9 Best Anniversary Trip Ideas For A Romantic Getaway

A strong relationship requires falling in love with the same person, again and again. Fortunately, an anniversary trip lets you fall in love with one destination after another.

For a milestone anniversary, some couples return to their honeymoon destination to rekindle an earlier romance. Others are after new adventures in a place neither can pronounce (yet). Both are good moves.

Read on for a list of tried-and-true anniversary trip ideas, some practical tips for planning your cruise and how to soak up the good stuff on board to make your next chapter even more rewarding than the last.

Why Rediscover Your Story At Sea?

Anniversaries are about taking a breath, having a good laugh about the past and dreaming up wild plans for the future. You've come a long way, and you deserve some well-earned downtime. On a celebratory cruise, you can take it as fast or slow as you like. The details sort themselves out.

Ships are no strangers to romantic settings, all velvet sunsets and world-class cuisine, while you sit back doing exactly nothing to make it happen. Zone out by the pool, catch a salsa class, head to your favorite theater shows and laugh yourself silly in the comedy club. Then, wake up with brand new worlds at your doorstep and get ready to explore.

The romantic places you want to visit will likely evolve as your relationship grows. Here's a round-up of the top nine destinations to visit for your anniversary, based on your milestone together.

1. The Paper Anniversary (One Year): Perfect Day At Cococay

At your very first anniversary, if you need a touch of spontaneity and a playful destination to match, head to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Here, you can spend your morning on the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean, then unwind in an overwater cabana by afternoon. Book your cabana early if you're serious about peace and quiet — it’s the best spot for a nap over turquoise water.

This island is ideal for an anniversary trip destination, especially if you're bringing a young family along. It's an adult and kids playground all in one, with everything you need — food, beaches, thrills, chills and bars — all close by, so you can go with the flow.

2. The Wood Anniversary (Five Years): Puntarenas, Costa Rica

3. The Tin Anniversary (10 Years): Western Caribbean

In the Western Caribbean, you can visit places like Cozumel, Mexico, where you can bury yourselves beneath a puddle of tacos, archeological sites, snorkeling and beach clubs. There's also Roatáns' bohemian villages and Jamaica's famous cascades and reggae music.  

Cruising to the Western Caribbean will usually drop you off at a few of these locations. Plus, it's close to home, meaning it's just as easy to sail off for a weekend getaway as it is for a whole week.

4. The Crystal Anniversary (15 Years): Mexican Riviera

Cruising down the Pacific coast from the U.S. is a classic experience. This section of the world opens the doors to whale watching in Cabo (ideally, time it between December and April) or wine tasting in Ensenada (time it whenever you want). 

Either way, you can expect an anniversary vacation that's sunny, carefree and rich in history. It’s perfect for couples who want to enjoy good wine, even better markets and leave with an irresponsible amount of Spanish hacienda home reno ideas.

5. The China Anniversary (20 Years): Alaska

Alaska is more off-the-grid for couples seeking to reset and reconnect. Its slightly cooler temperatures make it a great place to sink into an outdoor whirlpool with a glass of wine, share some laughs and reflect on the years together. There's also an element of adventure, with whale-side kayaking and helicopter glacier tours often on the agenda.

When you’re packing, remember to bring a pair of binoculars. You can spot bald eagles, wild bears and sometimes even humpback whales from the balcony. On shore, take the time for a local salmon bake; it’s among the best in the world, and the scenery’s hard to beat.

6. The Silver Anniversary (25 Years): The Eastern Caribbean

In romantic places like St. Maarten, you can experience the cultural division between French and Dutch influences. Or, stroll down the streets of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, finding your fix of high-end duty-free shopping with your better half in tow. Throughout the Eastern Caribbean, you'll find quiet and exquisite beaches — you've just got more time to enjoy them.

7. The Pearl Anniversary (30 Years): New England

If you’ve made it to your 30th year together, you’ve earned a little peace and quiet. You'll find it along the United States' northeast coastline. Sailings often depart from New Jersey, which is a good excuse to check out the Big Apple on the way to port. No doubt, it'll provide enough bustle to make the slow pace of Rhode Island and that first bite of Maine lobster feel even sweeter.

If you can, try to time the trip for fall to see the stunning autumnal colors as you cruise up the New England coast. In Newport, the Cliff Walk offers ocean views and a glimpse of Gilded Age mansions, with gardens reminiscent of the Château de Versailles.

8. The Ruby Anniversary (40 Years): Hawaii

Hawaii is a classic destination for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries alike. The air is hands-down the sweetest I’ve ever smelled, the volcanic peaks are humbling and the sunsets show up in shades of purple you might not have realized were physically possible. It’s arguably one of the most romantic getaways on the planet, and for good reason.

On the Big Island, catch the glow from Kilauea’s lava at dusk, then head to the Puhoiki Bay hot springs for a dip. This cruise destination is perfect for couples who want to celebrate their lifetime together in the most spellbinding destination.

9. The Golden Anniversary (50 Years): Panama Canal

For the big 50, if you want to check out remarkable engineering — and take it slow while you do — it doesn’t get much better than Panama. Watching massive ships squeeze through narrow locks is more mesmerizing than it should be, and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a mug of Panamanian coffee on the balcony together as you watch the world drift past.

If you’re sailing northeast from Panama City to Colon, it’s worth getting a suite or balcony stateroom on the starboard side of the ship. You’ll get views of the city as you float by, as well as the Culebra Cut and the Old Canal. For those sailing southwest from Colon to Panama City, try to book accommodation port-side for the same views. The western jungle landscapes are still beautiful, but less eventful than their eastern counterparts.

Onboard Amenities And Celebration Options

So you picked the trip — now let’s see what this floating love nest has on board. Cruise ships these days are packed with little surprises and quiet corners if you know where to look. Onboard specialty restaurants provide immersive experiences, world-class cuisine and fine wines to mark the occasion. Room service is also an option for the days when you prefer to celebrate in your pajamas.

To get into the anniversary spirit, the Vitality^SM Spa offers couples massages and therapeutic treatments, including facials, steam and body wraps. (Hot tip: If you're bringing the teens, you can ship them off to the dedicated youth YSPA Spa for age-appropriate care while you enjoy your massage.) If actual treatments are not your thing, you can retreat to the adults-only Solarium and unwind beneath a crystal canopy with cascading lagoons and whirlpools.

Many ships offer the opportunity to renew your vows in a romantic setting with a small ceremony and a photographer. You can also pre-order treats for your room, like cake, flowers, fresh chocolate-coated strawberries and champagne.

How To Plan Your Anniversary Trip

A good place to start your anniversary cruise planning is deciding between a stateroom and a suite. Staterooms offer more location options, so you can choose between lively areas and quiet spots. Suites, on the other hand, provide extra space and privacy, with access to exclusive areas and concierge services. Suites are a great way to stretch a special milestone a little further, but balcony suites are a cozy alternative.

Decide on the energy level of your trip to help choose a destination and cruise ship. Larger ships tend to have thrilling and adventurous activities, whereas smaller ships make an excellent backdrop for an intimate romantic getaway. Once you pick a destination, book your specialty dining and excursions early to secure preferred times and locations.

If you're bringing the kids, take full advantage of the Adventure Ocean® Youth Program (ages three to 17) and the Royal Babies & Tots Program (six to 36 months) so you can steal a few quiet moments alone during the cruise.

Here’s To You: Rekindling Love At Sea