What more perfect way is there to combine a vacation and your love for the game, than to look at the vast array of golf cruises that are offered by cruise ship lines all over the world? In fact, some of them offer tours that really are the world, and will take you to more countries and more links than you ever dreamed was possible.

Golf cruises are truly the dream vacation for many weekend players and their spouses or partners, whether they play golf or not. While the theme of the cruise is playing and improving your game, the ship, and the ports of call will have all the attractions of any other cruise ship, and golf need not be the focus for them. Onboard attractions include shopping, casinos, cabarets, theatre, lectures, pools, spas, gyms, and fine dining. In short, while you're off studying video replays of your drive with a PGA professional, your spouse could be on deck sunning themselves, and enjoying poolside service from the bar.

Depending on the cruise you've chosen, you could find yourself making sand shots from a desert trap, driving down a fairway that is laid over a dormant volcano, or putting onto a green that is high on a seaside plateau.

Whatever ports you call at, your cruise ship staff will be making reservations for link times, caddies, golf carts and any other amenities you require to really enjoy an afternoon ashore.

They'll also be available to direct your spouse or partner to the tours, sightseeing, and historical sites that they'd rather see. And at the end of the day, it will be back to the ship for both of you, and a drink at the 19th hole!