A cruise is the perfect way to celebrate an anniversary; make it unforgettable with the help of these anniversary cruise ideas.
A cruise vacation has so much to offer, whether you are looking to relax and unwind or explore new destinations and cultures together, you can find the perfect cruise.
There are extra touches to help make your anniversary cruise a more romantic experience and unforgettable.
In this article we will list some anniversary cruise ideas to make this special occasion more memorable, the best cruise lines for an anniversary cruise, and some of the popular cruise itineraries for a romantic cruise.
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Regardless of your budget, you will find a cruise and a few special touches that will make your wedding anniversary extra special.
12 Anniversary cruise ideas – to make it extra special
1. Splurge on a suite or a specialty cabin
Book a stateroom you don’t normally cruise in. If you have never cruised, consider a balcony, suite, or one of the specialty cabins some cruise lines offer on their newer ships.
The specialty cabins I am referring to are either spa stateroom or the even better ones that come with access to exclusive pool decks and restaurants. A more luxurious pool deck combined with less people equals a more romantic feel. However, these aren’t offered on all cruise lines or cruise ships.
Examples of this are NCL’s Haven and Celebrity Cruises The Retreat.
2. Renew your vows at sea
For those who really want to go all out, reaffirm your commitment to each other by renewing your wedding vows on a cruise ship. Most major cruise lines offer different vow renewal ceremonies, ranging from simple to elaborate.
This is the ultimate in romance and a perfect way to celebrate a milestone anniversary, like a 25th anniversary.
I’ll put some links below to some of the major cruise line’s wedding vow renewal and romance packages.
3. Purchase a cruise line anniversary package
Check out the anniversary packages or romance packages offered by your cruise line of choice.
What is included in these packages vary greatly, but all sound lovely. Most cruise line anniversary packages include different combinations of:
- Champagne or wine
- chocolate-covered strawberries
- a special cake
- decorations
- spa treatments
- a souvenir
- photo(s)
Make it extra special by making it a surprise for your spouse.
These packages, however can be on the pricey side. Another alternative is to create your own package using some of these anniversary cruise ideas.
4. Pre order in room gifts
Surprise your loved one with something special waiting in your stateroom. Popping a bottle of champagne and enjoying chocolate covered strawberries on your private balcony is a great way to start of your romantic anniversary cruise.
What is offered for pre purchase varies cruise line to cruise line but is often things like a cake, chocolate covered strawberries, champagne or wine, and cruise line merchandise.
These can be ordered on the cruise line’s website before your sailing.
5. Anniversary cruise door decorations
A fun way to celebrate your wedding anniversary is to decorate your stateroom door. Most cruise ship doors are magnetic making cute cruise magnets the perfect decoration. There are so many cute personalized options.
Here are some anniversary cruise door decoration ideas. They also make a great souvenir when your cruise is over.
Here is a really cute option if you are cruising with Disney Cruise Line.
Most cruise lines allow cabin door decorations as long as they consist of fire retardant materials. Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the cruise lines that do not allow stateroom (cabin) door decorations.
6. Anniversary cruise shirts
Anniversary cruise shirts are a fun way to let your fellow passengers know you are celebrating years of marriage together. They are also a great conversation starter, make for really cute photos, and are a memento you can keep.
There are some really cute cruise shirts for couples and the best Anniversary cruise shirt ideas can be found in this article.
7. Couples massage
Treat you and your partner to a relaxing romantic couples massage in the ship’s spa. Or enjoy one of the other spa treatments offered.
8. Romantic dinner in a specialty restaurant
Make a reservation in one of the specialty restaurants for a nice romantic dinner for two.
9. Have professional photos taken
Photos are my favorite souvenir. The formal nights are the best nights to have your photos taken. The ship’s professional photographers are usually set up and offer different photo background options. There is no charge to have your photo taken, you are only charged if you purchase the photos.
The photos will be on display in the ship’s photo gallery the next day. If you don’t like any of them you can always have more taken the next formal night.
10. Book epic shore excursions
Book that shore excursion you have always wanted to do. It is a great way to spend quality time together while making priceless memories. Whether it is water sports, exploring, adventuring, or relaxing, enjoy your time together.
11. Make every cruise night date night
Make the most out of your couples cruise by making every night on the ship date night.
Cruise ships make this easy with the number of bars, restaurants, and evening activities.
Grab a pre dinner drink in one of the lounges while you listen to live music, have a delicious dinner, then enjoy a show or a bit of time in the casino.
12. Breakfast in bed
Most cruise lines offer free continental breakfast room service and hot breakfast for an additional cost. Place your order the night before and enjoy coffee and breakfast delivered to your stateroom. Enjoy your breakfast in bed or on your balcony. What a great way to start off your day.
13. Don’t discredit the little things
Sometimes it is the free little things that make the biggest difference and make a cruise most memorable. The little things that make a cruise romantic:
- holding hands walking the cruise ship outside decks
- an evening dip in one of the hot tubs
- a nice dinner in the main dining room (included in your cruise fare)
- a shared dessert
- finding a quiet spot to sit together and enjoy the ocean views
14. Let the cruise line know
Let both your travel agent and the cruise line know that you are celebrating an anniversary onboard. You never know, you may receive a special dessert, recognition, or a small gift.
15. Ultimate dining balcony – Princess Cruises
This anniversary cruise idea is for Princess Cruises only, but I had to include it as it just screams romance. They have what they call the Ultimate Dining Balcony A private elegant meal served on your own balcony in the ocean breeze complete with fresh flowers and champagne is one of the most romantic things you can do on a cruise. There is an additional cost for this romantic experience.
A cruise is a great choice for a romantic getaway. Even if you only choose a few of these ideas, you will still have a wonderful romantic cruise. I’m also sure you will have a wonderful vacation regardless of what cruise line you choose, but if you are looking for suggestions. I’d start by looking at the following.
Each cruise line will offer different amenities, different prices, and cater to a slightly different clientele. Some are more luxurious than others. These are my opinions only. Be sure to do your research on the cruise lines and the cruise ships before making your reservation.
Best cruise lines for an anniversary cruise
If you are planning an anniversary cruise, here are some of the best cruise lines to start your planning process along with links to their anniversary packages or vow renewal packages.
- Princess Cruises – on the elegant side
- Celebrity Cruises – on the elegant side
- Royal Caribbean Cruise – on the fun side
- Norwegian Cruise Line – on the fun side
- Carnival Cruise Line – on the fun side
- Disney Cruise Line – for Disney fans
- Holland America – better for a 50th anniversary cruise
- Windstar Cruises – for more exotic destinations
Popular anniversary cruise itineraries
There are beautiful and interesting ports of call all over the world, however these are some of the popular anniversary cruise itineraries.
Caribbean cruise
Caribbean cruises are popular choices for an anniversary cruise for a few reasons. The Caribbean has some amazing beaches and crystal clear water. There are several departure points all over the U.S. making it a convenient choice.
Many of the major cruise lines have private islands in the Caribbean that are amazing.
Mediterranean cruise
Mediterranean cruises are popular choices for an anniversary or honeymoon cruise. It combines history and beauty. Cruises with stops in Greece, Rome and/or Venice are popular with those seeking a romantic cruise.
Alaska cruise
While there is a good chance you won’t be lounging on the pool deck in a bikini often on an Alaskan cruise, you will be wowed by the natural beauty. From wildlife, to sea life, to impressive glaciers, Alaska has it all.
South Pacific cruise
If the beautiful South Pacific islands are on your bucket list, an anniversary cruise is a great excuse to cross off that list.
While these are some of the popular choices, other options are a Mexican Riviera cruise, Panama Canal cruise, and a cruise to and/or around Hawaii. Check the cruise line’s website for shore excursions offered for different itineraries to give you an idea of the things to see and do at each cruise port.
I hope this has given you some ideas on how to make your anniversary cruise extra special and given you a starting point for researching your anniversary cruise vacation.
If you are looking for a way to keep your anniversary cruise plans organized, then check out our printable Ultimate Cruise Planner and Journal.
Why not celebrate your anniversary with your family and turn your birthday cruise into a family reunion cruise? Here are 10 reasons why a cruise vacation is a great family reunion idea.
Related cruise articles:
What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise
Important Cruise Accessories People Forget to Pack
35 Things to Know Before a Cruise – First Cruise Tips
