6 irresistibly romantic cruises

Chocolate, roses, a romantic dinner… Good stuff, but if you really want to dazzle your Valentine, consider a romantic cruise. While there are hundreds of ships, itineraries and amenities to choose from, we’ve done the research for you and narrowed down six of the high seas’ most romantic cruises. With luxurious staterooms, intimate dining options and breathtaking destinations, your soulmatey will be sure to thank you.

Paul Gauguin

1. Paul Gauguin Cruises

If an exotic adventure appeals to you two, hop aboard the Paul Gauguin. It’s a newly refurbished ship that offers all ocean-view cabins (70% of which have balconies), meaning that a tantalizingly romantic view of Tahitian waters and landscapes are yours for the taking. Complete with exquisite cuisine, dancing, and outdoor dining, the Paul Gauguin is a couples’ trip to paradise you won’t want to return from.

Seaborn

2. Seabourn

No one will blame you and your mate for wanting space – and that’s exactly what you’ll get aboard the Seabourn Odyssey. Each cabin is considered a suite and is equipped with a walk-in closet, double sinks in the bathroom, and a comfortable bed, which can be sprinkled with rose petals nightly for no extra charge. And, while dining is superb at any of the restaurants, the ship also boasts an exemplary 24-hour room service, which if ordered during dinner, can be brought to you course by course.

Windstar

3. Windstar

Everything about Windstar’s Windsurf is fairly romantic. For starters, it’s a hybrid sailboat-cruise ship that carries just 310 passengers, making it small enough to squeeze into ports larger ships can’t reach. The restaurants aboard offer a range of delicious cuisines, from French-inspired dishes to local fare, which are offered both in and out of doors. For a quiet cocktail, you can head up to the cigar bar where you can sit admiring the stars.

SeaDream

4. SeaDream

On larger ships, there can sometimes be a lack of privacy, but that’s not the case when sailing with SeaDream. While the rooms don’t offer balconies, seating areas come standard, and the beds are made with fine linens – though they’re not the only place you can get cozy. The top-most deck offers Balinese beds, upon which you can observe beautiful sunsets or rent for a night under the stars. As for dining options, you’ll find that the 2 onboard restaurants offer secluded nooks, allowing for more intimate meals.

Azamara

5. Azamara

Looking for a ship that’s just the right size? Azamara’s Journey accommodates 686-passengers, making it neither too larger nor too small. It still has all the big ship amenities, including night clubs, restaurants, and a casino, while being small enough to not overwhelm. Plus, if you’re hoping for a quiet get away, the ship’s no kids program means it doesn’t have the family appeal that many other ships its size tout.

Silversea

6. Silversea

Similar in size to the Journey, Silversea’s Silver Spirit has a passenger capacity of 540 and each inch of the ship exudes luxury. It boasts all-suite staterooms, impeccable service, and a restaurant with signature dishes created by the Grands Chefs of Relais & Chateaux. These amenities, coupled with onboard events, like wine tastings, make this ship a decadent and romantic escape.

For deals and details on these and other romantic sailings, visit Orbitz Cruises.