Azamara Cruises has announced a new partnership with Premier Golf, the Official Golf Travel Partner of the PGA of America, introducing 8 golf-focused cruises scheduled across its 4 ships in 2027 and 2028. The programme combines rounds at renowned golf courses with destination-focused itineraries and tailored pre- and post-cruise experiences.
The sailings will cover Ireland, Scotland, the British Isles, Northern Europe, the Pacific Coast, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Featured courses include Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Torrey Pines South in California and Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand. The itineraries will also incorporate Azamara’s longer port stays and late-night departures, allowing guests additional time to explore destinations ashore.
Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler said the partnership was designed to bring together golf and travel through a programme that combines access to leading courses with the company’s smaller ships and destination-focused approach. She noted that the experience would extend beyond the golf rounds themselves, with time spent travelling between ports forming part of the overall holiday.
The Premier Golf programme comprises two categories. The Classic Collection is intended for experienced golfers seeking traditional links courses and renowned layouts where walking is an integral part of the game. The Leisure Collection features more accessible, cart-friendly courses, catering to casual players, groups with different levels of experience and travellers who want to balance golf with shore exploration.
4 of the 8 cruises—covering Ireland, Scotland, the British Isles and Northern Europe—will offer both Classic and Leisure options. The remaining itineraries, covering the Pacific Coast, Vietnam and Thailand, Australia and New Zealand, and New Zealand and Australia, will feature a single collection. Depending on the sailing and package selected, guests can play 3 to 5 rounds. Packages generally include transfers to and from the golf courses, carts or caddies where applicable, lunch at each course, and welcome and farewell events.
The inaugural programme begins with the Pacific Coast Golf Cruise aboard Azamara Quest, sailing from 17th to 24th May 2027. Azamara Pursuit will operate the Vietnam and Thailand Golf Cruise from 3rd to 16th October 2027, followed by the Australia and New Zealand Golf Cruise from 5th to 21st January 2028. Azamara Onward is scheduled to operate the New Zealand and Australia Golf Cruise from 15th February to 1st March 2028.
The 2028 programme continues with the Ireland Golf Cruise aboard Azamara Quest from 20th May to 1st June, followed by the Scotland Golf Cruise on the same ship from 1st to 13th June. Azamara Journey will operate the British Isles Golf Cruise and The Open itinerary from 3rd to 17th August, while Azamara Quest will conclude the announced collection with the Northern Europe Golf Cruise from 21st August to 2nd September 2028. Azamara has indicated that additional golf sailings for 2028 will be announced later.
The British Isles itinerary will also include a Sunday walking tour of the Old Course at St Andrews, providing an opportunity to visit the historic golf venue beyond the rounds included in the package.
In addition to the cruises, Azamara and Premier Golf are developing 5 pre- and post-cruise golf experiences across 4 destinations: Mission Hills in Shenzhen, La Jolla in California, Sentosa Island in Singapore and Te Arai in New Zealand. These extensions are intended to allow guests to add further rounds and spend additional time in the destinations.
The available options include a post-cruise round at Torrey Pines South in La Jolla, rounds at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, and 2-night stays in New Zealand featuring play at the Te Arai North and South courses. Further extensions are in development.