Golf is a sport enjoyed by many across the world, spending time in the great outdoors with friends as you challenge yourself with bunkers, ponds and putting. Being on a cruise doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your tee time – in fact, most cruises offer their own twist on golf to ensure you can practice your skills.
Golf simulators
For the more serious golfers, a simulator provides an excellent way to practice your shots while at sea. The simulators can be quite advanced, perfect for keeping your drives in check while cruising.
Which cruise lines have golf simulators on-board?
Royal Caribbean’s older ships boast nine-hold virtual courses including the Freedom, Radiance, and Voyager Classes. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 also offers the only golf simulator in the fleet. Princess Cruises offers the chance to play at some of the world’s greatest golf courses such as St. Andrews and Pebble Beach on its golf simulator, though this is only available on selected ships. Carnival Cruise Line’s golf simulators are even supported with golf professionals, happy to help offer tips and perfect your game!
P&O Cruises’ Aurora is the only ship in the fleet which offers a golf simulator, while MSC Cruises’ MSC Sinfonia offers the chance to swing your clubs with the cruise line’s only golf simulator.
Mini golf
Most cruise ships offer mini golf courses for the fun factor – who doesn’t love a challenging round amongst tricky windmills and funky obstacles? Mini golf courses are typically nine-holes and ideal for any age to enjoy.
Which cruise lines have mini golf courses on-board?
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Cruise & Maritime
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Saga Ocean
Carnival Cruise Line offers mini golf courses on all of its ships (coming soon to Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance and Mardi Gras) and you can expect colourful courses and family fun. Cruise & Maritime’s Astor offers a mini golf range, while MSC Cruises entertaining open-air mini golf course is welcomed on-board MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia.
All Breakaway and Breakaway Plus Class ships with Norwegian Cruise Line boast a mini golf course, featuring obstacles for all skill levels. Princess Cruises also includes a miniature golf putting range, as does Royal Caribbean, which offers excellent courses to challenge the whole family. Saga Ocean has a small crazy golf course, though this is only available on-board Saga Sapphire.
P&O Cruises don’t offer a mini golf course but the fleet has golf nets available for use.
Can you sail to a golf course on a cruise?
With the sheer amount of golf courses around the world, it’s likely your cruise will venture close to a golf course or two on your sailing. Popular ports of call with golf courses nearby include:
- Barcelona – The Real Club de Golf El Prat offers 45 holes split into four courses, with stunning Spanish landscapes to accompany you. Situated only 30 minutes drive from the port, and ranked in the European Top 100 courses, it’s certainly worth a visit for golf enthusiasts.
- Bermuda – Bermuda’s Turtle Hill golf club is a huge hit with members, featuring 18 par-3 holes overlooking stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also winner of Golf Digest’s ‘Best Places to Play Golf’, so you’ll definitely find your sweet spot visiting here!
- Edinburgh – Cruises which dock in Leith are close to the Silverknowes Golf Course, offer 6,281 yards of golf in the home country of the sport.
- Monaco – Already with the Grand Prix under its belt, Monaco also offers superb golf at the Monte Carlo Golf Club, just 30 minutes from the port. 3,000 feet above sea level and with an 18-hole golf course initially designed in 1911, it’s a winning choice for playing here.
Many cruise lines offer their own shore excursions to golf-related activities. Carnival Cruise Lines feature many excursions to golf courses across North America, the Caribbean and Mexico.
Azamara Club Cruises has a specific partnership with PerryGolf, the international leader in luxury golf vacations. Exclusive voyages are created for keen golfers to enjoy sailings around the world, while enjoying a luxury cruise experience.
Do I need to pack my clubs?
For golf simulators and mini golf, you don’t need to pack your own clubs as these will be provided by the cruise line. Should you opt for a shore excursion or arranged visit to a nearby golf course when you’re cruise ship is docked, you can either rent equipment at the course or take your own along.
If you opt to rent equipment, it’s wise to check this is available with the golf course prior to visiting. It’s also worth noting that if you’re planning a fly-cruise, your golf clubs will come with a maximum weight and charges incurred should you go over. Some airlines even include your clubs in your checked baggage allowance, so you’re even more restricted.
If you’re sailing from the UK, you can just take your clubs on-board the ship as you embark. Some lines might have lockers or additional storage for you to pop them in until needed, or you can choose to keep them in your room.
Book your par-fect golf cruise today
Whether you’re looking to putt on the mini golf course with the family, or seeking a round at a prestigious golf course along the coast, you can call our Cruise Concierge team on 0808 239 0768 for expert help arranging your cruise and assistance with your booking.
Which princess cruise ships gave golf simulators
Is there a driving range on board carnival cruise?
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I feel the the etiquette in golf is failing with some people being allowed on courses who haven’t a clue about letting people through, slow play, raking bunkers, positioning their trolleys in readiness for the next hole slowing play down, unprepared pitch marks the list goes on. Not sure of the introduction of the 54 handicap is going to help this cause.
This information has been very helpful, thank you.
I fell over this article while searcing for simulators. Just to let people know we are a fully escorted Golf Cruise experience either from the UK or USA. (.com) Groups only so be sure to have a minimum of 10 players.