Is Cruising for Couples?

[Ozzy106]

Hi all, 

 

First time poster here but very long time lurker!

 

My partner and I are 26 and are considering booking a 7-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas for September 2022. I've cruised numerous times in family and friend groups but never in a couple. 

 

My question is, do you think cruising is suitable for couples? Younger couples too? We like the idea of having lots to do during the day, but we're a little unsure of nighttime entertainment. We like sitting in more private quieter bars but I'm not sure if they are very plentiful on Oasis class ships? I can think of vintages and the trellis bar being possibilities, but does anyone know of other more couples-focused areas on Oasis ships? We're also keen to explore other areas, but we also don't want to feel like we are a young couple surrounded by families etc 🙂

 

Does anyone that has cruised in a couple and have any tips or advice?

 

Thanks!

[alexgtp]

Yes. Wife and I have been cruising for 10 years.

 

Has everything you need. Food, Liquor, Casino, shows, activities. And you wake up in a new country the next day. Win/Win.

If you are looking for a more ADULT couple. I would look at Celebrity (if you want to stay in the RCL family) Or check out the new Virgin Scarlett Lady. Geared toward adults/couples.

[DCPIV]

I can't speak to Oasis class ships, as I've never been on one, but cruising most certainly is for couples!  My first cruise was our honeymoon (nearly 27 years ago), and we've cruised as a couple many times since throughout all those years.  We've met many couples (young and old) while cruising.

 

Who's on board will vary from sailing to sailing, obviously, but we've never had any issue enjoying quieter bars.  That's also what we tend to prefer.

 

If you do want something that has a more adult feel to it and you aren't interested in "amusement park" features, you might want to look at Celebrity.  You don't see nearly as many families on Celebrity, but you still have a lot of dining and bar options on board (and the price usually is about the same).  I don't mean to say tha Royal Caribbean is a bad choice at all, especially if you are interested in what it offers, but it is a more family oriented line.  That said, we've sailed RC many times as a couple and always have enjoyed it.

 

If you are trying to minimize the number of families on board, timing makes a difference.  You're doing the right thing by avoiding the Summer and school holiday times.

 

As for other advice, I'm not sure what advice there is to give.  Just have fun and enjoy date night after date night!

[DCPIV]

2 minutes ago, alexgtp said:

Or check out the new Virgin Scarlett Lady. Geared toward adults/couples.

 

I've heard mixed things about Virgin.  Some have loved it, but some have not.  It may be more geared towards adults and couples, but everyone we've talked to about it says that it's very much a "party like a rock star" atmosphere and that things can get pretty raunchy at times.  If that's what someone is looking for, then they'll have a great time, but it's not for everyone.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

Our first several cruises were as a couple. Then we had a baby and he started joining us on cruises once he potty trained at 3+.

Cruising was definitely more carefree and spontaneous before the kid. 🙂 Wouldn't change it for the world, but I am just saying - definitely enjoy it as a couple.

[dcgrumpy]

25 minutes ago, DCPIV said:

 

I've heard mixed things about Virgin.  Some have loved it, but some have not.  It may be more geared towards adults and couples, but everyone we've talked to about it says that it's very much a "party like a rock star" atmosphere and that things can get pretty raunchy at times.  If that's what someone is looking for, then they'll have a great time, but it's not for everyone.

 

 

Wow. That wasn't my experience at all when I sailed on Scarlet Lady a couple of months ago. 

[not-enough-cruising]

My wife and I were on Allure last week, we cruise every summer with a large family group; and every spring; just the two of us. Oasis class ships are great for couples!

[DCPIV]

4 minutes ago, dcgrumpy said:

 

 

Wow. That wasn't my experience at all when I sailed on Scarlet Lady a couple of months ago. 

 

I'm glad to hear that!  The folks we talked to were on some of the very early sailings last Fall (including the second or third sailing--can't recall which).  They did say that Virgin "had some things to work out" (a true quote from one of the persons we talked to), and I've heard that they were making some changes.  I'm glad to hear that seems to be the case.

[Air&Sea]

Cruising is for EVERYONE. 

 

The trick is finding the right cruise line and right ship.

 

Carnival has a reputation for having a lot of college aged passengers. Princess is known for being a little more upscale. We like Royal because it suits our family dynamic.

 

The new Virgin cruise line is really targeting couples like yourself. Take a look at their website.

[MLP12]

I absolutely feel that cruising is a good choice for couples.  With that being said, I do feel that Oasis class ships are not the best choice to find quiet places to sit and relax.  There are just too many passengers and children.   I would suggest a smaller ship and as someone else mentioned, possibly try Celebrity, which is more geared toward an older clientele.  It is a trade off though, as there are not as many daytime activities to enjoy.  It is definitely a totally different vibe; much more laid back.  

[Roybthered]

Yes it is for couples! First thing my DW looks at is holidays, half terms for when all the children are off! (not that we don't like Children but don't want loads and loads running around). We have always had a fantastic cruise and some of the best have been Trans Atlantics.

 

[DukeASUGirl]

My first cruise was at age 9 (Sitmar), and we went with a large extended family. My next cruise wasn't until I was 27 for my honeymoon (NCL). Husband and I have been on 4 cruises as a couple (3 on NCL and 1 on Carnival), and only 1 with our kids (Carnival). Our next cruise will be as a family on Royal.

 

There is plenty to do for all ages, and at all stages of life. Personally, I like the big active ships because I happen to love waterslides, ziplining, etc. I may be 40, but I enjoy that stuff more than my kids do. Ha! But I also love just laying out and relaxing and spending time in the hot tub, then going to shows. 

 

Pick times when kids will be in school if you want to avoid a family atmosphere, but there is plenty to do as a couple.

Edited March 14, 2022 by DukeASUGirl

[leaveitallbehind]

Of course it is for couples.  Probably half of all cruisers are couples!  I think the question is what cruise lines cater more in terms of cruise atmosphere to couples.  For instance cruise lines like RCCL and NCL cater primarily to families.  Celebrity and Princess, more to adults and less so to families.  Virgin may be more of a couples focus.  But all of them have couples on board - it just depends on your taste and personal preferences.

[George C]

The overwhelming majority of people on cruises is couples , you can normally find a bar on oasis class that isn’t that crowded since there are a lot of them.

[Belle5129]

Another vote for YES 🙂 My husband and I had both cruised as children, and then when we married, we took our first Celebrity cruise on Century, and we were hooked. For us, we really enjoyed cruising as a couple - sampling food venues, relaxing on the balcony, trying out the bars. When the kiddos came along, we tended to do more cruises on Royal Caribbean. As much as we love travelling with them, we also are looking forward to when we can cruise again, just the two of us. We can't wait to get back grabbing good deals during the off-season, only having to pay for one cabin, and going on longer cruises. Enjoy your time together, no matter which cruise line you pick!  

[Jimbo]

5 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

Our first several cruises were as a couple. Then we had a baby and he started joining us on cruises once he potty trained at 3+.

Cruising was definitely more carefree and spontaneous before the kid. 🙂 Wouldn't change it for the world, but I am just saying - definitely enjoy it as a couple.

"before the kid"

[bonsai3s]

Rising Tide Bar...limited seating.

Schooner Bar...gets quiet after trivia.

Solarium...quiet, adults only...not sure if the bar is open in the evening...but you can bring your drinks.

 

[CaptainBazz]

Definitely a yes for couples. My wife and I have cruised for nearly 20 years as a couple...and all we seem to meet are couples. Go for it.

 

[neverbeenhere]

The wife has been trying to go without me, but after dozens and dozens of cruises she hasn’t made it without me. Amazing part is that we’ve never been the only couple on a cruise. (Lucky I guess) 

[CatLadyFemme]

Yes! With two exceptions, all of my cruises have been as part of a couple. Lots of fun things to do, especially on Oasis class ships. We enjoy the jazz club and the music in Central Park at night, the Aqua Theater, or even just sitting on the pool deck listening to the waves.

[Rick-n-Lisa]

Kids are not normally in bars, and they aren’t normally out and about at night, usually in the kids club or in the cabin with parents.  Normally, lol…. Lots of places on Oasis class to sit and have a drink and a quiet conversation.  Also nice places to grab a drink then go sit somewhere private, like solarium as mentioned or on Deck 5 aft there are chairs.  If you have a balcony room, it’s also nice to sit out there with a drink, nice and quiet.  We always cruise as a couple and love it!  Some nights we want more action like casino, comedy club or dancing, other nights more quiet and relaxed.  The great thing about cruising is that there are multiple choices for whatever mood you’re in!  

[loman]

Yep ,  we cruise Oasis class only now , as a couple. 

Lots of bars and restaurants , entertainment , and lots of couples . 

If we did regular dining , we were usually at table with other couples .

And similar age groups too, not sure if that was done purposely .

[wake74]

I'll add to what the others have said, if we were just going as a couple, we'd do Celebrity.  And in a few years (ours is a Freshman), we'll go back to cruising Celebrity.  But there is no one right answer to this, as it's highly dependent upon the vibe you are after.  There is an a$$ for every seat so to speak. 

[cruiselvr04]

Cruising is definitely for couples.  If you want less kids and families don’t go over spring break, summer or winter breaks.  We rarely cruise at those times although we do have one booked for July and in 23 Alaska.  
 

[bucfan2]

9 hours ago, neverbeenhere said:

 Amazing part is that we’ve never been the only couple on a cruise. (Lucky I guess) 

Had to laugh when I read your comment. I opened this thread thinking the title may be clickbait lol.