An anniversary cruise combines two things that make celebrations memorable: a change of scenery and someone else handling all the logistics. You wake up in a new destination, eat at a different restaurant every night, and the only responsibility you have is deciding between the pool deck and the spa.
But turning a regular cruise into a genuine anniversary celebration takes some planning. The difference between "we went on a cruise for our anniversary" and "that was the best anniversary we've ever had" comes down to the details. The right cabin, the right dining, the right surprises.
Here's how to make it happen, line by line, dollar by dollar.
Ready to book a cruise? Browse 12,000+ live cruise deals on Cruisebound. Filter by destination, length, cabin type, and departure port to see today's pricing before you keep reading.
Anniversary Packages by Cruise Line
Every major cruise line sells celebration packages, and they vary widely in price, content, and value. Here's what's available in 2026.
Royal Caribbean International
Romantic Celebration Package. $149-199
Bottle of sparkling wine in the cabin
Chocolate-covered strawberries
Cabin door decoration with anniversary banner
Fresh flower arrangement
Personalized card
Ultimate Romance Package. $349-499
Everything in the celebration package
Specialty dining credit for two (one dinner)
8x10 professional portrait
Two spa vouchers ($50 each)
Plush robe set to take home
Vow Renewal Package. $799-1,299
Ceremony officiated by a ship officer on a private deck
Bouquet and boutonniere
Photography session (20-30 digital images)
Champagne toast
Two-tier commemorative cake
Specialty dining reservation
How to book: Through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner online, or call the celebrations department directly. Book at least 14 days before sailing.
Carnival Cruise Line
Anniversary Decoration Package. $99-129
Cabin door decoration
Champagne and chocolate strawberries
Fresh flower petals on the bed
Anniversary banner
Romance Package. $199-279
Decorations plus a bottle of premium champagne
Chocolate truffles
His-and-hers spa vouchers ($25 each)
Specialty dining for two (one dinner at Fahrenheit 555 or Bonsai Sushi)
Professional portrait session
How to book: Through Carnival's Fun Shops or by calling the celebrations line. Available up to 5 days before sailing, but booking earlier ensures availability.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Romance Package. $179-229
Champagne and strawberries in the cabin
Fresh flower arrangement
Cabin decoration
Couples' photo session
Ultimate Romance Package. $399-549
Everything in the Romance Package
Specialty dining credit for two
Couples' spa treatment (50-minute massage)
Plush robe set
Custom-decorated cake
How to book: Through Norwegian's Cruise Norwegian portal or by calling guest services. Book at least 7 days before sailing.
Celebrity Cruises
Romance Package. $169-219
Bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne
Dozen red roses
Chocolate-dipped strawberries
Anniversary card signed by the captain
Indulgence Package. $449-599
Champagne and flowers
Couples' spa treatment at the Persian Garden
Specialty dining for two (Luminae or Le Petit Chef)
Professional photo package (15+ digital images)
Cabin decorated with rose petals and candles (LED)
How to book: Through Celebrity's website under "Onboard Gifts & Celebrations" or through your travel agent. Book at least 10 days before sailing.
Disney Cruise Line
Romance at Sea Package. $99-169
Cabin decoration with a Disney romance theme
Champagne and truffles
Long-stemmed roses
Anniversary ears (yes, mouse ears. This is Disney)
Disney also offers individual celebration items a la carte: custom cakes ($40-85), floral arrangements ($50-150), and wine/champagne options ($30-200). For an anniversary, the a la carte approach often gives you more control over what you actually want.
How to book: Through Disney Cruise Line's "Onboard Gifts" page, at least 5 days before sailing.
Romantic Dining Options
Dinner is the centerpiece of most anniversary celebrations at sea, and cruise ships offer more romantic dining options than most cities.
Table for Two in the Main Dining Room
Most cruise lines will accommodate a table-for-two request if you ask in advance. Contact the dining department or note it on your booking profile at least 2 weeks before sailing. Request a window table or a corner table for privacy. On rotational dining ships (Disney), your maitre d' can adjust your seating.
Cost: Included in your cruise fare. A table for two is a request, not a guarantee. But cruise lines try hard to accommodate anniversary couples.
Specialty Restaurants
The most romantic specialty dining options on major cruise lines:
Royal Caribbean. Wonderland: Imaginative multi-course tasting menu in a surreal, theatrical setting. $65-85 per person.
Norwegian. Le Bistro: Classic French restaurant with white tablecloths, quiet atmosphere, and excellent service. $45-55 per person.
Celebrity. Le Petit Chef: Animated dining experience projected onto your plate between courses. Unique and memorable. $75-95 per person.
Carnival. Fahrenheit 555: Premium steakhouse with an intimate atmosphere. $48-58 per person.
Disney. Palo (adults only): Italian fine dining with ocean views, no children. $45-55 per person. Remy, on ships that have it, is the premium option at $95-125 per person.
Pro tip: Book specialty dining for the evening of a port day when many passengers are still ashore. The restaurant will be quieter and the service more attentive.
Private Dining
Some ships offer private dining rooms for couples or small groups:
The Chef's Table (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity): An exclusive multi-course meal prepared by the executive chef in a private kitchen setting. $120-185 per person. Limited to 12-16 guests per seating.
Luminae (Celebrity, suite guests only): Complimentary restaurant exclusive to suite passengers with an intimate atmosphere.
The Haven Restaurant (Norwegian, Haven guests only): Private restaurant for Haven suite guests with a quieter, more refined atmosphere.
Cabin Decorations and Surprises
Beyond the official packages, there are several ways to create a celebratory atmosphere in your cabin.
What the Cruise Line Will Do for Free
If you notify the cruise line that you're celebrating an anniversary, you can often expect:
A small congratulatory card in your cabin on embarkation day
A complimentary cake or special dessert at dinner (especially on milestone anniversaries. 25th, 50th)
Your cabin steward may create a special towel arrangement
The dining team may sing or bring a sparkler-topped dessert
These gestures are never guaranteed, but they happen regularly when the crew knows you're celebrating.
What You Can Order in Advance
Most cruise lines sell individual celebration items beyond the packages:
Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Dozen roses | $50-80 |
Mixed flower arrangement | $40-60 |
Chocolate-dipped strawberries | $25-40 |
Premium champagne (Veuve Clicquot) | $60-90 |
Custom-decorated cake | $30-75 |
Fruit and cheese platter | $30-50 |
Rose petal bed decoration | $25-45 |
Balloon bouquet | $20-35 |
DIY Cabin Surprise Ideas
If you want to create a surprise for your partner without paying cruise ship prices:
Pack a banner and tape. A simple "Happy Anniversary" banner from a party store costs $5 and creates immediate impact when your partner walks into the cabin.
Bring LED tea candles. Real candles are prohibited on ships, but battery-operated tea lights create the same ambiance. Scatter them on the desk and nightstand.
Write 10 love notes and hide them around the cabin. In the safe, in a shoe, in the bathroom, tucked into clothing. Your partner will find them throughout the cruise.
Pre-purchase a bottle of wine from the cruise line's website and have it delivered to the cabin. This is cheaper than buying onboard and it's waiting for you when you arrive.
Pack a framed photo of your wedding day or a favorite moment together. Place it on the desk.
Mifaso Cruise-Approved Power Strip
- Cruise-approved (no surge protector) with multiple USB ports
- Compact design fits perfectly on the narrow cabin nightstand
Cruise cabins have limited outlets — this solves the charging problem without tripping ship safety rules
View on AmazonVow Renewal Ceremonies at Sea
Renewing your vows on a cruise ship is one of the most popular anniversary celebration options, and cruise lines have refined the experience into a well-organized event.
Cruise Door Organizer 24 Pockets Magnetic
- 24 clear pockets attach magnetically to the metal cabin door
- Holds sunscreen, lanyards, snacks, and small items
The single most recommended cruise hack — turns your cabin door into instant storage
View on Amazon
DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks 6-Pack
- Super-strong neodymium magnets stick to cabin walls and ceilings
- Hang hats, bags, towels, and lanyards anywhere
Cruise cabin walls are steel — magnetic hooks turn every surface into storage
View on Amazon
5-Pack Cruise Lanyards Waterproof
- Waterproof holders protect your cruise card at the pool and on excursions
- Five lanyards for the whole family
Your cruise card is your key, wallet, and ID — a waterproof lanyard keeps it safe and accessible
View on AmazonWhat to Expect
A typical vow renewal ceremony includes:
A ship officer (staff captain or captain, schedule permitting) presiding
A scenic outdoor location. Often the top deck with ocean views, or a private area of the ship
Basic ceremony script that you can customize with your own vows
15-20 minute ceremony duration
Photographer for formal portraits
Costs by Cruise Line
Cruise Line | Basic Ceremony | Premium Ceremony |
|---|---|---|
Royal Caribbean | $299-499 | $799-1,299 |
Carnival | $249-399 | $599-999 |
Norwegian | $299-449 | $699-1,199 |
Celebrity | $349-499 | $899-1,499 |
Princess | $199-349 | $499-999 |
Basic ceremonies include the officiant, location, and a champagne toast. Premium ceremonies add photography, flowers, cake, music, and sometimes a private dinner afterward.
Tips for a Great Vow Renewal
Write your own vows. The standard script provided by the cruise line is generic. Personal vows make the ceremony meaningful.
Choose a sunset time slot if available. The lighting is perfect and the backdrop is stunning.
Invite other passengers you've befriended. Having an audience, even a small one, makes the ceremony feel more special.
Bring your own outfit. You don't need a wedding dress, but dressing up elevates the occasion. Pack something special.
Book the earliest available date on your cruise. If the ceremony is on Day 2 or 3, you'll spend the rest of the cruise riding the emotional high rather than waiting for it.
Best Anniversary Cruise Itineraries
The destination matters as much as the celebration. Here are the most romantic itineraries for an anniversary cruise.
Mediterranean (7-14 nights)
Why it works: Santorini sunsets, Venetian canals, Amalfi Coast villages, Barcelona tapas. Every port is inherently romantic, and the cultural richness adds depth to the trip beyond the ship experience.
Best for: Couples who want port-intensive itineraries with historic towns, excellent food, and European charm.
Top picks: Royal Caribbean or Celebrity 7-night Greek Isles, Norwegian 10-night Italy & Greece, Oceania 12-night Western Mediterranean.
Caribbean (5-7 nights)
Why it works: Affordable, easy to reach from most U.S. cities, beautiful beaches, and warm weather year-round. The relaxation factor is high.
Best for: Couples who want to unwind without an ambitious sightseeing schedule.
Top picks: Southern Caribbean itineraries (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) for fewer crowds and more beautiful beaches. Eastern Caribbean (St. Thomas, St. Maarten) for a classic tropical experience.
Alaska (7 nights)
Why it works: Glaciers, wildlife, and the kind of natural beauty that makes everything feel significant. Watching a glacier calve into the sea together is unexpectedly romantic.
Best for: Active couples and nature lovers. Less about nightlife, more about shared awe.
Top picks: Round-trip from Seattle (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian) or one-way Vancouver to Anchorage (Princess, Holland America) for Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.
Transatlantic (12-16 nights)
Why it works: Extended time at sea with no port interruptions means you truly disconnect. Sea days are for spa treatments, long dinners, and watching the ocean from your private balcony.
Best for: Couples celebrating a milestone anniversary (25th, 50th) who want an extended, immersive experience.
Top picks: Cunard's Queen Mary 2 (the classic transatlantic experience), Celebrity's repositioning crossings in April or October.
River Cruise (7-14 nights)
Why it works: Smaller ships (100-200 passengers), all-inclusive pricing, daily port stops with guided tours, and gourmet dining. The intimacy of a river cruise is ideal for couples.
Best for: Couples who prefer refined, all-inclusive experiences without the scale of a mega-ship.
Top picks: Viking Rhine or Danube cruises, AmaWaterways Bordeaux wine country, Scenic Provence.
How to Notify the Cruise Line
Getting the most out of your anniversary celebration requires telling the right people at the right time.
At booking: Add "anniversary" as a special occasion on the booking form. Note the specific anniversary year. Milestone anniversaries (10th, 25th, 50th) often receive extra attention from the crew.
2-4 weeks before sailing: Call the cruise line's celebrations department and confirm your occasion is noted. Order any packages or individual items. Request a table for two in the main dining room.
On embarkation day: Tell your cabin steward it's your anniversary. They'll pass the word to housekeeping and may arrange a small surprise. Tell your dining team waiter and maitre d' at your first dinner — they'll ensure special treatment throughout the cruise.
During the cruise: Mention it at specialty restaurants when you arrive. Staff will often bring a complimentary dessert or champagne toast. Don't be shy about it — the crew genuinely enjoys helping guests celebrate.
Budget-Friendly Anniversary Celebration Ideas
You don't need a $700 package to have a memorable anniversary cruise. Here are celebration ideas that cost little or nothing.
Watch the sunset from the top deck with a glass of wine. If you have a drink package, this costs nothing extra. If not, a single glass of wine at the pool bar is $10-15.
Order room service breakfast on your balcony. Continental breakfast room service is complimentary on most cruise lines. Coffee, pastries, fruit, and ocean views — no charge.
Write each other a letter and exchange them at dinner. It costs nothing and will mean more than any purchased gift.
Book an evening shore excursion in a romantic port. A sunset catamaran sail in the Caribbean or a cooking class in Italy creates a shared memory.
Dress up for formal night and get a portrait taken. The photo is a purchase ($20-30 for a print, often included in photo packages), but the experience of getting dressed up together is free.
Request a song from the live band. Most ship musicians are happy to play your wedding song or a special request.
Stargaze from the upper deck on a sea day. Away from city lights, the stars at sea are extraordinary. Bring a blanket from your cabin.
The best anniversary celebrations aren't about how much you spend — they're about being intentional with your time together in a place that's removed from your daily routine. A cruise handles the logistics. You handle the love.
For help planning your cruise budget, including celebration costs, check our cruise budget calculator. To compare ships side by side and find the most romantic vessel for your trip, visit our ship comparison tool.
Aerotrunk Compression Packing Cubes 4-Pack
- Double-zipper compression cuts volume by up to 60%
- Four sizes cover every clothing type
Compression cubes are the single best way to fit a week of cruise outfits into a carry-on
View on Amazon
