6. The Lobster Dinner Cruise, Cancun, Mexico
Romance figures prominently on this couples-oriented excursion, enthusiastically described on its Web site as “the secret route of passion.” As sunset approaches, the Columbus, a 60-foot contemporary version of a Spanish galleon, eases through the calm waters of the Nichupté Lagoon, serving wine and cocktails, then lobster and steak. After nightfall comes dancing to saxophone music on the open-air deck. Passion does seem all but inevitable; 800/417-1736 (in Mexico, 01-800/727-5391) or thelobsterdinner.com.7. Royal Argosy, Seattle, Washington
On its evening dinner cruises, the 180-foot Royal Argosy becomes a floating, white-tablecloth restaurant. While some cruise vessels prepare the food ashore, Royal Argosy chefs cook to order onboard, emphasizing Pacific Northwest ingredients. They know what they’re doing; Argosy Cruises contracts the food service to Consolidated Restaurants, which runs such acclaimed Seattle establishments as Metropolitan Grill and Elliott’s Oyster House; 800/642-7816 or argosycruises.com.
8. Dolphins, sunset, and fireworks, South Padre Island, Texas
Breakaway Cruises times its evening Dolphin Watch cruises for peak sunset viewing. On Friday evenings during the summer, passengers can also watch the weekly fireworks over Laguna Madre, the bay between the island and the mainland; 956/761-2212 or breakawaycruises.com.
9. Soul Diversion, San Diego, California
Wonderful weather makes San Diego a sailor’s paradise year-round. Pacific Ocean sunsets add a gorgeous bonus. No more than six passengers at a time share this cozy Champagne cruise aboard a 38-foot oceangoing yacht. Skipper Ted Wirch III lets passengers either help with the sailing or just sit back, sip the bubbly, and enjoy the views; 800/659-0141 or classicsailingadventures.com.
10. Spirit of Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Everyone gets a window table and air conditioning—no small amenity on humid Southern summer nights. (The heating kicks in when the weather turns chilly.) The well-regarded Hilton Head restaurant Two Eleven Park Wine Bar & Bistro supplies the buffet dinner. On Tuesdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the cruise detours to watch the weekly fireworks display at Shelter Cove; 843/373-9026 or vagabondcruise.com.
(published June 2007)
