15 Romantic 10-Year Anniversary Trip Ideas for Couples’ Cruises

Imagine sailing across glittering turquoise seas with the love of your life, drinking in sunset views from your private balcony and dancing the night away on deck. This is just a taste of what spending your anniversary on a Royal Caribbean cruise looks like. Between the luxury amenities, world-class entertainment, splurge-worthy spa treatments, plush rooms, endless pools, adults-only spaces, beautiful destinations and fantastic cuisine, the entire Royal Caribbean experience is practically made for romance. Plus, with gift options available for purchase, even the most seasoned couples can still surprise each other. 

Taking a Royal Caribbean cruise is an especially fitting option for those trying to come up with 10-year anniversary trip ideas. These couples will especially appreciate that there’s plenty of quality time and comfort to go around on the ship, as well as excitement in port, regardless of where they’re sailing. So, if your celebration is on the horizon, read on to discover the most romantic 10-year anniversary vacation ideas and planning tips.

Why Royal Caribbean Cruise Vacations Make the Best Anniversary Trips

As a longtime travel writer who’s been with my partner for nearly a decade, I firmly believe that there’s nothing more romantic than spending a 10-year anniversary somewhere new. After experiencing so much together, veteran couples can welcome the next decade of their relationship with an air of discovery. But there’s no need to rough it to explore — Royal Caribbean cruises offer all of the adventure, but none of the unglamorous bits that come with other travel options. 

In fact, these sailings are among the best 10-year anniversary trip ideas out there. Think plenty of amenities, constant ocean views, easy access to even the most far-flung romantic destinations and lots of memory-making activities you can do together. And, with all of the planning-related stress taken off your plate, you can focus on your significant other rather than having to coordinate hotel stays or figure out which destinations are both safe and stunning to visit. 

Here are some perks specific to Royal Caribbean celebration cruises that those taking a 10-year anniversary trip will love:

● Romantic gifts: Chocolate, fruit, wine and flower deliveries; onboard anniversary cakes; room decorations.

● Plenty of alone time: Adults-only pools, private balcony views, breakfast in bed, late-night hot tubbing.

● Couples-friendly fun: Swim-up bars, live music venues, Broadway entertainment, themed parties, dancing.

● Treat-yourself moments, together: Five-course tasting menu meals, couples’ massages, sauna steams.

● Memory-making opportunities: Access to onboard professional photographers, vow renewal services, picture-perfect destinations.

 Whether you and your spouse dream of adrenaline-pumping adventures like ziplining through jungles and hiking cloud-coated mountains, or you crave slow-paced travel experiences like rainy walks through European cities and onsen steams in Japan, Royal Caribbean can get you there. Fast-paced and leisurely travelers alike are equally catered to on couples cruises.

However, if you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to destinations for your celebration, here are the most romantic 10-year anniversary trip ideas to consider:

1. Wander Fairytale Streets In Ribe, Denmark

Ribe, situated in the Jutland region of my ancestral Denmark, is the oldest existing town in the country and Scandinavia, and this history shows: Aside from museums and sites dating back over a thousand years, Ribe still has a night watchman. The medieval streets look like something out of a fairytale, and simply wandering through them is deeply romantic. Listening to the watermill and cathedral bells will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, making it ideal for couples who love history, Danish culture or postcard-perfect settings.

● Nearest cruise port: Copenhagen.

● Must-packs: Rain jacket, layers (light in the summer, heavy in the winter), good walking shoes, sun or knit hat, waterproof bags for electronics, Danish dictionary. 

● Most romantic local restaurants: Weis Stue, Restaurant Sælhunden, Restaurant Dagmar.

2. Go Cenote Diving In the Yucatán Peninsula

Visiting Yucatán cenotes is one of the best 10-year anniversary vacation ideas for adventurous and outdoorsy couples. Go diving in one or a few of these natural features (Cenote Azul and Cristalino, Gran Cenote, Cenote Dos Ojos and Cenote Ik Kil are some of the best) and enjoy the jungle scenery, sparkling waters and wildlife together. Cenotes have held a sacred significance for the Mayan people and their descendants for thousands of years, so consider reading up on them as a couple before visiting in person.

● Nearest cruise port: Puerto Costa Maya, Cozumel or Progreso.

● Must-packs: Reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuit, watershoes, sunglasses, towel, comfortable hiking clothes, snorkel or goggles.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Alux Restaurant Bar and Lounge, Yerba Santa Mérida, Picheta.

3. Pay Tribute to Aphrodite In Rhodes, Greece

In Rhodes, there are the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Aphrodite. Couples seeking a romantic Greece trip will be hard-pressed to find a more romantic activity than paying their respects to the Greek goddess of love at this site from the 3rd century B.C. After, you can wander together through the historic streets (which include the Acropolis of Rhodes and medieval castles that were built later on) and swim in the sunlight at spots like Kato Petres Beach or Kathara Beach.

● Nearest cruise port: Rhodes.

● Must-packs: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, Greek dictionary, breathable clothing, sunglasses or sunhat, swimsuit.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Melenos Lindos, Nomad Mediterranean Gastronomy, Ta Kardasia. 

4. Enjoy Scenic Fjords In Skjolden, Norway

As someone who’s frolicked under the Midnight Sun and explored Norway with my significant other, I can’t stress the romance of this 10-year anniversary trip idea enough (especially for active couples who want to make memories outside). Waterbugs will love taking a dip together or kayaking in the Sognefjord, known as the “king of the fjords” for being the deepest and longest fjord in Norway, or Eidsvatnet, a lake surrounded by picturesque mountains and meadows. If hiking is more the name of the game, walk the easy trails to Åsafossen or Drivandefossen from town, or drive to Jotunheimen National Park to hike the tallest peaks in Northern Europe.

● Nearest cruise port: Skjolden.

● Must-packs: Layers, binoculars, reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuit, Norwegian dictionary, watershoes or hiking boots (depending on what you plan on doing), sunglasses, camera.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Bryggjehuset, Skjolden Hotel Restaurant, Walaker Hotell - Restaurant.

5. Play House In Hobbiton

My fellow fans of “The Lord of the Rings” will appreciate this New Zealand site, and it makes for one of the most romantic anniversary destinations for couples who share this affinity. Take an outdoor guided tour through this original film set, from a 1,250-acre sheep farm overlooking the Kaimai Ranges to the homes of your favorite hobbits to the Green Dragon. (This last spot is especially apt for an anniversary celebration, as it’s where, in the third movie, Samwise Gamgee finally approaches his future wife.) Bring your copies of the book and read to each other outside, add a twilight feast to your schedule or book a private version of the tour to up the romance factor even more.

● Nearest cruise port: Tauranga.

● Must-packs: Comfortable walking shoes, breathable clothing, hat, sunglasses, passport, your favorite “The Lord of the Rings” book.

● Most romantic local restaurants: The Green Dragon Inn (only accessible via the tour — book the Evening Banquet Tour for a full feast), Gothenburg Restaurant, Osteria Matamata.

6. Take an Onsen Soak In Aomori, Japan

Cruise to Aomori for cherry blossoms, one of the most stunning castles in Japan, jade-hued forests, epic hiking, perfect sake, winter sports, waterfalls, plenty of seafood to go around and, best of all, onsen. While all of these features offer their own romance, the latter allows couples to slow down and practice deep wellness together. Come to Tsuta Onsen for a dip in a hot spring that’s been in use for a thousand years, beech forest views along the Oiraese gorge and peaceful one-on-one time.  

● Nearest cruise port: Aomori.

● Must-packs: Waterproof bags for electronics, 100-yen coins for lockers, hair ties or clips, face masks, bandages to cover any tattoos, skincare and toiletries, water bottle, small towel for washing, big towel for drying, hairbrush.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Miotsukushi, Hatazen, Nonohana.

7. Visit the Home Of Jane Austen In Chawton, England

Getting caught in the rain in England with my partner is one of my most romantic memories. I’ve yet to meet someone who’s been to the country and hasn’t gushed about the idyllic settings, so I’d count just about any British locale as one of the best 10-year anniversary vacation ideas. However, the village of Chawton specifically stands out since it’s home to the house of Jane Austen. Visit where she wrote and revised some of the best love stories ever told before wandering her famously adored fields and reading passages of your favorite Austen novels to each other.

● Nearest cruise port: Southampton.

● Must-packs: Layers, good walking shoes, rain jacket, waterproof bags for electronics, your favorite Jane Austen book.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Cassandras Cup, The White Hart, The Greyfriar.

8. Chase Waterfalls In Alaska

As a Pacific Northwest local, I always say that Alaska has what all the other Cascadian states have, but turned all the way up — the mountains are higher, the glaciers more vast, the bears more plentiful, the winters darker and the summers even more nightless. It’s the perfect anniversary trip idea for outdoorsy couples dreaming of stunning natural spaces. Luckily, the best Alaskan waterfalls are situated close to Royal Caribbean cruise ports like Juneau, Anchorage and Seward, so you can chase them together right off the bat. 

● Nearest cruise port: Any Alaskan cruise.

● Must-packs: Layers, bear spray, sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable shoes, waterproof bags for electronics, binoculars, rain jacket, zoom lens for cameras (you don’t want to get close to the bears, but you’ll want pictures if you see them from a distance).

● Most romantic local restaurants: The Cookery (Seward), Crow’s Nest (Anchorage), Salt (Juneau).

9. Catch Some Waves In Waikīkī, Hawaii

With dazzling views of Lēʻahi and the glittering Pacific Ocean, the scenery of Waikīkī alone makes coming here one of the best 10-year anniversary trip ideas. And, thanks to smaller and longer-lasting waves, it’s a choice spot for beginner surfers. Take a surfing class together as a couple and challenge each other to see who can stay up longer. 

● Nearest cruise port: Oahu.

● Must-packs: Swim suit, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, rash guard, watershoes, hair ties, sunhat, waterproof bags for electronics, waterproof cameras.

● Most romantic local restaurants: 53 By The Sea, Michel's at the Colony Surf, Orchids.

10. Come to the “Bride Of the Mediterranean” In Egypt

Few stories in history are more romantic or tragic than that of Cleopatra and Mark Antony — so much so that it inspired Shakespeare to write a play about their love. And in Alexandria, known as the “Bride of the Mediterranean,” lie the remains of a temple dedicated to Cleopatra. Explore the Greco-Roman ruins, wander the harbor and visit the apartment of C.P. Cavafy for an anniversary filled with mystery, sea views and poetry. 

● Nearest cruise port: Alexandria.

● Must-packs: Comfortable walking shoes, full-coverage and light-weight clothing, Egyptian dictionary, sunscreen.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Blue Harbor Rooftop Restaurant Windsor Palace Hotel Alexandria, Sky View Le Metropole, Sidra By The Citadel.

11. Stop and Smell The Lavender In Valensole, France

Endless fields of lavender await in Valensole, a Provençal village. Sites like the Église Saint-Blaise de Valensole (a medieval church), Clos de Villeneuve and Château du Grand Jardin add to the romantic effect. Take a tour of the lavender fields, sample truffles and explore the many centuries-old streets for a timeless anniversary. 

● Nearest cruise port: Toulon.

● Must-packs: Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight layers, sunscreen, camera, bug spray, sun hat.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Chez Marius, Brasserie du Plateau, Midi.

12. Snorkel Nanda Blue Hole on Espiritu Santo In Vanuatu

There are not many places on the planet that are as beautiful as the Nanda Blue Hole. The water is crystal clear, electric turquoise and brushed by emerald jungle plants. This kayak-accessible site on Espiritu Santo, the largest island in Vanuatu, offers the perfect 10-year anniversary vacation for couples who want to combine their love of adventure with their love of the water.  

● Nearest cruise port: Luganville.

● Must-packs: Swimsuit, snorkel and goggles, reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof camera, waterproof bag for electronics, water shoes, towel, snacks, bug spray, waterbottle.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Deco Stop Restaurant, The Tu Restaurant & Bar, Smugglers Seafood Restaurant & Bar.

13. Get Lost In Azorean Landscapes on Ponta Delgada

Cruises to Ponta Delgada bring couples up close and personal to the magical Azorean landscapes of the Atlantic. Adventurous couples will love hiking, surfing, diving and kayaking, while those wanting more relaxing activities can look forward to whale watching, wine tasting, leisurely bike rides and birdwatching. It’s one of the best 10-year anniversary vacation ideas for couples who love the outdoors but want some options.

● Nearest cruise port: Ponta Delgada.

● Must-packs: Layers, comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket, sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses, waterbottle.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Õtaka, Tasquinha Vieira, Ta Gente.

14. Sail Around a Heart-Shaped Island In Croatia

Many people don’t realize that there’s an island perfectly shaped like a heart off the coast of Croatia. Known as the “Island of Love,” Galešnjak is a striking sight in the Adriatic and a super romantic, albeit on the nose, place to spend an anniversary. Rent a boat from Turanj on the mainland or the island of Pašman, pack a picnic and sail around the island together for a memorable day on the sea.

● Nearest cruise port: Zadar.

● Must-packs: Sunscreen, watershoes, food, water bottle, sunglasses, sun hat, waterproof bag for electronics, camera, swimsuit, lightweight clothing.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Restaurant Sovinje, Restaurant Carpymore, Restaurant More.

15. Get on Honeymoon Time at Jalousie Beach In St. Lucia

Jalousie Beach is where to find some of the clearest water in the Caribbean, making it an especially striking and popular destination for honeymoons. Embrace the romantic atmosphere and lounge on the white sand beach looking out over the Pitons. Or, if the mountains are calling, go hiking as a couple through the jungle and take in the turquoise water views from above.  

● Nearest cruise port: Castries.

● Must-packs: Reef-safe sunscreen, swimsuit, watershoes, sunglasses, sun hat, waterproof bag for electronics, waterproof camera, comfortable hiking clothing if you plan to hike.

● Most romantic local restaurants: Treetop Restaurant & Bar, Felicity Rooftop Restaurant, Island Chef.