Romance and cruise seems to go hand in hand, especially if you've spotted a cruise lines' glossy magazine ads: photos of couples admiring the front at sunset or sipping orange juice on their veranda private terry robes clothing, or even - and what we find it hard to believe - spend time alone on a deserted beach with their mega-ship anchored in the background.
Ads notwithstanding, however, the cruise can be one of the most romantic vacation options, but often it is the tangibles - atmosphere on board and lifestyle - which are most likely to contribute to a sense of "amore" at that sunset. Choosing the right cruise, and even more specifically, the right ship of the fleet, can be a great challenge.
In our search for first choice, we have mainly appealed to our own romantic travel experiences. Whether your definition of romantic is a party to any vessel or night ultimate pleasure and luxury, you identify with the criteria we used to assess the best choice. For example? A comfortable cabin with a large bathroom - and a private veranda - is an absolute necessity. We prefer to eat two (or at least able to eat when and with whom we choose). Exhibits with soft lighting are pleasant. And one more? Almost-private-open deck space for Star Gazing.
Ads notwithstanding, however, the cruise can be one of the most romantic vacation options, but often it is the tangibles - atmosphere on board and lifestyle - which are most likely to contribute to a sense of "amore" at that sunset. Choosing the right cruise, and even more specifically, the right ship of the fleet, can be a great challenge.
In our search for first choice, we have mainly appealed to our own romantic travel experiences. Whether your definition of romantic is a party to any vessel or night ultimate pleasure and luxury, you identify with the criteria we used to assess the best choice. For example? A comfortable cabin with a large bathroom - and a private veranda - is an absolute necessity. We prefer to eat two (or at least able to eat when and with whom we choose). Exhibits with soft lighting are pleasant. And one more? Almost-private-open deck space for Star Gazing.
Princess Cruises
While we like any of Princess' Grand Class vessels for their blend of big ship options and small ship cozy, Crown Princess and Emerald Princess, the fleet's newest, offer some first-time-ever features.
Both boast the line's traditionally high percentage of suites and mini-suites (which means booking a bigger cabin may not be too much of a splurge). The "piece de resistance" is the Grand Suite, which features separate sitting area, balcony that stretches between living room and bedroom, and a fabulous whirlpool tub. But even the standard mini-suite is charming and comfortable.
While we like any of Princess' Grand Class vessels for their blend of big ship options and small ship cozy, Crown Princess and Emerald Princess, the fleet's newest, offer some first-time-ever features.
Both boast the line's traditionally high percentage of suites and mini-suites (which means booking a bigger cabin may not be too much of a splurge). The "piece de resistance" is the Grand Suite, which features separate sitting area, balcony that stretches between living room and bedroom, and a fabulous whirlpool tub. But even the standard mini-suite is charming and comfortable.
What could be more romantic than a night at "Movies Under the Stars," a retro drive-in where you recline on padded loungers (you can snuggle under the wool tartan blankets)? During the day we love The Sanctuary. A completely new invention, The Sanctuary is a (mostly) shaded zen-like retreat, complete with waiter service, spa menu and massage services (a couples' massage is available).
Check out the spa's couple's Rasul room (it's a mud room with steam -- and it's more fun than it sounds!). Adagio, a new concept lounge featuring a cabaret singer, is lovely and private -- way up on one of the top decks.
Open-seating (as well as traditional) dining is available. But the most romantic option -- and unique to cruising -- is the Ultimate Balcony Dining dinner experience. For $100 per couple, cruisers are treated to a lobster dinner with champagne and course-by-course service. Only caveat: Your cabin must have a balcony. We also love the ship's two specialty restaurants. Request a banquette at Crown Grill, a steak and seafood restaurant with an open grill; Sabatini's, the line's Italian eatery, should not be missed. Another favorite is Vines, the ship's wine and sushi bar.
While the ship's deluxe mini-suites are lovely and comfortable, the all-open-air balconies (applies to any cabin on Dolphin deck) are anything but private. All of the Grand class ships are premier options for onboard weddings. Both have dedicated wedding chapels and captains empowered to perform ceremonies -- and friends at home can watch live via Web cams!
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises appears to be really targeting the family market with its latest ship, Ventura, but it hasn't forgotten the all-important couples market with its two adults-only ships -- older-style Artemis and the newer, stylish Arcadia. With its upscale dining restaurant and wedding packages, Arcadia is a great pick, particularly for British couples.
Arcadia has suites, mini-suites, and outside and inside staterooms. A nice plus: 685 of 984 have a balcony. Added touches in mini-suites (and up) include his-and-hers Molton Brown toiletry sets. Head to the Aquarius pool on the Lido Deck for relaxation and sunning!
Arcadia has suites, mini-suites, and outside and inside staterooms. A nice plus: 685 of 984 have a balcony. Added touches in mini-suites (and up) include his-and-hers Molton Brown toiletry sets. Head to the Aquarius pool on the Lido Deck for relaxation and sunning!
The Orchid Bar, adjacent to the Orchid restaurant on Deck 11 is a great place to enjoy a sundowner (that's British for an evening cocktail!). With its warm terracotta, rust, chocolate and cream decor, it would also make a lovely venue for a reception following a wedding in the Viceroy Room.Try celebrity chef Gary Rhodes' restaurant, Arcadian Rhodes, for top-notch British cuisine. At £15 per person, it is worth a treat, particularly if it is a special occasion. Getting a two-top could be a problem in the main dining area due to the lack of smaller tables.Thanks to its Bermuda registry, the captain can marry people at sea. Wedding packages range from the low key affair to the full works. You can also have anything from a champagne reception through to a group dinner in Arcadian Rhodes.
Crystal Cruises
In general, Crystal is the best choice for folks who want big-ship features and small-ship luxury. In particular, while this newer ship offers many of the same features as Crystal Symphony does, the penthouse suites, the most romantic accommodations, are more plentiful.The aforementioned penthouse suites, which come in three categories. All have verandahs, butler service and marble baths with Jacuzzi tubs (not to mention state-of-the-art tech toys), and are roomy enough for in-room massages. Another plus? Passengers in these staterooms can order off the menu from Crystal Serenity's fabulous specialty restaurants. Head for any of the terraced decks on the back of the ship.
Try any (or all) of Crystal Serenity's specialty restaurants, such as the Northern Italian Prego and the Asian Silk Road. Or indulge in course-by-course room service on your verandah.Crystal still maintains a set-time, assigned-tablemates scheme in its main dining rooms.
Thomson Cruises
British Tour operator Thomson is geared toward Brits looking for a relatively low-priced traditional cruise experience. The line's smallest ship, at 11,162 tons, the Calypso offers small-ship feel and is Thomson's one adults-only ship. It's a good choice if you are looking at the lower-end of the price scale for a cosy, unpretentious ambience. Although this ship caters to fewer than 500 passengers, it still has a variety of cabins -- 4 suites, 7 semi-deluxe staterooms, 147 outside view cabins and 85 interiors. The wooden promenade deck is great for walking or watching the world go by.
For meeting like-minded couples and enjoying your time on the ship, check out the show lounge -- which features cabaret, comedians and magic acts. L'Orhcidee, the main dining room, is located at the aft of the ship, and although tables are mostly on a bigger scale, it is again a great place to meet other couples. Wine prices are reasonable here, too. If you are looking for a more formal experience, Thomson may not be for you -- the Calypso's dress code is relaxed, as is the atmosphere.
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