Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
CRUISING FOR COUPLES: A round-up of the best cruise lines
ACRUISE is one of the most romantic things to do with your partner. Choosing the right cruise line and, more specifically, the right ship is much like choosing the perfect love match – it’s tricky.
Like each couple, each ship is different, says Jane Davidson, Director of Development Promotions.
“Once you find the one you want it will be like love at first sight, with the promise of a shared experience where you can really appreciate each other’s company.
“To help in your selection, we offer a range of acclaimed cruise lines with ships that will reward you both with unique and special features that might be exactly what you are looking for,” she said. Holland America Line has earned its recognition when it comes to the on-board dining experiences.
Get your table for two as you share meals and make fond memories while savouring diverse culinary options throughout their fleet.
Try the main dining room areas for dishes prepared by renowned, international chefs. Go for some Italian on one night and try Asian-inspired dishes on another. Everyone loves options.
If you’re more of a burger-andbeer kind of couple, opt for a casual dinner date experience paired with a few rounds of him-versus-her bowling. Holland America’s Westerdam has been praised for its recent ship refurbishment.
Last year, this ship debuted with a Rijksmuseum at Sea, the intimate live music venue Lincoln Centre Stage offering classical performances at no extra charge and the Billboard Onboard if you’re up for a bit of toe-tapping and hand-holding.
Further upgrades were added to the private suites along with additional staterooms and developments within the private Greenhouse Spa. Ignite that spark with Celebrity Cruises which, like Holland America, is big on romance that feels natural, with modern cabins providing the ultimate in comfort.
Features like their real lawns on select ships provide the perfect spot for sharing a picnic under the stars.
If you and your sweetheart are after a little more night-time fun after all that sun, sights, sand and relaxation, Norwegian Cruise Lines boasts an exceptional nightlife.
Think dinner theatre shows, professional acrobatics, aerial performances and nightly live music which will take date night to a whole new level.
Another feature on some of the NCL ships is Spice H20, an adultsonly area where you can lounge by the pool, frolic in the cascading waterfall areas, or simmer in hot tubs as you toast to new memories.
After dark the venue transforms into an open-air nightclub where you’re invited to show off your sultry moves once the dance floor calls your name.
It’s hard to pinpoint one cruise line as being the ultimate choice for couples, adds Davidson.
“Our team loves working with couples because it’s always so much fun to see how excited they get when deciding on a cruise ship together, but more so when they get back from their trip and say that they should have done it sooner”.