Nautica

6 Best Smelling Nautica Colognes

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Nautica has created plenty of men’s fragrances which are quite good and also fit into the theme of the oceanic/aquatic lifestyle. What is great about the company is that it offers men some great colognes at a very inexpensive price point.

Now, the quality in terms of uniqueness or ingredients isn’t as high as some of the higher level designers but if you find one of these options that you like, they can have plenty of use as an everyday wear. Also see: Nautica Voyage vs Nautica Blue Cologne Comparison

What are the Best Nautica Fragrances for Men?

Best Overall Nautica Cologne

Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz
It made the list of best value colognes for under $30 because of it’s fantastic scent and performance. It’s an green fragrance with aquatic elements, as goes with the whole Nautica theme, and is probably best served for use in the spring or summertime as a casual everyday scent.

Voyage features notes of mimosa, apple, oak moss, musk, lotus, amber, and cedar. This cologne is less oceanic than the other scents that come out from Nautica and Voyage starts out with that crisp apple note, a floral mimosa, and the ubiquitous musk.

It’s a rather cold or chilled start, with an aroma that reminds one of dew or cucumber. Then, as it settles down dry oak moss and cedar start to come through with the apple top note, and add a masculine outdoorsy aspect to the composition.

You get a scent that is quite green, fresh, woodsy, with a pinch of salt underneath. Voyage is the best selling and most popular scent from Nautica. I still don’t think that they’ve managed to top this one, in all the years after its initial release.  My Full Review

Best New Release

Nautica Midnight Voyage– Ever since the original Voyage came out, the brand has put out a ton of flanker fragrances which share the name. However, most of them have either been mediocre in terms of smell or performance.

Enter Midnight Voyage. Right off the bat, I can tell you that it’s another one, that presents itself sort of like Dior Sauvage. Almost every brand has their own version of a cologne laden with amber or ambroxan, to capitalize off its success.

Midnight Voyage doesn’t smell all that much like Sauvage, but it is in the same neighborhood. It definitely has elements of the original Voyage’s DNA, but also the mint note of Voyage Heritage (which wasn’t a great scent, it could’ve been).

Midnight uses mint, amber, and pink peppercorn to give it a fresh and somewhat spicy profile. However, you do get that summertime and nautical vibe, from other notes that are unlisted. Maybe some light citrus? Smooth and it actually has decent performance.

Top Woodsy/Floral

Nautica White Sail for Men by Nautica 3.4oz 100ml EDT Spray
White Sail takes a turn away from the aquatic fragrances and towards a more earthy/woodsy scent. It is light an smooth with notes such as amber, teak wood, lavender, vetiver, and pink pepper.

The lavender and pink pepper seem to be the most prominent notes that stand out, with some additional floral notes, to round things out. It can actually be kind of tough to distinguish between these ingredients, but overall it does have a refreshing and somewhat spicy scent.

Longevity could definitely use some work, but the aroma itself is nice. White Sail has been discontinued for a while, but you can still come across bottles online, even if it is getting tougher. This does have a different vibe, from the rest of the Nautica offerings, though, still deserves a spot on the list.

white sail

Sporty Aquatic Soapy

Nautica Blue Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 fluid ounce
Smooth and light with fruity notes such as pineapple and peach which highlight this fragrance but it is held together by its woody heart. Sandalwood is pretty prominent and smooth here, as are a few different floral notes, plus musk.

The pineapple and peach can be sharp at the start, but with the dry down it is more of a sporty aquatic and the fruit notes are much more tempered than they had been previously. The musk here is light and the whole composition is sunny and relaxed.

It isn’t a jump out at you type of cologne where you will be amazed by its unique scent. However, it is very solid, smells good, and can be had at a great price.

I personally feel, that the quality has taken a big hit since the 1990s, but it can be a worthwhile cheapie to pick up for some. It’s gotten more detergent-like and less pleasing. Though, I’d definitely go with one of the others before this. Read my review here

nblue

Top Classic Clean and Oceanic Fragrance

Nautica Classic for Men by Nautica 3.4 oz 100ml EDT Spray
A blend of spice, woods, and citrus notes which gives off a summery feel. It has a body wash/soap kind of vibe to it. It’s clean and masculine, though it can have performance issues.

Nautica is a soft men’s cologne with oceanic elements but the sandalwood and cedar give it an outdoorsy base to start from. The citrus notes are bright and clean, but understated, which makes this a nice freshening spray on those days when the temperature starts to rise.

There used to be more of a spice to Nautica cologne, in the older bottles of this scent, but doesn’t seem to have that same little kick it once did. Nautica classic does however, deliver the type of aroma you would expect from the themes of this brand.

nautica

Most Underrated Scent and Top Summer Pick

Nautica Island Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.3 Oz.
A great and inexpensive summer cologne option, if you can find a bottle. Gives the same kind of Carribean feel as something from the Tommy Bahama line of scents.

Island Voyage is fresh and pleasant all around with melon and citrus top notes. This might be the most underrated or unknown of the Nautica colognes, but it should’ve been more popular.

It’s got a chilled juiciness at the start and later a pepper note emerges to give the scent a somewhat spicier disposition.

Island Voyage is more aquatic than the original Voyage and the lemon and melon combo give it a better opening, in my mind. There is also the usual lavender and a nice touch of iris during the dry down. This is another summertime wear for the daytime and really does a nice job of separating itself from the ever popular Voyage.

island voyage

Nautica Voyage vs Cool Water by Davidoff

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For this edition of the cologne match ups, we have two sent that dominate sales, in the inexpensive part of the market: Nautica Voyage vs. Cool Water by Davidoff. Which of these popular men’s fragrances smells the best? Has better longevity? Sillage? Versatility?

Tale of the Tape: Voyage vs. Cool Water

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

Cool Water

Notes include: lavender, mint, tobacco, amber, musk, jasmine, sandalwood, neroli, coriander, rosemary, and more

Click here to try: Davidoff Cool Water Edt Spray for Men, 6.7 oz

Read my Review: Cool Water

Opening

Nautica Voyage has a watery opening that is crisp and has a chilled feeling. It starts out with apple, mimosa, and musk. It is green, a bit musky, with a floral kick. It’s not my favorite part of the wear, but does a decent job at introducing this cologne.

I enjoy the juicy fruit and the colder aspects of it, much more than the mimosa floral. It’s not my favorite flora, but it works fairly well in Voyage.

Cool Water is an aquatic scented fragrance from the start and these marine notes are initially joined by mint and tobacco. It is sharp and has a green quality as well, from the uncured tobacco, before white floral notes join those at the top. It then becomes somewhat soapy.

By the name, you would expect much more of an aquatic sort of cologne, but it really only sways that way in the beginning. And even the, it is tempered.

Which is better? I prefer Cool Water, even though, I’m not crazy about it. I like the mint, tobacco, and aquatic notes…not so much the soapy scent. However, Voyage doesn’t start out great, in my opinion. It’s the mimosa and musk combo is a bit much.

The opening act really isn’t the strong suit of either fragrance.

Edge: Cool Water

Projection

Nowadays, I think that these two colognes are pretty similar in terms of sillage. They both hit that moderate chord, pretty well. If we’re talking vintage Cool Water, it’d have the advantage. None exists now.

Either way, neither of these are going to be complete bombs. However, you will notice that you have them on throughout the day, as they aren’t completely weak.

They aren’t going to leave huge scent trails behind you or just leap up off of the skin either. But, they’re nice for what they are.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Again, reformulation hinders the newer bottles of Cool Water somewhat. It used to be good for over 8 hours, but now seems to go 6-7, on my skin. Voyage will do 5-7. No real advantage in terms of how long it can go, but maybe Cool Water has better consistency.

Voyage is very consistent in that 5-7 hour range. I’ve never gotten any more from it. Really depends on the day, but it is good for at least those 5.

The performance is at least good enough from both, to keep them in the value play category of scents. I’ll give this category to the Davidoff.

Edge: Cool Water (slightly)

Versatility

Voyage has solid versatility. It can go casual and even some work environments. Mostly a spring/summer wear, but you could technically wear it year round.

The same is true for Cool Water, its probably a more mature fragrance, and better for the office or daily wear. Neither is particularly a ‘sexy’ scent, nor a club wear. Cool Water has more of a sense of refinement, versus the more casual Nautica.

Edge: Cool Water (slightly)

Overall Scent

I’m not a huge fan of either or these colognes, I like both, but they’re not something that I wear all of the time. I like the dry down period of Voyage a lot, that’s much better than how it opens. Much smoother, with some oak moss and lotus added.

Cool Water has a nice opening with the mint. I’m not all that into the soapy smell, but when its woody notes hit, I get back into the fragrance.

Which of these two is better? I’d lean Cool Water, I think it has more depth, and has a better smell throughout the wear. Neither is perfect, but both are really good cheapies.

For younger guys, I’d probably go with Voyage. If you’re older, Cool Water would probably fit better. It’s not that much better, but the Davidoff wins here. Vintage bottles, would have more of an edge, but you have to go out of your way to find those around.

Winner: Cool Water

Nautica Voyage vs Nautica Blue Cologne Comparison

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I’ve already done multiple reviews of Nautica fragrances and a list of the best smelling scents from this brand. As such, I think it’s time to narrow down the field a bit more and compare two of this brand’s best sellers, Voyage and Nautica Blue. In this post, I want to compare how each scent smells, how it performs, and determine which one is the better buy in my opinion. Please continue below for the full comparison. Also see: Voyage vs Voyage N-83

Tale of the Tape Nautica Voyage vs. Blue

Nautica Voyage 

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 Blue

Notes include: Musk, cedar, bergamot, sandalwood, peach, pineapple, water lily

nblue

Read my original review 

Click here to try Nautica Blue!

Opening

The differences between the openings of these two fragrances is that, Voyage gives off a juicy/citrus scent while being an aquatic cologne, and Blue is leaning more towards the woodsy/aquatic.

Yes, blue has citrus/fruity notes as well but it’s cedar note is more noticeable while Voyage’s fruit notes take center stage.

Voyage starts thinks off with apple, musk, some watery notes, and floral notes. This is a greenish floral fragrance, at times, particularly after the opening. You will get plenty of lotus and mimosa in Nautica Voyage. For such an inexpensive scent, it really is quite unique.

Nautica Blue is a blend of bergamot and pineapple, up top. The newer bottles really seem really quite sharp in the opening act. Like a sharp fruity detergent. It’s strange, as older bottles didn’t have this same level of intensity. It will get woodier, later on, and settle itself down.

It’s really a matter of taste…but I give Voyage a slight edge. Actually, with the newer batches, Voyage wins this category hands down.

Edge: Voyage

Projection

Both of these scents are moderate, however, Blue tends to be on the lighter side in my opinion. Neither is really a projection beast, but they get the job done, for the most part. Blue gets softer, much earlier than does Voyage.

Edge: Voyage

Longevity

I get about 7 hours of wear out of Voyage most of the time. Blue, on the other hand, is really hit and miss with somewhere between 2-5 hours depending on the circumstances.

Voyage definitely starts to open a lead over Blue with this category. The last batch of Blue that I tried, really hit the lower end of its spectrum, too. Voyage owns this category.

Edge: Voyage

Versatility

Nautica colognes are well known for being casual aquatic scents and that holds true in the case of these two. Blue is a fresh and clean fragrance that is quite simple and linear in its aroma. Both are good for work, school, casual situations.

Both would be best for younger guys, maybe Voyage has an edge for the older set head to head, but not enough to make a difference.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Voyage to me, smells better overall and add that to its better performance and it has to be the winner out of these two. I remember Blue being much better in the past, not as much of a detergent like smell. The opening of this latest batch, really turned me off this cologne.

Voyage is an easy to wear go to. It’s really the pinnacle of the Nautica brand, that they don’t ever seem to be able to top. For the price, it’s a great option. Crisp fruit notes, green/floral blend, and a musky finish. There’s a reason that this fragrance, has become a best seller, at this price point.

I’d rather wear Voyage over Blue, every time, nowadays. In the past, Blue might have gotten a few wears, but it’s lost a lot of luster in my book.

The good news is that, since these colognes are so inexpensive, one could simply buy both of them and not break the bank in the process. See if you actually like Blue, and if not, it’ll only set you back $10-15.

Winner: Voyage

Voyage Sport vs Nautica Blue Comparison

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Nautica is one of the more popular brands for guys to score cheaper colognes that do offer a good smell and performance. Not all of there offerings actually achieve this outcome, but they are still worth a try usually. Nautica Blue is one of the most popular options, behind Nautica Voyage, which has spawned yet another flanker fragrance: Voyage Sport. So, the question begs, which cologne smells better, Blue vs. Voyage Sport?

Tale of the Tape: Blue vs. Voyage Sport

Nautica Blue

Notes include: Musk, cedar, bergamot, sandalwood, peach, pineapple, water lily, jasmine

Click here to try: Nautica Blue Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 fluid ounce

Read my review: Nautica Blue 

Voyage Sport

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

Read my review: Voyage Sport

Opening

Nautica Blue opens up with a very sharp and sort of detergent-like aroma of bergamot and pineapple. These fruity notes are flanked by cedar and musk, which only lends itself to that laundry sort of scent. After that initial sharp wave, the cedar and sandalwood become more of a factor, and the initial intensity backs off a bit.

Voyage Sport, is a mess for the first few minutes, and it becomes quite difficult to tell exactly what is happening in the composition. Then, it sorts itself out, and I get a nice citrus zest and some coriander. These notes are surrounded by a sea spray accord, which provides a slight oceanic vibe.

Which of these has the better opening? Honestly, I don’t particularly enjoy how either kicks things off, but Voyage Sport seems better after those first two minutes and the new bottles of Blue seem really sharp.

Edge: Voyage Sport

Projection

Blue starts out as a moderate and the sillage stays at that level for 2-3 hours before becoming much lighter. Voyage Sport doesn’t really project at all, it’s slightly above a skin scent, and doesn’t have any real power.

Edge: Blue

Longevity

Blue projects itself better and can last up to 5 hours on my skin. Voyage sport will go anywhere from 2-4 and doesn’t seem very consistent in which it does.

Edge: Blue

Versatility

Both of these colognes, fulfill the same niche. They are inexpensive, geared toward younger guys, work best in warm weather, and are casual. Inexpensive starter colognes or quick ways to freshen up.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I can freely admit, that neither of these fragrances is a favorite of mine, nor are they all that great. However, in this price range neither is wholly terrible.

Voyage Sport has moments, where it is a nice wear, but it falls flat overall. I’m not crazy about how it starts and that initial spiciness, but when it dries down, there is more of a fruity/oceanic aroma that I like. The problem is, this part is so short lived as to be near worthless. If it could muster anything, it’d probably be my pick.

Blue can be harsh at times, but it at least has passable performance. After the opening, it does feel much cleaner, soapy, and aquatic. After that it is linear, with bits of jasmine joining the pineapple and bergamot.

Yes, it smell synthetic, but it isn’t bad. Between these two? I’d go with Nautica Blue, as Voyage Sport just feels like a lazy effort from the brand.

Winner: Nautica Blue

Nautica Voyage vs Perry Ellis 360 Red Comparison

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In today’s cologne comparison, I want to do a head to head match up between two of the most popular inexpensive fragrance options for men, Nautica Voyage and Perry Ellis 360 Red. As usual, I want to cover how each one smells, how it performs, when it should be worn, and declare a winner that will suit most guy’s in the market for one of these colognes. Please continue below to see how each of these scents stacks up.

Tale of the Tape 360 Red vs. Voyage

Nautica Voyage 

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

Perry Ellis 360 Red 

Notes include: bergamot, cinnamon, lime, orange, lavender, spices

360

My Perry Ellis 360 Red Review

Click here to try: 360 Red by Perry Ellis for Men – 3.4 Ounce EDT Spray

Opening

Nautica Voyage opens with it’s fruity/citrus and aquatic blend of notes. It’s completely summertime in a bottle. The apple note is quite prevalent and it actually takes on an orange-like aroma. With that there is the unique mimosa note and a good amount of musk.

Nautica really went with something different from the usual cheapie fare, when they released Voyage.

360 Red also brings the citrus but it is more defined with bergamot, lemon, and actual orange ingredients. 360 Red is a lot more in your face from the start and can come off kind of intense or harsh, even.

It does have a freshness about it but it is spicier and less smooth than Voyage. 360 Red is often compared to Acqua di Gio and it is a close comp. The citrus start is strong and the cinnamon spice also bubbles up.

Which is better? I prefer the unique aroma of Voyage’s start versus 360.

Edge: Voyage

Projection

Voyage is a moderate fragrance and is towards the lighter side of things. 360 Red settles down from its opening into something that is much more moderate. However, it is on the stronger side of moderate and projects better than Voyage.

Edge: 360 Red

Longevity

Voyage is no slouch in this department but it isn’t a beast either. I usually get around 7 hours of wear…not bad. 360 Red is a longevity beast, though.

It is the type of fragrance that gives all day performance, which is one of the reasons it’s such a bargain at the price. Meaning, all work day. With the last batch of this that I tried it would go anywhere from 6-9 hours.

The range is greater than Voyage, but it’ll hit a higher peak.

Edge: 360 Red

Versatility

Both of these are casual colognes that are great for office wear, school, or other places. Neither are really all that ‘sexy’ or club/date night type of scents. Seasonally, both are best worn in the warmer months and neither of them are fall/winter colognes.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Both of these fragrances are great bargain buys. 360 Red gets a lot of respect for being so similar to Acqua di Gio but with more of a spice to it. It is also a better performer than Nautica Voyage, which is why it’ll get the edge here.

Personally, if I want to wear something that smells like ADG, I’ll buy Acqua di Gio Profumo as I think that it smells the best out of all the options. There are lots of colognes that smell similar to ADG including 360 Red and Just Me by Paris Hilton .

Nautica Voyage is a very nice and linear semi aquatic fragrance for guys who want something inexpensive to wear. It is a perfectly valid option if you want to grab a bottle of that, if you don’t like the spiciness offered by 360 Red.

Again, both are cheap, so it really won’t set you back if you want to purchase both. Voyage is under $20 for a large bottle, so if cost is the only factor…go with that.

I only have a bottle of Voyage, at the moment, and won’t be buying another 360 Red because I frankly don’t need it when ADG Profumo is a better option in that category.

Winner: 360 Red