by Melinda Crow
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Tue February 14, 2017
St. Lucia
The Pitons, St. Lucia's twin peaks, jut above the surface of the sea creating one of the most beautiful islands on the Caribbean. The beauty of the island as your ship approaches it is the number one reason to include it on a romantic cruise. The black sand beaches of Anse Chastanet is another. The snorkeling and scuba diving are a fabulous way to share the island with your loved one. Look at Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas itinerary in the Southern Caribbean that includes St. Lucia. Serenade is a medium-sized ship from the Brilliance Class, making it one of the most romantic ships of the line.
St. Kitts
With only 67 square miles of land, St. Kitts is a small sliver of paradise to share with your partner. Opt for a scooter rental to get you to the beaches that line the narrow strip of land leading to the south end of the island for some of the best snorkeling to be found in the Caribbean. Princess gets you there in romantic style on ships sailing from Florida to the Eastern Caribbean.
St. Maarten
If the butterflies that keep the hills of St. Maarten alive with color are not romantic enough, consider sailing on Celebrity's Equinox when it overnights on the island. Overnighting in port gives you enough time to really experience the island. Imagine arriving in time for a beautiful sunset, before setting out to explore an evening of French cuisine on the French side of the island. Then spend the next day enjoying the fun and sun of the Dutch side before your ship sails for the next port.
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Santorini
The beauty of Santorini may very well be one of the most romantic backdrops on the planet. Santorini wedding photos and proposals abound, but even if wedding bells aren't in your future, a cruise stop at the Greek caldera in the sea is perfect for romantic beach breaks or hiking the Fira to Oia trail.
Pro tip: When you shop for Santorini cruises check the calendars at CruiseTimetables.com to avoid cruises that are in port with a host of large ships. The island can get quite congested, so you need all the help you can get.
Consider Silverseas' Silver Muse, which carries only 596 passengers. When it calls on Santorini in July, it will be only one of two ships currently scheduled to be there, that the other ship is the Star Flyer clipper ship carrying only 170 passengers.
Tahiti
Everything about a cruise to Tahiti sounds romantic, doesn't it? Paul Gauguin Cruises makes it more so. With overnight stays and inspirational excursions, there is more than enough romance to enjoy.
The Galapagos
My former editor, Jo Piazza, fell in met and love with her husband on a cruise in the Galapagos, so communing with the natural wonders of the Galapagos must be romantic. Cruises here range from very small boats with no air conditioning to luxury lines like Silverseas' Silver Galapagos, which sails the islands year-round.
Cuba
The romance of Havana is all about its mystique. Consider a cruise that includes an overnight stay to fully explore the city. Look at NCL's Norwegian Sky, which now offers free unlimited bar drinks.
Venice
Italy's "City of Love" is actually a cluster of man-made islands. Top pics for a romantic stop here include the obvious gondola ride, walks along the Grand Canal, or sunsets in St. Mark's Square.
Viking Ocean Cruises sails to and from the port of Venice, some with overnights in port to allow you to fully appreciate the romance of the island city.
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