Being stuck on a boat for a week runs counter to a golfer’s instincts. First, there’s that whole surrounded-by-water thing. Then there’s the challenge of navigating the narrow halls of a cruise ship with a golf bag and trying to find a cranny in your cramped cabin to stow your clubs. But if you can withstand that – and your mates’ shuffleboard and midnight-buffet jokes – you might be pleasantly surprised by the experience.
It’s not only possible to turn a seagoing voyage into a golf trip, it might be the best way to sample places such as the Caribbean, the Hawaiian Islands or even Scotland. Want to play golf on Aruba, Barbados, Puerto Rico and St Thomas in a single week? Unless you like going through airport security half a dozen times and hassles with passports and customs, then a cruise is the way to go.
“I would certainly talk to my golf buds about doing a cruise as a golf trip,” says Matt Denley, a 14-handicapper from America, who recently honeymooned on a giant vessel and played rounds of golf in St Thomas and Aruba. “I never thought about it until I took this cruise, but it’s great being on the ship, because everything is arranged for you. And you don’t have to run all around like you do when you go to other traditional golf destinations. It’s a great idea.”
In addition to the golf options, there are the intangible benefits of a golf cruise, such as having a mandatory day or two of rest while the ship is moving from one island to the next. How many times have you struggled to roll out of bed on the third day of that 36-holes-a-day golf trip? On a cruise you can stay in bed, order room service (it’s often included) and maybe rally around lunchtime for a massage in the spa. If one destination doesn’t meet your expectations, just wait a day and you’ll be in a new locale. And if your golf mates start to get on your nerves, you can always mingle with the 2,500 other passengers on board. People tend to keep to their own groups at resorts, but cruise ships seem to turn even shy people into extroverts.
EDITORS’ CHOICE – Best Cruise: Hawaiian Islands
Diamond Golf Cruise
How does a fully escorted golf tour of Hawaii, including four nights at The Sheraton Waikiki, six rounds of golf and a seven-night cruise on board Pride of America sound?
Throw in an alluring mix of heavenly islands, white sandy beaches, lush rainforest, ancient kingdoms and laidback locals, and this is one sightseeing extravaganza not to be missed.
Pride of America’s immersive itinerary visits the islands of O’ahu, Maui, the Big Island of Hawai’i and Kaua’i, with bucket-list highlights including an afternoon cruise along the Nā Pali Coast, famed for its dramatic emerald cliffs, flowing waterfalls and astounding natural beauty – all best viewed by sea.
A cost-effective way to discover the delights of multiple Hawaiian Islands compared to a traditional land package or island-hopping tour, Pride of America’s extensive on-board entertainment, dining and relaxation options ensure guests have an abundance of places to eat, drink and unwind after a day spent exploring.
On board, guests can choose from 14 dining options, including two main dining rooms, as well as specialty dining favourites such as Cagney’s Steakhouse, La Cucina and Jefferson’s Bistro. After dark, the 10 bar and lounge options include Pink’s Champagne Bar, Waikiki Bar, the New Orleans inspired Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub, and Broadway-style shows at the Hollywood Theatre.
For a change of pace, guests can take a refreshing dip in the Oasis Pool or Miami-inspired South Beach Pool, be pampered with a choice from more than 50 treatments at Mandara Spa or relax with a book in the glass-walled Conservatory. Guests can also learn about Hawaiian culture through the eyes of native ambassadors who are part of the ship’s crew.
Pride of America visits four of Hawai’i’s magical islands with no sea days, allowing guests the time to truly immerse themselves in island life with plenty of time to explore, learn and play while enjoying the best of Hawai’ian hospitality, cuisine and culture.
Highlights include a jungle falls bike adventure in Hilo, where guests will be escorted to the lush rainforest at Botanical World Adventures and have the chance to explore old plantation villages, before arriving at a private waterfall; a journey of discovery to the Puna district, the land of frozen fire many locals believe is the workshop of the volcano goddess, Pele, and learn how volcanoes like Kilauea have the awe-inspiring ability to both destroy and create; a four-day pre-cruise O’ahu Explorer tour, including a visit to historic World War II sites such as Pearl Harbour and traversing the majestic peaks of Kualoa Ranch. Secure your spot at gogolfing.net.au
