Romance and cruising would seem to go hand in hand, particularly if you've spotted any of the cruise lines' glossy magazine advertisements: photos of couples admiring the bow at sunset, or sipping orange juice on their private verandah in terry clothes robes, or even -- and this one we have a hard time believing -- spending time alone on a deserted beach with their mega-ship anchored in the background.
Advertisements notwithstanding, however, cruising can be one of the most romantic vacation options, but often it's the tangibles -- onboard ambiance and lifestyle -- that are more likely to contribute to the feeling of "amore" than an occasional sunset. Choosing the right cruise line and, even more specifically, the right ship within the fleet, can be a big challenge.
In researching our top picks, we primarily called on our own experiences of romantic voyages. Whether your definition of romantic is a party-all-night ship or ultimate pampering and luxury, you'll identify with the criteria we have used in evaluating the best choices. For instance? A cozy cabin with a great bathroom -- and a private verandah -- is a definite plus in most cases. We prefer dining a deux (or at least the option to eat when and with whom we choose). Lounges with soft lighting are nice. And one more? Almost-private open-deck spaces for star gazing.
Why: While we like any of Princess' Grand Class vessels for their blend of big ship options and small ship cozy, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess, the fleet's newest, offer some first-time-ever features.
Stay Here: Each boasts 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.
Out on Deck: 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).
Indoor Romance: 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.
Dining: 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.
Downside? 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.
Special Events: 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!
Why: P&O Cruises appears to be really targeting the family market with its latest ship, Ventura, but it hasn't forgotten that couples matter too, 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.
Stay Here: 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.
Out on Deck: Head to the Aquarius pool on the Lido Deck for relaxation and sunning.
Indoor Romance: 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.
Dining: 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.
Downside: Getting a two-top could be a problem in the main dining area due to the lack of smaller tables.
Special Events: 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.
Why: Designed, built and decorated to sail year-round in the South Pacific, the cozy, 330-passenger Paul Gaugin offers an air of tropical festivity amidst cultured surroundings. Dining is restaurant-style, staff is superb, and the ship is highly inclusive (cocktails and other beverages are included in cruise fares).
Stay Here: Consistent with the decor around the ship, cabins are elegant and tropically inspired; when we embarked, our stewardess had showered the bathroom sink with red rose petals. Every night at turndown there's a lovely local fable (great cards for saving) on your pillow. Definitely book ahead so you can nab a balcony cabin. It's not a trip to the South Pacific if you're not out on your balcony, savoring coffee, as Bora Bora pulls into view.
Out on Deck: The sun deck offers nice vantage points from above, and the ship's water sports marina makes it possible to enjoy views below the water's surface.
Indoor Romance: Dance cheek to cheek with your honey to the tunes of a chanteuse in the La Palette Lounge, or gaze at the sea or stars from the lounge's top-of-ship vantage point.
Dining: For such a small ship, the choice of restaurants is superb. L'Etoile, which offers French cuisine accented with Polynesian touches, serves as the main venue. Le Veranda, inspired by Regent Seven Seas Cruises' relationship with famed cooking school Le Cordon Bleu, is an alternative option. And LeGrill, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is a terrific casual option.
Downside: Regent Seven Seas will end its relationship with Paul Gauguin in January 2010. The ship will continue to sail the South Pacific under the management of the newly formed Paul Gauguin Cruises. We cannot guarantee that the service and experience will remain the same, but the new owners have said they're committed to continuing to offer an inclusive, luxurious experience.
Special Events: Weddings and vow renewals in beautiful South Pacific locations are handled jointly by Regent's Travel Concierge and an onboard wedding consultant from Royal Ocean Events.
Why: 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.
Stay Here: 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.
Out on Deck: Head for any of the terraced decks on the back of the ship.
Indoor Romance: Head for a private corner of the Sunset Bar (at the forward end of the Palm Court) -- it's a great spot for sunset-watching. We also love the clubby-pubby Avenue Saloon.
Dining: 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.
Downside:Crystal still maintains a set-time, assigned-tablemates scheme in its main dining rooms.
Special Events: No weddings but the ship does offer vow renewals.
Why: 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.
Stay Here: 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.
Out on Deck: The wooden promenade deck is great for walking or watching the world go by.
Indoor Romance: For meeting like-minded couples and enjoying your time on the ship, check out the show lounge -- which features cabaret, comedians and magic acts.
Dining: 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.
Downside: 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.
Special Events: We are not aware of any wedding programs.
Why: Wind Surf's both a sailboat and cruise ship, and it features a hybrid blend of cruise traditions (such as the crew show, organized shore excursions and multiple eateries) and utterly romantic vistas. Carrying just 312 passengers, the ship's onboard ambience is relaxed (no set seatings at dinner) and its itineraries focus on ports in the Mediterranean and Caribbean that are often too small to appeal to massive ships.
Stay Here: We'll be honest: There are more romantic cabins at sea. Only a handful have balconies and most are porthole-only. Having said that, Windstar Cruises has spiffed up the staterooms with state of the art electronics, decadently soft bedding, and variable lighting.
Out on Deck: A favorite spot -- and it's remarkably quiet -- is at the outside tables at Wind Surf's cigar bar; it's a great place to sit under the stars (or enjoy a quiet cocktail). The Compass Rose offers lovely seascapes, too.
Indoor Romance: If it's too chilly for sitting outdoors, head to the indoor section of the Compass Rose to listen to some pre-dinner music over drinks with your sweetheart.
Dining: For casual daytime dining, the glass-walled Veranda offers seating outdoors as well as indoors. It's adjacent to the grill and features both buffet fare and choices from a menu. At night, the ship has two restaurants. The Restaurant serves as the main venue and has plenty of tables for two. Degrees, which has themed menus each night, is the alternative. Ship staffers go all out for the occasional special event buffet spreads (can still remember the fabulous molten chocolate fountain).
Downside? Cabins aren't uber romantic, but they are comfortable. For a ship this pampering and luxurious in feel, certain elements -- like art auctions -- are jarringly out of place.
Special Events: Onboard wedding ceremonies are only available on embarkation day prior to the ship setting sail, but destination weddings in Caribbean or Mediterranean ports can be arranged.
Why: First and foremost, NCL's "Freestyle Dining" philosophy (passengers can dine without the hassle of assigned times and tablemates at a variety of restaurants) is perfectly suited to table-for-two travelers. A close second are the ships' Courtyard Villas. The relatively new concept (and, as such, only found on NCL's newest ships) is aimed at creating a small, boutique-style hotel within the framework of a larger resort. The villas are located away from the so-called fray -- and offer a host of special perks, from access to a fabulous Asian-inspired pool area (complete with Balinese bed and hot tub) to suite-holders-only breakfast and lunch at Cagney's.
Stay Here: The aforementioned Courtyard Villas feature separate living and sleeping rooms (there's the master bedroom and also a smaller, window-less room with bunks), flat-screen television, butler service and, the best part: a swishy bathroom whose whirlpool tub is set into a picture window alcove.
Out on Deck: If you're not booked in a fancy suite with a private sun deck or hot tub, the next best outdoor spot is the adults-only pool. You might be surrounded by other couples, but at least you won't get splashed by a bunch of rowdy kids.
Indoor Romance: Snuggle up to your honey, cocktail in hand, on one of the canopied beds that serve as loungers in the Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club.
Dining: Try dinner at Cagney's, the dedicated steakhouse, and Le Bistro, a French eatery; for drinks, Cagney's adjacent lounge, located at the top of the ship, is away from the crowds.
Downside? The 2,394-passenger ship isn't exactly intimate, and you might have to queue up for your dinner table for two if you don't eat at odd times or make reservations in advance.
Special Events: All of NCL's wedding packages include a wedding coordinator, officiant, wedding cake, sparkling wine or champagne, and a photographer. The ships also offer a variety of honeymoon, anniversary and romance packages featuring spa treatments, breakfast in bed or intimate dinners for two.
SeaDream Yacht Club
Best Ship: Either of its two nearly identical 4,260-ton, 110-passenger yachts (SeaDream I and SeaDream II)
Why: These ships win top romantic honors for sophisticated couples who want luxury (phenomenal dining and great service) amidst a casual ambiance. The ships are gorgeously restored; dining is all as-you-wish; cabins, though cozy, are outfitted with state-of-the-art accouterments; and last but by no means least, service is outstanding, personable, attentive ... and subtle. They're all-inclusive, too, which means tips and all drinks (not to mention unlimited caviar) are included in your fare.
Stay Here: There are only three types of stateroom. The most romantic is, of course, the owner's suite (with a fabulous windowed bathroom). The Commodore Club suite is basically two standard cabins put together -- we actually preferred our standard accommodations. These 195-square-ft. staterooms feature separate seating areas and bedrooms, with a small but exquisitely outfitted bathroom (huge shower-for-two with three shower heads). Add to that fine linens and great mattresses on the bed, high-tech flat-screen televisions, DVD and MP3 players, and plenty of storage space.
Out on Deck: Our favorite place for sunset-timed port departures was on one of the Balinese beds on the top-most deck -- tucked around the smokestack, they are built just a bit above the deck railing, which gives you a sense of floating above the water. We also loved the Top of the Yacht bar.
Dining: There are two primary venues. The Main Dining Salon (indoors) feels like a restaurant at an elegant, small boutique hotel. But our favorite spot was the Topside Restaurant, and most meals, from breakfast to dinner, were offered here; it's an open-sided outdoor eatery (covered, though, so shaded) and there are a handful of wonderful and private nooks.
Downside? There are no cabins with balconies (but the open decks were so expansive and there were so many lovely nooks that we never missed it).
Why: At 88,500 tons and with 2,124 passenger capacities, these ships are big enough to offer plenty of onboard variety -- but not so huge that they feel impersonal. Plus, because these ships have a high balcony ratio, it's easy -- and not at all expensive -- to nab a cabin with your own verandah. The ships are, for the exuberantly-designed Carnival, the fleet's most elegant, featuring an Art Deco scheme.
Stay Here: If you're splurging, the "penthouse suite" comes with a huge balcony and elaborate bathroom. The more affordable standard verandah cabins are pleasant, too.
Out on Deck: Go forward on Atlantic deck to the enclosed portion of the ship's exterior promenade.
Indoor Romance: Try a couples' massage at Spa Carnival. The foyer lounge and the cigar bar are the most intimate drink spots.
Dining: Bypass Carnival's assigned dining scheme at its main restaurants and head to the Spirit-class ships' reservations-only supper clubs.
Downside? Be prepared for loads of kids onboard during school vacation periods. Sharing a ship with hundreds of three- to 17-year-olds may not be your ideal of a romantic getaway.
Special Events: Spirit-class ships have wedding chapels (though captains are not allowed to perform ceremonies), and staffers will help arrange weddings and vow renewals.
--by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Cruise Critic Editor in Chief. Updated by Kelly Ranson, Cruise Critic's U.K. Editor
Top right image appears courtesy of SeaDream; image of couple dining appears courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Romance and cruising would seem to go hand in hand, particularly if you've spotted any of the cruise lines' glossy magazine advertisements: photos of couples admiring the bow at sunset, or sipping orange juice on their private verandah in terry clothes robes, or even -- and this one we have a hard time believing -- spending time alone on a deserted beach with their mega-ship anchored in the background.
Why: Designed, built and decorated to sail year-round in the South Pacific, the cozy, 330-passenger Paul Gaugin offers an air of tropical festivity amidst cultured surroundings. Dining is restaurant-style, staff is superb, and the ship is highly inclusive (cocktails and other beverages are included in cruise fares).
Best Ships: 
