6 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Nautica Voyage

Nautica Voyage may already be the all-time cheapie best seller. Though, there could be some older scents that are still flying off the shelves, this scent has been the front runner for more than a decade now. People really seem drawn to Voyage.

Yet, you can grow tired of a cologne and might want to try something different, but close enough to the Nautica. In this post, I want to present alternative colognes which fit the bill as being similar to or near matches (if possible) of Voyage.


What Colognes Smell Comparable to Nautica Voyage?


Original Inspiration

Ocean Mist Men by Dua– Dua is a brand that not only has its own unique fragrances they create, they also create their own inspired takes on designer scents. Ocean Mist Men, is there take on the original Voyage formulation.

Now, this is going to be somewhat more expensive than the modern Nautica Voyage sold in stores. However, it is also an extrait de parfum concentration (higher percentage of fragrance oils), which will lead to a more potent perfume.

Clean, aquatic, with that apple and mimosa combination really coming through. Worth a try, if you want a potentially higher quality version of the Voyage note structure.


Spicier Blue Mix

Polo Blue Gold Blend– The Polo Blue line is mostly only tangentially related to our targeted cologne, but Gold Blend does show some noticeable similarities to Voyage.

Still very much a version of Polo Blue, but with nods to Voyage, and a greater use of herbal spice and ambroxan than either.  The opening of this features that crisp melon note with a nice use of citrus and the spice blend.

Sage and incense play a big role here, so expect some smoky spiciness in this mix. Nautica Voyage isn’t an exact overlap here, but the DNA is closely related, particularly the use of apple. Gold Blend Review

gold blend review


Great Newer Flanker

Nautica Midnight Voyage– Voyage was such a monster hit for Nautica, that they keep reusing the name to release flanker fragrances. Most of them aren’t that great, but Midnight Voyage actually brings the same value with the familiar yet distinct aroma.

Amber, mint, and pink peppercorn blend with seemingly a bit of the original Voyage DNA. It has that amber/ambroxan sort of aroma, like found in the popular Dior Sauvage. It’s not the same, but you get that kind of vibe.

Midnight Voyage is a bit spicy, but in a fresh and cooling way, while retaining its nautical and summery mystique. I’m almost positive that there’s an unlisted citrus accord in here. This has gone to the discounter’s recently and is a nice pickup if you liked the original.


High End Cold Gin

Roses on Ice by Kilian– Roses on Ice is a part of Kilian’s Liquors collection. I got a sample of this stuff a month or so ago and it does have a similar structure to Voyage. Which is surprising, as this costs about 10x as much. So, I don’t expect many to go for this option.

Basically it’s ice cold gin, cucumber, and a pinkish rose with a greenish aroma. It has the same ozonic/aquatic feeling as our target with the cucumber playing the role of apple. That floral heart and a musky/woody base.

Are they exactly the same? No, Roses on Ice isn’t trying to be, it just has that similar style and approximates what it’s like to wear Voyage. But, at around $200, I don’t find it to be worthwhile.


Crisp Fruits, Less Florals

Kenneth Cole Reaction Connected Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce Reaction Connected is another close cousin of Voyage. It has a crisp juicy melon opening act, with the aquatic sea notes also playing a role.

However, as it dries down, you still get the fruits but also plenty of violet leaf and wood. The middle is more herbal and the end is more earthy/woody. Connected has a really nice sweet and juicy fruit profile, but with more depth than other similar fragrances, on the market.

Reaction Connected is a lot like Nautica Voyage, but with less of the green-ish smell, and the floral notes. Melon with a ‘blue’ impression and some earthier qualities in the dry down. Kind of splitting the difference between Voyage and Polo Blue.


Drier but Fresh

Tommy Bahama Maritime Journey for Him, 4.2 Fl Oz–  Maritime Journey has a similar style to Nautica Voyage, but is closer in smell to Eternity Air. To me, it is definitely better than that Calvin Klein cologne.

There was an older cologne that was more like Voyage, but Tommy Bahama no longer produces it. But, this is a good replacement.

It opens up fresher than the Nautica. Coriander and the same kind of apple note. This goes along with lavender and violet. It will eventually dry down into a greener fragrance with a base of moss, cardamom, and cedar.

Martime Journey is a drier aromatic when compared to Voyage. It still has the floral notes and that apple sweetness. Not totally akin to the other, but if you liked Voyage, you will probably enjoy this. Maritime Journey Review

Nautica Voyage vs Acqua di Gio Cologne Comparison

In this edition of our head to head men’s cologne match ups, we have two best-selling entries: Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani vs. Nautica Voyage. Which of these two fragrances smells the best? Which has the better performance? Ultimately, which is the better deal? I will break down several deciding factors and as always, have linked to my original reviews on both, below.


Tale of the Tape: AdG vs. Voyage

Nautica Voyage

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, lotus, amber, mimosa, and oak moss

Click here to try: Nautica Voyage Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 oz

Read my original review: Nautica Voyage Review


Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 


Opening

Voyage opens up with a crisp, chilled, and water opening; it’s sort of like a cucumber aroma. This stems from the blend of apple, musk, and mimosa. It’s quite musky and has a green floral vibe sitting underneath that crisp apple top note.

Meanwhile, Acqua di Gio opens with, a citrus blend of tangerine and bergamot. This is flanked by a wonderful sea breeze-like accord with soft jasmine only beginning to peak through. With newer bottles, the jasmine does seem a bit stronger than it once was, but I like it.

The citrus is juicy enough up top and the mix of the marine notes with the floral highlights is still awesome, after all of these years.

Which is better? I’ll go with AdG. The start of Nautica Voyage is my least favorite part of that fragrance. It’s kind of messy and the musk overwhelms. The Armani cologne, on the other hand, has a really great citrus aquatic start that is both fresh and captivating.

Edge: AdG


Projection

Both fragrances are pretty moderate in their sillage. The projection of either isn’t going to be huge, but is solid throughout the wear.

However, Acqua is slightly more powerful than is Voyage, and the original bottles were quite a bit stronger. It used to be more in the upper moderate range of projection, while not being a heavy fragrance, now it’s on that lower end of moderate for most of the wear.

Edge: ADG


Longevity

Acqua di Gio and Voyage are pretty consistent with what they get me, in terms of how long they last on my skin. Voyage is 5-7 hours of wear. AdG is 6-7 hours. There’s no real clear advantage here.

Edge: Push


Versatility

Voyage has several strong points, for a cologne in the price range. One of which, is its versatility. It can be worn casually or at school or even at a job. Best fits in spring/summer, but can go year round, as well.

Acqua di Gio, can do all of that, and more. It has a more substantial and even somewhat of a more mature smell (though, neither is overly serious). AdG can be worn on a date or for other evening events, while Voyage doesn’t fit that mold.

Edge: ADG


Overall Scent

My clear winner in this match up is Acqua di Gio. The Armani fragrance is better smelling and the performance is fairly equal. I’ve owned both and I would pick AdG over Nautica almost every time.

Voyage is a great cheapie, though. The dry down period is nice and it does have its own vibe and popularity within this space…it just doesn’t out do Acqua. The Nautica is one of the better options at its level, though, it doesn’t compete too well with other designer scents.

If you’re going based off pure smell, go with Acqua di Gio. If price is the biggest factor, then, obviously Nautica Voyage is going to be the best bet. For me, I’d pick Profondo or Profumo ahead of either, but they’re generally more expensive.

It’s a solid enough cologne, but its popularity is based off of how it covers so many bases for so cheap. AdG, has a reputation built on its great smell, and has been a best-seller for decades now.

Winner: Acqua di Gio

Nautica Voyage N-83 by Nautica

So far on this site, I have reviewed a few colognes from Nautica, including Voyage and Nautica Blue. Today, though, I want to tackle a flanker fragrance of Voyage; N-83 from 2013. Like other Nautica scents, this is another inexpensive option in the aquatic realm of men’s colognes.

How does N-83 stack up against other options in this price range and is it worth it over something like the original Voyage or Blue? In this post, I want to give an overview of its contents, how it performs, and if it’s ultimately worth a buy.


What does Voyage N-83 Smell Like?

Notes include: cardamom, petitgrain, mint, lavender, sandalwood, nutmeg, sea notes

Click here to try: Nautica N-83


My Full Wear Review

N-83 opens with a noticeable blast from the ‘sea notes’, giving it a defined oceanic scent. To me it is less akin to the original Voyage and more along the lines of Tommy Bahama Set Sail St. Martinique, not exactly the same, but the salty sea notes are comparable.

Both of these scents have a stronger aquatic aroma that is blended with at least some musk, though, the Tommy Bahama scent is muskier. N-83 has a much sharper edge, while Martinique is rather smooth.

The original Voyage has citrus fruit notes including orange, however, N-83 is a departure from that and instead opts to go with something that is fresh and clean with undertones of musk and smooth lavender.

From the top, you get a cool and spicy mint with a hint of petitgrain. Neither of which, is all that pronounced in the composition, but you will get their scent for a while. It comes across as fairly herbal with lighter musk at first, with that marine note permeating everything.

The opening of this actually seems like a mix of St. Martinique and the newer release, Voyage Heritage. That Voyage is a stronger mint/lavender pairing.

What you really get with Voyage N-83 is a semi-soapy aquatic, with some freshly clean spice, and calming lavender. It doesn’t hit you with any citrus notes or other fruity inclusions, like most other aquatics.

You do get a nice bit of salty ‘sea air’ smell, which is a cool touch to the composition. Which, I guess can be a good or bad thing, depending on your personal tastes.

N-83 is a pretty simple and straightforward fragrance, that’s not a bad thing, it’s not meant to be some rich complex formula…just an inexpensive scent that smells good. I think it delivers on that end. I think that this scent is a bit more masculine than Voyage with less fruit and seemingly more understated.


Sillage, Longevity, and Projection

Projection wise, N-83 is completely moderate. This isn’t one that will fill up a room unless you went completely overboard with it. You do get a solid 30-60 minute, opening act with some power.

However, that will change and it will be a lighter moderate scent. Not terrible with the projection and scent trail. Just not a massive cologne.

Longevity isn’t that great either. I think that is one area where it fails to live up to the original. 4-6 hours and it fades into a skin scent. The first 3 hours, is where it’ll actually be really noticeable, with that aforementioned first hour delivering the goods.

It is good for casual wear or at the office (not a formal workplace, however), especially in the summer months, which is the case with pretty much any Nautica fragrance. I’d definitely lean towards casual wear or some outdoors activities like the beach.

This is much more of a starter cologne for guys, so, it can be a good option for younger men. If you’re older, its going to be of a fairly limited use, and you should consider going up-market for something better.

Still, N-83 is very serviceable in a pinch or when you just want a ‘dumb’ grab.


Overall Impressions of Voyage N-83

Overall, is N-83 worth a buy? You could definitely do a lot worse and for the price, it really is a solid pick. However, I think that Nautica has a few better options in this price range, that will deliver the same if not much better results depending on your personal taste.

It’s a nice, clean, soapy, type of scent but nothing special and there are better bets from the same brand. Though, this one is still one of their better releases. Especially, with some of the boring stuff Nautica has put out as of late.

That opening freshness and musk is pleasant with the highlights of petitgrain, cardamom, and mint. Nothing too dramatic, just something that has a great vibe.

When compared to designer scents at a higher price point, it doesn’t really compare at all. You can easily do better higher up the price chain and even lower points than this. Still, N-83 has always been likeable and an easy grab.

Nautica Voyage vs Voyage N-83 Cologne Comparison

Now, that I have completed reviews for both Nautica Voyage and its N-83 flanker fragrance, I thought that I’d do a comparison post and lay out which cologne I think is better and why. Nautica specializes in aquatic themed scents and especially one’s that are great for the warmer weather months. In this post, I want to take a look at each cologne and determine which is the better candidate for purchase for most men and how each scent performs as a daily wear.


What Smells Better Nautica Voyage or N-83?

Nautica Voyage Tale of the Tape

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, green leaf, amber, mimosa

NAUTICA-VOYAGE

Read my original review here

Try Nautica Voyage: Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz


Nautica Voyage N-83 Tale of the Tape

Notes include: cardamom, petitgrain, mint, lavender, sandalwood, nutmeg, sea notes

Read my original review here


Opening

The difference in the opening between Voyage and N-83 is a matter of the sea notes contained in N-83 and how it has less of a fruity quality. N-83 is much more oceanic/salty than Voyage, which while semi-aquatic, is highlighted by apple/citrus notes that seem rather juicy.

If you want an actual aquatic, then N-83 is a potential play. Outside of that, I’d give the opening act to the original Nautica Voyage.

It does have a greenish and refreshing quality thanks to the mint. A classic clean, with the lavender note. But, it doesn’t have anything that is all that intriguing. Nice enough, though.

Voyage is just much more noticeable and pleasant. From the start, you get that crisp and watery apple note, with added sweetness. Then, the unique addition of mimosa, cedar, and musk really set Voyage apart.

Greenish, floral, musky, but refreshing. Voyage is usually interesting, despite not being among my favorite fragrances to wear.

Really, it’s quite amazing how such an inexpensive fragrance like Voyage, has set itself apart from almost anything else on the market. Nothing smells exactly like it and even its flankers, don’t strike the same chord.

Edge: Voyage


Projection

N-83 has a tendency to be rather on the weak side, it isn’t completely a fade away in five minutes cologne but it isn’t strong either, and it has a limited range.

Voyage isn’t super powerful but it is noticeable and projects pretty well. I’ve noticed that a lot of the Nautica flankers don’t match up to even the decent sillage of Nautica Voyage. Which is a shame, because some of the better smelling ones could be nice cheapies.

N-83 isn’t one of the worst offenders, but doesn’t match what Voyage provides. It’s going to be sticking rather close to one’s skin for much of the duration.

Edge: Voyage


Longevity

Again, Voyage takes the cake. N-83 has a tendency to fade and turn completely into a skin scent. Voyage holds up and performs well on a summer day. If it’s between the two, Voyage wins.

With Voyage, I max out with 7 hours. It will usually fall into the 5-7 hour range. N-83 can be in the 3-6 hour range, on my skin. That’s what I’ve found it capable of with more testing.

Usually, it’s closer to the lower end. If it could hit that higher end with a bit more power, it could be a much more useful scent. Really, I’d expect 83 to reliably hit 4, and maybe you get an extra boost.

Edge: Voyage


Versatility

Both of these are great casual fragrances that can be worn to work, school, or wherever. I wouldn’t put either as a date night cologne really, though Voyage would get the edge.

Actually, N-83 is less intrusive, so it might actually serve as a slightly better office cologne. However, since Voyage isn’t a beast, it would be perfectly fine. As far as cheapies go, both have a good deal of use. No, neither are super high end in quality, but they can be useful.

Edge: Push


Overall Scent

N-83 is a good scent don’t get me wrong, it just pretty linear and not anything all that special. It has a nice and clean scent that is oceanic/soapy/smooth, especially from the lavender note.

Voyage is an aquatic that has a great citrus aroma and has been a long time favorite and best seller. For the price, Voyage, is a great addition to anyone’s collection, while N-83 probably isn’t even one of the best Nautica colognes.

Voyage seems to be Nautica’s high water mark. It’s a fragrance that they can’t seem to outdo. Even when they use its name, the flanker never really holds up to a comparison. It’s usually outright disappointing. Honestly, both of these are cheap enough, that you could just get both for some variety. If only one, it’s gotta be Voyage.

Winner: Voyage

Voyage Sport by Nautica

So, the original Nautica Voyage has been an insanely popular fragrance for a long time now. This is because of both the smell, but more importantly, the price. It’s a good deal, getting a cologne like that for under $20, and why Nautica has been trying to capitalize on that name by releasing subsequent flanker fragrances. Today’s entry is one of those, Nautica Voyage Sport. How does this scent stack up? Perform? Is it even worth a try?


What Does Nautica Voyage Sport Smell Like?

Notes include: sea spray accord, citrus zest, coriander, palm leaves, green peppercorn, apple, Brazil wood, vetiver

Click here to try: NAUTICA Voyage Sport Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Fluid Ounce


My Full Wear Review

It is pretty difficult for me to determine what exactly is going on during the opening of Nautica Voyage Sport. All of the notes seem to run together and makes it hard to distinguish one ingredient from another.

It’s kind of musky, citrusy, and has that familiar alcohol smell. A couple minutes in, the cologne settles down, but the first two minutes are messy.

Once it does settle, Voyage Sport provides both a citrus zest and spice from corainder and the green peppercorn note. This is all surrounded by the so-called ‘sea spray accord’, which is just a somewhat salty aromatic approximation of the ocean.

The spices are much more noticeable to me than are the citrus notes and Voyage Sport, almost has a similar vibe to Tommy Bahama’s Very Cool (though, smells differently).

When I try to pick up similarities between this and the original Voyage, there really isn’t much there to work with. Maybe some muted fruitiness and a touch of musk, but that seems to be all. It actually smells kind of dry for a fragrance with sea spray, as a main attraction, but that seems to come from the spices, vetiver, and wood notes.

There is an apple note, as well, but gets quite overshadowed by the citrus notes up top. So, it’s not going to resemble Voyage, even with that fruit note.

As it dries down more, Voyage Sport, becomes less spicy and more aquatic in character. The coriander fades a whole lot and I start to pick up more fruit and musk, as I wrote, it’s citrus more so than the apple note.

From this point forward, what I get is a semi-oceanic fragrance with citrus some musk and a cool/crisp underlying spice. There’s a bit of woodiness in there, but doesn’t ever form much of a strong base.


Sillage, Longevity, and When It Should be Worn

Projection wise, Voyage Sport is pretty darn mediocre. The sillage isn’t much above skin scent for me, at it’s peak, and even if I put it on a shirt nearby I don’t really detect it. Super weak, really doesn’t live up to the original Voyage’s performance level.

Even the notes themselves, suggest a lighter fragrance (sea spray and citrus zest). That’s fine, but there’s really very little actual substance with Sport, even for a summertime kind of wear.

The longevity also isn’t great. It can go 3-4 hours as a skin scent, but again the performance is lacking and it makes it kind of not worth it. If it were a lighter to moderate scent with around six hours, that’d be pretty respectable for the price point.

I know Nautica fragrances, quickly get sent to the clearance shelves after release, but I wish they’d do a better job with the performance. Even when the colognes are pretty run of the mill, at least make them last somewhat long.

Seasonally, it’s a spring/summer wear. It’s casual all the way. Voyage Sport is for a younger guy, probably high school age, maybe college. It’s not something to be worn formally or as a date night scent.

Just something to quickly freshen up or wear out, if you can get decent performance out of it. As the name says, it’s a ‘sport’ fragrance. Don’t expect much, outside of being a starter fragrance or something to spray for a workout or super casual situations.


Overall Impression

Overall, do I like Nautica Voyage Sport? I don’t hate it, it is just not very good, in totality. The scent itself smells pretty good, but not anything amazing. However, that wouldn’t be a problem for an inexpensive cologne like this, if it had awesome performance…it doesn’t.

It might be worth a shot, because it is so cheap, to try it out and see if performs on your skin. It is cheap enough that double spraying, won’t be an issue or hurdle to simply buying another bottle.

It’s a pass for me, there are plenty of other cheapies, that smell better and have greater performance. Nautica could probably have an insane lock on the cheapie market, if they produced more performers or interesting fragrances, Sport definitely isn’t either of those.

Most of the Voyage Flankers haven’t lived up to the billing, of what the original offers. Not one that smells amazing. Not one that really serves as a value play.