All cruise lines promise the simple joy of unpacking once and waking up in a new destination each morning. Many ships now accommodate golfers with putting greens, simulators and organized outings. But a dedicated golf cruise is different: playing notable courses is the central purpose, and you don’t need to touch your golf bag until you arrive at the practice range or first tee. Tee times, transportation and even club cleaning are handled for you.
Two of the most prominent providers of dedicated golf cruises are Perry Golf and Kalos Golf Cruises.
PHOTO: © ROYAL PORTRUSH GOLF CLUB
“Golf cruises remain a niche style of golf vacation, but they’re highly convenient, deliver excellent service and create memorable experiences,” said Gordon Dalgleish, president and cofounder of Perry Golf. “Demand is growing—some of our 2024 departures had wait lists, and bookings are filling into 2025.”
“Golf cruises feel like a country club at sea,” said Jim Lamont, president of Kalos Golf Cruises. “There’s camaraderie on board, consistent service and the convenience of not having to unpack repeatedly. On typical land-based golf trips, players check into a new hotel after a round and then face logistics like dining and parking. Our guests have done those trips but prefer to avoid the hassles and concentrate on the golf.”
Perry Golf partners exclusively with Azamara ships, each carrying just under 700 guests. Their 2024–2025 program covers more than 25 countries and over 80 courses, including roughly 20 courses ranked in Golf Digest’s World Top 100. For example, a New Zealand/Australia itinerary can include Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers and The Kinloch Club. Summer cruises in the British Isles have featured Scottish staples like Royal Dornoch and Ailsa (Turnberry) and Irish icons such as Royal County Down, Royal Portrush and Ballybunion. Some voyages coincide with attendance at major events like The Open. Other regions on offer include South Africa, the Mediterranean, Norway, Asia, the Baltic Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
“Our clients are largely couples, and demand is geographically broad,” Dalgleish added. He notes that many clients choose a cruise as much for the overall destination as for the golf itinerary itself.
Destination choice is often shaped by non-golfing partners who expect standard cruise amenities—engaging shore excursions, local culture and relaxed onboard life. Golfers themselves frequently seek experiences beyond the course.
“Our golfers want more than golf,” Lamont explained. “They’re interested in food and wine, history and cultural experiences. Each cruise emphasizes a different interest alongside great golf.”
Examples of themed journeys include Kalos’s Bordeaux Golf & Wine Cruise and a Normandy Golf Cruise that traces sites associated with the Allied invasion of France.
PHOTO: © EMERALD CRUISES
Kalos Golf focuses on an exclusive small-ship experience, typically carrying 90–120 passengers. The company charters elegant vessels such as Sea Cloud Spirit and Sea Cloud II that blend classic sailing character with modern comforts. They also use yachts like Emerald Azzurra—sleek, contemporary ships that carry about 100 guests and a full crew—allowing access to ports larger ships cannot reach. For river itineraries, Kalos employs luxury river ships. Kalos is noted for securing tee times at prestigious private clubs and for varied itineraries across the British Isles, the Adriatic, Australia, Spain, Normandy, New Zealand, Sicily and the Riviera, as well as Danube and Rhine river cruises.
UNIQUE SETTINGS
Executives from both Perry Golf and Kalos Golf highlight lesser-known gems included on their itineraries.
“Lofoten Links in Norway—ranked among Golf magazine’s Top 100—is hard to reach by air or land but features on our Norwegian voyage,” said Gordon Dalgleish. “Cruden Bay on Scotland’s east coast is often missed on standard land tours but is included on our Scottish Links & Islands cruise.”
“Our Danube river cruise is popular but surprising to many as a golf destination,” said Jim Lamont. “Small private clubs deliver high-quality golf in unique settings. On our Baltic cruises, guests are often surprised by excellent courses in Sweden, Denmark, Germany and even Estonia.”
Club professionals frequently use specialist travel partners to arrange group golf travel. Companies that work with major cruise lines organize golf packages for individuals and groups in destinations such as the Hawaiian Islands, as well as on Rhine and Danube river cruises.