9 ROMANTIC GETAWAYS THAT WILL SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET
Published on November 12, 2019
When it comes to giving your relationship a romantic boost, a million different ideas might come to mind. You could stroll through a jewelry store or scroll online for suggestions on the ideal gift for your partner. But sometimes, all it takes is the right setting. Whether you’re trying to plan the perfect proposal or honeymoon, celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary, or just looking to take your date night to the next level, a romantic getaway might be just the thing to bump up the bonding and bring you closer together while making new memories that will last a lifetime.
Of course, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all couple’s vacation. What makes a romantic getaway truly unforgettable depends on the kinds of activities you and your special someone enjoy the most. For some couples, it’s all about checking firsts off the bucket list and finding adventure off the beaten path. For others, it’s about disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with each other on a secluded stretch of private beach somewhere tropical. But no matter what your perfect getaway looks like, one thing is for sure: the planning process should be fueled by wanderlust, not worry. Fortunately, there are tons of enchanting (and affordable) spots to choose from to suit each kind of couple and budget, all within easy cruising distance. Check out our hit list of destinations where love is always in the air— be it beach, mountain or misty fjord— and start thinking about that dream vacation with your partner in adventure.
FROM EXOTIC ISLAND ESCAPES TO COZY NORTHERN GETAWAYS
Does your ideal couple’s vacation involve soaking up the sun with your significant other on a shore-hopping Caribbean adventure, or falling in love with autumn foliage as you sail to sleepy postcard towns along the New England coast? Maybe you dream of snow-capped mountains and nights spent gazing at the Northern Lights in wild Alaska. There are so many delectable options when planning a romantic getaway, from affordable weekend escapes to longer bucket list trips. And whether it’s the tropical allure of Jamaica’s emerald rainforests and Bermuda’s turquoise waters, the idyllic charm of New England’s seaside villages and Canada’s vibrant coastal port cities, or the untamed majesty of Alaska’s rugged mountain ranges and glacier-dotted bays, you’ll find endless itineraries to fall in love with— and on— when you cruise with Royal Caribbean.
LOVESTRUCK IN THE CARIBBEAN
1. OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA
If you’re low on vacation days but longing for a quick Caribbean getaway that won’t disappoint in the romance department, set sail on a five-night cruise that stops in Jamaica and discover one of the most romantic spots in the tropics, Ocho Rios. Nestled on the northern coast of the island just an hour by car from Falmouth, this easy-going former fishing village offers the perfect pairing of quiet island calm and bustling beachside action. If it’s a peaceful paradise you crave, head to Mahogany Beach— one of Jamaica’s most beautiful beaches— and bask in the sunshine and serenity as you walk along the romantic powdery shore. When you’re ready to turn up the excitement level, nearby Turtle Beach beckons with lively bars, seaside restaurants and plenty of water sports to keep you in motion all day long. And it goes without saying that no visit to Jamaica is complete without a stop at one of the country’s most famous national treasures, Dunn’s River Falls, where you can snap waterfall and lagoon selfies with your favorite person.
2. ST. LUCIA
For some, the greatest way to reconnect with the love of your life is by getting closer to nature. If staying active in the great outdoors is how you imagine spending your ideal romantic getaway, add St. Lucia to your list. Don’t let its size fool you. This captivating Caribbean island may be small, but it offers plenty of scenic hiking trails through jungle-covered mountains and beaches that are perfect for couples who enjoy snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing and sun-bathing. Planning to pop the question? Brave the 2,000-foot hike to the top of The Pitons, St. Lucia’s iconic volcanic peaks (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) where you can literally take your love to new heights. The panoramic views you’ll enjoy from the summit are breathtaking and would make the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable proposal.
3. BERMUDA
Colonial streets lined with pastel-painted buildings, pink-sand beaches and aquamarine seas are just some of the colorful sights couples can expect to find in beautiful Bermuda. Aside from being one of the world’s top spots for diving, kayaking and golf, it’s also one of the most romantic destinations in the Caribbean, filled with incredible romantic scenery and lavish experiences. If you and your partner are foodies, you’ve come to the right place. In addition to its magnificent landscapes and laid-back vibes, Bermuda is famous for its food scene, thanks to local delicacies like fish chowder and black rum cake. And many of Bermuda’s best beaches— are perfect for couples looking for privacy like peaceful Stonehole Bay Beach on the south shore, pristine Parson’s Bay Beach near Royal Naval Dockyard, and tiny Hog Bay Beach, which disappears at high tide— are all about low-key lounging away from big crowds of tourists. The best part is you don’t need a full week to visit. Royal Caribbean offers quick five-night getaways that stop at this colorful isle. Cabana for two, please.
4. BARBADOS
You’ll fall in love with Barbados from the moment you first glimpse its sparkling blue bays sprinkled with mega-yachts and sleek catamarans. Considered one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations because of its secluded location, Barbados has long been a favorite among global jet-setters and sun-seekers looking for a more low-key tropical escape that caters to couples. If you’re thinking about a cruise out of Barbados, you’re definitely going to want to tack on a few extra days before or after your vacation to really experience everything this amazing island has to offer. Here’s what you need to know ahead of your cruise.
COZY UP ALONG THE NORTHERN COAST
5. CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Just north of Nova Scotia, the quaint capital of Prince Edward Island is a seaside Victorian-era dream and a great destination for couples. A romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through its historical downtown and a stroll along its waterfront boardwalks will make you feel as though you’ve wandered back in time. A couple’s bike ride beyond the town center and into the surrounding countryside will lead you to the rolling green hills, romantic windswept beaches and rustic farmsteads that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s literary classic, Anne of Green Gables. After a morning spent exploring, wine and dine your sweetheart with wild blueberry wine and some of Prince Edward Island’s best cheeses at the Rossignol Estate Winery. If you and your partner prefer sipping pints to pinots, you’ll find plenty of historical local pubs where you can raise a cold one in a toast to your love.
6. BAR HARBOR, MAINE
If your wanderlust has you dreaming about the quintessential New England getaway, it doesn’t get much better than this peaceful coastal haven. Do you and your beau love a good nature walk? Head to Acadia National Park and hike up Cadillac Mountain. It’s the highest peak on the Atlantic seaboard, and if you make it all the way to the top you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding forests and ocean. Once you and your loved one has built up an appetite, nearby Jordan Pond is the perfect spot for a romantic picnic. On clear days, you can see the mountain reflected in its glassy waters. And if city strolls and local flavor are more your scene, Bar Harbor provides an endless supply of enchanting cobblestone streets lined with artisanal shops and restaurants serving up classic New England fare like lobster rolls and even lobster ice cream that couples love.
Because Bar Harbor is one of the most picturesque destinations in New England, lots of cruise itineraries include it as a stop— which means you can visit easily whether you have six nights to spare or twelve.
7. SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK
Canada’s oldest incorporated city and its third-largest port, Saint John is a town that looks beautiful in every season. Couples love seeing it in the fall, when the forests that blanket the surrounding hillside turn brilliant red and gold and the brisk autumn air creates the perfect atmosphere for fireside cuddles and romantic strolls along woodland trails. A romantic kayak ride across the Bay of Fundy or a dreamy walk along the beach past the majestic Hopewell Rocks beats any date at the movies. And the handmade jewelry and knitwear sold at the Saint John City Market will top any anniversary gift you might find at the mall. If you’re up for an epic lunch date, head to the local favorite Steamers Lobster Company with the luchy person you decided to bring with you and dig into their famous lobster rolls and bacon-wrapped scallops. You can cruise to Saint John on a 6-night itinerary, but if you and your significant other have a bit more time, opt for one of the 9-12-night Fall Foliage cruises for the ultimate romantic Northeastern escape.
FALL WILDLY IN LOVE IN ALASKA
8. KETCHIKAN, ALASKA
When it comes to breathtaking romantic natural landscapes, Ketchikan is downright unearthly. Swirling mists cling to its fjords and vast evergreen forests, creating a dreamlike world of shadows and silhouettes, and the call of the wild beckons from every rugged path. But this pit stop on the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage isn’t only a great vacation destination for couples who love nature. Ketchikan is home to the three tribes of Northwest Coast Indians— the Tlingit, the Haida and the Tsimshian— and the community works hard to preserve their rich heritage and traditions. Couples craving a culture trip will find just what they’re looking for at Saxman Native Village, which features an authentic clan house and one of the world’s largest collections of standing totem replicas. All you need to visit is a long weekend, since Royal Caribbean offers quick and easy getaways starting at just four-nights.
9. FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
There’s a reason why Fairbanks is nicknamed the “Golden Heart of Alaska” and the “Land of the Midnight Sun.” During the summer months, it can get more than 20 hours of daylight. But that’s not all Fairbanks is known for— it’s also one of the best places for couples to see the Northern Lights if you stop in closer to the fall. To venture inland and visit this northern frontier town you’ll have to add a land tour to the beginning or end of your September Alaska cruise, which means more time to make memories with your special someone. And what could be more romantic than sharing a bucket list kiss beneath a midnight sky set aglow by the aurora borealis?.
