The short answer: instead of one dinner, give each other a week of sunsets. February is a quieter month on most ships — the holidays are over and summer is far away — which makes it a good time for two. In 2027, 14 February falls on a Sunday, so a short cruise over the weekend fits easily.
Where to sail in mid-February
| Region | Weather | For two | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands and Madeira | Mild, around 18–22 °C | Volcanic landscapes, wine, short flight from home | Carnival in Funchal and Tenerife falls in February too |
| Caribbean | Warm and dry, around 26–29 °C | Beaches, snorkelling, the classic romantic picture | Peak season; a long flight from Europe |
| Arabian Gulf | Pleasantly warm, around 23–26 °C | Desert evenings, skyline views, spa days | The season ends in spring — February is one of its best months |
| South America | Summer, around 25–32 °C | Rio, Búzios, Buenos Aires — and tango | Carnival week is very busy; the week after is calmer |
| Norway and the Northern Lights | Cold and snowy | Watching the aurora together from the deck | Warm layers essential; the lights are never guaranteed |
Indicative daytime temperatures for February.
Valentine's Day on board
It differs per cruise line, but on many big ships 14 February brings something extra:
- A themed dinner — a special menu or a dressed-up evening in the main restaurant.
- Couples' spa treatments — often the first thing to sell out that day, so book ahead.
- Little extras for your cabin — flowers, sparkling wine or chocolates can usually be ordered in advance.
- Vow renewals — some lines offer a short ceremony on board for a fee. Ask the cruise line what is possible on your ship.
And even without a programme: a balcony at sunset, breakfast with a sea view and no phones ringing — that is most of the romance already.
A cruise as a surprise
A booked cruise makes a memorable Valentine's gift — the trip can be in February itself, or later in the year. A few things to arrange quietly before you announce it:
- Check the passport. It has to be valid for the whole route — often at least six months after you return.
- Check the time off. Ask a colleague or a family member to help, so the dates really work.
- Make the announcement part of the gift. A printed "boarding pass", a postcard of the first port, a small packed bag.
Proposing at sea
A sunset on deck or a quiet balcony is hard to beat. To keep it relaxed:
- Keep the ring in your hand luggage — never in a suitcase that goes through the port separately.
- Talk to guest services early in the cruise. Crew members often help with a quiet table, flowers or a photographer.
- Check the sunset time and the ship's position — on a sea day you have the whole horizon to yourselves.
More ideas for anniversaries and special occasions: cruising as a couple →
Practical tips
- Mind the carnival dates. In 2027 carnival is 6–9 February in Brazil and early February in Madeira — busy ships and fuller ports. Carnival dates and routes →
- Choose a balcony if you can. For a trip for two, it is the upgrade that changes the most.
- Book restaurants and the spa before you sail. 14 February is a popular day on board.
- Fly in a day early. Winter weather can delay flights, and the ship will not wait.
Planning ahead with the club
In the club there are three ways to pay for a cruise, and you choose one per booking — they do not add up:
- Member price (INsider Pricing) — roughly 17% below the listed price, paid in cash.
- Points plus payment — accumulated points cover up to half of the cruise price.
- Entirely in points — possible when you have accumulated enough points and book 270 days or more before departure.
Points build up gradually, with every paid month of membership. So for trips that fill up early, it helps to plan well ahead and check which way of paying your points allow at that moment.
Common questions
Where is it warm for a cruise in February?
The Caribbean, the Arabian Gulf and South America are properly warm. The Canary Islands and Madeira are mild — spring weather rather than summer — but only a short flight away.
Do cruise ships celebrate Valentine's Day?
Many big ships do something for the day — a themed dinner, couples' spa offers or cabin extras. It differs per ship, so check in advance.
Can I propose on a cruise ship?
Yes, and crew members are often happy to help with a table, flowers or a photographer. Tell guest services early in the cruise and keep the ring in your hand luggage.
Is a cruise a good Valentine's gift?
It can be one of the most memorable. Check the passport and time off quietly first, then make the announcement itself part of the gift.
How long should a Valentine's cruise be?
A three- or four-night cruise over the weekend works well. With a long flight, a week or more makes the trip worth it.
Onboard programmes, ceremonies and extras differ per cruise line and ship and may change. Temperatures are indicative. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.