Dive Into This List of Top 34 Cruise Ship Romance Books
Ahoy, romance aficionados! Prepare to set sail on a sea of swoon-worthy escapades with our exploration of cruise ship romances.
Picture this: champagne toasts, sun-kissed kisses, and the ever-charming trope of love found between decks and dance floors.
Whether it’s a shipboard affair with a dashing stranger or a rekindled flame amidst the waves, these cruise ship romance books promise a delightful voyage through the tempestuous waters of romance.
Shipped by Angie Hockman
Henley Evans has her career map plotted out, but her plans hit choppy waters when she’s pitted against her office nemesis, Graeme Crawford-Collins, for a promotion.
The task? Come up with the best pitch to boost tourism on the Galápagos Islands. The twist? They have to work together on a cruise ship.
The result? A tropical enemies-to-lovers romance with humor, heat, and a hefty dose of self-discovery.
Henley and Graeme navigate professional rivalry, island adventures, and their undeniable attraction, making readers feel like they’ve set sail on a delightful rom-com journey.
Bad Cruz by L.J. Shen
Cruz Costello, the town’s golden boy doctor, and Tennessee Turner, the queen of trouble, are oil and water – or so they think.
When a forced proximity road trip spirals into a weeklong cruise, their bickering turns into banter and sparks fly.
With Cruz, bound by duty, and Tennessee, defying expectations, they discover there’s more than one way to misbehave.
Shen’s signature sharp wit and smoldering romance make Bad Cruz a snarky, sexy tale about peeling back layers and learning that, sometimes, being bad is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Love Adrift by Colleen Brookes
Lisa, fresh off a messy divorce, is all about stability for her and her son – romance be damned. But her Caribbean cruise turns into a nightmare when David, her ex-husband’s bestie and the root of her past woes, shows up.
Despite her attempts to dodge him, David’s relentless charm, including winning over her mom, makes avoiding him a full-time job.
Lisa faces a dilemma: will she keep hiding from her past and nursing old grudges, or will she confront David, potentially finding closure – and maybe even a new chapter in her life?
Burn by Linda Howard
Jenner Redwine’s life turns fiery when she wins the lottery, exchanging her blue-collar roots for a life of luxury.
But fortune has a twisted sense of humor, throwing her into the path of Cael Traylor, a mysterious stranger with ulterior motives.
What starts as a reluctant partnership to thwart a sinister plot ignites into a sizzling romance.
Burn combines high-stakes suspense, passionate romance, and Howard’s trademark strong-willed heroine, keeping readers hooked as the heat between Jenner and Cael threatens to set their whole world ablaze.
When My Ship Comes In by Annie Charme
Zac’s life is as predictable as a cruise ship itinerary: exotic destinations, bikinis, and harmless flirting. He’s got it all figured out until Lizzie, a guest who’s off-limits but irresistibly captivating.
While he’s used to keeping things casual, Lizzie’s charm and her complicated baggage make him question if he’s willing to gamble his well-ordered life for a chance at something real.
Lizzie, on the other hand, is escaping a broken heart and a mundane life, only to find herself tempted by Zac, the ship’s hottest waiter. As they navigate their forbidden attraction, Lizzie fears that once Zac sees her true self, he might just cast her aside.
Will their flirtation stay anchored in fantasy, or will they risk it all for a real connection?
Cruiseshipped by Savannah Scott
After a vacation goes wrong, Maggie Nichols finds herself stranded on a cruise ship with none other than her ex-fiancé’s best friend, Finn Hamilton.
Trapped on the open sea, the two are forced to confront their past misunderstandings while trying to enjoy a trip filled with tropical sun, quirky passengers, and, oh yes, a touch of meddling from the ship’s staff.
In this romantic comedy, Maggie and Finn discover that sometimes love needs a little nudge (or a giant cruise ship) to chart its course back on track.
I Thought It Was You by Kirsty McManus
After a rough breakup, Liv Turner boards a cruise with plans to escape reality and bond with her brother, who works in the ship’s casino. But her plans go awry when she crosses paths with Wells, a charming charity worker headed to Cozumel, and discovers her ex has drained her bank account.
To top it off, TV star Jamila Castro recruits Liv to thwart a scheming ex-costar with a tempting $20,000 on the line – if she can avoid Wells, who’s strictly off-limits.
Liv’s journey from heartbreak to adventure on the Shakespeare Adriana promises anything but smooth sailing, as she juggles secrets, promises, and unexpected romance.
Sex, Lies, and Cruising by Cathryn Chapman
Ellie’s Caribbean cruise was supposed to be her escape from a cheating fiancé and a chance to rediscover herself. But within a day, she’s already slept with a sexy Texan colleague and is thrust into a whirlwind of shipboard drama.
With the Texan leaving in a week and his vengeful ex, a Brazilian dynamo with a flair for trouble, still onboard, Ellie’s life becomes a steamy mess.
Amid the crew parties and tangled romances, Ellie makes lasting friendships with her energetic roommate, a flamboyant dancer, and a Scottish bartender. While navigating the chaos, Ellie learns to trust her instincts and embrace her true self.
Sex, Lies, and Cruising is a hilarious, eye-opening adventure about finding self-worth and navigating love on the high seas.
Dashed by Amanda Quain
Margaret Dashwood’s meticulously planned summer cruise is derailed when her tempestuous sister Marianne, freshly single and melodramatic, decides to join the trip.
What was supposed to be a serene getaway with sensible Elinor turns into a chaotic adventure, with Margaret scrambling to orchestrate fake romantic escapades to keep Marianne occupied.
Adding to the upheaval, Margaret finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Gabe, a charming crew member, as the voyage encounters both emotional and literal storms.
Balancing her duties as the cruise’s makeshift matchmaker with her own burgeoning feelings, Margaret faces a crucial choice: stick to her plans or let her heart navigate the uncharted waters of romance.
Don’t Start Now by Tara September
Emma Richards is determined to leave her past behind and focus on her successful career as a wedding planner. But when her ex-boyfriend, Jason Wright, crashes back into her life – looking annoyingly attractive and successful – Emma’s resolve starts to wobble.
Add a high-profile wedding, a pinch of sexual tension, and the resurfacing of old feelings, and you’ve got a recipe for a romantic disaster.
In Don’t Start Now, Tara September combines humor, heart, and a dash of second chances to create a love story that’s as sweet and satisfying as a slice of wedding cake.
Bon Voyage by Michelle Betham
Aimee Anderson’s dream Mediterranean cruise turns into a blast from the past when her favorite 90s boy band, Bon Voyage, reunites onboard.
Recently dumped by her fiancé, Aimee’s only goal is to enjoy some well-deserved fun – until she encounters Danny Johnson, the band’s former “bad boy” and her teenage crush.
With Danny’s personal life in disarray and his band’s comeback looking less glamorous than hoped, sparks fly between him and Aimee.
As they navigate the highs and lows of shipboard life, Aimee must decide if she’s ready to rekindle her old dreams or simply savor a memorable vacation romance.
We Ship It by Lauren Kay
Olivia Schwartz’s meticulously planned summer is hijacked by a family cruise she’d rather skip. Bound for academic glory, Olivia’s only goal is to ace her SATs and get into Brown – until she meets Sebastian, a charming risk-taker who makes her question her well-laid plans.
As Olivia navigates the Mediterranean, she reconnects with a carefree childhood friend and is drawn into new experiences and emotions she never imagined.
Amidst the fun and romance, buried family secrets and the unresolved grief over her brother’s death surface, challenging Olivia to confront her past and reevaluate her future.
We Ship It is a witty, heartfelt journey of self-discovery, proving that sometimes the best plans are the ones that aren’t on the itinerary.
Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship by Parker Fairchild
On a Christmas-themed Caribbean cruise, Olivia Chasen, a chemist with a hidden romance writer’s dream, finds herself unintentionally becoming the center of holiday gossip.
After a drunken confession to Santa about her fantasy love, she’s shocked when her fantasy hero, Navy SEAL Commander Jace Morse, shows up in real life.
Jace, intrigued by Olivia’s heartfelt and humorous confession, takes it upon himself to prove he’s no mere figment of her imagination.
With a sprinkle of Christmas magic and a lot of charm, Jace embarks on a mission to win over Olivia, helping her rediscover herself and her capacity for love amidst the holiday cheer.
One True Loves by Elise Bryantb
Lenore Bennett is ready for her perfect summer in Europe after high school graduation—no stress, no drama, just adventure. But when her well-planned vacation goes sideways, she finds herself on a Mediterranean cruise with Alex Lee, a boy who’s far too serious for her free-spirited tastes.
What starts as an unexpected journey soon becomes a heartwarming exploration of love, identity, and destiny.
This delightful young adult romance combines dreamy travel destinations, charming characters, and the realization that sometimes the best love stories are the ones you never planned.
Caribbean Crush by R.S. Grey
Casey Hughes is a travel journalist with a golden opportunity: a luxury cruise on the maiden voyage of the Aurelia and a chance to interview the elusive shipping heir, Phillip Woodmont.
But there’s a hitch – they’re not exactly on friendly terms. Once enemies, their past clashes promise plenty of sparks as they face off aboard the glamorous ship.
With her career hanging in the balance, Casey must navigate Phillip’s icy demeanor and her own simmering resentment, all while keeping her pride intact.
Amidst the opulent surroundings and a few unexpected twists, their turbulent past might just steer them toward a future neither expected.
A Cruise Fling by Laura Brown
When life hands Mackenzie Laurel a sour breakup, she’s ready to ditch reality for a luxury cruise – sun, sand, and a fresh start. Enter Cole Matterhorn, a commitment-averse traveler who’s just as keen for a distraction as Mackenzie is.
Their chemistry is instant, sparking across trivia fails, beach escapades, and sultry karaoke duets.
With Mackenzie navigating the aftermath of a cheating ex and Cole wrestling with past scars, their nine-day cruise becomes a sweet escape from their troubles.
But as the ship nears its final port, they must decide if their vacation fling can turn into something real or if their pasts will keep them from savoring a future together.
Perfect Timing by Brenda Jackson
Best friends turned estranged sisters, Maxine Chandler and Mya Rivers, have drifted apart over fifteen years of misunderstandings. The reunion voyage offers a chance to mend their fractured relationship just as they face personal crises.
Maxi, dealing with heartbreak and tragedy, finds unexpected depth in a romance with high school rebel Christopher Chandler, who gives her a gift that tests her resilience.
Mya, seemingly living a fairy tale with her perfect marriage and twins, grapples with a demanding career and a troubling threat to her marriage.
As both women confront love, loyalty, and trust, they rediscover their powerful friendship and find the courage to face their future.
Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras
Social media influencer Sara Vance has a problem – she needs a fake boyfriend to impress her family during their vacation in Key West. Enter Luis Navarro, a hunky firefighter with a hero complex.
What starts as a harmless charade to save Sara’s reputation turns into a simmering romance under the Floridian sun.
As the line between real and pretend blurs, both Sara and Luis must decide if their island affair can weather the storms of real life.
Priscilla Oliveras crafts a warm, heartfelt story about love, family, and finding where you truly belong.
The Holiday Cruise by Victoria Cooke
When Hannah Davis’s life falls apart, she decides there’s only one thing to do – run away to sea. She joins the crew of a luxury cruise ship and sets sail, hoping to find herself along the way.
What she doesn’t expect is to find friendship, adventure, and a dash of romance with a handsome pianist named Tom.
As they journey through sun-soaked ports, Hannah learns that sometimes you have to lose yourself to find your way back.
The Holiday Cruise is a feel-good story about new beginnings, second chances, and love on the high seas.
Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat by Sonya Lalli
Jasmine Randhawa’s got one goal: survive her cousin’s over-the-top Indian wedding cruise without drowning in drama. But when Jake Dhillon, her old high school nemesis and current perfect catch, is aboard, Jasmine’s plan takes a nosedive.
With family expectations, cultural clashes, and an undeniable chemistry that rocks the boat, Jasmine and Jake are set for a wild ride.
This is a laugh-out-loud, heartfelt rom-com that navigates the choppy waters of tradition, identity, and the surprise of finding love where you least expect it.
The Loveboat Experience by Parker Avrile
On the maiden voyage of the world’s swankiest cruise ship, two men are set for a collision course between duty and deception.
Sheldon, the privileged but now penniless son of a wealthy tycoon, is stuck slumming it as a butler after his father cuts him off.
Meanwhile, Kyler, a reporter with a crumbling career, is undercover, posing as a millionaire, to investigate the lavish cruise.
Sparks fly when Sheldon serves Kyler, unaware of his true identity. As their chemistry heats up, both men are forced to confront their own truths and unexpected feelings.
Cruising for Love by Ann Omasta
Ruthie Rose is living her best life as the star of a reality TV show, Cruising for Love. With dreams of fame, a free Caribbean cruise, and maybe a steamy romance, she signs up without a second glance at the fine print.
As Ruthie sets sail, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of scripted drama, catty competitors, and outrageous stunts that make the actual love hunt seem like a side quest.
From dodging fabricated crises to navigating the treacherous waters of faux love, Ruthie’s high-seas adventure proves that reality TV might be more staged than she ever imagined.
Buckle up for a hilarious ride where the drama is as fierce as the ocean waves!
A Not-So Holiday by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
On a Christmas cruise to the Virgin Islands, Molly finds herself stranded with only her brother’s best friend, Beckett, for company. Armed with a suitcase full of snacks, sunscreen, and an unspoken crush, Molly is all set for a quick port stop – until she’s left behind.
As she navigates the tropical paradise with Beckett, sparks fly.
Between Molly’s witty fish facts and Beckett’s protective instincts – sparked by Molly’s epilepsy – romance blooms under the sun.
With only her stash of granola bars and Beckett’s charm to keep her going, Molly’s holiday turns into a delightful exploration of love and self-discovery.
Drunk on a Plane by Carrie Jacobs
Eric Caretti’s destination wedding takes a nosedive when his bride-to-be bails out, leaving him to face the cruise alone – sort of.
After drowning his sorrows in airplane liquor, he’s surprised when Megan Prescott, his ex-fiancé’s cousin and the wedding photographer, turns up to help him get to the ship.
Megan, fleeing a strained relationship with her overbearing mother, seizes the chance to advance her career and escape on the cruise.
As Eric and Megan navigate the ship’s adventures – from dolphin swims to Mayan ruins – they forge an unexpected friendship that defies the just friends rule.
The Trouble with Destiny by Lauren Morrill
Liza Sanders has a plan: lead her high school show choir to victory on a fancy cruise and save the music program.
But when the trip goes off-key thanks to a rival show choir, a cute but infuriating ex-boyfriend, and a mysterious, swoon-worthy musician, Liza’s dream of winning starts to hit some wrong notes.
Navigating choppy seas of competition, friendship, and unexpected romance, Liza learns that sometimes the perfect harmony is found in the most unexpected places.
Kissing Kendall by Katee Robert
Kendall Barnes’s dream of a relaxing cruise with her college friends turns into a wild singles’ party cruise nightmare – until she meets Alex Jeffries.
Determined to salvage her vacation, Kendall is tempted to break her rules and dive into a fling with the mysterious and captivating Alex.
Alex, on his first vacation in a decade and dreading every moment, finds his focus shifting from his troubled bar back home to Kendall’s irresistible charm.
As their chemistry heats up, both question whether their steamy cruise romance could blossom into something more lasting.
Will their holiday fling survive the transition back to reality, or will it crash and burn before they get the chance to find out?
The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone
Maddie O’Neill Levine’s summer plans are turned upside down when her beloved grandmother announces a terminal illness and invites the family on a death-with-dignity cruise.
Traveling to exotic destinations, Maddie navigates her feelings about life, love, and loss.
Along the way, she meets Enzo, a charming and compassionate boy who challenges her to see the world and herself in a new light.
The Loose Ends List is a poignant and heartfelt story about embracing life’s adventures, saying goodbye, and finding love in the most unexpected places.
Romancing the Seas by Cait O’Sullivan
In this sizzling romance, sous-chef Pippa Renshaw trades the heat of London’s kitchens for the open seas, becoming head-chef on a cruise ship circling New Zealand.
Her fresh start hits a snag when she discovers she’ll be sharing a suite with the ship’s dashing CEO, Jonathon Eagleton.
Despite the undeniable chemistry between them, Jonathon keeps Pippa at a distance. However, when a thunderstorm traps them in a remote tramper’s hut during a hike, their professional barriers crumble.
As passion ignites in the stormy confines, Pippa and Jonathon must navigate whether their newfound intimacy will storm their carefully maintained boundaries or redefine their future.
Summer at Sea by Beth Labonte
Twenty-six-year-old Summer Hartwell is reluctantly setting sail on a weeklong Bermuda cruise with her anxiety-ridden parents.
With the chance to meet a potential suitor and escape her parent’s overbearing ways, Summer sees this as her ticket to freedom. But her plans hit a snag with the arrival of Graham Blenderman, her brother’s best friend and the guy who once shattered her teenage heart.
Graham believes Summer’s escape isn’t about finding a husband but mustering the courage to break free.
As Summer embarks on a week of hilarious misadventures and self-discovery, she might just find more than she bargained for – like love and a new lease on life.
It Had to Be You by Linda Windsor
Dan Jarrett, a skeptical rancher, reluctantly joins a Thanksgiving cruise to investigate his mother’s new husband – he’s convinced he’s a con artist. Meanwhile, Sunny Elders, an E.R. nurse grieving her parents, is on the same cruise to support her sister’s family through their grief.
Their paths collide as Dan’s solitary retreat clashes with Sunny’s clumsy yet endearing attempts to keep her niece and nephew entertained.
Despite Dan’s resistance and Sunny’s zany disasters, the two are drawn together.
As they navigate family dynamics and unexpected attractions, they find themselves questioning if their burgeoning connection can withstand the turbulence of their differing worlds.
The Trouble with Paradise by Jill Shalvis
Dorie Anderson is having the worst vacation ever. Her tropical cruise has gone completely wrong, and she’s stranded on a deserted island with only a survivalist handbook and a handsome stranger, Andy, to rely on.
What starts as a nightmare quickly turns into an unexpected adventure filled with laughter, survival antics, and steamy island nights.
As Dorie and Andy face off against nature and their own fears, they find that paradise isn’t a place—it’s a feeling.
Jill Shalvis delivers a fun, flirty romance that shows sometimes the trouble with paradise is how much you end up loving it.
Playing the Odds by Nora Roberts
When Serena MacGregor decides to take a break from her high-powered career to work on a cruise ship, she expects a little sun and relaxation. Instead, she gets Justin Blade, a devilishly handsome gambler with a penchant for risk.
Sparks fly between the two as Serena is drawn into Justin’s world of high stakes and high tension.
As their fiery attraction grows, Serena must decide if she’s willing to bet on love.
Playing the Odds is a classic Nora Roberts romance filled with passion, danger, and the thrill of taking a chance on the heart.
Tattooed Dots by Kimberly Knight
Easton Crawford, a model turned devoted father, is done with serious relationships and is only interested in casual flings. Encouraged by a friend, he joins a singles cruise in search of no-strings-attached encounters.
Meanwhile, Brooke Bradley, who has spent her life caring for others – including a neglectful boyfriend – receives a surprise birthday cruise from her best friend. Unaware it’s a singles cruise, she’s thrown into Easton’s orbit.
As their connection deepens, Brooke contemplates breaking free from her past, but a looming health scare threatens their newfound bond.
Together, they must navigate fears and uncertainties to determine if their chance meeting is the start of a lasting relationship.
Little White Lies by R.C. Matthews
Madalyn Russell’s honeymoon cruise takes an unexpected turn when she leaves her fiancé at the altar and boards alone.
Stuck in a world designed for newlyweds, her solo journey is upended by Royce, a mysterious and dashing stranger who offers to pose as her husband in exchange for companionship. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Royce’s secretive behavior raises questions.
As their faux marriage heats up, Madalyn discovers Royce’s past is more complicated than she imagined.
With his world threatening to unravel, Madalyn must navigate a storm of secrets and power plays, proving that even in a sea of uncertainty, love can be the ultimate lifeline.
