10 Romance Books Set On Cruise Ships
There’s something irresistibly romantic about a love story set at sea—the endless horizon, moonlit decks, and the promise of adventure in every port. Whether it’s a second-chance romance, a forbidden fling, or a whirlwind vacation love affair, cruise ship romances offer a perfect mix of escapism, luxury, and undeniable chemistry.
If you’re ready to set sail on a sea of swoon-worthy stories, these 10 romance books set on cruise ships will make you fall in love on the high seas.
1. Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
📖 A Brilliant Mind, a Luxury Cruise, and an Unexpected Love
When theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway is invited on a prestigious cruise for academics, she expects heated debates, fancy dinners, and a bit of seasickness—not an irresistible intellectual enemy-turned-lover. Sparks fly as Elsie realizes that love, much like science, follows its own unpredictable rules.
🌊 Read if you love: Enemies-to-lovers, nerdy banter, and sizzling chemistry.
2. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
🌴 A Fake Honeymoon Turns Into a Real Love Story
When Olive and Ethan—who hate each other—get stuck on a honeymoon cruise together (thanks to food poisoning taking out the actual newlyweds), they agree to fake being in love. But as sun-kissed days and moonlit nights bring them closer, they start to wonder… is their chemistry real after all?
🌊 Read if you love: Fake dating, hilarious banter, and tropical getaways.
3. Love & Other Theories by Alexis Bass
🛳️ A Summer Cruise of Reckless Romances and Self-Discovery
When high school senior Aubrey joins her friends on a post-graduation cruise, she’s determined to stick to their rules: love is a game, and feelings are off-limits. But when a chance encounter with a mysterious and charming stranger turns her world upside down, she realizes some rules are meant to be broken.
🌊 Read if you love: Summer flings, emotional depth, and love that challenges expectations.
4. Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen
🌟 A Cultural Adventure on the High Seas
Ever Wong never expected her summer program in Taipei to feel more like a party cruise than an academic experience. With forbidden romance, sneaking out past curfew, and dance floors under the stars, this journey teaches her that love—and life—don’t always follow a perfect plan.
🌊 Read if you love: Coming-of-age romance, cultural exploration, and love that defies expectations.
5. Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
⛴️ A Second-Chance Romance That Sails Through Time
A decade ago, Fern and Will spent an unforgettable day together, making a pact to meet again. Now, their lives have taken unexpected turns, but fate reunites them on a cruise ship, where old feelings resurface. Will they chart a new course together, or drift apart once more?
🌊 Read if you love: Second-chance romance, emotional reunions, and deep longing.
6. The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
🏝️ From Shipwrecked Dreams to a Love That Anchors
After losing her job at a luxury hotel, Rachel Beck takes a leap of faith and joins a boutique resort on an island—accessible only by ferry. While not technically a cruise, the romance of boats, moonlit sails, and a rugged yet kindhearted man makes this one an irresistible seafaring love story.
🌊 Read if you love: Fresh starts, scenic small-town romance, and heartfelt connections.
7. Ship It by Britta Lundin
⚓ Fandom, Love, and Finding Yourself on a Convention Cruise
When Claire, a passionate fanfic writer, wins a trip on a fandom-themed cruise, she finds herself thrown into the world of celebrities, internet drama, and unexpected romance. Between late-night deck talks and con-inspired chaos, she must navigate what’s real, what’s fantasy, and where her heart truly belongs.
🌊 Read if you love: Fandom culture, LGBTQ+ romance, and geeky meet-cutes.
8. The Honeymoon Crashers by Christina Lauren
🚢 A Sequel to The Unhoneymooners—More High-Seas Love!
A companion novel to The Unhoneymooners, this book follows Ami and Brody as they embark on their own chaotic romance aboard a dream cruise. Filled with awkward misunderstandings, scorching tension, and picture-perfect destinations, this one doubles down on the humor and heart.
🌊 Read if you love: Destination romance, hilarious mishaps, and big-hearted love stories.
9. Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
👑 A Surprise Romance on a Royal Cruise
When Vivian gets an unexpected invitation to accompany her daughter on a royal Christmas cruise, the last thing she expects is to fall for the Queen’s private secretary, Malcolm. As the waves rock their ship, so does the undeniable pull between them. But can a holiday romance turn into something more?
🌊 Read if you love: Mature romance, royalty, and Christmas magic.
10. Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett
🌌 A Cruise Under the Stars and a Love That Shines Bright
When ex-best-friends-turned-rivals Zorie and Lennon end up accidentally stranded together on a cruise, their old wounds and buried feelings rise with the tides. With nothing but starlit decks and endless ocean, they must confront the past—and the undeniable spark between them.
🌊 Read if you love: Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and starry romance.
⚓ All Aboard the Ship of Love!
Cruise ship romances offer the perfect storm of adventure, passion, and unforgettable settings. Whether you’re dreaming of stolen kisses on moonlit decks or whirlwind love affairs in far-off destinations, these books promise to sweep you away on a heart-pounding journey across the sea.
💬 Which of these romances would you love to set sail with? Do you have a favorite cruise ship love story? Let’s talk in the comments! 🚢❤️
