Golf Cruises: An Introduction
“Thinking outside the box, being really committed, and consistency. Consistency is a superpower. You have to do the little things every day. You’re thinking about…how to create something unique and memorable.”
Now, you could be forgiven for assuming that these must be the words of the CEO or Chief Luxury Officer of a high-end cruise line. After all, consistency, attention to detail and memorable experiences are at the heart of what we do in the ultra-luxury cruise industry. It may interest you to discover, however, that these words have nothing to do with cruising, and are in fact those of European Ryder Cup Champion (and Crystal Cruises ambassador) Luke Donald, speaking about his meteoric rise to World Number One in golf.
Golfing and luxury cruising...
From leisure activities and social experiences to premium amenities and travel opportunities, these two things may have more in common than you think. In fact, like a crisp beer and a verdant golf green on a warm day, it’s a match made in heaven.
Think about it.
It doesn’t matter whether you hit the green multiple times per week with an almost reverent zeal, or if you and your group only tee off every now and then. We imagine that you often wax lyrical about how it will feel to “One day play (insert world-famous golf course here)”.
Forget acclaimed museums or the Seven Wonders of The World—you surely have a golf course bucket list as long as your putter. Perhaps these are just longing ‘somedays’ or maybe you actually do fly here, there and everywhere on golf tours, combining your passion for both travel and the game into one unforgettable experience. But maybe it’s time to raise the bar?
Why book a golf cruise?
Picture this: a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, comprising long sunny days spent with likeminded individuals on some of the world’s most iconic golf courses. Offering delectable cuisine, unlimited drinks and memorable evening events, the luxurious vessel you’ll call home flawlessly combines the exclusive clubhouse experience with the social buzz of the ‘19th hole’.
That’s what we call a hole in one.
It’s possible that you’re hearing the words ‘golf cruise’ and envisioning a gargantuan steel ship, chugging lethargically through the ocean, with a singular small driving range, complete with plastic grass and grainy simulator. If that’s the case, think again.
From bespoke lunches and private tours to exclusive access to international golfing events, the experiences that you would get on a luxury golf cruise would be unparalleled. You’ll have the opportunity to see the world from a new angle, without ever having to spare a thought for scoping out accommodation, lugging heavy clubs around, or sourcing transportation. The most renowned golf courses in the world are brought to your doorstep, with anything complex or time-consuming left in the capable hands of those who know this industry inside out.
The best part?
A golf cruise offers something for everyone—even reluctant partners who have found themselves unwittingly dragged along on the golf getaway. Don’t worry, we see you.
In addition to days spent on the green, there are plenty of opportunities for both ashore sightseeing excursions and onboard activities. You can enjoy some R&R in the spa, catch some rays beside the pool, sip a custom cocktail, dance to live music, or sample a range of wellness activities, so you won’t be sat around twiddling your thumbs while you wait for the next course.
Which cruise line?
Exciting stuff, right? Possibly you’re right this moment itching to book yourself onto one of these incredible trips, so let us take you through the options.
If you’d like to tick some of Europe’s most legendary courses off your list from the comfort of an ultra-luxury river cruise ship, look no further than AmaWaterways.
Their fabulous Magna on the Danube voyage has been popular for a few years—and it’s easy to see why. Meandering though Germany, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary, with stops at distinguished courses including Golf Club Adamstal and Golf Resort Bad Griesbach, this is the Danube as you have never seen it before.
New for 2026 is their Impressions of the Seine and Paris cruise, on which you can soak up the breathtaking scenery of France, and experience not one, not two, but FIVE famous courses, including the Paris Saint Germain, nine-time host of the French Open.
With a dedicated concierge service, complimentary club care, private Mercedes transportation between courses, exclusive lunches, drinks, and use of a golf cart, as well an onboard entertainment and nightly cocktail hours, you truly don’t have to worry about a thing on an AmaWaterways golf cruise.
If you’re looking to take to the seas, Azamara stands alone in the ocean cruise industry in offering a perfectly curated golf cruise programme, delivering a sophisticated, all-inclusive experience. Covering over 25 countries and 80 courses annually (including 20 of the world’s top 100) you’ll be accompanied by experienced staff every step of the way.
Want to trace the game right back to its roots? One of Azamara’s British Isles cruises may be for you, touring the very courses where the game was born. From Royal County Down to Castle Stuart, it doesn’t get any more prestigious than this.
For those seeking a game Down Under, Azamara offer itineraries across Australia and New Zealand, including the famous Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers (both featured on Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses). A hop, skip and a jump away is the Arabian Gulf, where history, fine cuisine, and fascinating cultural experiences are par for the course, and you can tee off in iconic destinations like Dubai, Doha, Muscat, and Abu Dhabi. Azamara’s famous Destination Immersion style of sailing really comes into its own on a golf cruise, with late evenings and overnights in each port, as well plenty of relaxing sea days, so you can unwind between stops.
Other options include Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, which offers first-class support from PGA golf professionals, as well as one-on-one training on the golf simulator, exclusive dinners with the pros, and an awards ceremony at the end of the voyage—perfect if you’re travelling with an especially competitive group!
Or why not consider Crystal Cruises? Offering themed itineraries, complimentary group classes, and private tuition, Golf Digest have recognised them as ‘Best Golf Cruises, Medium Ships’. With at least one PGA professional onboard, the best part about a Crystal golf voyage is that the at sea experience is just as immersive as shore excursions, with each ship outfitted with driving cages, putting greens, and state-of-the-art TaylorMade golf equipment.
So, if you’re looking to hit the green, why not do it in style? This is an experience which will suit you to a tee.
Want to know more? You can find out more about group cruises here.
