Crystal's Golf Cruises

Crystal Cruises is expanding its luxury golfing opportunities around the world with a 25% increase in international course offerings in 2013, many of them new to the deluxe line. With three golf-themed cruises boasting new itineraries in the British Isles, New England/Canada and the Canary Islands/Iberia, the 'Experience of Discovery' voyages offer immersion in more than a dozen of the regions’ best and most breathtaking courses, as well as onboard clinics, classes and mingling to improve one’s game.

Crystal’s 11-night cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona on April 10 is a great example of the six-star calibre of opportunities available on board and ashore. British golfing legend Tony Jacklin will be on hand to share tips and tales from his esteemed career, as well as play with guests at renowned championship courses, including:

• Valderrama (Cadiz) – considered by many to be the number one course in Europe, with a design that utilises natural hazards to challenge golfers.
• Oitavos Dunes (Lisbon) – called “one of the finest pieces of golfing heaven anywhere in continental Europe” thanks to a design that complements a natural setting, including 50-year-old umbrella pines lining the outward nine.
• El Saler Golf Course (Valencia) – named one of Golf Magazine’s 100 Greatest Courses in the World and designed by the “architect of Spanish golf”, Javier Arana.Golf Club del Sur (Santa Cruz de Tenerife) – home to several PGA European tour competitions with water hazards, volcanic sand bunkers and 8,000 palm trees surrounding its 27 holes (Crystal guests will play 18).
• Palheiro Golf Club (Funchal) – designed to test players’ strategic game with tight fairways, fast greens and stunning bay views from 200-year-old estate grounds.

Crystal’s golf programme includes a VIP welcome reception; pre and post-round refreshments in legendary clubhouses; welcome kits with course information and gifts; team-pairing; transportation to/from courses; game carts or caddies (where available); 45-minute warm-ups; awards; storage and cleaning of clubs and shoes; and more – all included. TaylorMade clubs, putting greens, driving ranges and golf pros (who offer private lessons or complimentary group coaching sessions) are also available on board for extra practice, as with every Crystal cruise.

The 11-night cruise starts with an overnight in Lisbon and visits Madeira, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arrecife, Agadir, Casablanca, Cadiz and Valencia before finishing in Barcelona. All-inclusive fares start from £2,956 per person.

For bookings, follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK's luxury cruise specialists.

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