Why a Cruise Is the Ultimate Romantic Vacation (on a Budget)
Looking to reconnect with your partner but unsure where to start or if it’s within your budget? Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, or just time away together, a Holland America cruise provides the ideal romantic getaway.
Think of it as a floating maritime retreat — your fare includes elegant accommodations, delectable dining options, entertainment, and travel to must-see destinations. No hotel bookings, no flight juggling — just pack and go.
With a variety of itineraries and convenient departure ports, whisk your loved one away on a spontaneous, budget-friendly vacation.
Top Romantic Cruise Destinations — Without the Luxury Price Tag
Once you’ve decided to set sail, the only question left is: Where will your wanderlust take you? Fortunately, Holland America offers a diverse range of destinations to choose from. Consider 4- to 9-day cruises that won’t break the bank. Check out these regions and affordably priced itineraries:
Canada & New England
Some destinations are easy backdrops for an enchanting experience — and this couldn’t be truer than on a Canada & New England cruise. Walk hand-in-hand down the cobblestone streets of Québec City and enjoy late nights exploring iconic spots like the Terrasse Dufferin promenade beside the famed Château Frontenac. Along the breezy Atlantic coast, embrace the carefree joy of an authentic New England clambake — nosh on clams, lobster, corn, and potatoes with a side of sea spray. And in Nova Scotia, lace up your boots for a hike through forested trails that lead to the ocean’s edge. If you’re not on the East Coast — no worries — explore reasonable airfare options with Holland America’s Flight Ease®.
Discover romantic Canada & New England cruises:
7-Day Canada & New England: UNESCO Sites & Quebecois Nights
7-Day Canada & New England Circle: New Brunswick
7-Day Canada & New England: Maine, Maritimes & Montréal
Pacific Coast
A Pacific Coast cruise is less about rushing and more about lingering — on sun-kissed afternoons in San Diego’s Balboa Park or wandering the quaint, coastal streets of La Jolla. Enchanting Catalina Island feels like a secret Mediterranean refuge, where the pace slows and the ocean air refreshes.
San Francisco, by contrast, offers a wider range of discovery: bustling Chinatown alleys in search of authentic dim sum and the scenic beauty of Golden Gate Park.
Check out these sailings for quick getaway:
4-Day Pacific Coastal Cruise
5-Day Pacific Coastal Cruise
6-Day Pacific Coastal Cruise
With extended or late-night stays in San Francisco, you’ll have time to venture on a romantic shore excursion:
Mexico
In Mexico, romance unfolds in unexpected moments — sharing artisanal tequila under a glowing sunset, savoring mahi-mahi tacos fresh from the sea , or standing beneath the towering arch of El Arco in Cabo San Lucas.
Wander off the usual path into remote Sierra Madre villages where time seems to slow, explore ancient Mayan ruins steeped in mystery, and lose yourselves among vibrant street markets overflowing with color and rhythm. Here, every discovery is an invitation to connect.
Explore a sampling of Mexico cruise itineraries:
Caribbean Cruises for Couples
The Caribbean is a storied and easy-to-love destination for couples. The word “lush” comes to mind in every sense — the friendly culture, natural beauty, rich history, and even the delicious rum punch. Feel the soothing pull of the surf and soft sand on our Caribbean island, RelaxAway™, Half Moon Cay. Get lost in the colorful streets of Old San Juan and end up at La Bombonera, biting into the best Mallorca sweet bread. Learn the secrets to exceptional rum on a distillery tour in Jamaica. Capture the candy-colored buildings of Curaçao through your camera lens.
Check out these cruises:
Sign up for email alerts to get great cruise deals with Caribbean cruises often starting at $99 a day.
Last-Minute Surprise? Try Standby Cruising
If you’re fortunate enough to live near a Holland America port and want to embrace your spontaneous side, consider standby cruising. Cruising from a homeport helps you stay on budget by skipping the cost of flights — leaving you more to spend on shore excursions, dining, and onboard experiences.
Top Departure Ports in the U.S. & Canada for quick getaways:
- Seattle
- Ft. Lauderdale
- Vancouver
- Boston
- San Diego
Top 10 Cruise Deals
It’s hard to resist a good deal. Each week, Holland America curates a list of ten standout cruise deals — handpicked for their exceptional value and destinations worth dreaming about. Discover this week’s curated list of cruises, offering great value.
Onboard Nightlife & Entertainment for Two
There’s something about being at sea that naturally sets the stage for connection. Whether it’s the rhythm of live blues at B.B. King’s, the pulse of rock and pop at the Rolling Stone Lounge, or a shared moment during a cinematic production at World Stage, the ship offers plenty of ways to spend the evening together — without needing a reservation.
Prefer something quieter? A walk under the stars on the open deck or an unhurried dinner in one of the ship’s intimate restaurants such as Canaletto or Pinnacle Grill might be the perfect way to end your day.
Celebrating a special event, such as an anniversary, proposal, or renewal of vows? Once you have booked your cruise, look for add-ons and packages.
Sail Away Together
A romantic getaway doesn’t require splurging on luxury resorts or planning a complex itinerary. With a Holland America cruise, the details are effortlessly handled — and that ease is its own kind of luxury.
Whether you’re sipping tropical cocktails on a soft, sandy beach or roaming through a quiet, cobblestone-lined town, you’re making room for what matters most. And then there’s the sea — calming and vast. It gives you space to pause and simply be together.
