Top 5 Romantic Cruises for Couples in 2025

By Tony Sheridan, Cruise Specialist at Atlas Holidays

There’s something magical about cruising with someone you love. Whether it’s strolling hand in hand along the deck at sunset or sharing new adventures in exotic ports of call. As a Cruise Specialist at Atlas Holidays, I’ve helped countless couples find their perfect escape at sea. Here are my top recommendations for romantic cruise experiences, ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply reconnecting on the waves.

1. Virgin Voyages – Scarlet Lady & Valiant Lady

Adults-Only | Stylish | Boldly Different

Virgin Voyages reimagines cruising for a new generation of travellers. It is perfect for couples who want freedom, fun, and flair. They can enjoy this without the fuss of traditional cruising. These adults-only ships (18+) are designed with sophistication and energy. They are perfect for romantic escapes. They are ideal for honeymoons or just a chic getaway for two.

Unique Benefits:

🛏️ Modern, Balcony-Centric Cabins
Every Sea Terrace room comes with a handwoven hammock on your private balcony. The cabins feature mood lighting that adjusts to the time of day. It also changes according to your mood. There are smart tablet controls for lighting, curtains, and even room service.

🍷 No Buffets – Ever

Forget the cafeteria vibe. Virgin offers over 20+ onboard eateries—from Korean BBQ and upscale Mediterranean to experimental tasting menus and fresh vegetarian options. Everything is included, and there are no formal dining rooms or fixed seating times.

💃 Immersive Nightlife & Entertainment
The entertainment is edgy, immersive, and Instagram-worthy. Imagine a cabaret-meets-nightclub with jaw-dropping performances. Experience pop-up acts and themed parties. One such party is the famous Scarlet Night, a ship-wide red-themed celebration. It is perfect for couples who love to dance the night away.

🌊 Wellness-First Vibe
Virgin puts a big emphasis on wellness and self-care. The ships feature stylish outdoor yoga decks, high-tech gyms, and even a rooftop boxing ring. You can join a sunrise meditation, then hit the spa for a massage or a couple’s thermal suite experience.

🎉 No Hidden Extras

Virgin is known for its inclusive approach. Your cruise fare covers dining, essential drinks, tips, Wi-Fi, and group fitness classes. There’s no surprise bill at the end. It’s ideal for couples on a set budget. They can still enjoy a premium experience.

🚢 Chic Design Meets Boutique Luxury
The interiors are designed by some of the world’s top creative minds. These include Tom Dixon. They are bold and elegant. Think Soho House at Sea—more boutique hotel than traditional cruise ship.

Top Couple Experiences:

• Private cabana days on The Beach Club at Bimini (Virgin’s private Bahamian paradise)
• Sunset cocktails at The Dock lounge
• Couple’s massages at Redemption Spa
• Late-night shows at The Manor, the ship’s two-story nightclub

Tony’s Tip:

Book the Splash of Romance Package for early boarding. Enjoy priority spa access. Get curated treats for two. It’s one of the best-value add-ons for couples!

2. Silversea Cruises – Silver Moon.

Ultra-Luxury | Gourmet | Intimate

Silversea Cruises is renowned for delivering one of the most refined cruising experiences in the world. Silver Moon is a crown jewel in their fleet. The ship is designed for discerning travellers. It blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication. This creates the perfect atmosphere for couples seeking indulgence, intimacy, and adventure.

Why Silver Moon is Perfect for Couples:

🌍 Small Ship, Big World:
Silver Moon can host just over 590 guests. It offers an exclusive and uncrowded onboard environment. It’s ideal for couples who want a peaceful, personalised experience without sacrificing the excitement of global exploration.

🛎️ Butler Service in Every Suite:
Every suite—yes, every suite—comes with a dedicated butler. From unpacking your luggage to bringing champagne at sunset, the staff intuitively know how to make you feel pampered.

🍴 S.A.L.T. Program (Sea And Land Taste):
Silver Moon’s standout feature is its S.A.L.T. culinary concept. It’s not just dining—it’s immersion. Dine on regional specialties in the S.A.L.T. Kitchen, sip local wines in the S.A.L.T. Bar, and even take cooking classes or culinary shore excursions that bring each destination’s culture to life.

Tony’s Tip:

Don’t miss the S.A.L.T. Lab—this interactive kitchen lets you and your partner learn to prepare dishes from the region you’re sailing through. It’s like a gourmet date night with a local twist!

🌅 Spacious Verandas & Romantic Ambience:
Every suite includes a private teak veranda. It’s perfect for sharing breakfast with ocean views. You can also enjoy sipping cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon. Indoors, expect fine linens, marble bathrooms, and a curated mini-bar.

🧖‍♀️ Zagara Spa & Wellness Retreat:
Silversea’s Zagara Spa offers serene couple’s treatments. It also provides thermal suites. Additionally, there is a fitness centre with ocean views. A great way to relax after a day exploring Venice, Santorini, or the Seychelles.

📍 Unique Destinations with Deeper Access:
Thanks to its size, Silver Moon docks in charming, less-crowded ports. Larger ships can’t reach these destinations. This offers a more authentic and romantic travel experience.

3. Atlas Ocean Voyages – World Navigator

Adventure | Boutique Luxury | All-Inclusive Exploration

Atlas Ocean Voyages is redefining luxury cruising with an emphasis on intimate exploration. Their ship, World Navigator, is a sleek, expedition-style vessel. It is designed for curious couples who want to immerse themselves in the places they visit. They aim to engage with destinations, not just see them from afar.

Unlike large cruise ships, World Navigator carries under 200 guests. This creates a sense of exclusivity and personal space. It’s perfect for romantic getaways. Whether you’re sailing through the Mediterranean, the Amazon, or Antarctica, every journey is crafted for discovery, comfort, and culture.

What Makes It Perfect for Couples:

• All-Inclusive Luxury – Every cruise includes excursions, gourmet meals, and premium spirits. They also cover gratuities, Wi-Fi, and even airfare on select sailings. This way, you can focus on enjoying the journey.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations – Explore remote coastal towns and UNESCO sites. Discover bucket-list destinations with access to smaller ports that big ships can’t reach.
• Immersive Shore Excursions – Daily included excursions are designed to deepen your understanding of the destination. You experience truffle hunting in Croatia. Alternatively, you go wildlife spotting in Patagonia.
• Spa & Wellness on Board – After a day of adventure, unwind together in the SeaSpa by L’Occitane. You can also enjoy a sunrise yoga class overlooking the ocean.
• Elegant Cabins with Ocean Views – Every stateroom has an ocean view. Many have Juliet balconies or full verandas. These are ideal for sipping wine while watching the world float by.

Tony’s Tip:

Book a cruise through the Greek Isles or South America—you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of culture, cuisine, and comfort. And if you’re after something truly unique, their Antarctica expeditions offer once-in-a-lifetime moments and pure, unspoiled romance.

4. Viking Ocean Cruises – Viking Venus

Cultural | Sophisticated | All-Veranda

Viking Ocean Cruises has earned a devoted group among travelers. These travelers crave more than just a beach day. They want deep, meaningful experiences. Viking Venus is one of the line’s elegant small ships. It offers a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. This feels more like a boutique hotel at sea than a traditional cruise ship.

🛏️ All-Veranda Staterooms

Every stateroom on Viking Venus has a private veranda—no interior cabins. That means you’ll wake up to panoramic sea views every day. You can enjoy private moments on your balcony with coffee at sunrise or wine at sunset.

🧘 Adults-Only Ambience

Viking’s ocean ships are strictly 18+. This makes them an ideal choice for couples seeking tranquility. These ships offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of family-focused ships. The atmosphere is relaxed, quiet, and geared toward adult enrichment and romance.

🏛️ Destination-Focused Itineraries

Viking is known for longer port days, whether you’re gliding through the Greek Isles. You are exploring the coasts of Spain and Italy. Or, you are discovering the fjords of Scandinavia. They also offer overnight stays. This allows couples to truly immerse themselves in each destination.

🍷 Inclusive Value

Viking Venus includes a surprising number of perks in the fare:

• Shore excursion in every port
• Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals
• Free Wi-Fi
• Access to the gorgeous spa with its Scandinavian Snow Grotto
• No upcharges for specialty dining

This transparent pricing structure makes it easy to budget, which is perfect for first-time cruise couples or seasoned travelers alike.

🍽️ Exceptional Culinary Experiences

Dining aboard Viking Venus is elegant but unpretentious. Couples will find romantic settings from the airy World Café to the fine-dining restaurant The Chef’s Table. The menus are inspired by regional cuisines. Don’t miss the afternoon tea in the Wintergarden or the al fresco dining at Aquavit Terrace.

Tony’s Tip:

For a romantic escape, consider Viking’s “Mediterranean Odyssey” itinerary. It sails from Barcelona to Venice or the reverse. The cruise visits treasures like Monte Carlo, Florence, Dubrovnik, and Santorini. It avoids the crowds of mega-ships.

5. Princess Cruises – Enchanted Princess

Romantic | Modern Classic | Great for First-Time Cruisers

The Enchanted Princess brings the perfect balance of timeless elegance and modern innovation. This ship was designed with couples in mind—offering everything from cozy private spaces to grand entertainment venues and personalized service. It’s an excellent choice for both seasoned travelers and those dipping their toes into cruising for the first time.

What Makes It Perfect for Couples:

🌊 The Sanctuary – A serene, adults-only retreat with plush loungers, soft music, and attentive service. You can even reserve a private cabana for a special sea day together.

🍽️ Dine My Way – Unlike traditional cruise dining, Princess lets you choose when, where, and with whom you dine. You decide whether you want an intimate table for two at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria. You can also opt for a romantic oceanview dinner on the balcony. You’re in control.

🌅 Balcony Breakfasts & Private Dining – Princess offers a Balcony Dining experience that lets you enjoy breakfast. You can also enjoy a romantic dinner on your stateroom’s private balcony. This experience is whole with white-glove service and ocean views.

🎭 Top-Notch Entertainment – Enjoy Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theater. Watch Movies Under the Stars, snuggled up with popcorn and blankets. There’s something for every couple’s vibe.

🛌 Luxury Bedding & Comfort – Their Princess Luxury Bed is created in partnership with sleep experts. It offers a deeply restful night’s sleep. This is ideal after a day of adventure and indulgence.

🧘 Wellness Together – Enjoy couples’ massages at the Lotus Spa. Start your day with morning yoga overlooking the sea. Unwind in a bubbling hot tub with panoramic views.

🚢 MedallionClass® Experience – With the OceanMedallion wearable device, everything from boarding to drink orders becomes seamless. Order wine to wherever you’re lounging. Your stateroom unlocks automatically as you approach. It’s stress-free cruising, elevated.

Tony’s Tip:

Upgrade to a Club Class Mini-Suite for a spacious room. Enjoy priority boarding and access to an exclusive dining area. This upgrade is well worth it for a special celebration or anniversary trip.

Testimonial

Tony made everything so easy!

We were overwhelmed by the choices out there. Tony at Atlas Holidays listened to what we wanted. He found the perfect cruise for our anniversary. The Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace cabin was a dream—and that hammock! Can’t wait to book our next one.”

— Rachel & Mark, London

🛳️ Which Cruise Is Right for You as a Couple?

Not sure where to start? Take our 60-second quiz and discover your perfect cruise style—whether you’re all about sunsets and spas or seeking remote adventures.

Q1. What’s your ideal vibe for a holiday together?

A) Stylish, adults-only, and full of energy

B) Quiet, luxurious, and indulgent

C) Adventurous and off the beaten path

D) Culture-rich with scenic ports

E) Classic, romantic, and stress-free

Q2. What kind of dining experience do you both prefer?

A) Casual, modern, with lots of variety

B) Gourmet, multi-course meals with wine

C) Local flavours from new destinations

D) Alfresco with cultural flair

E) Balcony breakfasts and open-seating elegance

Q3. Which evening sounds most appealing?

A) Cocktails and DJ sets under the stars

B) A couple’s massage followed by a fine dinner

C) Watching the Northern Lights or wildlife

D) A glass of wine after a day exploring historic towns

E) Watching a movie under the stars, snuggled up on deck

Q4. Your dream destination together is…

A) Caribbean or Ibiza-style beach spots

B) Mediterranean luxury like the French Riviera

C) Antarctica, Iceland, or the Arctic

D) Greece, Italy, or Spain

E) Norwegian Fjords or the British Isles

Q5. What kind of stateroom would you choose?

A) Balcony with a hammock and Bluetooth speakers

B) Suite with butler service and walk-in wardrobe

C) Expedition-style cabin with panoramic windows

D) Veranda stateroom with cultural guidebooks

E) Mini-suite with a plush bed and ocean views

Let Me Help You Plan Your Escape

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply escaping everyday life, a cruise for two is the perfect answer. If you’d like help choosing your ideal cruise, feel free to message me directly or join our Facebook group below.

Join the Facebook Group – Cruise Deals & Advice with Tony Sheridan

Or contact Tony at tony@atlasholidays.co.uk for personalised support.