Saturday, April 13, 2024

Guide: Pickleball Courts on Cruise Ships

pickleball cruise

Reservations will be available, and slot times will be one hour per reservation. Further, the ships have enough equipment for each player on the court, as well as spares. Cruises are synonymous with lounging by the pool and indulging in unlimited food and drinks, but many passengers prefer staying active on a Royal Caribbean cruise. And unlike running around the jogging track or using a stationary bike at the gym, pickleball feels more like fun than exercise. “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.

pickleball cruise

Pickleball in Paradise Destinations

Several Princess ships offer pickleball in the program as of this writing. Like Carnival and other cruise lines, I'm sure you'll see more cruise ships added to the list. You can play pickleball (on a makeshift-style court) by heading to the sports courts on Coral Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess and Emerald Princess (during the times it's listed in the daily program).

What about river cruise ships?

You Can Now play Pickleball on Celebrity Cruises - Time Out

You Can Now play Pickleball on Celebrity Cruises.

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We enjoyed learning how to improve our pickleball game from Kyle Yates who was so fun and engaging. Unite your love for pickleball and travel as you sail to picturesque destinations while honing your skills, meeting fellow enthusiasts, and participating in lively matches at sea. Additionally, Cunard announced an archery program on the ship in partnership with Archery GB. The ship features an archery center so cruisers can learn the sport and how to handle a real bow and arrow. I have a feeling that cruisers are going to be battling for court time on this amazing amenity. In fact, 36.5 million people played the sport in 2022, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals.

• Private Group Court Time

Quantum Class ships have a program that takes place in the SeaPlex. As the sport of pickleball gains in popularity, so does its presence on ships. Not only do some ships have dedicated pickleball courts, others share them with other court sports. Cruise ships have embraced the trend with many new ships finding space for courts. Many cruise ships with pickleball courts sail the seven seas. That experience led me to try the sport on another cruise ship with pickleball courts.

Crystal Cruises Ships with Pickleball

That's a massive 630 percent spike from the 5 million who played this fun sport in 2021. Our cruises are already priced at or below the current online rates. Luxury cruise vacations to the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Some ships with an indoor SeaPlex facility require reservations of the equipment (more like a check-in/check-out system).

Are there any indoor options for pickleball on these cruise ships?

This Cruise Line Is Going All In On Pickleball - Forbes

This Cruise Line Is Going All In On Pickleball.

Posted: Thu, 15 Dec 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]

They cobbled together a net, found some balls and rackets and so began the early rendition of the sport. It’s no secret that pickleball is soaring in popularity throughout the United States; this racquet sport is the fastest growing sport in the nation. Crystal Cruises is also adding pickleball as an activity on its courts when its revamped ships debut in summer 2023. MSC Cruises has pickleball on MSC World Europa and will put a pickleball court on its new ship for 2023, MSC Euribia. Bob not only plays great, but he enjoys coaching even more than he enjoys playing.

To start the game, the server stands behind the baseline and hits the pickleball over the net to the opposite corner of the court. The opposing player then hits the ball back over the net, and the players continue to hit the ball back and forth until the ball lands out of bounds or one player misses it. The Port of Naples, or Porto di Napoli, is one of the most important seaports in Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. Located on the west coast of Italy, it is a bustling hub full of activity, linking numerous destinations across Europe and beyond.

pickleball cruise

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I have sailed on Norwegian Prima a couple of times, and the caged court within the top deck activities complex called The Stadium is the nicest I've seen on a cruise ship yet. All Holland America ships feature pickleball courts, and these are set to be refreshed in February 2023, including adding new PPA Tour partner logos. As part of this new program and partnership, cruisers can get complimentary beginner lessons from onboard instructors who will teach you the rules and how to hit certain shots.

It also affords excellent opportunities to meet fellow passengers and burn off calories from lavish onboard meals and extra glasses of wine. The nine ships listed above all feature open-air pickleball courts. On Beyond and Apex, pickleball is located in the Rooftop Garden. Indeed, pickleball-mania is sweeping the nation, and people want access to courts when they travel.

The most notable is Holland America, which has offered pickleball on its ships for years, proving that it was ahead of the curve. In late 2022, it became the official cruise line of the Professional Pickleball Association, which annually hosts one of two major pickleball tour competitions in the U.S. So pack your paddle (if you want to use your own) and comfy shoes, and take your game to the high seas. Who knows, you might even meet some fellow pickleball enthusiasts and make some unforgettable memories along the way.

While at sea, Royal Caribbean offers a myriad of exclusive entertainment options and dining experiences, ensuring that there’s something to suit every traveler’s taste. Enjoy gourmet cuisine at specialty dining venues, and world-class Broadway-style shows, and indulge in Royal Caribbean’s rejuvenating spas and fitness facilities. You can bond with your new pickleball friends over exhilarating activities such as rock climbing, surfing simulators, and ice-skating rinks as well.

On Solstice Series ships, pickleball is offered on the Sports Deck (Deck 15). Meanwhile, on Millennium Series ships, players can head to the Sports Court (Deck 12). Freed began playing pickleball in her neighborhood during the pandemic, and during this time, one of her neighbors suggested going on a cruise. Once Freed mentioned how Royal Caribbean’s ships have a pickleball court onboard, her neighbors were immediately drawn to book a cruise. It’s likely we’ll continue to see pickleball being offered on Royal Caribbean cruises. As the sport continues growing more popular, cruise lines will continue to market the activity on their ships and in promotional materials.

From the Port of Santorini, visitors can take a winding road up to Fira, the island’s vibrant capital, created from volcanic cliffs. Exploring further, you’ll find the spellbinding sunsets of Oia, ancient archaeological sites like Akrotiri, and the unique volcanic beaches of Perissa and Kamari. The local cuisine offered in countless tavernas and wineries is another highlight, with Santorini’s volcanic soil imparting a unique flavor to wine and produce alike.

The sports court on Pinnacle, Signature, and Vista Class ships will be “dedicated” to pickleball play from 8am to 4pm daily. Open play takes place after 5pm, as this allows all guests to use the area for basketball or other sporting activities. As with all sports activities, guests can find information on what’s available on board, including hours of operation, listed in the HUB App. All ships in the Holland America Line fleet feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views that will be refreshed by February 2023, including adding new PPA Tour partner logos. It’s important to note, however, that not all Royal Caribbean ships offer pickleball.

In fact, it’s estimated that over 36 million people played pickleball in the United States between August 2021 and August 2022, and now you can play it onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Pickleball fans can bring their game to the high seas on Celebrity Cruises. Whether a first-time player or an avid pro, guests can now enjoy complimentary pickleball onboard featuring open-air courts and panoramic ocean views. While sailing through the captivating Caribbean, Royal Caribbean ensures that your journey is as unforgettable and awe-inspiring as the destinations themselves.

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