The romance of the sea is enhanced on several luxurious cruise lines that create an ideal atmosphere for newlyweds, long-time couples, and lovers whose relationships are just getting started. From spa treatments and chocolate tastings to exotic destinations, these seven cruise lines are setting the stage for romance - just in time for Valentine's Day.
Paul Gauguin's Five Star Experience
Perhaps the ultimate romantic destination is French Polynesia and the five-star vessel m/s Paul Gauguin is known for cruises that ply the dazzling waters surrounding Bora Bora, Papeete, and Moorea. The ship features a retractable watersports marina, three open-seating dining venues, butler service, and ocean views or balconies in every stateroom. The Valentine's Day gift package includes a box of chocolates, bottle of sparkling wine, and $200 credit at the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm for Polynesian treatments such as Bora Bora "Deep Blue Massages" and black sand body scrubs.
Princess' Chocolate Journeys
For Valentine's Day, every Princess ship offers a renewal of vows to keep the spark going strong, and the Ruby Princess has a history of romance (it was christened by love birds Trista and Ryan Sutter of television's The Bachelorette). From couple's massages in the private cabanas of the adults-only "Sanctuary," to outdoor movies under the stars and a glass of fine wine at the Vines bar, there are plenty of options on the vessel. Princess also introduced "Chocolate Journeys," a new program that includes chocolate cocktails served with "love pops," chocolate spa treatments, and chocolate and wine pairings.
Blue Lagoon Cruises in Paradise
Carrying just 68 passengers, the boutique Fiji Princess may not have the same bells and whistles as other ships, but its intimate setting allows the cruise line to host weddings, honeymoons, and renewals of vows. Valentine's Day specials include a complimentary bottle of French champagne and chocolates onboard three, four, or seven-night cruises to exotic islands. Cruises visit Modriki Island for a chance to swim with reef sharks, the Sacred Islands, where couples can swim, wander the beaches, or kayak, and the Yasawa Islands, where the romantic classic "The Blue Lagoon" was filmed.
Azamara Club Cruises' Added Space
Azamara Club Cruises operates two ships that have 686 passengers, meaning plenty of space, privacy, and a luxurious experience for couples. The "Destination Immersion" program grants more time in port than the typical cruise line ? so couples won't feel rushed to get back. Pricing includes spirits, international beers, wines, and gratuities, while suites also come with a personal butler and in-suite afternoon tea service. The Azamara Quest will be sailing from Los Angeles on February 10 and will call in ports located in the wine region of California. Shore excursions to vineyards (including Francis Ford Coppola's historic Inglenook Winery in Napa Valley), enrichment lectures presented by wine experts, and a wine maker's farm-to-table Valentine's Day dinner add an even greater element of romance.
MSC's Yacht Club
From marble floors to dramatic Swarovski crystal staircases in the main entrance, the MSC Divina is an elegant, regal ship. Upgrading to the MSC Yacht Club grants 24-hour butler service, spacious suites with balconies, dedicated gourmet dining, a private lounge and pool bar, hors d' oeuvres in the pool area, and complimentary alcoholic beverages. The ship sails to the Bahamas for a quick Valentine's Day getaway with a theme party featuring couple's competitions, a special "Tulip of Love" dessert, love letters, and a Valentine's Day package that guests can purchase for their significant other.
Opulent Experience on Regent Seven Seas
The ultra-luxurious Regent Seven Seas has a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly one to one, ensuring personalized service and pampering. Picture elegant cocktail lounges, Sunday champagne and caviar brunch, and premier steak and seafood restaurants where chefs consider French cuisine an art form. All-suite accommodations (97 percent with private balconies) and the highly-acclaimed Canyon Ranch Spa add to the opulent setting. Lounge on the deck as the Seven Seas Navigator coasts through the Caribbean for Valentine's Day and stops at the white-sand beaches of the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Windstar's Intimate Setting
Tall sailing ships bring passengers back to a bygone era of sea travel, and the billowing sails and sounds of the ocean waves add an air of romance. Windstar's small size allows the company to specialize in celebrations including honeymoons, vow renewals, anniversaries, and destination weddings. For Valentine's Day, two ships will be navigating the Caribbean's Windward Islands (Grenada) or British Virgin Islands with itineraries that include excursions to even more remote island paradises.
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