Ahoy, pickleball enthusiasts! Picture this: You’re cruising the high seas, the sun is shining, the ocean breeze is in your hair, and you’re about to step onto a dedicated pickleball court to engage in your favorite sport. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s a reality on many cruise ships today. The marriage of pickleball and cruising is a match made in heaven, offering travelers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Let’s dive into the world of cruise ships offering pickleball at sea and explore some of the best cruises and events that cater to this dynamic sport.
The Rise of Pickleball on Cruise Ships
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has surged in popularity over the past decade. Its easy-to-learn nature and low impact make it ideal for players of all ages. Cruise lines have taken notice, incorporating pickleball courts into their amenities to attract this growing community of enthusiasts.

Photo by Adventures of KM&G-Morris. Creative Commons License, no changes have been made to the image.
Cruise Lines Offering Pickleball
Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean stands out with its impressive pickleball offerings. Ships like the Odyssey of the Seas feature indoor pickleball courts within the SeaPlex, ensuring that games can continue regardless of the weather. The Anthem of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and many others also offer pickleball, with scheduled times for open play and tournaments.
Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is another leader in the pickleball-at-sea experience. All 15 ships in their fleet feature pickleball courts, and they regularly host professional pickleball tournaments. The tournaments are a big draw, bringing together skilled players from various backgrounds. Imagine playing against top-notch competitors while sailing through the Caribbean or Mediterranean. It’s an exhilarating experience!
Carnival Cruise Line Carnival’s SportSquare on ships like the Carnival Panorama and Carnival Conquest includes dedicated pickleball courts. These ships provide equipment and host friendly matches and tournaments, making it easy for travelers to join in on the fun.
Holland America Line Holland America Line, the official cruise line of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), offers pickleball courts on all its ships. With daily lessons and tournaments, beginners and advanced players alike can enjoy and improve their game. The top-deck courts provide stunning ocean views, adding to the overall experience.
Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises’ ships, including the Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Apex, feature pickleball courts in unique locations like the Rooftop Garden. These lush settings offer a beautiful backdrop for a game of pickleball, blending leisure and sport seamlessly.
Dedicated Pickleball Cruises and Events
For the truly dedicated pickleball enthusiast, there are specialized cruises designed to immerse you in the sport.
Pickleball at Sea Group Cruise These cruises offer daily pickleball play, professional instruction, and exclusive local pickleball experiences in destinations like Nassau, Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico. With limited group sizes, private court time, and special seminars, these cruises provide a comprehensive pickleball adventure.
Mediterranean Pickleball Cruise Hosted on the Odyssey of the Seas, this cruise combines pickleball with visits to breathtaking Mediterranean destinations such as Ephesus in Turkey and Rome in Italy. The blend of cultural exploration and competitive play makes for an unforgettable journey.
Why Pickleball at Sea?
Combining a cruise vacation with pickleball is the perfect way to enhance your travel experience. Here’s why:
- Stay Active: Cruises are often associated with indulgence and relaxation, but pickleball keeps you active and energized.
- Meet Fellow Enthusiasts: These cruises are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people who share your passion for pickleball.
- Expert Instruction: Many cruises offer lessons and clinics from professional players, helping you improve your game.
- Beautiful Settings: Playing pickleball with the ocean as your backdrop is a unique and exhilarating experience.
Many cruise lines now offer pickleball courts and equipment, catering to the growing number of enthusiasts who want to enjoy the sport while sailing. Here are some of the cruise lines that provide pickleball gear and facilities:
Cruise Lines with Pickleball Facilities
- Royal Caribbean
- Ships: Multiple ships including Odyssey of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Icon of the Seas.
- Details: Offers indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, ensuring play regardless of the weather. Most ships provide all necessary equipment.
- More Information: Royal Caribbean Pickleball
- Holland America Line
- Ships: All ships including Rotterdam, Eurodam, Koningsdam, and Nieuw Amsterdam.
- Details: Named the official cruise line of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). Offers dedicated pickleball courts, complimentary beginner lessons, and branded pickleball starter kits available in onboard shops.
- More Information: Holland America Pickleball
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Ships: Over 20 ships including Carnival Panorama and Carnival Conquest.
- Details: Provides dedicated pickleball courts and equipment, with plans to expand the offerings fleetwide.
- More Information: Carnival Cruise Line Pickleball
- Celebrity Cruises
- Ships: Nine ships including Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Apex, and Celebrity Solstice.
- Details: Offers open-air pickleball courts and provides all necessary equipment for play. Hosts tournaments and events during cruises.
- More Information: Celebrity Cruises Pickleball
- AmaWaterways
- Ships: AmaMagna.
- Details: Features a full-sized pickleball court on the sun deck, providing paddles and balls for guests.
- More Information: AmaWaterways Pickleball
These cruise lines not only offer the chance to play pickleball at sea but also ensure you have access to high-quality equipment and engaging activities related to the sport. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn or a seasoned player wanting to compete, these cruise lines have you covered.
For detailed information on each cruise line’s pickleball offerings, you can visit their respective websites or specialized pickleball travel sites like Pickleball University​ (Hoopis Pickleball)​​ (In The Loop Travel)​​ (Royal Caribbean)​​ (Holland America)​​ (Pickleball University)​.
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