Sunday, March 31, 2024

The Best Cruise Lines For A Romantic Couples Getaway, According To Reviews

The aim is culturally enriching experiences deep into the heartland of destinations via their Privileged Access program — i.e., after-hours access to places the masses cannot reach. You won't just visit these places; you'll prep with your beloved by reading cultural profiles and cinematic videos. Experience the local life during a culinary tour in Budapest, or see how a working man once operated the Kinderdijk windmill. Viking thought long and hard about what makes an amazing cruise ship experience and created that ideal for you and your travel companion.

Celebrity Cruises: Best Large-Ship Luxury Cruise Line for Couples

Perhaps best of all, you get the assurance that your romantic outing is going toward a good cause; NatGeo cruises contribute to the LEX-NG fund for furthering education and research. Scenic Cruises differentiates itself from the competition in several ways. Ride the ocean-bound discovery yachts (effectively "superyachts") like you're Jeff Bezos, or board their river prowlers custom-made for shallow waters.

Carnival Cruise Lines – Best Cruise Line for a Fun Couples’ Experience

Feed each other caviar as you sip Champagne on the beach at one of the line's Champagne and Caviar Splash parties. Enjoy most of your meals alfresco, sampling from the raw menu, or indulging in ship-made ice cream. Cuddle up with your lover on the top-deck Balinese beds, and lounge away a sea day. Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier.

Best Yacht-Like Cruise For Couples: Windstar Cruises, Star Pride

Carnival cruises are also known as “party cruises,” and for good reason. Dine-in movies, nightclubs with live DJs, the Sports Bar, Punchliner Comedy Club, and the relaxed Piano Bar provide plenty of entertainment for every traveler. For an intimate dinner, couples can choose from a wide selection of specialty restaurants that offer everything from pizza to sushi and Mexican favorites to the Chop Steakhouse. Every aspect of Virgin Voyages is designed to create unforgettable experiences.

Azamara Cruises – Best Cruise Line for Destination Immersion

Each day of your cruise can be filled with heart-racing action, making it the perfect choice for couples who don’t just want to lounge by the pool. Couples can enjoy quiet time on the private island by renting a cabana, snuggling under starry skies, or relaxing by the beachside bonfires. Reflect on the road you’ve traveled together in quiet moments and larger-than-life adventures. It’s easy at sea, when you have the time and space to focus on one another.

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You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer. Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier.

The Gauguin's small size allows her to maneuver from deep seas to shallow lagoons as nimbly as a yacht. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. When compiling our list of favorites, we recognized that couples have diverse interests and pinned our top picks to the standout features that set these lines apart.

The most all-inclusive of all the cruise lines, it's the best cruise choice for couples who want nothing but the most refined, upscale experience. Plus, if the two of you are true foodies, you'll want to splurge on intimate wine- and Champagne-paired dinners at La Reserve by Wine Spectator (in partnership with Moet & Chandon). On port days, get to know the local food culture with a Culinary Discovery Tour; on sea days, team up to put your chef skills to work at a Culinary Center class. Retired couples aren't restricted by limited vacation time and can take those multi-week cruises to far-off destinations. Holland America is the cruise line you want if a week at sea is simply not enough.

If gift-giving is in the cards, you can buy a new bag at Bulgari or find an iPhone 15 Pro at the first Apple store sailing the seven seas. On many cruises, the cheapest interior (windowless) staterooms make you feel like Jack on the Titanic when you'd rather feel like Rose on a romantic cruise. Seabourn Cruises touts its industry-leading ratio of space-to-guest, with almost one staff member per guest to match. The cruise line is also one of the youngest, making use of the latest in seafaring tech. Just look at their brand spanking new Seabourn Pursuit, a polar-class vessel that houses two submarines for deep-sea exploration. Most couples can't say they've seen the depths like James Cameron and eaten big-ticket cuisine in the same afternoon.

Make the most of days free of obligation, where the only item on your to-do list is enjoying spending time together. The cruise line’s attention to detail, outstanding customer service, inclusive base fare, and luxury experience are why they make our list of the best cruise lines for couples. Viking offers some of the most high-class ocean cruise vacations on its growing fleet of ocean vessels. The cruise line is noted for providing luxury without feeling pretentious.

Princess Cruises is actually the owner of the vessel that hosted the aforementioned "Love Boat" show. Small 22- to 86-passenger ships take active travelers to Alaska, Hawaii and Central America destinations, where kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, paddleboarding and hiking are daily activities. You'll learn about the local culture in the places you visit and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations you'd never see on a mega-ship. The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway.

People-watching and possibly mingling with some of the other guests on the boat can help keep you from getting cabin fever. Silversea Cruises will even chauffeur you in style from your home to your departure point or domestic airport, then pick you up after your cruise ends and send you home. Take a picture-perfect getaway for two to Europe and the Mediterranean courtesy of Crystal Cruises. Your voyage across the Black, Aegean, Adriatic, and Mediterranean Seas is an eye-opening cultural experience. The Crystal Cruises staff is happy to teach you and your honey how to play bridge or golf, dance, take amazing photos, or even become a digital artist with the Computer University@Sea program. Exceptional is the word of the day on this cruise line, and even that seems too mild of an adjective.

You can experience the wonders of Papeete and the Tuamotu Islands firsthand, eating like a local, relaxing in an overwater bungalow, or lounging in paradise. Norwegian can take you to Nassau or Great Stirrup Cay from Miami or Orlando. According to Norwegian, Freestyle Cruising is a schedule-free experience open to filling your itinerary with whatever your heart desires. Commemorate your unforgettable experience with professional photography on the cruise line. You’ll spend your time strolling through the historic streets, sunning on the beach, exploring lighthouses, and snorkeling. If that’s not your style, you can sign up yourself and your sweetie for a dance class, learning how to salsa, ballroom dance, or country line dance.

Every night can be date night, with more than 20 all-included eateries featuring everything from Korean BBQ to veggie-forward dining. Don’t worry—you can work off the calories in a wide variety of unlimited fitness classes, whether you prefer the intensity of indoor cycling or the zen of yoga. With ships named after Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, it’s no wonder couples get the royal treatment on Cunard. Opt for a magical transatlantic cruise to stay on the ship 24/7 and take advantage of everything from enriching lectures to lazy days in the spa’s thermal suite. Pack your formalwear for the Gala Evening that’s a highlight of each cruise, and spend the night dancing cheek to cheek.

The all-inclusive cruise line caters to its guests’ every whim, from dedicated butlers and a fully customizable in-room bar to included tips and a full balcony in every suite. Even the beds are overly accommodating, with the ability to raise and lower either end (on either side) with the push of a button. In Bora Bora, take a glass-bottom boat ride or head to a private, white-sand beach for a day together swimming, kayaking or challenging another couple to some volleyball. An overnight in Moorea allows you to try some local cuisine and soak in the beauty of the port’s blue lagoons.

The ships wiggle into smaller harbors and linger at anchor late into the night, allowing you to fully explore a destination through a locally guided tour. Rather than eye-popping luxury, the longship fleet hones itself with minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired interiors and staterooms. Its cozy lounges and terraces make for the perfect atmosphere to sip a hot coffee, contemplate, and watch the Rhineland meander by. On a Viking river cruise, you can stroll the top deck's garden hand-in-hand to take in the fresh air and budding herbs with unparalleled views of passing villages and mountains. Romantic activities also include ballroom dance courses, disco parties on the deck, and endless unwinding in the Lotus Spa.

The Best Time of Year for an Alaska Cruise A Complete Guide

best time to cruise alaska

Mature travelers who'd like a more adult-centered experience often choose to wait until the middle or end of August to cruise, when most kids are back in school. If spotting wildlife is a priority for you on an Alaska cruise, pick your sailing date carefully. June, July, and August are fantastic times to cruise Alaska to view wildlife, as these months bring the highest chances of spotting whales, bears, and salmon. With the school year coming to a close, many families take advantage of the opportunity to travel together during the summer months. Alaska offers something for everyone, with activities and experiences that appeal to all ages. Whether you want to hike in the wilderness, go whale watching, or learn about Alaska's history and culture, there is something for everyone.

Alaska Cruise Lines: From Holland America and Royal Caribbean to Small Ships like Silversea

On the other hand, large ship cruises come with a variety of amenities, including multiple dining options, diverse entertainment, and expansive fitness centers, making them a bustling hub of activity. These ships are more stable in rough waters, providing a smoother journey. For those planning to take an Alaskan cruise, consider booking a balcony cabin. As you plan your Alaskan cruise, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is the timing of your voyage.

best time to cruise alaska

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Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. If you’re hoping to spot some famous Alaska wildlife, you have the highest chances in late summer and early fall. Toward the end of summer and early fall, bears are highly active as they prepare for winter hibernation.

When is the best time to cruise to Alaska to see whales?

Going on a cruise to Alaska is an extremely popular kind of cruise, because it offers an easy way to see so much in a compact amount of time. The Alaska cruise season runs between May and September, which happen to be the most temperate times of the year in the 49th state. It does get dark enough at night to see them by the second week of September, but it's still not as brilliant as what you’ll see on a winter, land-based Alaska aurora viewing vacation.

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A whale watching tour in Seward’s Kenai Fjords National Park, where you’ll also encounter brightly colored puffins and spirited sea otters, is a favorite. A ride on a flightseeing plane will give you an eagle’s-eye view of these cold-weather critters in their natural habitats. An additional perk of opting for a shoulder season cruise, particularly in September, is that it is also the best time to cruise Alaska for Northern Lights. The darkening skies offer a chance to view the Northern Lights from the deck of your cruise ship. It’s a remarkable bonus to an already unforgettable Alaska cruise experience.

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While late spring and early summer might offer pleasant weather in the lower American states, Alaska’s far north latitude means that temperatures are still cooler. If you choose to cruise Alaska during this time, bring water-resistant clothing and plenty of warm layers. This period also seems to have longer daylight hours than earlier stretches. This means you have more time to stroll the deck of your ship and look out onto Alaska’s stunning landscapes and glaciers. If you plan to book a whale watching excursion or want to see bears, you may be left disappointed if you cruise to Alaska at the very end of the season.

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If humpbacks are your favorite, book an Inside Passage cruise during late June, July, or August. Overall, Anchorage is the least expensive city to stay in and has the most identifiable seasonality curve, with midsummer being the most expensive time to go. Prices stay relatively flat all year in Seward and Healy but see a slight decrease between October and December. Bears tend to stock up on food in preparation for the winter, so your best bet for spotting one will be near a salmon stream or berry patch.

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Luxury cruises to Alaska on smaller ships can be a great option for those looking to pair remote wilderness with a bit of pampering. Your best high-end bets are Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar. On clear nights, you could have a chance to spot the northern lights — though they won't shine as brightly as they do in winter. Rather than stay up all night, see if your ship or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-up sheet for people who want a wake-up call should the lights appear.

The larger crowds can add to the atmosphere and make for a lively and enjoyable vacation. One of the biggest advantages of cruising in May is that you get to avoid the peak season crowds. The summer months are the busiest time for tourists in Alaska, and the ports and attractions can get overcrowded. The beginning of September is much like August, but after the kids go back to school and the family crowd departs, it's shoulder season for cruising and pricing drops. Most cruise ships will have repositioned out of the state by the end of the month.

You'll need to set aside a good chunk of money to spend on shore excursions when you're in Alaska. They can be incredibly expensive when compared to experiences in the Caribbean or Mexico. An Alaska cruise costs anywhere from $500 to $8,000 or more during high season. Cheaper fares can be usually found on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and NCL, while Cunard, Disney and Seabourn will be more expensive. Your overall best bet for whale watching in Alaska is May through September.

September also increases your wildlife sighting opportunities, as animals across the state begin migrating, foraging for hibernation and engaging in courtship rituals. Cruise bookings can be difficult to come by in July, but with some careful planning ahead, you can secure cabins on either large or small ships. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you plan the ultimate cruise vacation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.

To witness the majestic bald eagles in Alaska, timing your visit can make all the difference. While the summer months offer a good chance to see eagles tending to their nests, the best time is actually during the chillier seasons of autumn and early winter. When planning your Alaska trip, you’ll find endless activities to choose from that will let you view the wildlife up close.

Additionally, many passengers prefer the warmer summer weather for their Alaskan vacation. The fact that the Alaska cruise season is just five months long, from May to September, makes it important for you to know all the ins and outs of Alaska cruising so you can choose the best time to sail. Multiple major cruise lines offer sailings in Alaska, but mainly during the Spring and Summer months. Princess Cruises is one of the main operators, with seven ships sailing the northern region.

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