You Don’t Have to Leave Your Clubs on the Dock!
Those who love to golf do not have to give up their favorite pastime when taking a cruise vacation. Golfers and their companions can enjoy a fabulous golfing experience while also exploring the top attractions at the cruise ship’s ports of call, ensuring everyone has a great time.
Many dual-career couples face a dilemma when it comes to vacation planning. One partner might be a golf enthusiast, while the other is keen on visiting fascinating sites, browsing shops, and relaxing by the pool. They often have limited vacation time each year. However, one of the great advantages of cruising is that it caters to all interests and ages, allowing couples or travel companions to vacation together without spending every moment together.
You Can Golf on Board a Cruise Ship
For golf enthusiasts, you don’t have to worry about losing your edge while enjoying a week-long cruise. Most cruise ships now feature driving cages and putting “greens” to help maintain your skills. Some ships like the Radiance of the Seas, MSC Lirica, Jewel of the Seas, and Ruby Princess boast elaborate miniature golf courses that are enjoyable for everyone, both young and old. The Carnival Dream even offers a two-level miniature golf course.
Moreover, many large contemporary cruise ships come equipped with sophisticated golf simulators, allowing guests the opportunity to virtually drive, chip, and putt on some of the world’s most famous golf courses.
Golfing in Ports of Call
While mini-golf may suffice for some, serious golfers typically aspire to play golf ashore. All major cruise lines provide opportunities to play golf as part of organized shore excursions when there’s a course nearby. Whether you bring your own clubs or rent them, playing at a private club can be a bit pricey but create unforgettable memories. Furthermore, your golfing companions back home will undoubtedly be envious when they hear about your golfing escapades at renowned international courses in Scotland, Spain, Australia, the Caribbean, or Asia.
Golf is a global sport, and cruising offers an incredible vacation experience worldwide. You can enjoy golf almost everywhere, except Antarctica. When traveling to the Caribbean, Mexico, the British Isles, Bahamas, or Bermuda, playing golf is often part of the shore excursion itinerary. New Zealand, Australia, and South Seas itineraries sometimes also include golf packages. Certain cruises porting in Spain offer access to Valderrama, one of the top 50 golf courses worldwide. Other cruises provide opportunities to play on some of Scotland’s top courses, and many British Isles itineraries stop near the golf courses rotating for the British Open each year, with tickets available for this special event—definitely a dream destination for many golfers.
Carnival Cruises has enhanced its golf program to include spectacular golf courses in the Caribbean and Mexico. Golf Ahoy offers golf cruise excursions across many cruise lines, along with Kalos Golf and Perry Golf. Premium cruise line Azamara Club Cruises is highly destination-oriented, giving guests opportunities to play golf in both Europe and Australia.
Furthermore, playing golf is not solely confined to ocean-going vessels. Avalon Waterways features golf courses on one of its Danube River itineraries.
Barge cruises, too, sometimes offer golf-themed trips. European Waterways provides “golf barging” on eight ships accommodating 4-12 passengers across four countries. You can enjoy river and canal cruises while playing golf in England, Scotland, Ireland, and France. On one such barge cruise, you could even play at Royal St. Georges in England, a course featured in the British Open rotation.
With golf courses around the globe welcoming the golf/cruise enthusiast, now is the ideal time to contact your travel agent or preferred cruise line to start planning that dream golfing getaway!
