We’re sharing some of our favourite ways to enjoy quality time with a loved one at sea. Although we typically travel as a multi-generational family in one cabin, Joe and I usually find a way to spend time together on board. We’re more than just ship mates you know!
Say it with flowers
Did you know, most cruise lines will have florists on board, and bouquets can be purchased (in advance) for delivery in your cabin either on arrival or a day of your choosing? Of course this is a paid extra, but it can be a lovely gesture and marks special occasions perfectly. It also lets the recipient know that you were thinking of them ahead of time, which is always a good way to score extra brownie points, right? Often these packages can be accompanied by champagne, celebration cakes, chocolates and robes, and can be personalised to suit your needs. These can usually be arranged online in advance of travel as part of the “manage by booking” section of the cruise line’s website. On our latest P&O cruise, in-room bouquets could be pre-ordered from £35.
Have a night in!
If you’ve had a busy day in port or just fancy a night off, snuggle up to a good movie on the in-room tv and order room service for dinner. Room service food is typically inexpensive and, in some cases, already included in your package fare, so it won’t break the piggy bank like it might on land. Nothing good on TV? You could always make your own entertainment…
Dinner for two? Don’t mind if I do!
Every cruise we take, Joe & I always have one night alone together in a speciality dining restaurant. On P&O ships, it has to be Sindu because we love Indian cuisine and have never had a bad meal in there. We usually book Teddy in to the kids club for the evening. This way we can relax knowing he is in his happy place, so we are free to reminisce about life before parenthood and learn how to have adult conversation again! On our latest P&O cruise, we paid £25 per person for a 3 course meal at Sindu.
Time for your portrait
Now we are not the kind of people who book a private photoshoot, nor do we enjoy posing for cheesy photos with the two of us gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes. There is, however, something to be said for putting on your best frock for formal night and capturing a nice portrait of you together without one of you needing to extend your arm for an ultimately unflattering selfie! We can usually find one image we are happy with, and quite honestly, they are the only photos taken of us together most years! On our last Princess cruise, single image downloads were available from $21USD per image.
Relax with a couples spa day
Whether you prefer to indulge in treatments or just chill out in the plunge pool, most major cruise lines offer spa facilities for an additional fee. Many have couples treatments available, such as couples massages and aromatherapy treatments. Alternatively, purchase a spa pass and make the most of the sauna, steam room or other facilities on board. On our latest P&O cruise, a 50-minute Couples Swedish Massage was available from £125 per couple.
Mystery Shopper
Just for a bit of fun, each holiday Joe & I play a silly game we like to call ‘mystery shopper’. Each holiday has a different rule, but it is basically a shopping challenge dictated by either budget or theme. Once we had to buy each other something for under €5, which resulted in hilarious holiday tat. Another time we had to buy each other something to wear, something to eat, something with an animal on it… you get the idea. It is a nice way of getting an often unconventional souvenir and giving a gift to a loved one whilst having fun in the process.
Watching The Sun Set
The best things in life are free, and what can be more romantic than simply watching the sun set with your loved one. Whether you’re cooling off in the infinity pool or snuggled up in a blanket with a hot cocoa, there is something timeless and magical about the setting of the sun on a perfect day. It’s often these quiet yet sublime moments that stay with you the longest, so put down the phone, stretch out your arm and pull your partner closer. Just enjoy the moment, be present in each other’s company and let the wonder of life truly sink in.
It takes two to tango
It may not sound like the most romantic thing to do, but dance classes can be a really fun way to pass some time together on a sea day, even if it is predominantly the pair of you giggling like children because you have just publicly discovered you both have two left feet! Feel free to have a little dutch courage first if it helps you loosen up – after all, its 6 o’clock somewhere!
“I will”, “I do” and “I still do”!
If you are serious about the sea being the stage for one of life’s largest romantic gestures, weddings and vow renewals are surprisingly common these days. As with any wedding, there are formal procedures and legalities that need to be followed, but most major cruise lines are used to this and have specialist teams on hand ready to help you book, plan and create the most special day for you and your love. They can even assist with romantic proposals and engagement celebrations too. For the most up to date guidance and information, I recommend that you contact the customer service department for your preferred cruise line, and they will connect you with the right advisor for your needs.
If you enjoyed this article, check out our other Cruise posts here!
How do you like to spend time as a couple at sea? Which is the most romantic cruise line? We’d love to hear from you!
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