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Best ships for couples
Norwegian Cruise Line
Best ships: Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl
Why: First and foremost, NCL's "Freestyle Dining" philosophy (passengers can dine without the hassle of assigned times and tablemates at a variety of restaurants) is perfectly suited to table-for-two travelers. A close second are the ships' Courtyard Villas. The relatively new concept (and, as such, only found on NCL's newest ships) is aimed at creating a small, boutique-style hotel within the framework of a larger resort. The villas are located away from the so-called fray — and offer a host of special perks, from access to a fabulous Asian-inspired pool area (complete with Balinese bed and hot tub) to suite-holders-only breakfast and lunch at Cagney's.
Stay here: The aforementioned Courtyard Villas feature separate living and sleeping rooms (there's the master bedroom and also a smaller, window-less room with bunks), flat-screen television, butler service and, the best part: a swishy bathroom whose whirlpool tub is set into a picture window alcove.
Indoor romance: Try dinner at Cagney's, the ship's steakhouse and Le Bistro, a French eatery; for drinks, the Star Bar (Norwegian Jade) and the Plantation Club (Norwegian Jewel) are tops.
Onshore: Itinerary-wise, Norwegian Pearl, with its romantic spring and summer Alaska sailings, wins by a nose over its fleetmates' Europe and Caribbean routes.
SeaDream Yacht Club
Best ship: Either of its two nearly identical 4,260-ton, 110-passenger yachts (SeaDream I and SeaDream II)
Why: These ships win top romantic honors for sophisticated couples who want luxury (phenomenal dining and great service) amidst a casual ambiance. The ships are gorgeously restored; dining is all as-you-wish; cabins, though cozy, are outfitted with state-of-the-art accouterments; and last but by no means least, service is outstanding, personable, attentive ... and subtle. They're all-inclusive, too, which means tips and all drinks (not to mention unlimited caviar) are included in your fare.
Stay here: There are only three types of stateroom. The most romantic is, of course, the owner's suite (with a fabulous windowed bathroom). The Commodore Club suite is basically two standard cabins put together — we actually preferred our standard accommodations. These 195-square-ft. staterooms feature separate seating areas and bedrooms, with a small but exquisitely outfitted bathroom (huge shower-for-two with three shower heads). Add to that fine linens and great mattresses on the bed, high-tech flat-screen televisions, DVD and MP3 players, and plenty of storage space.
Out on deck: Our favorite place for sunset-timed port departures was on one of the Balinese beds on the top-most deck — tucked around the smokestack, they are built just a bit above the deck railing, which gives you a sense of floating above the water. We also loved the Top of the Yacht bar.
Dining: There are two primary venues. The Main Dining Salon (indoors) feels like a restaurant at an elegant, small boutique hotel. But our favorite spot was the Topside Restaurant, and most meals, from breakfast to dinner, were offered here; it's an open-sided outdoor eatery (covered, though, so shaded) and there are a handful of wonderful and private nooks.
Downside? There are no cabins with balconies (but the open decks were so expansive and there were so many lovely nooks that we never missed it).
Carnival Cruise Line
Best ships: Spirit-class vessels, including Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle
Why: At 88,500 tons and with 2,124 passenger capacities, these ships are big enough to offer plenty of onboard variety — but not so huge that they feel impersonal. Plus, because these ships have a high balcony ratio, it's easy — and not at all expensive — to nab a cabin with your own verandah. The ships are, for the exuberantly-designed Carnival, the fleet's most elegant, featuring an Art Deco scheme.
Stay here: If you're splurging, the "penthouse suite" comes with a huge balcony and elaborate bathroom. The more affordable standard verandah cabins are pleasant, though.
Out on deck: Go forward on Atlantic deck to the enclosed portion of the ship's exterior promenade.
Indoor romance: Try a couples' massage at Spa Carnival. The foyer lounge and the cigar bar are the most intimate drink spots.
Dining: Bypass Carnival's assigned dining scheme at its main restaurants and head to the Spirit-class ships' reservations-only supper clubs.
Special events: Spirit-class ships have wedding chapels (though captains are not allowed to perform ceremonies), and staffers will help arrange weddings and vow renewals.
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