Crystal Cruises lined up 10 European championship golf courses for exclusive, luxury play during two limited-access “Experiences of Discovery” golf-themed cruises this summer. Hosted by 51-time PGA tour-winner Billy Casper, travelers can strike balls in Spain, Portugal, and Monaco during July 13’s Crystal Serenity voyage, or in the British Isles on Crystal Symphony’s Aug. 25 sailing.
Courses include:
Edinburgh/Rosyth
· Gleneagles King’s and Queen’s Courses: Overnighting allows for games on two aristocratic moorland links.
Barcelona
· Real Club de Golf El Prat: An exclusive course in Spain, designed by Greg Norman.
· Club de Golf Masia Bach: Challenging and contemporary 18 holes designed by José Maria Olazábal.
Monte Carlo
· Monte Carlo Golf Club: Inaugural Crystal club features Mediterranean Sea views.
Valencia
· El Saler Golf Course: Pine forests and sea flank this site of several Spanish Opens.
Cádiz
· Valderrama: Voted the 15th Best International Course by Celebrated Living readers.
Belfast
· Royal Belfast Golf Club: Ireland’s oldest fairway, with Belfast Lough and Antrim plateau views.
Lisbon
· Penha Longa Golf Course: This mountainous Robert Trent Jones, Jr.-designed green is considered one of the European Circuit’s best.
Dublin
· Kildare Hotel & Country Club: Inland links designed by Arnold Palmer.
Boutique excursions offer socializing during warm-up refreshments, games, lunch and “19th-hole” cocktails in private clubhouses, with Crystal also arranging round-trip transportation, team-pairing, carts, caddies (where available) and club and shoe cleaning and storage. Shoreside activities are complemented by on-board offerings including parties, awards, golf clinics with PGA pro John Clark, TaylorMade clubs, putting green, and two driving ranges for practice-at-sea. Billy Casper will also play and mingle with guests, as well as provide tips and presentations.
Until April 30, all-inclusive Book Now fares start at $5,330 for 11 days circumnavigating the UK, round-trip from London/Dover through Edinburgh/Rosyth (overnight), Belfast, Dublin, Holyhead, Waterford, Portland, and the Channel Islands, and $5,410 for 12 days sailing from Monte Carlo (overnight) to Marseilles, Barcelona (overnight), Valencia, Málaga, Gibraltar, Cádiz/Seville, and Lisbon.
For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com.