The cruises that sports lovers can't get enough of

Whether working up a sweat on deck or teeing-off on a world class golf course, these are the cruises for sporting fanatics.

It’s well-documented that wellness tourism is on the rise as more travellers prioritise physical and mental wellbeing post-pandemic. Think spa and yoga retreats, and cycling and hiking holidays paired with healthy cuisine.

This year, we can look forward to even more sporty pursuits creeping into the travel sphere. Hotel group Accor’s 2025 travel trend report identified “athletic adventures” as a motivator, with more people tipped to combine their recreational sporting passions with their love for travel, whether it’s running in the New York marathon or playing a round of golf at a famous course.

“Enthusiasts (are) increasingly travelling to participate in sporting challenges in picturesque locations, such as historic cities,” the report says. Events often highlight local culture and landmarks, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Cruise brands are already on board with this trend. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a special Spotlight Voyage in June hosted by Sweden’s Annika Sörenstam, the greatest female golfer of all time. The 14-night voyage, departing from Southampton, England, features destination visits to some of world’s most renowned golf courses. And we’re not talking quick tours of the clubrooms. At Royal Lytham & St Annes in England and Ailsa at Turnberry in Scotland, for example, cruisers will get to play alongside Annika. At Dundonald Links in Scotland, there’s the chance to play 18 holes. The 11-time major winner will provide personalised coaching and guidance on the course and at sea.

At Ailsa at Turnberry in Scotland, cruisers will get to play alongside Annika Sörenstam.

Azamara Cruises has teamed up with Perry Golf to offer a number of golf cruises across 2025. A highlight is their 16-night Norwegian Golf Cruise which sets sail from Edinburgh in July and includes the chance to play four golf courses, three of them within the Arctic Circle. Imagine playing a round at the remote Lofoten Links, the world’s most northerly 18-hole course.

Back on board there is ample opportunity to practise your golf putt and swing on many cruise ships but if you really want to work up a sweat, sporting challenges are available too.

Imagine playing a round at the remote Lofoten Links, the world’s most northerly 18-hole course. Picture: Katie Martynowicz (Visit Lofoten).

Case in point, the rise of pickleball, the hugely popular blend of tennis, badminton and table tennis, on ships. Celebrity Cruises, for example, has pickleball courts on nine of its ships including Australian favourite, Celebrity Solstice, with casual play and organised tournaments on board. They have separate play times for adults and families.

Royal Caribbean has a vast array of sporting pursuits on board. Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, which are both sailing in Australian waters until April, feature a full-size court for basketball, volleyball, tennis, football and dodge ball. Add to this the full body workout of jumping on a surfboard and attempting the FlowRider surf simulator. Yes, you may eat more on a cruise ship than on dry land, as the choices are incredible, but these activities will ensure you disembark in ship shape.

Originally published as The cruises that sports lovers can't get enough of