The world’s fastest-growing sport comes to the world’s best ships! It may surprise you that many people want to play pickleball while on vacation. Pickleball is a relatively easy sport to learn, so it is an excellent option for people of all ages and skill levels. Cruise ships offer many activities, but it can be easy to get lazy and spend all day sitting around. Playing pickleball at sea is a great way to exercise and stay active on your cruise. Best of all, it is included in the price of your cruise! Pickleball is a very social sport, and it is often played in doubles, so it is easy to join a game and a great way to meet new people and make friends on your cruise. Fitness Options on a Cruise
Pickleball cruises are dedicated travel experiences for pickleball enthusiasts. These cruises accommodate players of all skill levels and provide special amenities such as clinics with professional players.
Today, there are pickleball courts all over the world, and the sport is continuing to grow in popularity. Playing pickleball on a cruise is a great way to stay active and have fun while exploring new destinations. Many cruise ships now offer pickleball courts, so you can enjoy the game while you’re on the high seas. Holland America Line has been christened as the exclusive and Official Cruise Line of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). It is played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net, making it the perfect size for cruise lines to add to their sports deck, which is usually on one of the top decks, so you have an incredible view also. The ball is similar to a whiffle ball, but it has holes to make it lighter and slower, so there are no worries that it will fly off into the ocean.
Quick Pickleball History
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three fathers. They were looking for a way to entertain their kids on a rainy day. The fathers came up with the idea of combining elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis. The name “pickleball” is said to have come from the dog of one of the fathers. This dog would chase the ball around the court. Pickleball quickly became popular in the Pacific Northwest. It spread to other parts of the country in the 1980s. In the 2000s, pickleball experienced a significant surge in popularity. It is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. In 2016, the first U.S. Open Pickleball Championships were held in Naples, Florida. The tournament attracted over 800 players and 10,000 spectators. In 2022, pickleball was named the official state sport of Washington.
Pickleball at Sea
So, you are ready to find a cruise line with pickleball courts onboard? Besides this blog post, which will serve as a great source of information, it’s good to also check with the cruise line. You should see if the ship has pickleball courts. Bring your paddles and balls and check the cities where you have a pre or post-cruise night. This will allow you to see if there are nearby courts. Some cruise lines provide paddles and balls, but bringing your own is always good.
Benefits of Having Pickleball on Cruise Ships
Having pickleball on cruise ships offers numerous benefits for both cruise lines and passengers. For cruise lines, offering pickleball can attract a wider audience. Particularly active seniors and families looking for fun and engaging activity. Additionally, pickleball courts take up less space than other court sports. This makes them an ideal addition to cruise ships with limited space.
For passengers, playing pickleball on a cruise ship provides an opportunity to stay active and healthy while on vacation. Pickleball is a low-impact sport that is easy on the joints. This makes it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Moreover, playing pickleball on a cruise ship allows passengers to meet new people and make friends. This can enhance their overall cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean Ships with Pickleball Courts
All Royal Caribbean ships offer pickleball except the Vision of the Seas. Pickleball courts are typically located on the sports deck of the ship. It’s important to note that the courts used are not pickleball-specific courts. These courts are used for various other sports activities. There are indoor and outdoor courts as well as full and half courts. They are open to all guests, and no reservations are required.
Open Play Pickleball is offered in the mornings of your cruise, from around 8 am to 11 am. “Open Play” means you simply show up to the court, grab a paddle and ball, and start playing. If the court is full when you arrive, you’ll have to wait for the court to open up. The earlier you get there, the better. It’s on the outdoor Sports Court or indoor SeaPlex on Quantum Class ships. Royal Caribbean has a dedicated pickleball court on the sports deck of many ships. This includes a dedicated space for pickleball on Odyssey of the Seas in the indoor SeaPlex sports area. Pickleball is an activity included in your cruise fare. Equipment is provided, although you could also bring your own.
Sea days are a popular time to play pickleball on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
The following Royal Caribbean Ships offer Pickleball: Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas
All Holland America Ships have Pickleball
Holland America Line is the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. The equipment and courts are available for a match anytime, so long as the weather allows. You can also join a pickleball tournament at sea and put your dink shot to the test. Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, which are offered on select cruises. Commemorative starter kits will soon be available in our retail shops — purchase as gifts for avid players or souvenirs so that you can always look back on your pickleball cruise memories.
Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments, and courts with amazing top-deck views. The courts are located on the ship’s sports deck and are open to all guests. This applies regardless of skill level. The courts are regulation-sized and have all the necessary equipment. This includes paddles and balls. Holland America Line is one of the few cruise lines that invested money to designate dedicated pickleball courts on every ship. In addition to live instruction onboard, “How to Play Pickleball” tutorial videos will be featured on in-stateroom TV programming.
Carnival Conquest introduced the first dedicated pickleball court on a Carnival ship during its November 2022 refurbishment. This court is located on the top deck. It offers stunning ocean views and is part of a larger recreational area with various other sports facilities.
Holland America Line also offers pickleball tournaments on select cruises. These tournaments are typically held on sea days and are open to all guests. The tournaments will most likely be divided into different skill levels, so everyone has a chance to win.
Ships Featuring Pickleball
Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Noordam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, Volendam, Westerdam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam
Celebrity Cruise Lines Pickleball at Sea
Pickleball fans can bring their game to the high seas on Celebrity Cruises. Whether a first-time player or an avid pro, guests can enjoy complimentary pickleball onboard, featuring open-air courts and panoramic ocean views. The pickleball court is located on the Sports Deck/Sports Court on the Millennium or Solstice Class of ships. On the Edge Class of Ships, it is located on the Rooftop Garden.
They are open to all guests, regardless of skill level. The courts are regulation-sized and have all of the necessary equipment. This includes paddles and balls. Guests can enjoy pickleball at their leisure, depending on court availability. Check the daily program to see if the ship’s activities team leads any organized pickleball events and tournaments. Separate times will be scheduled for adult play for those 18 and over. Or family players of six years and older. If the court is full when you arrive, you’ll have to wait for it to open. It’s first come, first served.
The following Celebrity Cruises ships have pickleball courts: Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Summit.
Carnival Cruise Line
There is a spot on board where you can meet up for some friendly pickleball competition. It is included in your cruise for ages 18 and up. The first permanent pickleball court debuted aboard the Carnival Conquest and the Carnival Glory, and now many of the ships offer it on their basketball court. Equipment was recently added to most ships that have basketball courts towards the top deck. There are pickleball tournaments sometimes while in port but check the daily activities.
Pickleball incorporates elements of ping pong in its gameplay, equipment, and court setup. This effectively positions it as a hybrid sport that appeals to fans of various racket games.
The following Carnival Cruise Line ships have pickleball courts: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Dream, Carnival Glory, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Vista, Mardi Gras, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Jubilee
Princess Cruises Pickleball
Princess Cruises offers Pickleball on the Discovery Princess, Sky Princess, and Enchanted Princess have dedicated space for pickleball courts. These three ships feature dedicated pickleball courts on deck 18 Center Court’s sports area. On the other Princess ships, guests can play pickleball on the basketball court at certain times. Equipment is provided. There are open play sessions where you can find the details in the daily program, and if there are many players, there may be a few tournaments throughout the sailing.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Like many other cruise lines, Norwegian’s newest ships will feature dedicated Pickleball courts. The Prima-class ships, the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva have dedicated pickleball courts in the Stadium’s open-air sports and games area on deck 18. Guests can generally play between 10 am – 9 pm (times vary with each cruise). Equipment is provided, and there are open play sessions where you can find the exact details in the daily program.
The Bliss, Breakaway, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Joy, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Joy also offer pickleball. It is part of the sports court.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas’ newest ships, Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Splendor, and Seven Seas Explorer, feature dedicated pickleball courts screened in (for pickleball and paddle tennis) on deck 12 aft. Equipment is provided, and there are open play sessions where you can find the exact details in the daily program.
Cunard
Cunard’s ships, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2, and the upcoming Queen Anne, feature net-enclosed paddle tennis courts. Savor the fresh air and enjoy the wide variety of games on the spacious open decks. Games Deck, unique to the Cunard fleet, where paddle tennis/pickleball/deck tennis, croquet or bowls may tempt you. Racquets are available, but if you want to play pickleball with the typical pickleball ball, you must bring one yourself. The courts onboard are also covered in grass turf instead of hard flooring. There are tournaments for various cruises. Check the daily program for details.
Oceania Cruises
High atop the ship, revel in the breathtaking views and refreshing sea breeze with you. Enjoy a game of pickleball or choose from an array of activities and games, such as golf and shuffleboard. Check the daily shipboard newsletter for sports deck competitions that give you the chance to win Big O Points. Three Oceania Ships, the Marina, Riviera, and the Vista, offer pickleball on their upper deck sports court (deck 16), including paddle tennis/pickleball. Equipment is provided. Check the daily program for details.
Crystal Cruises
On deck 13 aboard the Crystal Serenity and deck 12 aboard the Crystal Symphony, enjoy WIMBLEDON COURT (PADDLE TENNIS AND PICKLE BALL) Hit the full-sized paddle tennis and pickle ball court for a friendly game. There are two courts available. Equipment is provided. Check the daily program for details.
Virgin Voyages
The Valiant Lady, a Virgin Voyages ship, offers pickleball in their shared sports court, which is also used for dodgeball and basketball. Equipment is provided. The court is open on sea days only to accommodate basketball play; it is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
MSC Cruises
Numerous cruise ship activities ensure there’s never a dull moment, both day and night. The MSC Meraviglia and MSC World Europa feature pickleball in its sports complex area. The MSC Euribia will include pickleball in its kids’ sports program, Z Active. The MSC World America, set to debut in 2025, will also offer pickleball.
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea Paradise ship offers a regulation pickleball court on the forward deck. This is part of a multimillion-dollar upgrade. The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is the only 3-day, 2-night cruise sailing from Port Palm Beach to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Call us at 1-800-942-3301 to book your cruise.
Pickleball Tournaments and Events
Many cruise lines offer pickleball tournaments and events on board. This can add an extra layer of excitement and competition to the game. These events can range from friendly tournaments to more competitive matches. They may even offer prizes for the winners.
Some cruise lines, such as Holland America Line, offer pickleball tournaments as part of their onboard activities. Others, like Royal Caribbean, may host pickleball events as part of their sports programs. Additionally, some cruise lines may offer pickleball lessons and clinics. This can help passengers improve their skills and prepare for tournaments.
Pickleball as a Social and Wellness Activity
Pickleball is not only a fun and engaging activity, but it also offers numerous social and wellness benefits. Playing pickleball on a cruise ship can help passengers meet new people and make friends. This can enhance their overall cruise experience.
Moreover, pickleball is a great way to stay active and healthy while on vacation. The game requires quick movements and fast reflexes, which can help improve cardiovascular health and burn calories. Additionally, playing pickleball can help reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.
Many cruise lines recognize the social and wellness benefits of pickleball. Therefore, they offer it as part of their onboard activities. For example, Celebrity Cruises offers pickleball as part of their “Wellness at Sea” program. This aims to promote healthy living and wellness on board.
River Cruise Ships that Offer Pickleball
AmaWaterways
The pickleball is in your court – on the award-winning AmaMagna! The first river cruise line, AmaWaterways, offers a regulation-size pickleball court on the sundeck of its ship AmaMagna. Twice the width of traditional European river ships and offering the luxury of space, the innovative AmaMagna is reimagining river cruising on the Danube! The court is on the Sun Deck behind the wheelhouse and includes a perimeter net. Pickleball can only be played when the ship is docked because the net needs to be removed to go under certain bridges. Pick up a paddle and dink the pickleball across the net while journeying along the Danube River with AmaWaterways.
Here is a quick rundown of the rules of pickleball
Rally: A rally begins with the serve and ends when a player commits a fault, or the ball goes out of bounds. The team that wins the rally scores a point.
Serve: The serve must be underhand and below the waist. The ball must bounce once on each side of the net before being volleyed.
Non-volley zone (kitchen): Players cannot volley the ball from within the non-volley zone, which is within 7 feet of the net on either side.
Scoring: The first team to reach 11 points, with a lead of at least 2, wins the game.
Double bounce rule: The ball must bounce once on each side of the net before it can be volleyed.
Faults: A fault is committed when a player hits the ball out of bounds, hits the net with their body or paddle, or volleys the ball from within the non-volley zone. The opposing team scores a point if a player commits two faults in a row.
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