The best cruises for couples: an expert guide

What makes a cruise ‘the best’?

At World of Cruising, our team of experts curate ‘best for…’ guides rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. We look for those subtle, if-you-know-you-know details so we can tailor our recommendations to different types of travellers. In this case, we've found the best cruises for different kinds of couples, whether you're looking for a fun-packed, child-free escape or a relaxed, ultra-luxe voyage of a lifetime.

At a glance

• A wide range of cruise lines have romance packages, including extras like private dining under the stars or professional photography
• Several cruise lines are completely child-free, including Viking Cruises and Virgin Voyages
• LGBTQ+ couples will find lines like Celebrity actively celebrate inclusivity
• River cruises tend to appeal to couples who prefer slow travel and cultural enrichment
• Expedition cruises are great for couples who bond over shared adventure
• Themed sailings, like comedy cruises or wine-led voyages, are ideal for couples with a specific shared interest

Best for a romantic getaway: Princess

Why this cruise?

Whether you’re marking a milestone like a special anniversary or just want to slow down and enjoy each other’s company, Princess has you covered. The crew can even help you plan the ultimate proposal, with a professional photographer on hand to capture the moment.

Honeymooners will find plenty to love, like packages including vintage champagne, a gourmet balcony breakfast and a couple’s massage at the luxurious onboard spa. You can even set up a Princess wedding registry, letting friends and family contribute towards your cruise fare, shore excursions or indulgent extras – and let’s be honest, horseback riding in Santorini or wine tasting in Napa Valley beats a pile of kitchen appliances any day.

Wedding and vow renewal packages are also available if you’d like to tie the knot or say ‘I still do’ at sea.

What itinerary should I try?

Princess offers no shortage of swoon-worthy destinations, from the Caribbean and Hawai’i to the Mediterranean. For something a little different, take a cruise along California’s coastline, with easy access to world-renowned wine country.

What should I expect to pay?

At the time of writing, sailings around the Pacific coast start from around £500 for a week (excluding flights), though prices vary depending on the extras you select and your choice of cabin.

Browse offers: Princess

Best for child-free cruises: Virgin Voyages

Why this cruise line?

Virgin Voyages’ first ship only set sail in 2021, but it’s already built a reputation for doing things differently – you won’t hear the, ahem, joyful cries of children on its adult-only ships, just bossa nova beats, the clinking of glasses and the sound of the sea.

The vibe onboard is relaxed but grown-up, with fun front and centre: think karaoke lounges, vinyl shops, drag shows, late-night eats and group workout classes. It’s ideal for couples craving quality time in a child-free zone, with plenty of opportunities to socialise – but no pressure to do so.

There are even wedding packages available, whether you’re planning a low-key elopement or a full celebration at sea.

What itinerary should I try?

As well as classic routes around the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, Virgin offers themed sailings designed to suit all sorts of couples. Valentine’s cruises are a natural draw, but if you’re ideal date night involves belly laughs, you might prefer a comedy-led sailing with big-name acts (think Jack Whitehall).

Or, if you’re both in reset mode after the festive season, a wellness-focused cruise in January might appeal, complete with workout classes, spa treatments and deliciously healthy menus.

What should I expect to pay?

At the time of writing, fares for a six-night no-fly themed cruise start at around £800 per person. Perks like Wi-Fi, group fitness classes and gratuities are included, and there are sometimes deals for the second passenger.

Browse offers: Virgin Voyages

Best for LGBTQ+ couples: Celebrity Cruises

Why this cruise line?

When it comes to inclusivity, Celebrity Cruises doesn’t just talk the talk – it’s been setting the standard for years. In 2018, it became the first cruise line to host a legal same-sex wedding at sea, and it continues to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ guests and crew alike.

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or simply enjoying time away together, LGBTQ+ couples are made to feel truly at ease onboard. The popular LGBTQ+ Welcome Parties, open to all guests, are typically held on the first night of each cruise – though it’s worth checking your individual sailing in advance.

Pride Month is an especially exciting time to sail with Celebrity. The celebrations begin with the fleetwide Pride Party at Sea, including a ceremonial flag raising, and continue with themed programming and performances by LGBTQ+ entertainers on select sailings.

What itineraries should I try?

Iceland makes a striking summer destination, especially for those looking to dodge the heat. Instead of a traditional sun-and-sand getaway, it delivers midnight sun, otherworldly landscapes and geothermal pools. It’s also consistently ranked as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Europe.

What should I expect to pay?

At the time of writing, you can find warm-weather summer sailings to destinations like Greece from under £600 per person. For ‘coolcation’ alternatives like Alaska or Iceland, prices start from under £800, excluding flights.

Browse offers:Celebrity Cruises

Best for luxury: Windstar Cruises

Why this cruise line?

Windstar Cruises follows a ‘180° from ordinary’ philosophy, delivering ultra-luxury on an intimate scale. With just 148 to 342 guests aboard each yacht-style ship, this is a world away from the megaships carrying thousands.

The smaller scale allows for an exceptional level of personalisation, from fresh flowers in your suite to private dinners under the stars and breakfast in bed with mimosas. It’s all designed to feel thoughtful and individual, rather than off-the-shelf.

Life onboard moves at a slower rhythm. There’s no jam-packed daily programming – instead, expect spontaneous, bespoke experiences. One afternoon might see you diving straight off the yacht into crystalline waters; the next, exploring a local market with the chef or sharing a bottle of wine with the couple at the next table. Equally, you’re free to enjoy a bubble entirely your own, without the slightest sense of obligation.

What itineraries should I try?

Windstar’s small ships can access tucked-away ports larger vessels can’t – think quiet Caribbean islands or enviable beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Tahiti is a particular standout, especially if you combine the cruise with a pre-sailing stay in an overwater bungalow on Mo'orea.

What should I expect to pay?

At the time of writing, prices start from around £3,000 per person for a week in the Greek Islands or along the Dalmatian coast, or from around £2,500 for cruises in Tahiti, excluding flights.

Browse offers:Windstar Cruises

Best for river cruisers: Viking Cruises

Why this cruise line?

River cruising is often associated with a more refined experience – less water parks and casinos, more candlelit dinners, curated excursions and the occasional string quartet. Viking Cruises certainly lives up to that expectation, offering sophisticated, adult-only voyages along some of the most famous waterways in the world, from the Rhine to the Nile.

Its longships have a streamlined, Scandi-inspired design, with serene interiors and plenty of natural light. There’s space for alfresco dining, quiet corners for reading and an emphasis on comfort without flash. It’s by no means stuffy, but nor is it showy – you won’t find an over-the-top dress code or sugary cocktails topped with sparklers here.

Viking is a strong choice for couples who enjoy shared experiences, whether that’s enjoying regional wines, learning about a period of history or taking a cooking class. Think a morning sailing past terraced vineyards, an afternoon guest lecture on art and a shore excursion that might include after-hours access to a world-class museum or a private concert in a historic setting.

What itineraries should I try?

Viking’s river cruises span Europe’s best-known waterways, including the Danube, Rhine and Rhône, as well as further-flung options like the Mississippi, Nile and Mekong. A Christmas market cruise through Central Europe or France can make for a cosy winter escape for couples.

What should I expect to pay?

At the time of writing, prices start at around £1,700 per person. Viking’s all-inclusive pricing means return flights, select shore excursions and other perks are included.

Browse offers: Viking Cruises

Best for adventurous couples: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Why this cruise line?

If your ideal date night involves a David Attenborough documentary and a tab open on Google Earth, this is the cruise line for you. Lindblad Expeditions – the company that pioneered tourism to Antarctica and the Galápagos – has partnered with National Geographic to offer expedition cruises that take you to some of the planet’s most extraordinary places, accompanied by expert naturalists, photographers and historians.

These trips aren’t really about alone time – they’re about discovering the world together. Think polar bear sightings from a zodiac, sailing past gravity-defying glaciers or seeking out Komodo dragons on far-flung islands. They’re the kind of shared experiences you’ll be talking about for the rest of your lives.

On a National Geographic Endurance voyage to the Arctic, for example, you might take a polar plunge, warm up in the infinity-style hot tub and then fall asleep in a transparent igloo beneath the Northern Lights.

What itinerary should I try?

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions has a way of expanding your bucket list. These aren’t just the places you and your partner have always dreamed of – they’re the ones you haven’t even thought to consider.

To start, though, sailing around the Galápagos on a 16-person catamaran or heading to Antarctica are both pretty special. Picture it, you, your parka-wrapped other half and a hundred gentoo penguins – what could be more romantic?

What should I expect to pay?

At the time of writing, prices start from around £2,700 per person for a five-day cruise along the California coast (excluding flights). For big-ticket adventures like Antarctica, fares begin at around £9,000.

Browse offers: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Planning your honeymoon specifically? Read our expert-approved guide.