By a guy who loves cruising, hitting the links, and travels with his wife who is a lifestyle & travel writer.
Let me start with a confession: I’m the kind of guy who picks vacation spots based on two things—can I play golf there, and will my non-golfing wife love it as well? If it also happens to involve a cruise ship, even better.
So when I heard that AmaWaterways is expanding its Concierge Golf Program to the Seine in France, I nearly spilled my scotch. I’ve already had my eye on their Danube cruise golf program for a while (because really, who doesn’t want to golf through Austria?), but now we’re talking France. As in, Paris, Normandy, clifftop golf courses, world-class wine… the whole nine. Or eighteen, in this case.
Let’s break this down. If you’ve never heard of AmaWaterways, they’re one of the big dogs when it comes to luxury river cruising, but in a good way. My wife has traveled with them and has raved about it ever since (hmmm…she never invited me on that press trip). If you haven’t cruised with AmaWaterways, it’s definitely less “mass market buffet line” and more “sail down the river with wine in hand while someone remembers your name.” They’ve just upped their already luxurious game by launching a golf-focused cruise through the heart of France, and if you ask me, this is how golf vacations should be done.
What’s the Deal with the Concierge Golf Program?
Picture this: You’re cruising down the Seine on the AmaDante, a glass of French red in hand, watching the sun set over storybook villages. The next morning, instead of hopping on a crowded tour bus, you climb into a Mercedes (yep, really), and someone drives you to play golf at one of France’s most prestigious courses. You finish your round, they clean your clubs and your shoes, then whisk you back to the ship where a hot lunch and chilled beer are waiting.
That’s not just fantasy—it’s exactly what AmaWaterways is offering.
Their new Concierge Golf Program now includes five different courses along the Seine. And we’re not talking mini-golf at the Eiffel Tower. These are serious, championship-level courses that most of us could only dream about teeing off on during a typical trip.
Here’s Where You’ll Play
If you’re the kind of person who gets a thrill from a tough par 4 or a view so beautiful it distracts you mid-swing, check out this lineup:
- Le Golf National (Guyancourt)
You might recognize this one—it hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup. It’s famous for nerve-wracking final holes surrounded by water. This place doesn’t play around. It’s a real test of your mental game (and whether you brought enough balls). - Racing Club de France La Boulie (Versailles)
Designed by golf legend Willie Park Jr., this one’s a piece of history. Beautiful, tree-lined fairways just outside of Paris. It’s old-school golf with French charm baked in. - Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil (Normandy)
This one hosts the Vaudreuil Golf Challenge, a big deal in the European golf world. Tight fairways, tricky greens—great for anyone who loves a challenge and doesn’t mind getting humbled. - Golf Étretat (Étretat)
Now this one? It’s a clifftop course. Like, literally on the edge of the coast, with the wind whipping off the sea and waves crashing below. The views are ridiculous—and so are the wind conditions. Bring your A-game and a camera. - Golf de Saint-Germain (Saint-Germain-en-Laye)
Designed by Harry Colt (another legendary name in golf course architecture), this one’s deep in the forest. It’s scenic, strategic, and walk-only. So, skip leg day before you play here.
What makes this even cooler is that AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line offering tee times at all five of these. So yeah, it’s exclusive.
What’s Included (Besides Bragging Rights)?
This isn’t just “Hey, go figure out how to get to the course and hope you can rent clubs.” This is next-level concierge service, and here’s what you get:
- Up to five rounds of golf at championship courses
- Private Mercedes transfers to and from each course
- Club and shoe cleaning after every round (because let’s face it, who wants to bring dirty spikes back to the ship?)
- À la carte lunches with wine and beer at each club
- Carts and range tokens (where available)
- A fancy welcome kit with premium golf balls (Titleist Pro V1s or Callaway Chrome Softs), pitch repair tool, leather shoe bag, and detailed course guides
It’s like they read a golfer’s dream journal and made it real.
The Ship Itself: AmaDante
Let’s talk about the floating part of this floating golf trip. The AmaDante is a luxury river ship—think spacious staterooms with French balconies, a sun deck for watching the countryside go by, wine-paired dinners that rival any Paris bistro, and daily wellness options if you’re the kind of guy who still stretches before teeing off (or just wants to burn off the bread).
Even if you’re traveling with a spouse or buddy who doesn’t golf, there’s plenty to do. It happens to be my wife’s favorite River Cruise line. Wine tastings, walking tours through medieval towns, market visits, cooking demos, or just relaxing with a good book while floating past fields of lavender. It’s a win-win.
Who’s This For?
If you’ve been on the big ocean cruise ships and found yourself wishing for something a little more refined, this is for you. If you’ve ever dreamed about playing top-tier European golf courses without spending weeks planning hotels and train tickets, this is your jam. And if you’re the type of guy who values a perfectly poured beer after a solid round, all while your clubs get cleaned for you—welcome home.
