Romance cruise

Holding hands on the bow as the ship glides on an endless sea … experiencing new places and adventures with the one you love … a romantic cruise is all about spending time together. Lounge by the pool, get pampered in the spa, dine á deux—and let the cruise staff handle the details.

For couples tying the knot, a cruise is a perfect venue. Many ships have officiants and cozy chapels on board, and most cruise lines work with wedding planners who can arrange nuptials in port. Beach betrothal with Hawaiian sunset? In a villa courtyard in Santorini? On an Alaskan glacier? The hard part is choosing.

For sweethearts celebrating their 1st or 50th, how about a dozen red roses, a bottle of bubbly, spa treatments for two, and a romantic dinner in a specialty restaurant? Nearly every ship offers combinations of such luxe treats for lovers. Soulmates can also renew their vows in a celebratory ceremony, often performed by the ship’s master himself. And for those wanting to pop the question at sea, Princess introduces “Engagement Under the Stars,” whereby suitors create a video proposal and then await their beloved’s response as it airs before the night’s outdoor movie screening. With classes in couples massage, candlelit tables for two, private balconies, and intimate lounges, these days every cruise ship can rightly be called a love boat.

For many travelers, cruise ships are the essence of romance cruise, of unbridled freedom and a stress-free way in which to see the world. Onboard, life is easy with a sweeping sense of adventure and a realm of natural pleasures that tickle the senses. The mark of a great cruise is to stand at ship's rail or on the balcony of your stateroom and wonder about encounters that lie beyond the horizon and with whom.

Los Angeles based Princess Cruises, famed for their long- running connection with the smash television series "Love Boat" that aired from 1977-86, followed by the new "Love Boat: The Next Wave" filmed aboard Princess Cruises' SUN PRINCESS during several Western Caribbean cruises, has boosted the image of shipboard romantic encounters along with the "Titanic" spectacular.

Working as a feature writer on assignment, I have experienced 46 cruises including three in 1998, three transatlantic crossings, a cruise on a Russian icebreaker to Antarctica and an ill-fated cruise on a ship that sunk. I have observed everything from marriage proposals, passionate infatuations, hot one-cruise encounters, numerous five minute kisses on the dance floor by total strangers, to endearing friendships and sudden rejuvenation of marriages, if only for the duration of the cruise.

SINGLES AT SEA
Cruise lines vary like automobiles. Each ship has a distinct personality which is often reflected in the age of the passengers. Carnival Cruise Lines, once marketed as "Party Ships," and long catering to singles, offers a whopping 12 vessels with names such as ECSTASY, ELATION, FANTASY and SENSATION. You get the idea.

With competitive pricing, Carnival attracts singles, married couples with young children and single parents. The ships have a booming energy level and a party setting featuring live music and fast-paced adult entertainment. The line is also a major player in two to five day sailings which is an ideal getaway for those with a time crunch, and the industry's fastest growing segment.

Another player for singles is the graceful yacht-like CLUB MED 2 complete with a French twist of topless sun worshippers and dental floss bikinis.

OPEN SEATING
The intimate seven-sail, 191-stateroom ship offers open seating in two dining rooms, an important asset in order to select your dining mate and hopefully avoid the wart hogs. Water sports are big as are ports of call. No facilities for children and, mercifully, they must be at least 10 years of age to sail. The ship sails the Mediterranean May through September; the Caribbean, December through April.

SENSUOUS SMALL SHIPS
Other small lines to check with a casual ambience are Star Clippers and Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. The 122-passenger M/S CLIPPER ADVENTURER has access to secluded waterways, wilderness areas and primitive native villages. Windjammer, with a splendid fleet of tall ships, is a great buy and offers sensuous and casual single-only cruises on a true sailing vessel. The name tells it all.

A favorite with couples is the elegant but casual Windstar Cruises operating three 148-passenger sail cruise ships and one 312-passenger cruiser, all cruising to exotic ports of call. Guests leave the children home and enjoy an unregimented, romantic clubby setting including fine wine and award-winning cuisine at intimate tables for two.

In the same genre are Cunard's luxury SEA GODDESS I and SEA GODDESS II where a staff of 89 caters to the whim of no more than 116 Sea Goddess guests.

LARGE SHIPS
Cruise ships are becoming larger by the year. The 2,600- passenger GRAND PRINCESS, the largest and most expensive cruise ship in the world at the moment, caters to everyone and has more activity options than a hotel resort. Guests can get married aboard or renew vows in the first wedding chapel at sea, choose from eight supper options including the 24-hour Horizon Court Restaurant. Kids have their own pool, virtual reality center and entertainment options while romantics lounge in one of the 710 balcony cabins or the adult lounges. Romantics who are easily bored will be tested on the GRAND PRINCESS.