iGTN Contributor. Sid Kaplan. Can you imagine golfing on some of the best golf courses in the world but only unpacking your bags once? Or having first class golf lessons on the deck of a floating resort? Or golfing five or more different 18 hole courses on different islands in one week? And even better, what if the golf is only one part of your golf vacation experience?
More and more golf addicts are looking at combining cruising and golfing for the ultimate in vacations. Most cruise lines are offering golf excursions in their itineraries allowing you to play the most well-known golf courses in the ports of call you visit anywhere in the world.
In addition, there are onboard golf clinics including instruction video about golf, golf cages and high tech video interaction for you to practice your golf shots while at sea. You have the option of bringing your own clubs, or renting high caliber clubs from the ship or particular course you will be playing. Some cruises are accompanied by a golf pro that will provide personal lessons, swing analysis and pointers to improve your play.
Once you reach port you have reserved tee times, transportation to and from the course and the services of a caddy. With many cruises, golf pairings can be arranged and you arrive at the golf club with your bag already on the cart and your caddy ready to go. Your golf vacation cruise includes all accommodations and all meals onboard (open seating dining or traditional) 24-hour room service nightly live entertainment, full spa services, fitness center and casino and more. Fortunately you can take a spouse, partner or family members who don’t golf on the same vacation and they will have lots to keep them occupied. No more golf widows or widowers! A golf cruise offers more than just golf. Onboard activities and optional shore excursions allow the non-golfer to explore the beauty and culture of new places while the golfer enjoys the best, most beautiful, most exciting and most thrilling courses in the world.
GolfAhoy golf cruises http://www.GolfAhoy.com can take you to Hawaii, South Africa, Asia to Australia, Europe, Scotland, Ireland & England, the Caribbean, Mexico and many other destinations. Cruise lines like Holland America and Carnival offer golf vacations year round and Silversea and Seabourn provide escorted signature golf cruises in which every last detail is pre-arranged. With Silversea for example, golfers can perfect their swing on 35 world-class courses in 16 countries and islands.
Crystal Cruises also has expanded its golf-themed cruises. Guests can tee off on three 11- and 12-day golf cruises in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and the maritime coast of Canada and New England.
What can you expect on a golf cruise? How about priority reserved tee-times at the 18-hole championship Robert von Hagge-designed El Tigre Golf Course in Puerto Vallarta and the Lee Trevino-designed El Cid Golf.
GolfAhoy www.GolfAhoy.com can book your ‘golf-cruise’ vacation on 193 cruise ships, river barges and private yacht charters with golfing itineraries spanning the globe. 239.344.9187
About the Author: Sid Kaplan has extensive experience in the travel business. He owned and operated a large retail cruise only agency in Canada and his wife has 27 years experience working for major cruise lines.
