Romance on the Water

10/13/2023 5:14:10 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

There’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away. - Sarah Kay, founder and co-director of Project V.O.I.C.E.

There is something undeniably romantic about the sea. It has a way of captivating us, pulling us in and revealing a deep sense of desire. The desire to love and be loved, the desire to travel, the desire to be bigger than ourselves. In many ways, the ocean is a lot like love, majestic and beautiful yet simultaneously rough and mysterious.

And what better way to tap into this connection than to take our love to the high seas? Literally. River cruises and cruise expeditions have long held a place in the hearts of romantics with their rich cultural experiences on shore by day and the sound of softly crashing waves and a sky full of stars by night; nothing else compares.

Join us as we explore four opportunities around the world to experience romance on the water.

Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap With Emerald Cruises

Love birds who are seeking an extended getaway in a land far, far away might consider Emerald Cruises' epic 14-night adventure aboard the Emerald Harmony on the ship’s “Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong - Ho” sailing.

Why It’s Romantic

Old meets new along the winding Mekong River, where travelers can experience vibrant ancient temples by day and bustling neon-lit cities by night. Everywhere you look, nature and humans work in harmony as rare wildlife — Irrawaddy dolphins, Asian elephants and saola — and dense forests intertwine with floating markets and ornate pagodas. Fresh seafood is abundant alongside noodles and rice dishes paired with coconut water to wash it all down.

Where They’ll Go

Departing from the UK, this thrilling 15-day adventure traverses 10 cities — Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Sa Dec, My An Hung, Hong Ngu, An Long, Long Khanh, Phnom Penh, Prek’kdam and Siem Reap. Couples will kick off their journey in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the largest city in Vietnam famous for its striking French architecture, mouth-watering culinary scene and historical significance during the Vietnam War. Upon departing Ho Chi Minh City, things hit a slower pace as travelers float the Mekong Delta making stops in small, yet magical towns along the way. Highlights during days four through six include the elaborate Vinh Trang Temple, the storied Hyunh Thuy Le Ancient House and the opportunity to sample exotic fruits like durian, jackfruit, dragon fruit and mangosteen from the comfort of a local village. Entering the halfway point of the cruise, outdoorsy couples will enjoy soaking in the waters beneath the Giang Dien Waterfall, the sights of the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve and Bai Nhat Beach before crossing the Vietnam/Cambodia border on day eight. After a night in Phnom Penh, the Emerald Harmony will pass through Prek’kdam before arriving in Siem Reap, home to the impressive and historic Angkor Archaeological Park.

Exclusively Adult On Virgin Voyages

Kids — while we love them — can put a damper on a romantic getaway. That’s why Virgin Voyages is “exclusively adult.” From the food and the entertainment to the cabins and the destinations, every swoon-worthy detail abroad each Virgin Voyages ship was designed with adults in mind.

Why It’s Romantic

With new surprises around every turn, romantic duos will tap into their inner child as they slip into swanky nightclubs, become fully immersed in modern (sometimes naughty) entertainment and feel all their worries melt away at Redemption spa. Over 20 onboard specialty eateries tickle the tastebuds and spark intrigue with grand designs, elevated menus and hands-on experiences. And when it’s time for dessert, a stop at Lick Me Till…Ice Cream will satisfy travelers’ sweet tooths alongside a healthy serving of provocative banter. Back in the cabin, couples can choose the vibe with mood-matching lights that change colors with the touch of a button.

Where They’ll Go

From sparkling turquoise waters to vibrant coastal cities, sweethearts can choose their own romantic adventure. Caribbean sailings offer a taste of the island life with journeys departing from Miami and San Juan to lively ports throughout the region where travelers will be transported back in time as they stroll cobblestone streets and dive amongst colorful coral reefs. Across the pond, Virgin Voyages’ homeports in Barcelona and Athens offer a stunning start to an epic journey across the Med where the brightly painted streets of Portugal and wild nights in Ibiza and Mykonos beckon. Or, for something more exotic, cruise goers can join Virgin Voyages in the Land Down Under on a sailing that will help them reconnect with nature while exploring some of the best sea cities in the South Pacific.

The cruise line also offers Transatlantic expeditions where Virgin’s lady ships travel from their home ports in the Adriatic, Mediterranean and the Caribbean in search of exciting new stops along the way.

Budapest to Regensburg With Viking River Cruises

Brimming with history, charm and fabulous architecture, romantics will adore a seven-night river cruise from Budapest to Regensburg with Viking Cruises. An adults-only experience, the “Romantic Danube” expedition is the perfect match for travelers who are looking to explore Europe’s medieval towns, grand cities and incredible scenery sans children.

Why It’s Romantic

A river cruise on the idyllic Danube instantly transports travelers to another time, a time when the streets were paved with cobblestone and the cities were designed for people, not cars. The rolling hills and lush pastures act as a muse, their influence realized in some of the greatest works created by famous musicians and painters throughout the years. The food is a playful mix of hearty and luxurious pairing classic European fare — think pork sausage and wiener schnitzel — with decadent treats like Passau’s praline confections and fruit-flavored Rieslings.

Where They’ll Go

Sweethearts will begin their journey in Budapest, Hungary — the “Paris of the East” — where they can explore enchanting market halls, marvel at the Hungarian Parliament Building and admire the ancient architecture of old churches and castles. On day three, travelers will make their way to scenic Austria where they’ll visit the towns of Vienna and Krems. As the former home of famous composers Strauss and Mozart, Vienna is a music lover’s paradise with stunning concert halls and several specialty music museums. The region is also well known for its collection of historic buildings such as Hofburg and Schönbrunn Palace in addition to Graben, a picture-perfect street that’s ideal for window shopping. Travelers’ second day in Austria will take place in Krems an der Donau, a delightful town that features a collection of red-roofed homes and flourishing vegetation. Most visitors kick off their stay here with a visit to Winzer Krems, a famous winery and vineyard local to the area in addition to exploring the region’s historic homes, castles and unique museums. Finally, this picturesque expedition wraps in Germany where travelers will discover enchanting Passau, a small village located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers before making their way to historic Regensburg, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities.

All Out Luxury On Celebrity Cruises

With sailings to breathtaking destinations around the world, a vacation for two aboard Celebrity Cruises is sure to keep the flame burning bright. Welcome champagne and mimosas flow freely upon boarding the ship, offering travelers a taste of what they can expect from this upscale cruise experience.

Why It’s Romantic

Vast and mighty, the seas create a blissful backdrop for travelers to unwind with their paramour. Whatever the romantic occasion — wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or just life — Celebrity Cruises rises to the occasion with custom celebration packages created with the intent to pamper and inspire.

From the comfort of a private balcony suite, ocean views and incredible sunsets set the mood, sparking feelings of awe and possibility. Special moments are waiting to happen — both onboard and onshore — and this sense is only enhanced with exciting couples activities specifically designed to bring romantic duos even closer together. Those who find their passion in the kitchen will enjoy the cruise line’s beverage and culinary programs where they can sample cocktails and wines from around the world alongside scrumptious bites. Of course, what’s a fantastic dinner without a show? Celebrity is home to some of the best entertainment at sea, and travelers can enjoy award-winning productions without ever leaving the comfort of the ship.

Where They’ll Go

With service across six regions — Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, North America and South America — the possibilities for adventure are endless. Whether that means a honeymoon in Hawaii, cocktails in Croatia or the party of a lifetime in Peru, couples can easily choose which destination fits their love story. And, if travelers want to spend some extra time on shore, they can easily do so with Celebrity’s overnight stays, some of which have the option for double-overnights.

Originally appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of The Compass magazine.