded by snow and ice, with the distant calls of penguins lulling you to sleep. When you book a sea kayaking package you are given a dry suit and instruction from your experienced guides, and the goal is to get out as much as possible during your itinerary. And if you like seals in their natural habitat, there’s southern elephant seals, weddell seals, ross seals, leopard seals, crabeater seals and Antarctic fur seals. For example an 11-day itinerary often means just 4-5 days in Antarctica, and the rest of the time is spent before the trip in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia and the two days each way on the Drake.

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