Date night at sea: The most romantic things to do on a cruise

There’s something undeniably romantic about setting sail with the one you love. You might be planning a honeymoon, searching for a unique way to exchange vows, celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or Valentine’s Day, or simply craving a little more romance on your next getaway. No matter what the reason is for your trip, a cruise is one of the most magical ways to spend quality time together. Wondering how to make your trip extra special? Here, we share some of the most romantic things to do on a cruise. 

Surprise your loved one with a special treat when they’re least expecting it. Some cruise lines allow you to arrange for a gift, such as flowers or Champagne, to be delivered to your cabin door or perhaps even left inside your suite, before you arrive. 

Find serenity at the spa with a blissful treatment for two. Cruise ships often boast stunning spas, complete with state-of-the-art facilities, treatment rooms, and tranquil relaxation areas. When sailing with Cunard, take a trip to Mareel Wellness and Beauty and select a service to help you unwind together. You might opt for a couple’s traditional Swedish massage with essential oils or the soothing aroma-therapy stone treatment. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is another popular cruise line that offers a range of treatments suitable for couples, including massages and seaweed wraps. 

For many, food truly is the way to the heart. There’s nothing quite like sharing the joy of savouring a delicious meal. You’ll find some of the most beautiful and unique dining venues aboard cruise ships, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening. Celebrity Cruises is home to the innovative Magic Carpet, a world-first cantilevered platform that moves up and down the side of the ship and offers unique al fresco dining experiences, including Dinner on the Edge®. You’ll find this exhilarating, sky-high dining experience available on Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent. Another exclusive dining concept at sea is Silver Note, which you can find aboard Silversea’s Silver Ray, Silver Dawn, Silver Spirit, Silver Moon, Silver Muse, and Silver Nova. Expect an intimate supper-club experience that combines the smooth sounds of jazz with delicious small-plate fine dining. Priding themselves on serving the Finest Cuisine at Sea®, Oceania Cruises is another fantastic choice for foodies searching for a voyage to celebrate their love for one another and good food. You’ll find Toscana, an authentic Italian restaurant with recipes originating from the mothers and grandmothers of the cruise line’s very own Italian staff, on Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera, and Vista. Another fantastic option is Polo Grill, a classic steakhouse serving sumptuous steaks and succulent seafood dishes, available on board the ships listed above, plus on Allura. 

If you’d prefer something a little more private, you might opt for a private dining experience on your balcony. Popular cruise lines like Princess Cruises offer an intimate dining experience that you can enjoy from the comfort of your suite. With customisable breakfast and dinner menus, you’ll have the opportunity to devour a delicious meal and admire the view from your balcony. Similarly, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers comprehensive in-suite dining, allowing guests to choose from the extensive menu and enjoy a fine-dining experience in their suite. 

A cooking class is a fantastic way to bond with your significant other at sea. Bring a taste of your trip home by learning a new recipe and recreating it from the comfort of your very own kitchen. On board Silversea’s Silver Nova, Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, and Silver Ray, guests can visit the S.A.L.T. Lab for an interactive, hands-on culinary experience like no other. Talented chefs provide an insight into the culinary techniques, traditions and heritage of the destinations you visit through workshops, demonstrations, and lectures. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers cooking classes in the dedicated Culinary Arts Kitchen, which you can find aboard Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Splendor, Seven Seas Explorer, and Seven Seas Prestige. In this stylish space, guests will find everything they need to take their culinary skills to the next level. 

Sometimes, the simplest actions can be the most romantic. Go back to basics by snuggling up together with a glass of wine and a blockbuster movie in a romantic setting. Exclusive to Princess Cruises, Movies Under the Stars® is an impressive outdoor movie theatre that offers guests the chance to watch a film against the stunning backdrop of sea and sky. On board P&O Cruises’ Iona and Arvia, you’ll find Ocean Studios. A four-screen cinema complex where you can watch recent releases and timeless classics. 

For most, the combination of travel and theatre is simply unmatched. Many cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art theatres that make for a fantastic date night venue at sea. Royal Caribbean is widely regarded for its spectacular entertainment programme, which includes full-length Broadway productions. Similarly, NCL also showcases popular West End and Broadway hits at sea. Princess Cruises is renowned for delivering high-calibre musical productions, whilst Cunard delivers a mixture of entertainment, from West End-style musicals and showstopping cabaret to enchanting comedy shows and magicians in a Palladium-style theatre, with private boxes available to hire too. 

One of the many benefits of cruising is the breathtaking views you’ll witness as your journey unfolds. If you’re both early risers, you might choose to step onto your balcony, with a steaming cup of coffee, and watch as the sky brightens and the sun begins to rise above the horizon. This tranquil experience is the perfect way to start your day. Or, you might choose to lounge by the pool in the afternoon and bond over the stunning sea views and landscapes. In the evening, grab a pre-dinner cocktail and watch as the sky transforms, bonding over the exciting day you’ve had and the adventures yet to come. 

For a truly romantic experience, you and your partner could make the ultimate commitment at sea. Cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, and P&O Cruises allow guests to say ‘I do’ on board. If you’re already married, you might like to reaffirm your love for one another with a vow renewal, either just the two of you or in front of your family and friends that you travel with. Or, you might find that a cruise is the perfect setting to get down on one knee and pop the all-important question. 

Reconnect with your partner on a deeper level as you set out on exciting shore excursions. Depending on your interests, you might choose an active pursuit that gets the adrenaline flowing and leaves you both feeling exhilarated. One day, you might be ziplining through rainforests, and the next, discovering colourful marine life as you snorkel through crystal-clear waters. For those who are keen history enthusiasts, you might opt for excursions that let you explore ancient ruins and tour medieval castles and villages. Others might choose excursions that allow them to immerse themselves in the culture of the destinations they visit.