best 5 day cruises for couples

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9 Best Cruises for Couples

We've rounded up the most romantic cruise lines — and the top itineraries to book.

Sailing with your sweetheart is inherently romantic — especially if you choose the right cruise line. Whether you prefer river or ocean voyages, many of the best cruises for couples are all-inclusive, with unlimited food and alcohol, free Wi-Fi, plenty of onboard entertainment, and other perks. Some cruise lines even throw in unlimited shore excursions, free spa access, airfare, and private transfers — so there's no need to bring along extra cash. A handful of the best cruises for couples are adults-only, while others offer select onboard spaces geared toward grown-ups.

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

We've rounded up the best cruise lines for couples, along with our top recommendations on where to sail for a romantic getaway.

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

All Seabourn ships carry fewer than 600 passengers — making this small luxury cruise line an especially great pick for those seeking a romantic experience. The almost child-free ambience (there are no kids clubs or offerings on board, though you may find a few tots in tow during the summer or holiday season) sets the scene for a serene escape. Spend your sea days indulging in couples massages, eating and drinking at one of several acclaimed restaurants by award-winning chef Thomas Keller, and relaxing in your ocean-view suite. Your suite attendant is also on hand to draw bubble baths — best enjoyed with Champagne, of course.

Where to cruise: For a truly memorable cruise, consider an epic Antarctica voyage. Couples sailing Seabourn’s 11-Day The Great White Continent itinerary will have the opportunity to spot majestic wildlife from the comfort of their suite; alternatively, they can hop aboard a Zodiac or kayak.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Thanks to their small size, elegant ships, and ever-changing surroundings, river cruises are nothing short of romantic — and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are especially suited to couples. All Uniworld river ships hold a maximum of 120 passengers and offer a crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 2.4. As such, cruisers can expect top-notch, highly personalized service. To make things even more seamless, the cruise line offers all-inclusive pricing with farm-to-table cuisine, excursions, entertainment, and premium alcoholic beverages, all folded into one flat fare. Meanwhile, staterooms have lavish touches like handcrafted beds and marble bathrooms.

Where to cruise: Admire and experience all that the Netherlands and Belgium have to offer — including towering windmills, historic villages, blooming tulips, and pastoral landscapes — as part of the cruise line’s nine-night Tulips & Windmills itinerary , which sails from Amsterdam to Antwerp.

Silversea is famous for its small luxury ships , which range in size from 51 to 364 suites (yes, every stateroom on board is actually a suite). Plus, Silversea’s staff-to-guest ratio is almost 1:1 — which means someone is always available to cater to you and your partner’s every need or want, such as drawing a scented bubble bath or arranging breakfast in bed. Regardless of which suite category you’re staying in, butler service is always a given. That’s not all, though. Other highlights include ample fine dining options, premium alcoholic beverages, a tranquil spa, and complimentary shore excursions.

Where to cruise : With its sugar-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picture-perfect surroundings, French Polynesia is a popular honeymoon spot for nature lovers. Experience the idyllic islands with Silversea, which offers an incredible 11-night voyage .

Scenic Cruises

Courtesy of Scenic

All of the vessels in Scenic’s river fleet — which carry no more than 200 guests — offer top-of-the-line, all-suite accommodations, plus private butler service. Best of all, Scenic sailings are all-inclusive. In addition to fine dining and alcoholic beverages, fares include excursions, e-bikes, onboard Wi-Fi, transfers, and, in some cases, return flights. Port charges, tips and gratuities, and taxes are also included, so you don't need to worry about hidden fees.

When you’re not exploring the various ports of call, grab your partner and head to the Salt Therapy Lounge before indulging in a gourmet lunch in the privacy of your suite. Scenic discourages guests under 12, so you likely won’t encounter any screaming babies.

Where to cruise : While a European river sailing is magical any time of year, consider cruising during the holiday season, when historic cities feature charming Christmas markets and twinkling lights. Scenic’s 14-night Christmas Markets itinerary sails from Budapest to Amsterdam, calling on noteworthy destinations like Vienna, Salzburg, Cologne, and more.

Viking Ocean Cruises

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Viking Ocean Cruises prohibits anyone under 18 from setting foot on board, which means passengers can enjoy a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere without kids. The beloved cruise line’s (nearly) identical ships — which carry a maximum of 930 passengers — offer sleek common areas, including natural light-filled lounges, elegant eateries, expansive terraces, and enchanting libraries. A veranda with every stateroom and serene Scandinavian-inspired decor elevate the experience, as does the onboard spa, which offers both saunas and artificial snow grottos.

Where to cruise : Spot the northern lights with your sweetie aboard Viking Ocean Cruises’ In Search of the Northern Lights voyage. The 13-night adventure kicks off in London and stops in Amsterdam before winding through Norway and ultimately disembarking in Bergen.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

This adults-only cruise line is famous for its edgy offerings and value-packed perks, which range from an onboard tattoo parlor that uses vegan ink to 20-plus restaurants specializing in everything from Korean BBQ to upscale Mexican food (all included, no less). With entertainment options such as sultry game shows and dance parties, it’s nearly impossible to be bored on board.

After a fun-filled night at The Manor nightclub, you and your partner can refuel with a hearty breakfast followed by a rejuvenating spa treatment (seaweed body wraps, anyone?). We recommend booking a Sea Terrace stateroom complete with a handwoven hammock on the balcony to snuggle up in.

Where to cruise : Virgin Voyages’ seven-night Irresistible Med itinerary sails round trip from Barcelona and calls on Toulon, France; Marina di Carrara, Italy; Ajaccio, France; and Ibiza, Spain (where it’ll stay in port overnight for the party-loving crowd).

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises is known for its five-star service and incredible culinary offerings (it has even been deemed the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation). Each vessel, which feels more like a private yacht than a traditional cruise ship, carries fewer than 350 passengers. Plus, guests under eight are not allowed on board, which adds to the intimate ambience. Couples can enjoy Michelin star-worthy meals, regionally inspired treatments at the World Spa, and free watersports (think: stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, kayaks, waterskis, and more).

Once on land, consider splurging on one of the culinary shore excursions, which include everything from hands-on cooking classes to chef-led market tours. Take things up another notch by springing for one of the romance packages, which include fresh blooms, bubbly, chocolates, dinner under the stars, and dreamy nightly turndown service.

Where to cruise : Cruising the Caribbean is always a good idea. That’s because this sunny region is chock-full of postcard-worthy beaches, historic towns, and vibrant marine life. Experience it all on this seven-night Windstar itinerary , which sails round trip from St. Maarten and visits Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, St. Barts, and Antigua.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Luxury-loving couples will adore Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ all-suite accommodations , almost all of which are equipped with private balconies. Once you two lure yourselves out of the ultra-plush bed, sit down for a leisurely breakfast before planning the rest of your day. Consider an onboard cooking class at the state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Kitchen, followed by afternoon tea service, a poolside cocktail or two, and a spa treatment. Specialty dining is also included, so be sure to work up an appetite.

Perhaps the best part about sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the two-for-one all-inclusive fares, which may include round-trip airfare, a pre-cruise hotel stay, and unlimited shore excursions — along with alcohol, food, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and transfers.

Where to cruise : Explore Alaska on the Glimmering Ice Floes and Glaciers itinerary , which sails from Vancouver to Seward. You’ll cruise the scenic Inside Passage and stop in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point before sailing past the majestic Hubbard Glacier.

Celebrity Cruises

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Celebrity Cruises is known for its sleek and sophisticated ships, all of which are complete with elegant onboard spaces for drinking, dining, and mingling. Grab pre-dinner drinks — and admire sweeping ocean views — at the stylish Sunset Bar, which boasts a casual country club-esque ambience.

While the cruise line allows kids onboard, grown-ups seeking solitude can head straight to the adults-only Solarium, a tranquil pool area ideal for relaxation. Meanwhile, gourmet restaurants such as Le Voyage and Luminae (both helmed by renowned chef Daniel Boulud) make the perfect date night spot. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at one of many bars and lounges, including the Sky Observation Lounge (which offers incredible live music) and the Martini Bar & Crush (which boasts an ice-covered bar counter to keep your cocktails cool).

Where to cruise: With its pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, and lush rainforests, Hawaii offers a spectacular backdrop for a couples cruise. This 11-night voyage from Vancouver stops in Hilo and Kailua Kona on The Big Island and sails along Kauai's rugged Napali Coast before disembarking in Honolulu.

Related: What to Know About All 16 Ships in the Celebrity Cruises Fleet