Best Golf Cruises – Take Your Game to the High Seas

Golf Ahoy

By Elizabeth Lavis

If the thought of getting your golf fix on the high seas sounds a little weird to you, you need to learn about the latest trend in cruising. Golf cruises have been picking up steam in the last few years for good reason. They allow golf enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy exotic courses and links while still enjoying all the luxuries and amenities found on a cruise ship. Instead of your standard excursions, golf cruises revolve their schedules around hitting the best links for a fully packed, but still relaxing, schedule.

Many cruise lines are getting in on the action, but there are a few excursions that stand out from the pack and will allow you to tick off items you didn’t even know belonged on your golf bucket list.

South Africa with Kalos Golf

If hitting the greens in South Africa tops your travel list, Kalos Golf can make it possible. The real draw, aside from some spectacular golfing at courses like Arabella and Fancourt, is the enormous amount of awe-inspiring wildlife nearby. Golf enthusiasts enjoy mixing nature with their preferred sport, making Kruger National Park an ideal getaway for many. Kalos Golf sets you up with its Silver Cloud cruise, a small ship that can navigate both rivers and the open ocean. Golf getaways are one of the top items on this cruise, but you can also book excursions that allow you to get your fill of South Africa’s fabulous wines or see amazing animals in their own environment.

Scotland with Perry Golf

Along with Kalos Golf, Perry Golf is one of the legacy players in the golf cruise market. You can travel with them all over the world, but one of their most popular cruises also happens to be at one of the most famous destinations for golf in the world: the Scottish Highlands. With lush green hills perfect for putting, the Scottish Highlands are a must-see for anyone serious about the sport. Perry Golf sets you up with a room in one of its Hotel Barges, which are exactly as they sound. These luxury barges come with all the amenities found in a five-star hotel. Only a handful of guests can fit on each barge, so this is a truly exclusive vacation. You’ll sail for seven days, six nights, and play up to four rounds of golf at Scotland’s best links. Plus, Perry Golf includes dinner with gourmet wine, so the experience of sailing with them is the last word in luxury.

Canadian Maritimes with Kalos Golf

Hop across the Atlantic from the Scottish Highlands to the Canadian Maritimes and you’ll enjoy a unique experience with Kalos Golf. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island are all known for their breathtaking scenery and off-the-beaten-path golf courses. Up your game by visiting Canadian gems like Cabot Links and Crowbush Cove. Kalos Golf transports you between these links in style on its Silver Explorer fleet. Kalos also offers non-golf related activities so you can soak in all the Canadian Maritimes has to offer.

Hawaii with Golf Ahoy

America’s most tropical state has some of the best golfing in the world. Naturally gorgeous, with incredible weather all year round, Hawaii is a hot spot for golf lovers. Golf Ahoy’s Pride of America cruise vacation includes a stay at Turtle Bay Resort. While you’re getting pampered on land, you’re also perfecting your golf game at the famous George Fazio and Arnold Palmer courses. Golf Ahoy makes sure to take care of every item down to the last detail, even shuttling you from the ship to the resort to the course in a limo. While on board, you’ll have your own private butler and cruise around the island for seven days exploring other top-notch greens like the Plantation Course and Kauai Lagoons.

The Caribbean with Perry Golf

Perry Golf’s luxury fleet provides a perfect way to check out a range of the Caribbean’s finest golf courses. Their SeaDream II is actually a luxury yacht, not a cruise ship, with only about 100 people aboard at any time. Golf enthusiasts will practice their skills at Nevis Four Seasons, Royal St. Kitts, and Cuisinart Golf Club, while seeing the best of the Caribbean from St. Thomas to the French West Indies. As you would expect, Perry Golf’s mega-yacht is as luxurious as can get with fine dining options, a state-of-the-art spa, and plenty of activities for golfers and non-golfers alike.