From Japan to the Douro Valley, these are the best places for couples who love cruising
Are you and your partner looking to get away from the stresses of daily life and explore new corners of the world? Travelling to new destinations can be a great way to bond and spend quality time together, while enjoying everything our world has to offer, from romantic cities to glorious natural landscapes.
A cruise can be a great way for couples to explore the world together in style. You'll be able to visit multiple destinations in one stop, without the stress that comes with organising your own transportation and accommodation in each new place. This allows you more time to simply relax and spend time together, over good food and wine.
You might choose to visit somewhere far away, like Japan during its famously beautiful cherry blossom season. But if you're looking for somewhere closer to home, there are cruises available that will take you around some of the Europe's most atmospheric natural landscapes, like the Douro Valley and the Norwegian Fjords.
You'll often find that the ship you're sailing on will be almost as romantic as your destination. Rather than stereotypical ocean liners, you'll find many of the best cruises for couples are on smaller vessels, with intimate atmospheres and chic interiors, some carrying fewer than 40 guests.
Whether your idea of romance is wandering pretty historic streets hand-in-hand and enjoying fine cuisine on a European river cruise, or something less conventional, like an adrenaline-raising expedition cruise, there'll be a voyage to suit your needs.
We've rounded up some of the best cruises for couples for this year and next here, to help you plan your next getaway.
See the pastel-pink cherry blossom of Japan
Japan is on many couples' travel bucket-lists — and with good reason. This is the home of countless natural wonders and cultural attractions, from ancient temples, traditional noodle houses and majestic Buddha statues, to the neon lights and sleek skyscrapers of its big cities.
Exploring all that Japan has to offer with your partner will be a truly unforgettable experience at any time of year. But the country is perhaps at its most picturesque in the spring, as the famous pink Sakura, or cherry blossom, bursts into bloom.
This sensational springtime display is celebrated with picnics in the country's parks under the colourful canopies. We can hardly think of a more romantic setting for lunch.
Join a cruise of Japan with Good Housekeeping and you'll be visiting at the height of cherry blossom season. This cruise will take you through Kochi, Tsuruga and Osaka, Tokyo, and Hiroshima, and even includes a stop in South Korea.
Cruise through the golden vines of the Douro Valley
If one of the things you and your partner have in common is an appreciation of good wine, then it's definitely worth considering a cruise along the Douro River.
The Douro Valley is the world’s oldest demarcated wine-producing region, having been declared way back in 1756, and is loved by wine enthusiasts for its port and great selection of aromatic reds.
Good Housekeeping has an eight-day cruise along the Douro, which will take you on tours of some of the region's best local wine producers. Depending on when you visit, you can even get involved with the harvest festivities by trying grape treading, a traditional method of crushing the grapes in granite troughs.
The cruise starts and ends in enchanting Porto, and you'll sail between vineyards and wine estates on the sleek ship A-ROSA ALVA. Most cabins have panoramic windows, and there's a sun deck with recliners, perfect for sitting back with your partner, a good glass of wine in hand, marvelling at the glorious sun-kissed hills you'll be sailing past.
See the Northern Lights in Norway with an expert astronomer
When it comes to bucket list holidays with magical experiences to share with your partner, there are few as special as a trip to see the Northern Lights. Norway is a fantastic place to see this ethereal display in the skies, and parts of the country sitting beneath the Auroral Oval offer near-guaranteed sightings during winter months.
Good Housekeeping has a perfectly-timed 11-night cruise of Norway, where your chances of seeing the dazzling display will be very high as you sail above the Arctic Circle into the country's northernmost waters to visit Tromsø and the wild Lofoten Islands. An expedition cruise is the perfect way to hunt the lights, travelling with a team of experts who'll help you search for the Aurora and host a series of insightful lectures about Norway's history, biology, geography, geology and culture.
You'll be joined on this cruise by the world's first Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom Kerss, an astronomer and astrophotographer who'll
give a series of fascinating onboard lectures, bringing our galaxy's stars, planets and meteors to life.
Island-hop along Croatia's sunkissed coast
Dropping anchor in hidden coves, taking a dip in pristine waters, and having a drink while watching the sun set over a pretty port town - a Croatian holiday oozes romance. With its miles of glistening coastline overlooking the Adriatic, Croatia is the perfect destination for a relaxing cruise. You'll find chic cities and stylish port town like Hvar, Dubrovnik and Split, but there's also plenty of stunning nature to enjoy.
Step on board an elegant boutique ship with just 18 cabins for a wonderful Croatian voyage with Good Housekeeping. You'll set sail from Split on the luxurious MS Equator, and dock in Korčula, Dubrovnik and Hvar, as well as seeing glorious nature in Mljet National Park.
There'll be a maximum of 40 fellow passengers sailing with you, so this cruise has an intimate and relaxed feel. During your time at sea, make the most of fantastic onboard facilities including a Jacuzzi on deck and a swimming platform so you can easily take a dip in Croatia's famously crystal-clear waters.
Discover Bordeaux's fine food and wine with a top chef
If you and your partner share a love of good food and wine, a trip to Bordeaux is a brilliant way to indulge yourselves in some of the finest cuisine France has to offer. Packed with world-class vineyards and delicious dishes around every corner, Bordeaux and the surrounding Médoc wine region is a real paradise for foodies.
An unforgettable eight-day cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers will take you on visits to several world-class vineyards and you'll learn the art of French cooking as you explore the highlights of this wonderful region of southwest France.
You'll be joined for part of the cruise by the celebrated chef and TV presenter Rosemary Shrager, who'll host a cooking demo for you, with tasting plates to sample, and give a talk and Q&A. Also joining you on board is cricketer and winemaker Ian Botham, who'll host a talk about his career and his passion for wines.
You'll travel in style on board the luxurious S.S. Bon Voyage, a fabulous ship which truly captures the refined elegance of France in its décor, food, and accommodation.
Another option for a gourmet adventure in Bordeaux comes with Good Housekeeping's cruise with Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge. You'll discover the breathtaking rural scenery, excellent wines and cultural treasures of Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, and Libourne, including a trip to Libourne's lively farmers' market.
Sail to Antarctica for the icy adventure of a lifetime
Do you and your partner share a sense of adventure and a desire to explore far-flung corners of the world? An expedition cruise to Antarctica might be what you're looking for.
This is a unique continent of untamed and unspoilt wilderness, home to jaw-dropping scenery, extreme climate conditions, roaming icebergs and incredible marine life.
A 15-day expedition cruise on board custom-built ship MS Fridtjof Nansen is truly the trip of a lifetime, where you'll traverse these landscapes under the expert guidance of a passionate expedition team.
You and your partner can look forward to landings and ice cruises, kayaking among the icebergs, and spotting breaching whales and huddles of penguins.
You'll also have a day in Buenos Aires before your cruise begins. Spend time exploring the city known as the 'Paris of South America', admiring its elegant architecture, tasting its fine red wine and steak, or watching some dramatic tango.
Celebrate the Sound of Music on a cultural cruise on the Danube
While it may be the Seine which flows through Paris, Europe's 'City of Love', we reckon the Danube holds its own when it comes to romance. The elegant cities, atmospheric towns and glorious countryside along its banks have inspired some of Europe's most renowned artists and musicians.
Good Housekeeping's Danube river cruise is the perfect escape for couples who love culture, history and music. You'll sail in style on the lovely A-Rosa Flora encountering opulent cities and charming towns steeped in culture, and taking in breathtaking rural views of the Wachau Valley in between Melk and Krems.
Along the way, you'll stop for a memorable day in Salzburg, a city which will hold a special place in the hearts of anyone who loves The Sound of Music. You'll visit some of the filming locations in the city with an expert guide, including the gazebo where 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' was shot.
Not only that, but you'll be treated to a special cabaret-style performance of Julie Madly Deeply, an acclaimed West End show and a loving tribute to musical legend Dame Julie Andrews.
Discover Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong
Another long-haul adventure for intrepid couples is a journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. The mighty Mekong river flows through these fascinating countries, making a river cruise the perfect way to discover their unique culture, cuisine, and history.
On Good Housekeeping's unmissable 17-day trip, you'll board your small and luxurious ship, the Mekong Jewel after spending two days in Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll witness the melding of ancient history melding and energetic modernity in Vietnam's largest city.
Sailing along the Mekong, you'll make stops at the UNESCO-listed temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, in Phnom Penh, where you'll discover the harrowing and brutal history of the Khmer Rouge, and Hanoi, with its elegant boulevards lined with trees and grand buildings.
The Mekong Jewel is a destination in itself, ornately decorated with a restaurant and an al fresco eatery on the upper deck. It's perfect for a romantic adventure – you'll be staying in a luxury suite with a private balcony.
Explore India's Golden Triangle and sail the Ganges
India's most famous monument, the ivory-white Taj Mahal, is a timeless symbol of love. Built on the orders of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal attracts around five million visitors every year.
On Good Housekeeping's incredible 15-day tour and cruise of India, you'll get to witness both sunrise and sunset over the Taj Mahal. Seeing the white marble bathed in golden light and reflecting on the water's surface is a bucket list romantic experience.
While the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the gem of India's Golden Triangle, there is plenty more to look forward to on this immersive tour and cruise. You'll explore New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur before boarding the Ganges Voyager II, an ornately decorated ship with hand-painted murals throughout and a private French balcony in your stateroom.
A highlight will be meeting Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, who'll give a talk and Q&A about his passion for Indian cooking, join you on a trip to Kalna Market, and host a cooking demonstration on board.
Explore the islands of the Venetian Lagoon
If there's any city that challenges Paris's status as Europe's City of Love it's surely Venice. Here, couples can glide down the canals on a gondola at sunset, enjoy a scenic walk along the Fondamenta delle Zattere, or sip on a spritz and watch the world go by from a terrace bar. The city was built for romance.
You can spend seven delightful days getting to know the Venetian Lagoon while staying on the elegant river ship, S.S La Venezia. You'll step inside St Mark's Basilica after nightfall to witness an atmospheric lighting ceremony, venture inside the church on Torcello before it opens to the public to appreciate its tranquillity and get VIP access to Doge's palace during an early morning visit.
There's a special guest joining this cruise for a few days too; celebrated chef and MasterChef judge Monica Galetti, who'll give a talk and Q&A and join you on a visit to the lively market on Chioggia, where local fisherman sell their fabulously fresh catches.
Another option for foodie couples is a sailing with the company of top chef James Martin. Look forward to seeing all the sights and sounds of Venice — including special access to some of Venice's top landmarks — and enjoy a talk, Q&A and book signing with James, who'll craft and cook a mouthwatering gala dinner one evening.
Looking for inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.
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