A Carnival cruise is a great choice for a romantic getaway, a surprise cruise, or a honeymoon cruise. These tips can make your couple’s cruise even more special.
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Are cruises a romantic experience?
They definitely are. There is just something about the sound of the waves, the smell of the salt air, and just being on a cruise ship with your favorite person that gives it a romantic feel.
These 21 romantic things to do on a cruise will help make your couples cruise even more romantic.
21 Ways to make a Carnival cruise more romantic
1. Pre-order in cabin cruise gifts
Surprise your loved one with champagne and strawberries and/or a bouquet of flowers waiting for you in your stateroom.
Pre-order your cruise gifts from Carnival’s Fun Shops. It’s a nice romantic way to start off your couple’s cruise vacation.
2. Splurge on a balcony or suite
If you can afford to upgrade to a balcony cabin or a specialty suite you may want to consider that.
Imagine standing on your own balcony with your favorite person on a warm evening as the sun is setting. Pretty great right?
Some of the specialty type staterooms you may want to check out are the Havana staterooms and suites and the Cloud 9 Spa staterooms and suites. These however aren’t available on all Carnival ships.
Even better, splurge on a Havana Cabana. not only do you have your own great outdoor space, but you also have access to the exclusive Havana pool area. This isn’t available on all the ships. In my opinion the Havana area is better on the Vista class (Vista/Horizon/Panorama) ships.
3. Breakfast in bed or on your balcony
Get a leisurely start to your day by enjoying breakfast in bed or on your balcony (if you have a balcony cabin of course).
Carnival Cruise Lines offers complimentary continental room service breakfast from 5am to 10am. There is an upcharge for select items.
There is a convenient door hanger order form that you complete the night before and hang on the outside of your door by 3am. You will check off your selections and your delivery time. Delivery time windows are every ½ hour starting at 5am.
The complimentary menu includes a selection of fruit, cereal, baked goods, yogurt, juices, milk, coffee and tea.
Breakfast sandwiches can also be ordered for an additional cost of $3-$5 USD. Prices can change so be sure to check Carnival’s website. You can see the current breakfast menu here.
4. Request a table for 2
Request a table for 2 in the main dining room for a more intimate dining experience. The meals in the main dining room are included in your Carnival Cruise fare.
5. Carnival Cruise Couples Massage
A couples massage is a great way to make your Carnival Cruise more romantic.
Carnival Cruise offers several couples spa treatments such as couples aroma stone therapy, couples bamboo massage, and couples Swedish massage.
Some of Carnival’s ships offer a thalassotherapy pool and/or thermal lounge rooms. The spa features vary ship to ship so be sure to research this before booking if the spa amenities are important to you.
You can find more information on Carnival’s Cloud 9 Spa here.
6. Have Professional Photos Taken
The cruise ship photographers will be set up on evenings throughout your cruise.
Choose an evening that you are all dressed up to have your photos taken together. It’s both fun and romantic.
There is no obligation to purchase the photos and there is no sitting fee for the photographs taken on the cruise ship. They do however make a great souvenir of your romantic cruise getaway.
You will be able to access your photos the next day on the tablets in the Pixels Photo Gallery or view them on the Carnival Hub app. Again, there is no obligation to purchase.
7. Cuddle in the Serenity Adult Only Pool Area
Cuddle in a two person lounger in the adult only pool area. The Serenity area is a quiet relaxing area to spend a couple hours enjoying each other’s company. There is no additional cost to enjoy this area.
8. Take in a Dive in Movie
Lounge side by side poolside under the stars snuggled under a blanket watching a movie on the big screen. Popcorn is even provided.
Check the HUB App or Carnival Fun Times for the nights and times this is offered.
9. Dance the Night Away
Dancing is another way to make your cruise more romantic. There are several opportunities to spend the evening dancing.
Some cruise ships offer dance classes too.
10. Specialty Dining
Treat your loved one to a romantic dinner at one of the specialty restaurants such as the Steakhouse available on most Carnival ships (called Fahrenheit 555 on some of the ships). There is an additional charge to eat at the specialty restaurants.
11. Take an Outdoor Evening Stroll
Take an evening stroll hand in hand along the open air promenade deck. It is especially romantic at sunset.
12 Renew your wedding vows
Renew your wedding vows on a Carnival Cruise ship – the ultimate romantic cruise ship experience.
Carnival offers two renew your vows packages.
A basic cruise wedding vow renewal package that currently starts at $825 and a deluxe wedding vow renewal package that currently starts at $1,450. The prices can change so check Carnival’s website here for all the details.
Present your loved one with romantic couples rings.
13 Go on an adventure together in port
That is one of the really great things about cruises – the different destinations to explore especially with no packing and unpacking.
Check out Carnival’s website for the shore excursions they offer for your itinerary. It gives you an excellent idea of what to do in each port. Choose something you would both love.
Consider packing cute couples shirts. This article has several cute couples cruise shirts.
14. Book a surprise cruise
The ultimate romantic gesture, booking a surprise cruise for you and your loved one. Who wouldn’t absolutely love that?
Make your Carnival cruise extra special by incorporating these other romantic things to do on a cruise into your surprise cruise. Use these as surprise cruise ideas too.
Tip – Use and email address when booking your cruise that the other person doesn’t have access to. Otherwise, your surprise cruise will be quickly ruined.
15. Watch an evening show
Treat the evenings on your cruise vacation like a date nights for a more romantic cruise experience. Taking in a show is a great way to do that.
Carnival Cruises offers great musical theatre shows a couple of nights on a 7 day cruise. Check your HUB App or Carnival Fun Times for the dates and times.
16. Share a dessert
The Coffee Bar (available on most Carnival ships) is a great place to buy a slice of cake to share. Find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy together or take it back to your cabin. If you have a balcony cabin, this would be a great place to sit and enjoy your dessert. There is an additional charge for items at the Coffee Bar but you get both a delicious dessert and a romantic cruise experience.
17. Pre dinner drinks at the Alchemy Bar
Grab a pre dinner drink from the Alchemy Bar or other bar/lounge around the ship. It is a great way to start your evening.
18. Create a Keepsake Journal
Reminiscing about the favorite parts of the day together helps to not only appreciate the day even more but will allow you to relive these memories for years to come.
Each evening take notes of the highlights of your day and your favorite memories.
Another option is a printable cruise journal. It is an inexpensive journal option that looks nice.
19. Sea Day Brunch
The Sea Day Brunch is offered in the main dining room on – you guessed it, sea days. There is no additional charge for the Sea Day Brunch and it provides a more romantic atmosphere than the buffet.
20. Unplug and disconnect
Give your partner your undivided attention during your romantic cruise getaway. Use your phone just to take pictures and use the Carnival Hub App. Take a break from emails, social media, and games on your phone. Plus it saves you from paying internet charges.
21. Soak in the hot tub
Another romantic thing to do on a cruise is to take an evening soak in one of the hot tubs found around the ship.
I hope these 21 romantic things to do on a Carnival cruise helps inspire you to book your honeymoon cruise, a surprise cruise for your loved one, or a romantic getaway.
