Hawaii Golf Cruises No Frills
Anthony Webber Editor-at-Large iGTN. NCL Pride of America 7 Day Hawaii golf cruises offer up opportunities for you to play golf courses on this very popular golf cruise at Maui, Hilo, Kona, and Kauai – courses like Makalei GC; Wailea GC ; Puakea GC and Hokuala Kauai GC
Hawaii Golf Cruise golf shore-excursion golf packages for this cruise start at $199 a round including ship to course motorized transportation, pre-reserved tee times, golf cart rental and pre-paid greens fees. But you can’t buy Hawaii golf shore excursion tickets onboard the Pride of America – you have to (a) book your own tee times and arrange a taxi (b) book your cruise and golf arrangements through www.GolfAhoy.com or (c) book your cruise and golf shore excursions through www.HawaiiGolfCruises.com
NCL Pride of America Hawaii
Cruise fares starting at $1,149 get you a no frills interior cabin on the Pride of America but upgrading to the ocean-view cabin category with a picture window for around $1,329 is a good buy. Expect to pay about $1,699 for an ocean-view stateroom with a private balcony during low season.
A 5 star luxury version, the ‘10 Day GolfAhoy VIP Deluxe Circle Hawaii Golf Cruise’ package comes loaded with special VIP amenities and seems to find favor with high-net-worth experienced and discerning golf travelers, all-inclusive fares for this cost savings package are from US$8950 ppdbl low season to US$12125 ppdbl high season including Christmas and New Year holiday sailings. http://golfahoy.com/golf-cruise/hawaii-islands-golf-cruise-10-day-vip-deluxe-circle-hawaii-islands-golf-cruise-package-w-penthouse-suite-all-golf-included
Country Club member groups of from 8 to 140 are escorted by a GolfAhoy appointed PGA Head Pro. Korean groups are escorted by a Korean speaking Pro. GolfAhoy arranges tournaments, trophies, hole-in-one prizes, 19th hole cocktail receptions and award ceremony banquets for groups.
Adventurous thrill seeking golfers on an NCL Pride of America Hawaii golf cruise will be tempted to upgrade the standard GolfAhoy golf shore-excursion package to play some of the pre-packaged GolfAhoy ‘ultra-challenging championship courses’ they’ve seen on TV, courses like Kapalua Plantation GC on Maui http://kapalua.com/golf/plantation-course ; Mauna Lani GC http://www.maunalani.com/hawaii-golf-resort-overview.htm or Moana Kea GC http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-golf-course/big-island-golf-course.php in Kona; the Prince Course at Princeville on Kauai http://www.princeville.com/golf or Poipu Bay GC http://www.poipubaygolf.com/
Hawaii Golf Cruises are an unbelievably good value proposition. Ship accommodations, meals and nightly entertainment are all included in the cruise fare price.
With GolfAhoy Hawaii golf cruise per diems starting at $310 including 5 rounds of golf, there’s hardly a more economical way to spend a 7 day golf holiday in Hawaii than on a golf cruise. Comparably, golf resort room rates typically average $400-$700 or more per night – then you still have to add in resort taxes and Hawaii taxes, plus meals, plus car rental and hotel car rental parking fees ($30 per day) plus golf expenses, plus evening entertainment. A Hawaii golf cruise at $310 a day ‘all-in’ is an unbeatable golf vacation value!
Single Studio Cabin
Single golf cruisers on Pride of America Hawaii cruises can travel in guaranteed-single-occupancy ‘Studio Staterooms’ for around $2,300. Now, for the first time in cruising, there’s a group of staterooms on the ship specifically designed and priced for the solo golf traveler. These ‘Studio Staterooms’ are created with comfort in mind with thoughtful features like soft mood lighting, a full-size bed, a door to the Studio Lounge and separate areas for your bathroom, sink and shower, all this in 100 square feet of living space. You’ll get private access to the exclusive Studio Lounge. Here, you can start your day with a morning coffee, mingle with other Studio single-guests, have a bite to eat and plan to meet up again in the evening for a 19th hole cocktail.
Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony & Hot Tub
“As the only large US-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America offers a unique and extraordinary vacation to four of Hawai`i’s most popular islands,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We want to ensure that we are continuing to enhance the guest experience on this one-of-a-kind vessel. Therefore, we are making a major investment of over $30 million in enhancing this ship with beautiful new suites, studios for solo travelers, new restaurants and more.”
The 2,124-passenger ship will receive major renovations including the addition of 24 ultra-luxurious suites, four Studio staterooms and four inside staterooms; Moderno Churrascaria, the line’s signature Brazilian-style steakhouse; ship wide wireless internet connectivity; new carpeting throughout; flat screen televisions in all staterooms; updated décor; upgrades to the fitness center; new directional signage; renovations to the gift shop, photo gallery and art gallery; and much more.
The 24 new suites on Deck 13 will be outfitted with premium custom furnishings, fabrics, carpets and ultra-luxurious bathrooms. Two of the 24 suites will be Deluxe Owners Suites. These 566 square foot suites include a living room, dining room, separate bedroom with king-sized bed, walk-in closet, a luxury bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower as well as a guest bathroom. Not to mention the incredible balcony, complete with a private hot tub. Including Butler and Concierge service, cruise fares in this Owners Suite category will set you back around $4,650 per person.
The remaining suites will be Family Suites ranging from 363 to 416 square feet, most sleeping up to six guests. The two Deluxe Owners Suites will have connecting doors to the adjacent Family Suites, sleeping up to 10 guests when combined, the perfect option for family reunions or groups who wish to travel in suite luxury together. One of the many highlights of the suites will be their expansive balconies, ranging from 245 square feet for Family Suites to 410 square feet for the Deluxe Owners Suites, giving Pride of America’s suite guests the largest balconies in the fleet, perfect for taking in the jaw-dropping Hawai`i scenery.
Ports of call on this Hawaii golf cruise from Honolulu include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawai`i; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.
Golf Courses on a Hawaii Golf Cruise
Kona Golf
Hawaii Island
Just try to concentrate. Focus on your swing and not the pristine, black lava-lined fairways and palm tree-speckled greens. Block out the crystal blue waters and the rhythmic crash of waves just beyond the bunker. Try your best to forget that you’re playing on one of the most beautiful golf courses you’ve ever seen. It may take a few holes, but you’ll get used to it.
With some of Hawaii’s most magnificent courses to choose from, some crafted by the biggest names in course design, Hawaii Island is known as the “Golf Capital of Hawaii.” Discover courses along the Kohala Coast, such as the Jack Nicklaus designed Hualalai Golf Course, the championship Francis H. Brown courses of the Mauna Lani Resort and the Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed courses at Mauna Kea Resort. Not to be outdone, play the two courses of the Waikoloa Beach Resort designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and the Ocean Course and Mountain Course of the Kona Country Club. Discover a variety of other hidden gems throughout Hawaii Island and play amongst the striking contrasts of lush green fairways, pure white bunkers, jet-black lava flows and turquoise Pacific waters. Views like this justify a mulligan.
Oahu Golf
Oahu
The Ko’olau Mountains tower in your sightline. Palm trees line the green. The white of your golf ball pops against the deep blue sky. Even a bad game of golf on Oahu is still pretty darn good.
With more golf courses than any other Hawaiian island, golfers of every skill level from around the world head to Oahu. Choose from 40 public and private courses, ranging from casual municipal links to elegant resort courses. Spectacular scenery awaits you no matter which course you choose. If you prefer to watch the pros play, Oahu hosts the PGA TOUR’s Sony Open at the Waialae Country Club every January.
You may also want to make a few adjustments to your game in the islands. Most notably, Hawaii’s trade winds can exaggerate mistakes in your swing on a windy day. Luckily, most Oahu courses have wide, forgiving fairways. Bermuda greens can also be harder to read than traditional bentgrass greens. All these factors help make for some fun and challenging rounds on the golfer’s heaven of Oahu.
Maui Golf
Maui
You’ll want to frame your scorecard, no matter what you shoot. Golf on Maui is that memorable. Choose from 14 courses (several of which are ranked at or near the top of the “world’s best” lists) designed by noted course architects and golfing luminaries such as Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw.
The PGA TOUR’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions is held here each year, so you may even see a pro in the clubhouse. You’ll see why it’s difficult to imagine a more dramatic setting for these 18-hole masterpieces, with fairways abutting ancient lava flows, tees surrounded by palm groves, and greens arched by rainbows formed in the ocean mist. From Kapalua to Wailea, the views are intoxicating. But stay focused on your game. You’ll want to show off that Maui scorecard when you return home.
Kauai Golf
Kauai
You’ll find the golf course of your dreams on Kauai. From Princeville (this writer’s favorite) – to Poipu, Kauai is home to some of the world’s best golf. GolfAhoy golf cruisers can play beautiful resort courses or affordable independent courses, where the rough is lined with lava rocks while mountain ranges and seascapes frame the greens.
There are 10 golf courses at seven venues on Kauai. Princeville on the North Shore offers two challenging options with an 18-hole and a 27-hole course. PGA legend Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. also designed signature courses in this resort area. You may even see some PGA pros out on the greens during your visit. After all, even they dream about Kauai, too.
Join a Group of Like Minded Golfers on a Hawaii Golf Cruise Adventure
Circle Hawaiian Islands Golf Cruise/Country Clubs Group Invitational reservation requests 239.344.9187
7 Night Cruise with optional Hawaii Island ports o’ call golf shore excursions
Sailing from Honolulu on Saturday
Country Clubs Group Invitational Group Cruise Fares
Interior Cabin
Stateroom Type: Inside Cabin. An Inside stateroom is the most affordable way for you on a golf cruise. These staterooms can sleep up to four guests, with two pull-down beds and two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed. Per Person $1,685.82US – 3rd and 4th guests sharing one of these interior cabins, get a substantial discount.
Picture Window Cabin
Stateroom Type: Ocean View. With room for up to four guests, these Ocean View Staterooms have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed as well as two pull down beds. Because they are mid-ship, you’ll have easy access to everything on board. Plus an incredible view from the big picture window. Per Person $2,276.80US
Balcony Cabin Upgrade Offer
Stateroom Type: Balcony. These forward or aft Balcony Staterooms are located on a middle deck and can accommodate up to three guests. Featuring two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, a sitting area and a convertible sofa to accommodate another guest. Not to mention the floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony and an amazing view. Per Person $2,391.63US. Ask GolfAhoy for a balcony upgrade coupon.
Suites
Stateroom Type: Suite. With room for two guests, these Suites include a living room, dining room, separate bedroom with king-sized bed, walk-in closet, a luxury bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower as well as a guest bathroom. Not to mention the incredible balcony, complete with a private hot tub. Includes Butler and Concierge service. Per Person $4,646.32US
GolfAhoy ‘Standard Package’ Golf Courses/Hawaii: (add to per person cabin total)
- Kona – Makalei GC
- Maui – Wailea Emerald GC
- Kauai – Puakea GC
- Maui – Wailea Gold GC/Kapalua Plantation GC
- Kauai – Golf at Kauai Lagoons GC
Upgrade the GolfAhoy ’Standard Package’ golf course selections shown above to the GolfAhoy ‘Ultra Championship’ courses package below:
- Kapalua Plantation GC while on Maui
- Mauna Lani GC or Moana Kea GC while in Kona
- Prince Course at Princeville on Kauai (in place of Puakea)
- Poipu Bay GC on Kauai (in place of Puakea)
“Best Value VIP Deluxe Hawaii Golf Cruise” – Leisure & Travel Golf Magazine
“You won’t find The Prince golf course at Princeville; Kapalua Plantation GC; Moana Kea GC; Mauna Lani GC or Poipu Bay GC on any of the cruise line lists of golf course shore-excursions. You’ve got to book these high caliber championship Hawaii golf courses directly yourself before you set sail – or you can just book your entire Hawaii golf cruise package through a golf cruise specialist company like GolfAhoy Golf Cruises and let them make all of the arrangements for you and all you’ll have to do is pack, fly and arrive in Hawaii for the golf cruise of a lifetime.”
“Hawaii Golf Cruise Follow in the Footsteps of Golf’s Greatest Champions” https://igolftravelnews.com/articles/689-hawaii-golf-cruise-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-golfs-greatest-champions-play-kapalua-plantation-gc-mauna-lani-gc-mauna-kea-gc-prince-gc-the-arnold-palmer-gc-and-george-fazio-gc
“Hawaii Golf Cruises Find Favor with Australian, Japanese and South Korean Golfers” https://igolftravelnews.com/articles/677-hawaii-golf-cruises-find-favor-with-australian-japanese-and-south-korean-golfers
“GolfAhoy Circle Hawaii Golf Cruise Par Excellence” https://igolftravelnews.com/articles/536-golfahoy-circle-hawaii-golf-cruise-par-excellence
“Best Golf Cruises in Hawaii” USA TODAY Travel https://igolftravelnews.com/articles/639-best-golf-cruises-in-hawaii-usa-today-travel
Kaua‘i named to U.S. News and World’s List of ‘Best Adventure Vacations’ https://igolftravelnews.com/articles/219-kaua%e2%80%98i-named-to-u-s-news-and-world%e2%80%99s-list-of-%e2%80%98best-adventure-vacations%e2%80%99
About Luggage Free
A trip without baggage! Tired of choosing between either playing golf with rentals and dragging your golf clubs to the airport, waiting endlessly at baggage claim and paying annoying checked baggage fees?
If you are, Luggage Free offers the ideal solution. The New York City-based company meets the needs of golfers, and all air travelers, who want to avoid aggravation, save time, and protect their clubs and other possessions. Luggage Free picks up travelers golf bags and luggage shipments at their home or office, ships them to their destination, and, at the end of the stay, sends them back – providing luxury, “white glove” service every step of the way.
The high level of service in addition to the convenience offered has spurred a strategic marketing partnership between Luggage Free and GolfAhoy. Now, GolfAhoy travelers can take advantage of Luggage Free services for their golf getaway or golf cruise.
New checked baggage guidelines spur alternatives. While traditional hassles have always motivated some golfers to send clubs ahead, the combination of new checked baggage restrictions, higher fees, and an inability to insure shipments have increased demand for the Luggage Free service.
“In addition to the existing hassle of dragging your clubs to the airport, waiting in long lines to check them, and waiting at baggage carousels after the flight, it’s extremely tough to get proper insurance for your shipment with the airlines. A lot of travelers simply are not comfortable with this scenario” said Jeff Boyd, Luggage Free president.
The sharp increase in airlines’ use of smaller regional jets with limited cargo space also contributes to golfers increased interest in shipping ahead. As fleets shrink and cost-cutting measures prevail, most airlines are now imposing restrictions on the number of bags a traveler can check as well as fees on virtually every checked bag with charges varying from $25 all the way up to over $200 for each additional checked bag.
To use Luggage Free, travelers simply prepare their clubs as they normally would in a travel bag, and call the company. Luggage Free representatives will arrive, wrap the bags in protective plastic, tag them and transport them directly to the traveler’s destination anywhere in the U.S, as well to over 130 countries worldwide.
The service is fully customizable, so whether travelers want their shipment delivered to a cruise ship, the club house, a hotel or any other destination, Luggage Free will ensure they are waiting for travelers upon their arrival.
Other services typically require travelers to box-up, weigh and measure luggage themselves. Luggage Free handles all of that for its customers. The company also wraps bags in heavy plastic to protect against dirt, damage and theft. Shipping time ranges from one to five business days domestically, and four to seven business days for International shipments. Despite the personalized service, Luggage Free prices are often lower than traditional shipping companies.
Luggage Free offers a terrific option for travelers who don’t want to deal with luggage headaches. The company ships golf bags, as well as standard luggage, skis, bikes, cribs, strollers and other bulky items. “Luggage Free is a no-hassle, no-waiting, no-theft option that simplifies travel for everyone, especially those with bulky items such as golf clubs” said Boyd. He adds that in additional to golfers, families, heavy packers, those traveling to a cruise, and discerning luxury travelers make up the majority of their customer base.
Ship your golf bags and luggage to Hawaii via Luggage Free http://www.luggagefree.com/luggage-free-and-golf-ahoy-cruise-planners/
“Pack and Roll – Avoid the Airport Checked Baggage Lines”
Anthony Webber, founder and co-owner at GolfAhoy, has traveled around the world for over 25 years inspecting cruise ships and golf destinations. His advice for fellow golf travelers is, “I wouldn’t presume to tell a lady golfer how to pack or what to pack for a 7 day golf trip but guys can fit everything they’ll need for seven to ten days in a back pack and a roll-on, both items can be brought onboard the aircraft. I travel virtually hands free and move through security with ease with my Briggs & Riley back pack (model KP375C $299US) that fits under the airplane seat and a 22″ expandable upright Briggs & Riley 4 wheel spinner (model TU222X $349US) that fits in the overhead bin.” http://www.briggs-riley.com/category/group.aspx?sec=travel
Briggs & Riley Golfers Back Pack
Briggs & Riley Carry On Spinner
“Ship your golf club bag with your golf shoes, towels and gloves ahead to your destination, skip the check-in baggage lines and roll straight to the gate with your back pack atop your carry-on spinner. Before security, transfer your coin change, car keys and sun glasses to the conveniently positioned pouch on the back pack. Avoid wearing belts and lace up shoes – buy yourself a pair of slip on slip off CROCS Yukon Sport Men’s Comfortable Clogs ($55US) for traveling” http://www.crocs.com/crocs-yukon-sport/10931,default,pd.html?cid=24R&cgid=men-best-sellers
“I’ve learned that the secret to wrinkle free packing is to roll up all of my clothes first then pack my upright spinner and back pack. What to pack is an individual choice but for a 7 or 10 day golf trip I’ll include two pairs of slacks, one khaki and one dark color, blue blazer, two dress shirts and one tie, five boxer shorts, three socks, five golf shirts, black leather loafers, my trusty SUNICE rain gear http://www.sunice.com/us/product/s12000_2604-ultimate-v5 , tee shirt, sleeveless zip up fleece, swim trunks, toiletries, camera, two sleeves of golf balls and a lap top with room to spare for a book and MP3 player and head phones. Although hotels offer laundry services I’ll wash my boxers, socks and golf shirts in the hotel room shower and hang them to dry overnight. A tee shirt doubles as a pajama top if the hotel air-conditioning room temp gets chilly.”
“To protect the tips of my ears and face from the sun burn on the golf course I take my breathable nylon Tilley Golf Hat (model LT5B $82US) every time I travel http://www.tilley.com/Hats-Men.aspx – it’s foldable and rain resistant.”
Pamela Johnston, President, Cloud12 Public Relations www.cloud12pr.com and Briggs & Riley media spokesperson says this about the new Briggs & Riley BRX Exchange Rolling Backpack, “ To roll or not to roll, that is the age-old question facing the modern golf traveler. Fortunately, Briggs & Riley has the answer: do both. It’s not only possible but convenient, comfortable, and cool to have the latest hybrid bag from Briggs & Riley. Customers get the benefits of a rolling bag and a backpack all in one with the introduction of the new BRX Exchange Rolling Backpack. With capacity of a 19′ rolling carry-on and versatility of a backpack, like everything Briggs & Riley makes, the BRX Exchange Rolling Backpack grew out of a near obsession with making golf travel as easy, pleasant and as stress free as possible. The BRX Collection from Briggs & Riley features rugged and sporty style for golf travelers on the move who want light-weight, durable, luggage for their golf adventures.”
“With the BRX Exchange Rolling Backpack, golf travelers can effortlessly navigate through changing circumstances. The zip-down back panel conceals the wheels and keeps dirt and moisture off your back and provides access to the padded backpack harness with waist straps and a lumbar support panel. An adjustable sternum strap keeps the backpack straps from sliding off and reduces strain on arms, neck and shoulders. The unique zippered and Velcro® opening allows you to access the bag from the top in backpack mode, while completely opening flat for packing like a traditional suitcase. Padded pockets cradle a laptop and an iPad®. There’s more room inside than seems possible for a bag that fits perfectly in the overhead bin.”
Find local or international Briggs & Riley luggage stores with this handy store locator http://www.briggs-riley.com/luggage-stores/usa/
To book your Hawaii golf cruise call GolfAhoy 239.344.9187 or use the online instant contact here www.GolfAhoy.com/reservations
