romantic

The five most romantic cruise destinations
Criteria: The cruise destination must be romantic and, at the same time, have a well-developed cruise tourism infrastructure.

1. Polynesia
French Polynesia is its best part of Polynesia. It boasts the beautiful and romantic islands of Bora Bora and Moorea. It's also home to the world's most romantic cruise ship, the Paul Gauguin. Note: French Polynesia's most famous island - Tahiti - is overrated.

2. Mediterranean
Its many romantic ports include Capri (Italy), Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Venice (Italy). Other famous ports-of-call include Barcelona (Spain), Monte Carlo (Monaco), and Saint Tropez (France).

3. Hawaii
Like Polynesia, the Hawaiian Islands are of volcanic origin and are blanketed with lush tropical greenery. Oahu is the most famous island, but Kauai and Maui are the romantic standouts.

4. Greek Islands
Here it's easy to fall in love with the islands and the person you're with. This is particularly true on Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu Islands.

5. Caribbean
It has several dozen distinct tropical islands waiting for you. The best includes Barbados,British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, St Barts, and St Lucia.

Five avoidable romantic cruise mistakes
Booking the wrong period
Because your getaway is romance oriented, you don't want a ship full of screaming children. Ditto for loud partying collegians. My advice: Avoid school holiday and vacation periods (if your wedding plans allow it).

Not asking your travel agent about the likely profile of your fellow passengers
You don't want a ship dominated by a large-corporate event - attendees tend to be loud. And a boat full of elderly passengers doesn't enhance the romantic setting for a young couple.

Booking a standard cabin
Standard ship cabins are considerably smaller than hotel rooms. A tight-spaced environment can negatively affect the romantic mood. So unless you are on a severe budget, get a larger cabin and one with a private balcony. And while you're at it, sail a luxury ship. They're smaller and more intimate.

Not making restaurant reservations ahead of time for tables for two
Many ships (especially the big ones) have few tables for two. So try to make your reservations specifically for a table for two directly with the maitre d' soon after you board. Otherwise, you might be forced to dine at a large table with strangers, which is not exactly romantic.

Not learning the basics if you are a cruise novice
Learn them in my 20-page online Cruise guide. It gives you candid advice on • Cabin selection • Shore excursions • Dining • Etiquette • Ship communications • And more.