For many golfers, the ideal vacation is well-established—play 36 every day, recharge with beef and alcohol, repeat.

For folks who like to go on cruises, an opposite ideal is just as entrenched: conveniently combine the relaxation of open water and cocktails with the cultural stimulation of exploring new cities.

Costa, the Italian cruising company, aims to satisfy both types with its newly launched “golf cruise,” which sails around the Mediterranean Sea, starting in Rome and stopping to play golf in Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Mallorca and Palermo. To Golf Digest Editorial Director Max Adler, it sounded like an overly ambitious itinerary, but after taking the trip with his wife, he found it an amusing compromise for a couple with divergent enthusiasm toward golf. For the complete story on this unique European experience, check out Adler’s feature, “Exploring the Mediterranean with clubs is the golf adventure you didn’t know you needed.”