Sexual attraction between couples is heightened when they do something different, exciting, adrenaline-inducing, according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. This suggests that couples can benefit from travelling in a way that is different from the norm and when it comes to adventure and romance, few means of travel beat cruising. New destinations and styles of voyage mean that cruising is no longer marketed exclusively at well-to-do retirees with unlimited time on their hands. Today, cruising can involve destinations to wild jungles, pristine islands, or snake-like fjords that appeal to adventure-loving couples wishing to reconnect and rekindle the sparks of romance. Read on and discover the many features that make a sea voyage such an ideal choice when it comes to bonding with your spouse or partner.
A Night Out, Every Night
How often do you get to go to an elegant dinner with your partner – one in which you can both get dolled up to the nines, enjoy a five-course meal, and dance to live music afterwards? Cruising differs from air travel in this respect; it is an invitation to enjoy a meal out every evening, and to impress your partner while doing so. You might be surprised at some of the many shows you can enjoy on a cruise – everything from Shakespearean plays to rock shows, and hit musicals like Mamma Mia!.
Onboard Couples Spa Experiences
Many sea voyages catered for couples offer treatments meant to be enjoyed by couples together. Imagine enjoying a hot stone massage, soothing Swedish massage, or gentle anti-ageing facial, with your partner at your side. These liners have couples therapy rooms, where you can enjoy everything from acupuncture to a dip in a relaxing whirlpool. As noted in a study published in the Journal of Happiness, vacation has a profound effect on stress, enabling you to sleep better and create better resilience so you can buffer future stress when we return to work. Opting for spa treatments cuts to the chase, directly addressing tension and pain in muscles and tissues. The result is a more relaxed state – one which is more conducive when it comes to getting ‘in the mood for love’.
Cutting Down on Anxiety
Once you board your cruise ship, you can pretty much begin to unwind. All-inclusive meals, exotic cocktails, and excellent wine highlight the holiday aspect of your time off, and you can save yourselves from the anxiety of airport changes, flight transfers, and delays. Everything is taken care of – including transport to and from your ports of call, and city and adventure breaks alike are pre-planned and organised. The plethora of onboard and port activities allow you to travel at your own pace. Athletic couples and city slickers will probably be out and about at different ports almost daily, while those who simply want to chill out can take advantage of an empty ship and stay in, visiting the spa or simply lounging by the pool or taking part in onboard yoga, Tai Chi, surfing, or aerobics sessions.
Ships to Opt For
If you have decided that a cruise is right for you, then do your research beforehand to find liners that specialize in couples-centred voyages. The Caribbean Princess is home to the gorgeous Lotus Spa – with a host of couple-focused treatments – and a stunning Piazza that will make you and your lover feel like you are strolling through a quaint European village. Norwegian Bliss, meanwhile, offers al fresco dining on deck, and a luxury spa overlooking the ocean. Check out what different liners have to offer. Features such as on-deck gardens, Jacuzzis, and child-free areas are ideal. If you are bringing your children with you, there should be a plethora of kids activities and clubs on board – these areas are run by qualified personnel who will ensure your children are safe and well attended to.
Destinations that Put You in a Romantic Mood
Romance is what you make of it. When you are in love, simply being away – without any distractions pulling your attention in opposite directions – is more than enough. Still, it cannot be denied that some destinations have a romantic ‘pull’ that makes it far easier to enjoy ‘that loving feeling’. One of the most popular is Bora Bora, where over-the-water bungalows, crystalline waters, and a plethora of gorgeous sealife vie for your attention. The Caribbean islands are another revered spot for lovers. Think Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, or St Barts. The Caribbean has married its reputation as an island getaway with top-notch service and luxurious resorts that are literally worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In Asia, islands like Palawan in the Philippines offer small, same-day island tours in which you can discover mysterious coves, swim with turtles and schools of fish swimming by, and enjoy the wonderful local cuisine. There is something about the feeling of warm sand beneath your feet that instantly connects you to the world outside but also instills a sensation of stillness and peace that allows you to truly comprehend how much your partner means to you.
When it comes to romantic travel, a short weekend away is wonderful, but a cruise is the stuff eternal memories are made of. The excitement of it all brings you closer to your partners, and the idea of visiting so many places in a relatively small amount of time, undoubtedly stimulates the mind and the senses. Cruises are specialised in relaxation, with top cruise liners boasting luxurious spas where voyagers can enjoy soothing massages and relaxing treatments, as well as soak up the benefits of whirlpool immersion. When you’re on a cruise, everything is prepared for you – from your bed to the cuisine. You won’t need to worry about booking tickets to the theatre in advance, either. Cruise liners offer a wealth of different types of entertainment – from red-hot musicals to soul-soothing jazz and blues. If you do take a cruise, make the most of it and enjoy the many activities offered both on- and off-board. Don’t forget to capture the moments on film, either. These shots will serve as a fabulous reminder of what is in store the next time you take to the seas with the love of your life.