Cruise Romance
Cruise Diva Selects the Most Romantic Ships at Sea
by Linda Coffman
Ask six couples what the most romantic aspect of a cruise is and you are likely to get a dozen different responses. To some, it could be the freedom to relax and enjoy one another's company. Or maybe it's the joy of getting away from home, work, and responsibility for a few cherished days.
One thing is certainly true—many couples consider a cruise the most romantic vacation imaginable. Which cruise ships are the most desirable for romantics? These are CruiseDiva.com's favorites.
SeaDream I & II
(SeaDream Yacht Club)
"No clocks, no crowds, no lines, no stress." Just luxurious, intimate settings—snug alcoves for private dining al fresco, a Caviar & Champagne Splash in the surf, and the feel of being master of a private yacht. The sleek SeaDream twin vessels are mega yachts, offering 110 privileged passengers a maximum of privacy. All suites feature Belgian bed linens and bathrooms have a to-die-for shower large enough for two with multi-jet massaging shower heads. For stargazing, wrap up in plush Turkish cotton bathrobes, grab the pillows and duvet, and head for a Balinese Dream Bed for two. But first, call room service for caviar to nibble on and a bit of the bubbly to toast one another.
Silver Shadow/Silver Whisper
(Silversea Cruises)
These elegant sister-ships offer the ultimate in service and pampering. In the care of their conscientious staffs, you will want for nothing—leaving you all the time you need to concentrate on one another. Exotic itineraries whisk you to some of the most divine destinations on earth. What could be more romantic than sailing from Venice on a golden evening? Cruise Diva's favorite spot for an intimate after dinner drink is Lampadina (Silver Shadow) or Grappa (Silver Whisper). Once you retire for the night, the bed linens are frankly sensuous.
Wind Surf
(Windstar Cruises)
For sheer enchantment, can you beat billowing white sails overhead and the thrill of skimming across the sea? I don't think so... and Wind Surf is cozy and inviting, with warm, unobtrusive service. While her diminutive size and low number of passengers makes socializing a breeze, relaxation is a treasured amenity, and there are few interruptions if all you want is to be together under the stars. A CD player and VCR in your stateroom, coupled with popcorn from room service, are all that's needed for a quiet evening for two. Pssst—the sauna is coed.
Seven Seas Mariner/Seven Seas Voyager
(Radisson Seven Seas Cruises)
If you "vant to be alone," the distinctive Seven Seas Mariner or Seven Seas Voyager are the ships for you. Every single suite on each has its own private verandah and with their huge passenger-to-space ratio, you'll never feel lost in a crowd. The Cordon Bleu restaurants are elegant and the cuisine sublime—a perfectly lovely setting for a dinner for two. Then hold hands and savor the whisper of the ship's wake from the aft deck adjoining Horizon Lounge. Or dance outside to the hushed sounds of the combo within. Share more private moments on your own verandah before you cuddle up beneath a down duvet.
Pacific & Ocean Princess
(Princess Cruises)
Princess Cruises small ships are intimate, yet large enough to offer big ship features such as the quietly elegant alternative restaurants and plenty of space. Best of all, they sail to the world's most exotic and romantic destinations. Get away from it all and be pampered in the privacy of the therapy pool area just forward of the spa and fitness center—it's not expensive and often under-utilized. Or gaze at the moon from high atop the ship... climb the outside stairs to reach the top deck aft.
No matter which ship you choose, whether one of these or another, you can be certain the memories of your cruise together will last a lifetime.
Now, isn't that romantic?
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Romantic Revelations - Who's the most attuned to romance? "He said/She said" survey results from Princess Cruises
