Romantic Cruise Deals for Less Than $150 a Night

Finding a cruise that’s both affordable and romantic is not easy. The most romantic cruises are typically offered by luxury lines such as Azamara, Regent, and Oceania. At the other end of the spectrum are cruise companies catering to families and budget travelers. Couples shouldn’t give up on finding a sweet spot between the two, though. “Picking a romantic cruise is more about picking the right line and destination than anything else,” says Thomas Faddegon of Cruiseline, who says Princess and Celebrity offer solid romantic alternatives at lower prices. As for destination, Caribbean cruises can be romantic, but sailings in the South Pacific or Mediterranean offer even more opportunities for romantic excursions and once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. With input from Cruiseline and Cruise Critic, here are one dozen romantic cruise options under $150 a night.

Prices and availability were checked in mid-December and are subject to change.

Princess Cruises: Cabo San Lucas

Departure: Feb. 10 Starting Price: $519 (about $104 a night) Focused on romance and named one of the best cruise lines for couples by Cruise Critic, Princess offers a five-night Cabo San Lucas getaway. Its Royal Princess includes the glass-bottomed SeaWalk, an enclosed walkway that expands 28 feet beyond the ship’s edge for unforgettable views. There’s an adults-only sanctuary where you can cuddle in a plush cabana beside a retreat pool.

Celebrity Cruises: Western Caribbean

Departure: Feb. 22 Starting Price: $679 (about $97 a night) Celebrity ships tend to be more adult-oriented, with less of a focus on wild waterparks and amusements, says Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. The top deck of the Celebrity Equinox features a Lawn Club that’s “the perfect place to relax with a loved one, curled up on the real grass lawn,” McDaniel says. “And the ship has plenty of fantastic dining options, plus a martini bar and magical Sky Observation Lounge, complete with incredible views and a dance floor under the twinkling lights.” The cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and stops in Key West as well as the Mexican ports of Costa Maya and Cozumel. There’s also a day in George Town, Grand Cayman.

Princess: Hawaiian Islands

Departure: March 7 Starting Price: $929 (about $62 a night) Explore the romance of the Hawaiian Islands aboard an indulgent 15-night sailing that takes guests from San Francisco to ports including Hilo, Hawaii; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai; and Lahaina, Maui. There’s also a stop in Ensenada, Mexico. The ship, Grand Princess, features such touches as “Ultimate Balcony Dining,” an elegant, romantic, multicourse meal available in select staterooms. The Vines Wine Bar offers another place to toast your loved one and the Lotus Spa is a place to pamper them.

Princess: Classic California Coast Cruise

Departure: March 28 Starting Price: $549 ($78 a night) Sailing from Los Angeles, the Royal Princess stops in San Francisco and Monterey, California, and travels back down the coast to explore Ensenada, Mexico. “This is a beyond-romantic itinerary, sailing to some of California’s most romantic destinations,” McDaniel says. Princess offers couples features ranging from “Movies Under the Stars” to the “Ultimate Balcony Dining” experience — that course-by-course service on the balcony of your own cabin. Princess ships also feature the Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat with waiter service, a spa menu, and massage services.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Panama Canal

Departure: April 8 Starting Price: $959 (about $87 a night) Norwegian’s Jewel-class cruise ships come recommended for couples for such touches as the lounges’ plush couches and even canopied beds (depending on the ship) where you can enjoy cocktails and wine. The Norwegian Pearl offers a Panama Canal sailing from Miami that allows for exploring onboard features as well as such ports as Curacao, Aruba, and Grand Cayman.

Holland America Line: Alaskan Inside Passage

Departure: May 9 Starting Price: $749 (about $107 a night) For couples looking to visit Alaska, a cruise can be one of the most convenient ways, and “Holland America receives fantastic ratings from cruisers who have sailed there,” McDaniel says. Its Koningsdam ship features plenty of opportunities for couples’ fun — “everything from cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Center to a wine-blending venue and the Music Walk, filled with great places for live tunes and dancing,” McDaniel says.

Royal Caribbean: Bahamas and Perfect Day Cruise

Departure: May 18 Starting Price: $340 (about $85 a night) For couples who like a bit more hustle and bustle in their getaways, Royal Caribbean offers a ton of dining options and Broadway-caliber entertainment, along with its adults-only Solarium, a haven with hot tubs, wading pools, and a bar and dining venue, McDaniel says. This cruise sails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the cruise line’s new private island, Coco Cay, where couples can escape to South Beach — a quiet enclave with two-person cabana rentals.

Royal Caribbean: Bermuda

Departure: Sept. 19 Starting Price: $416 (about $83 a night) Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas spends two days in port at King’s Wharf, Bermuda, an island known for pink sand beaches and blend of British and American culture. While at sea, there’s a wine bar and jazz bar, and the Viking Crown Lounge offers 360-degree views. The ship also features the Solarium adults-only pool and whirlpool, which has a retractable roof in case of bad weather.

Royal Caribbean: Canada Adventure

Departure: Oct. 5 Starting Price: $569 (about $52 a night) Ports of call on this getaway, which begins in Montreal, include such picturesque destinations as St. John’s and Corner Brook, Newfoundland; Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Ville Saguenay and Quebec City, Quebec — all charming places to explore during a romantic early-fall escape. The Empress of the Seas features an onboard spa, and wine tasting and pairing classes.

Norwegian: Canada and New England

Departure: Oct. 20 Starting Price: $499 (about $100 a night) Explore Canada and New England from the comfort of the Norwegian Encore, which Cruise Critic editors crowned the “best new ship” of the year. “One of the most romantic ways to enjoy the ship in 2020 is on its Canada and New England sailing, visiting quintessential Canadian destinations in the fall,” McDaniel says. The sailing departs from New York and takes in St. John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. There are more than 20 places to eat onboard, and a Broadway-worthy performance of “Kinky Boots.” Additional highlights for couples include the Cellars wine bar, which offers wine and cheese classes and wine and chocolate pairings. There’s also the Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only sundeck area with whirlpools and incredible ocean views.

Princess: Baja Peninsula and Sea of Cortez

Departure: Dec. 10 Starting Price: $799 (about $80 a night) This itinerary showcases the Baja Peninsula and Sea of Cortez aboard the Emerald Princess, which Cruise Critic named one of the best ships for couples. The Emerald Princess is among a handful of ships that the publication says offers both “big-ship options and small-ship cozy.” In addition to a significant number of charming suites and mini-suites, onboard highlights include movies under the stars and the Sanctuary, for adults-only waiter service, couples’ massages, and a spa menu.

Celebrity: Southern Caribbean

Departure: Dec. 14 Starting Price: $929 (about $103 a night) This southern Caribbean sailing takes place aboard the Celebrity Reflection, which Cruise Critic deems one of the best in the line’s fleet. It caters to adults and offers a sophisticated ambience, editors say, pointing to the variety of onboard spaces and amenities designed with couples in mind, including wine bars and double pool loungers. This sailing takes passengers to ports such as St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Antigua.