Top Pickleball Travel Destinations: Pickleball players looking to combine travel and sport have many options as the game continues to grow in the U.S. Nearly 14 million Americans played pickleball last year, up 224% over the past three years, according to a 2023 study by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Cruise lines, resorts, and vacation planners are now offering pickleball-focused trips for players of all levels.
Dink on a Pickleball Cruise
Cruise ships have embraced pickleball with dedicated courts. Carnival Cruise Line installed a court on the Carnival Conquest, while Norwegian Cruise Line added courts on the Norwegian Prime and Norwegian Viva. Regent Seven Seas offers courts on the Splendor, Explorer, and Grandeur. Holland America, the “exclusive cruise line of the Professional Pickleball Association,” has outfitted all its ships with top-deck courts. Players can practice while cruising Alaska’s fjords or the Mediterranean. Holland America also provides beginner lessons and organized tournaments at sea. River cruises like AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna offer a court on the Danube River, letting players enjoy pickleball with scenic views. Most cruise lines provide paddles, though many players bring their own.
Drive at Luxury or All-Inclusive Resorts
For those preferring land-based travel, tropical resorts now feature permanent pickleball courts. Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, the Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Antigua host courts and tournaments, often with in-house pros for lessons. Turks and Caicos offers courts at Beaches Resort, Club Med Turkoise, and Seven Stars Resort and Spa. Resorts in Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic are also catering to pickleball enthusiasts. Group discounts may be available for travelers booking multiple rooms.
Drop on a Pickleball Vacation
Specialized pickleball vacation organizers like Pickleball Getaways handle trips that combine coaching, competition, and leisure. Georgia Johns, operations manager for Pickleball Getaways, said, “The only thing you have to worry about is your flight.” Professional pickleball players Ben Johns and Dekel Bar started the company to offer trips with high-quality coaching in locations such as Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and Antigua. The company manages lodging, transportation, meals, and beverages, letting participants focus entirely on playing pickleball.
Pickleball-focused travel continues to grow alongside the sport itself. With cruises, resorts, and specialized trips, players can now combine vacations with practice, competition, and socializing, making it easier to enjoy the sport while exploring new destinations.
News in Brief: Top Pickleball Travel Destinations
Pickleball’s rapid growth in the U.S. has inspired cruise lines, resorts, and travel planners to offer pickleball-focused trips. Players can enjoy dedicated courts on Holland America cruises, tropical resorts in the Caribbean, or organized vacations by Pickleball Getaways. These options allow players to practice, compete, and socialize while traveling.
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