Golf Cruise Adventures: A Golfer’s Guide to Setting Sail

The dream of playing on some of the most iconic golf courses in the world doesn’t have to stop where the shoreline begins. Cruise lines are redefining travel for golfers, combining the thrill of championship courses with the luxury and convenience of a world-class ship. 

Imagine starting your day with the crisp morning air carrying a hint of salt from the sea while you line up your putt on the 18th hole of a world-renowned golf course. As the ball drops into the cup with a satisfying clink, you know your day is just beginning. In a few hours, you’ll be back aboard a luxurious cruise ship, enjoying gourmet cuisine and exchanging stories with fellow travelers who share your passion for the perfect swing. 

The concept of golf tourism has seen a remarkable rise over the years, and cruise lines have taken note. No longer confined to traditional resorts, golf experiences now span the globe and have been integrated into luxury cruise itineraries. Whether you’re chasing that elusive hole-in-one or simply looking for a way to make your next getaway more memorable, golf cruises offer something special: the chance to combine your love of the game with the thrill of discovery, all while wrapped in the comforts of luxury travel. 

So, what’s your next move? Pack your clubs, board your ship, and let’s set sail toward the ultimate golf adventure.

Your Golf Adventure, Your Way                                           

Both seasoned pros chasing their next challenge and casual golfers looking to improve their game can find a cruise perfectly suited to their style.   

Golf cruises generally fall into two categories, each offering a distinct way to enjoy the sport at sea:

Golf destination cruises are designed for golfers who want to tick iconic courses off their bucket list. From the legendary links of Ireland to sun-kissed greens in Spain and Portugal, destination cruises offer the chance to play where golf history was made. Imagine standing on the Old Course at St. Andrews or teeing off at Royal County Down—these are experiences that will stay with you long after the round is over.

And while the courses are unforgettable, these cruises offer much more. These cruises usually also include shore excursions that immerse you in the local culture – a chance for a post-round whisky tasting in Scotland or a guided tour of ancient castles. Golf is just one part of the adventure—the rest is pure discovery.

The other option available is golf cruises with onboard experiences for those who prefer to perfect their game without ever leaving the ship. On these cruises, travelers can take advantage of top-notch facilities right on deck – from state-of-the-art simulators so you can play virtual versions of iconic courses from around the world to putting greens to practice your short game while enjoying the sea breeze. Many cruises also feature pro lessons from PGA instructors. 

The beauty of golf cruises is that you can choose how much golf you want to play. Whether you’re looking to shave strokes off your scorecard or just want to spend a leisurely afternoon of golf-themed fun, the ship itself becomes your playground.

Luxury Golf Cruises with Onboard Simulators and Exclusive  Shore Excursions 

For travelers seeking to combine the sophistication of a luxury cruise with their passion for golf, incredible options await. Offering a blend of adventure and indulgence, they’re the perfect choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life—both on and off the green.

Azamara Club Cruises: Play on Golf’s Greatest Stages

Azamara Club Cruises, in partnership with PerryGolf, offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore over 25 countries, playing on more than 80 courses, including 20 of the world’s top 100. From the moment you step aboard, PerryGolf’s dedicated staff takes care of every detail. 

Imagine disembarking in a new country, where your equipment is already prepared, and a luxury coach awaits to transport you directly to the course. Packages cover green fees, cart fees, gratuities, on-course lunch, and post-round drinks, so you can  focus entirely on the game and the stunning surroundings.  

AmaWaterways: Golfing Along Europe’s Stunning Rivers

Aboard the AmaMagna, AmaWaterways offers the Exclusive Concierge Golf Program, a seven-night journey along the Danube River that grants access to Europe’s most prestigious golf courses. Private Mercedes vehicles provide transportation between the ship and each golf course, tee times at renowned courses are pre-booked for you, and practice balls and golf carts are ready upon arrival. After a game, you can head to the clubhouse for a lunch featuring local culinary dishes paired with regional wines. 

Seabourn: Coastal Charm and Championship Rounds

Seabourn has partnered with several golf tour operators to offer exclusive golf shore excursions to world-class courses. You’ll have a chance to tee off in the morning and explore historic coastal towns in the afternoon, all while enjoying the unparalleled luxury of Seabourn’s intimate ships. Pro golf lessons with PGA professionals are also available both onboard and at select destinations so you can return home a more confident golfer.

Dedicated to the Game: Golf Cruises That Focus on the Sport

Designed for dedicated players who want golf to be the centerpiece of their journey, these specialized golf cruises provide exclusive access to world-renowned courses and onboard amenities designed with passionate golfers in mind. If you want to breathe in the essence of golf at every turn, these cruises deliver an unmatched experience.

GolfAhoy: Your Floating Clubhouse Awaits

GolfAhoy is a pioneer in the golf cruise industry, offering tailor-made itineraries aboard over 193 cruise liners, European riverboats, and luxury yachts worldwide. Imagine waking up each morning to a new championship golf course, with your luxurious cruise liner serving as your floating clubhouse. 

From the lush, tropical fairways of Hawaii to the historical links courses of Europe, GolfAhoy offers personalized experiences that celebrate your love for the game and your sense of adventure. Each evening, you can return to the comfort of your ship, where you can dine, relax, and share stories of the day’s play – and as the sun rises, wake up to a new destination and a fresh golfing challenge. These cruises feature a mix of pre-arranged tee times, private transfers to courses, and even onboard golf clinics to refine your skills. 

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: Precision and Elegance on the High Seas

For those who appreciate German precision and luxury, Hapag-Lloyd’s EUROPA 2 offers a sophisticated golfing experience with their Hapag-Lloyd’s Golf & Cruise packages. The five-star-plus luxury vessel is equipped with two state-of-the-art golf simulators for individual training. High-speed cameras capture every swing, and detailed video analysis provides practical insights to refine your technique and improve your performance.

PGA professionals are available both onboard and on the golf course to offer personalized coaching, and packages can be customized if you have specific requests or want to focus on a certain course or on perfecting your game. Hapag-Lloyd’s Golf & Cruise packages also include green fees for each course, transfers, bag transport, golf club cleaning, and use of the fitting station. 

From the convenience of having your floating clubhouse transport you to new and exciting courses to the personalized coaching that hones your skills, specialized golf cruises are designed for travelers who know precisely what they want.

Golf for Every Traveler: Cruise Amenities That Wow

If you’re someone who enjoys golf but doesn’t necessarily want it to dominate your entire cruise experience, mainstream cruise lines have you covered. These ships offer plenty of ways to practice your swing or try out the sport for the first time without feeling like golf has to be the main event. It’s a perfect balance for travelers who want a mix of activities and relaxation, with a dash of golf on the side.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-Class ships, such as Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, feature nine-hole miniature golf courses that are fun and accessible for all skill levels. These courses won’t challenge your handicap but are perfect for enjoying the sea breeze, sharing a laugh with friends, and taking in the stunning ocean views –all with a touch of golf-inspired charm. 

The Voyager and Radiance cruises take things up a notch with onboard golf simulators, where guests can virtually play some of the world’s most famous courses. This is the perfect chance to tee off at St. Andrews or Pebble Beach without ever leaving the ship—a great way to keep your skills sharp while en route to your next destination.

Carnival Cruise Line keeps things light and entertaining with mini-golf courses on most of their ships, but they also provide golf excursions to enjoy during your day in port. It’s a laid-back, no-pressure way to enjoy the sport while soaking up the festive atmosphere Carnival is known for. 

P&O Cruises’ Aurora and MSC Cruises’ MSC Sinfonia feature the cruise lines’ only golf simulators. It’s an intimate, low-key option that allows guests to work on their swing while enjoying the elegant ambiance of the ships.

These onboard golf amenities make mainstream cruises a great option for travelers who want to dabble in golf without making it the centerpiece of their vacation. It’s a way to add a little sport to your sea days without missing out on all the other activities these ships have to offer. From mini-golf with the kids to virtual rounds at famous courses, you can enjoy the game at your own pace—because, after all, cruising is all about relaxation and enjoyment.

Your Next Round Awaits: Plan the Ultimate Golf Cruise

Looking for legendary courses like St. Andrews or Pebble Beach? There’s a cruise for that. Prefer to practice your swing on a simulator while sailing to your next port? That’s an option too. Golf-focused getaways can be as golf-centric or as laid-back as you choose, making them perfect for travelers of all skill levels.

If this sounds like your kind of getaway, Extraordinary Adventures is here to make it happen. Our team of travel experts specializes in designing golf cruise experiences that cater to your unique preferences. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to iconic courses or a relaxing cruise with a touch of golf, we’ve got you covered. 

Ready to tee off on the ultimate golf adventure? Let Extraordinary Adventures handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on sinking birdies and soaking up the luxury. The world’s most stunning golf courses and luxury cruise ships await—all you have to do is pack your clubs and give us a call.