If you’re an avid golfer, you’ve likely flown off to several golf tours with your friends, enjoying the best golf courses around the world during holidays. Well, how about taking your next golf trip a notch higher? Imagine the ultimate luxury experience for fairway fanatics—a golf cruise!
Golf cruises combine the love for golf and the pleasures of luxury international travel in one luxury experience. . You get the chance to tee off on the world’s most renowned golf courses while indulging in the first-class amenities of a cruise ship. Plus, you get to mingle with other golf enthusiasts who are as well-travelled, financially savvy, and experienced as you.
For the most fulfilling experience on a golf cruise, join the right type. Yes, there are different types of golf cruises, primarily classified as hosted and non-hosted. Fortunately, Trendsetter Travel Golf Tours offers both choices so you can easily book your next golf trip, regardless of your preferences and needs.
So, which golfing experience is right for you? Let’s review what hosted and non-hosted golf cruises are and who they are best for.
Hosted Golf Cruises: Organised Itinerary for Hassle-Free Experiences
As the name implies, hosted golf cruises have experienced tour hosts on board. These hosts lead guests through organised itineraries that include golf excursions and social events both at sea and onshore. They are experienced in the destinations and golf cruises and are on hand to assist you throughout the tour.
Hosted golf cruises often include access to world renowned golf courses, preferred tee off times, golf carts, knowledgeable hosts to guide you and much more. With everything pre-arranged, including transportation and tee times, you’ll need to prep your golf packing list and go on board.
Non-Hosted Golf Cruises: Flexible Schedules for Independent Golfers
In a non-hosted golf cruise, guests are free to make their own schedules. You can choose which golf course to play on and when you want to play. This flexibility gives you time for non-golf activities you may want to explore.
The downside to this type of golf cruise is that you’d have to arrange logistics for your golf outings and manage your equipment. Unlike hosted cruises, where everything is laid out, you’d have to book your tee times and transportation yourself. Of course, if you opt to book via Trendsetter Travel Golf Tours, a golf travel specialist can assist you with the nitty-gritty details, so you won’t be completely in the rough.
Benefits of Hosted Golf Cruises
While non-hosted golf cruises offer flexibility, planning and arranging your own itinerary can be daunting and stressful. So, for the ultimate golf experience that’s hassle-free, hosted golf cruises are the way to go–; the benefits are excellent.
1. Expert Guidance and Support
Hosts on golf cruise are knowledgeable about golf courses and destinations. They can share insights and tips on course strategy that can help lower your handicap and have you scoring eagles and birdies. They know the best courses, get preferred tea times, arrange golf carts and are there to assist you throughout your experience.
2. Social and Group Activities on and Beyond the Golf Course
Hosted golf cruises are structured to include a mix of golf and non-golf activities. Organised group activities and events open plenty of opportunities for socialising and making new friends. These give you a chance to build camaraderie with fellow golf enthusiasts.
3. Stress-Free Travel Experience
No hassles, no fuss. With hosted golf cruises, the golf tour operators pre-arrange logistics and itineraries. They make travel arrangements, book accommodations, schedule tee times, reserve seats for dinner. You get peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of.
4. Special Perks and Exclusive Access at Premier Golf Courses
Most golf cruises give you access to exclusive golf courses and private clubs—access that may be difficult to get if you book independently. Moreover, golf cruise hosts often arrange special perks and amenities to ensure that their guests are given VIP treatment and personalised golf experiences.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Hosted vs Non-Hosted Golf Cruises
Still unsure which type of golf cruise to take? Here’s a quick view of their features and benefits.
| Hosted Golf Cruise | Non-Hosted Golf Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| Itinerary | Organised and well-structured | Self-directed and flexible |
| Course Access | Scheduled tee times at top courses and exclusive golf clubs | Arranged by the golfers themselves |
| Logistics | Pre-arranged for seamless transport and course management | Handled individually by the golfers themselves |
| Skill Building | Expert tips and coaching from hosts and golf pros | Not typically available |
| Level of Service | High, with personalised attention | Standard cruise service |
| Best for |
|
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When choosing between these two options, consider your personal preferences and travel style. What are your golfing goals and desired travel experiences for your golf trip?
Splurge a bit and go hosted if
- You prefer a structured environment
- You want to get access to courses and experience otherwise unavailable
- You enjoy socialising with fellow golfers
- You like having a host onboard to assist with all items throughout the tour.
Non-Hosted is better for you if:
- You are comfortable managing your own activities
- You prefer flexibility and independence
- You want a quieter, more solitary experience
Testimonials and Real-Life Experiences
Trendsetter Travel Golf Tours arranges both hosted and non-hosted golf cruises to popular golf destinations across the globe. Here’s what some of our cruise participants have to say about their travel experiences with us.
“Trendsetter Golf Tours never disappoints. David and Adrienne are perfect hosts who attend to every detail. We have been all over the world on their golf tours and have relished their knowledge, research and organisation. The golf cruise is particularly seamless and of high quality – we are already signed up for another around the Mediterranean.”
Greg and Nancy Incoll, Members of NSW Golf Club
“Congratulations to Trendsetter Travel – specifically Adrienne and David – for a wonderful cruise experience. Combining golf and a cruise is the best way to enjoy Europe if you are a golfing fan…We have done a number of cruises, but the added activity of golf almost every day (or not if you wanted a day off) was addictive, and now we cannot think of travelling anywhere if golf is not a part of the trip. The standard of organisation for the trip has been set high!”
Louise and Stephen Cordaiy, Members of Elanora Golf Club and The Australian Golf Club
“Sara and I have travelled with David and Adrienne of Trendsetter Travel on four separate international golfing holidays (Scotland, Ireland, Florida and the Mediterranean golf cruise in 2016). All of these trips have been exceptional–well organised with highly rated golf courses, quality accommodation and easy travel arrangements. A key feature is the attention to detail, which makes for hassle-free travel both on and off the golf course. We thoroughly recommend Trendsetter Travel and look forward to our next golf trip with them.”
Denis & Sara Wood, Members of Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club
Make the Most of Your Golf Cruise Holiday
Any golf cruise is a well-deserved treat for golf enthusiasts. However, hosted golf cruises deliver the ultimate golf travel experiences. They offer exclusive and bespoke experiences in a stress-free environment. They keep the fun by leaving time-consuming and frustrating tasks to the professionals.
While they may seem to come at a premium cost, they may actually end up saving you money–and your sanity–in the long run. Trendsetter Travel Golf Tours, for instance, gets discounted rates for green fees and hotel packages. This means you get to book at exclusive golf clubs and five-star hotels at lower prices.
Experience Luxury, Join a Hosted Golf Cruise
Trendsetter Travel Golf Tours offers well-curated and highly organised golf cruises to different destinations worldwide. We already have river cruises and luxury golf cruises arranged in North America, the United Kingdom, Western Europe, and other regions. Experience a Crystal cruise and play golf from Lisbon to Copenhagen. Test your clubs at courses from Toronto to Chicago or from New York to Montreal.
All you have to do now is choose the ones you’d like to join. For personalised recommendations and booking assistance, contact us today. A golf travel specialist would gladly go through all the details and book the best golf cruise for you.
