Top 10 romantic cruise destinations

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This was published 7 years ago

Top 10 romantic cruise destinations

By Sally Macmillan
New Zealand's Fiordland: Escape and experience love in the wilderness.

New Zealand's Fiordland: Escape and experience love in the wilderness.Credit: Rob Suisted / naturespic.com

1 MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALAND

Misty, mysterious, deeply peaceful: even when the dramatic cliffs and snowy mountain peaks are shrouded in cloud it inspires peaceful contemplation. Large and small ships sail slowly through its twisting waterways, past thundering waterfalls and sheer rock faces – several also take in Fiordland's scenic Dusky and Doubtful Sounds. Find a quiet spot to drink in the wilderness with your beloved. See celebritycruises.com.au

2 TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Ponant in Hvar, Croatia.

Ponant in Hvar, Croatia.Credit: Laurence Fischer

Sapphire lagoons, emerald-green mountain peaks, diamond-clear water – French Polynesia's tropical islands have long been a favourite haven for artists, honeymooners and romantics. They are remote enough to be far from the madding crowds and are as sophisticated or untouched as you like. Cruise for a week or more on smaller vessels to experience Tahiti's exotic charms at a leisurely pace. See windstarcruises.com

3 VENICE, ITALY

Two of the world's most famous lovers, Casanova and Lord Byron, lived and played in La Serenissima. Today its grand, crumbling palazzi, medieval alleyways and magnificent churches draw thousands of admirers every year, so if you're looking for secluded romantic spots you and your loved one have to wander off the beaten path. A river cruise allows more time in the city of love. See uniworld.com/au/

Tahiti Wind Star.

Tahiti Wind Star.Credit: Chris McLennan

4 HVAR, CROATIA

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One of the jewels of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, Hvar's picturesque, historic port is lined with restaurants and hotels and at the height of the season draws thousands of glamorous party people. Take a boat trip to the beautiful beaches on the nearby Pakleni Islands or head inland to discover a quiet village taverna for lunch a deux. See ponant.com

5 GREEK ISLANDS

Naousa, Paros: The Greek islands are the perfect setting for romance.

Naousa, Paros: The Greek islands are the perfect setting for romance.

Take a small-ship cruise, or charter a yacht, to see some of Greece's most idyllic islands; Santorini and Mykonos are loved to death in summer. A relaxed round-trip from Piraeus taking in highlights of the Cyclades – isolated bays, traditional whitewashed villages and ancient mythological sites – will appeal to lovers of legends, good living and the deep-blue Mediterranean sea. See varietycruises.com

6 LIZARD ISLAND

Some years ago actress Kate Hudson called it "the most romantic place on earth". A couple of cyclones later, the remote Barrier Reef island is home to a luxury resort and visited by a few small ships. Lizard's tropical waters shelter a giant clam garden and a host of exotic fish and corals; perfect for diving or snorkelling with your nature-loving partner. See coralexpeditions.com/au/

7 CAPRI, ITALY

Past glories give the Italian island its air of romance, whether of the Ancient Roman variety or as the haunt of Hollywood stars from Clark Gable and Liz Taylor to Leo DiCaprio and Mariah Carey. Leave the busy Marina Grande port area and head uphill to Capri Town and Anacapri to discover swoon-worthy views from peak of Mount Solaro. See seadream.com

8 HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

This collection of eight lush, volcanic islands offers plenty in the way of dreamy sunsets, fiery volcanoes, sweeping beaches and busy nightlife. Each island has a different character, appearance and climate, so a cruise is the best way to find your favourite. Maui and Kauai are popular with honeymooners, the Big Island is the most geographically diverse, while Molokai is the most "Hawaiian". See ncl.com

9 THE SEYCHELLES

The name alone conjures up visions of a seductive paradise and a cruise fulfills all your fantasies about pristine beaches, turquoise waters and secluded coves. And sailing on a small motoryacht that has its own mini-submarine gives new meaning to in-depth underwater adventures. Wildlife lovers will discover a treasure-trove of rare birds, sea turtles and giant tortoises endemic to the islands. See crystalyachtcruises.com

10 SOUTHAMPTON TO NEW YORK

A transatlantic crossing on a classic Cunard liner evokes memories, real or imagined, of the Golden Age of Cruising. Follow the route established in 1847 and indulge in a week of uninterrupted sea days – plenty of time for lavish couple's spa treatments, cocktails in swish bars, late-night dinners and breakfast delivered to your stateroom. See cunardline.com.au

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