Pickleball Travel Boom Cruises Resorts: Pickleball’s surge in popularity is now shaping the travel industry. Cruise lines, resorts, and vacation planners are creating pickleball-focused trips to meet rising demand. With nearly 14 million Americans playing the sport in 2023, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, the game has become the fastest-growing sport in the country since 2020.
Pickleball at Sea
Cruise companies are adding courts to attract travelers. In 2022, Carnival Cruise Line built a pickleball court on the Carnival Conquest ship. Norwegian Cruise Line now offers courts on Norwegian Prime and Norwegian Viva. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has added courts on Splendor, Explorer, and Grandeur.
Many large cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises also allow pickleball. However, their courts are shared with other sports and limited to certain times.
Holland America, the “exclusive cruise line of the Professional Pickleball Association,” has installed pickleball courts on every ship in its fleet. The courts are located on the top deck, giving travelers the chance to play against dramatic backdrops like Alaska’s glaciers or the Mediterranean Sea. Holland America also offers free beginner lessons and tournaments at sea.
For travelers who prefer rivers, AmaWaterways has placed a pickleball court on the AmaMagna ship, which sails the Danube River through central Europe.
What Travelers Need
Players can use public paddles provided onboard, but many enthusiasts bring their own. As one saying goes, “if you’ve made it this far, you’ll probably be taking your own paddle.”
Cost of Pickleball Vacations
Pricing depends on the cruise line and level of service. A seven-day trip with Carnival Cruise Line may cost under $700 per person. Luxury experiences such as Regent Seven Seas can reach about $7,000 per person for the same length of time.
Travelers can reduce costs by using reward credit cards. Some cards allow travelers to redeem points or miles toward cruises, while others offer direct bookings through travel portals.
Growing Impact
The rise of pickleball in travel shows that the sport is more than just a trend. With cruise lines, resorts, and tour companies investing in courts and equipment, the game is becoming part of vacation culture. Experts believe pickleball’s appeal across all ages will keep fueling this expansion.
News in Brief: Pickleball Travel Boom Cruises Resorts
Pickleball is now influencing the travel industry, with cruise lines and resorts adding courts and lessons for players. Holland America, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line are among those investing. Costs vary from $700 to $7,000, but travelers can save with rewards credit cards and travel points.
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