Five tips to ace couples' cruising without wanting to break up by the end of it
By Maddison Leach|
Cruising as a couple is one of the best ways to do it, at least in my opinion.
Millions of Australians book cruises every year and a good portion of them sail with their better halves, so there's a huge appetite for couples' cruising in 2024.
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But actually spending all your time together on a ship - even one of the massive ones in the Royal Caribbean fleet - can cause a touch of tension if you don't go about it the right way.
My partner and I recently did a glorious nine-night sailing to the South Pacific on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas, and while it was one of the most lavish trips we've ever been on, there were definitely times we got on each other's nerves.
Keep reading for five tips on how to ace your next couples' cruising without wanting to break up with your partner by the end of it.
1. Take advantage of the adults-only areas
It's hard to feel like you're on a romantic cruise holiday when you're surrounded by screaming toddlers and kids who won't stop running on the decks no matter how many times they're told to slow down.
Thankfully, we found the adults-only pool deck early in our sailing and practically lived there from that moment on.
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Being in a kid-free zone helped us actually enjoy the pools, hot tubs and bar area as a couple, even if we were just chilling on the day beds.
These areas do tend to fill up fast, so it's best to get in early if you want to stake out a good spot, but it's totally worth it if you're cruising for romance instead of family fun.
2. Do date night at one of the speciality dining options
My partner and I found the best steak dinner of our lives hidden behind a nondescript wooden door tucked between the elevators and a busy bar.
We found it at Chops Grille, one of the specialty dining options on our cruise, which came complete with mood lighting, cosy tables and fine dining service.
Eating at the specialty restaurants makes it feel like you're actually on a date night, even at sea. There are so many to choose from you really could try a different venue every night.
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It does cost a little extra, but it's definitely worth it if you're celebrating an anniversary, a special occasion, or just want to feel extra loved-up.
If you want to do something special on a budget, you can always take a cocktail class or tasting session that's a bit cheaper.
3. Invest in a drinks package
Everything's more fun with a cocktail in your hand and there's nothing better than going for drinks with your better half on the high seas without having to worry about the bar tab.
Drinks packages can be pricey but even my partner and I, who aren't huge drinkers, got our money's worth in a matter of days. After all, a glass of wine here and a beer there adds up fast when everything's in USD.
Our package also covered all of our Starbucks coffee orders, which were an absolute necessity because nothing strains a romance like a lack of caffeine.
4. Get a spa treatment together
Two words: couples' massage.
5. Fork out for a few nice shore excursions
There's nothing better than stepping off the cruise ship and knowing your whole day has been organised by the shore excursions team... all you have to do is enjoy it.
It gives you and your partner the chance to relax and enjoy the new location as a couple, especially on some of the more romantic excursions.
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Strolling the white sand beaches of Amedee Island on our shore excursion in New Caledonia was one of the most romantic moments my partner and I had on our trip, and we'd recommend it to any couple cruising around the South Pacific.
Booking a shore excursion also prevents any arguments about where to go or what to do on port days, and avoids the boredom that can set in if you opt to stay on the ship.
BONUS: Don't be afraid to do your own thing
It sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes the best part of cruising as a couple is ditching your partner for a few hours to do something just for yourself.
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Take yourself off to see a movie in the theatre while your better half hits up the arcade, or vice versa.
It will give you a nice little spot of 'me time' and prevent cabin fever from setting in when you're together 24/7. They do say absence (even if only for a few hours) makes the heart grow fonder!
The writer travelled as a guest of Royal Caribbean.
