Rise of Pickleball on Cruise Vacations: Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., is making waves on cruise ships. Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises now offer courts and organized play on their vessels. Passengers can join games, take lessons, or participate in tournaments while sailing, making pickleball a highlight of many voyages.
Pickleball at Sea Expands Across Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean has taken onboard sports to the next level with SeaPlex, an indoor, air-conditioned sports complex found on its Quantum-class ships. SeaPlex transforms from a basketball court to a roller-skating rink, a bumper car arena, and more. It also serves as a dedicated space for pickleball games, giving passengers an all-weather place to play.
Other Royal Caribbean ships feature outdoor sports courts, where guests can engage in friendly pickleball matches. The cruise line provides paddles and balls, but players are welcome to bring their own equipment. Some sailings even offer pickleball clinics for beginners to learn the fundamentals of the game.
Specialty Cruises for Pickleball Enthusiasts
For passionate pickleball players, specialized cruises offer an immersive experience. “The Pickleball Cruise,” scheduled for November aboard Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, features private coaching sessions, group instruction, drills, and social events for players of all skill levels.
Another option, the “Pickleball at Sea Group Cruise,” provides daily play and lessons. These groups, typically limited to 24-40 players per sailing, ensure ample court time and high-quality instruction.
Holland America and Celebrity Cruises Join the Trend
Holland America Line has partnered with the Professional Pickleball Association, making pickleball a key feature of its cruise experience. Every ship in its fleet has a top-deck pickleball court, offering open play, tournaments, and complimentary lessons.
Celebrity Cruises also provides dedicated pickleball courts on 10 of its ships. Guests can play recreationally when courts are available or join organized events and competitions led by onboard staff.
Cruisers Share Their Pickleball Experiences
Passengers have taken to online forums to share their experiences with pickleball on cruise ships. One Royal Caribbean cruiser, LakeByrd, recommended the Quantum-class ships for their indoor courts, noting that outdoor courts can be challenging due to wind.
On Holland America, guests appreciate the frequent opportunities to play.
“It turned sea days into a major highlight for us.”(WUCT),
However, some noted that high demand for courts can lead to crowded sessions.
“Problem with HAL is you get 30ppl showing up for a single court,” (MisoBeast),
adding that while the courts are a great amenity, availability can be an issue.
The Growing Appeal of Pickleball at Sea
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, cruise lines are adapting to meet demand. With organized events, dedicated courts, and professional instruction, pickleball is becoming a major draw for travelers looking for an active vacation. More cruise lines are expected to add pickleball programs in the future, ensuring that players can enjoy their favorite sport while exploring the world.
News in Brief: Rise of Pickleball on Cruise Vacations
Pickleball is becoming a staple activity on major cruise lines, with Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises offering courts and structured play. Specialty cruises cater to pickleball enthusiasts, providing training and social events. While demand is high, cruise passengers appreciate the opportunity to play their favorite sport at sea.
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