Holland America Puts Pickleball Courts, Free Lessons, and Pro Meet-Ups on Its Cruises, With a Private Island Event Set for March 2027
- Holland America Line offers pickleball courts across its fleet, free onboard lessons, and free gear, and added dedicated courts at its private Caribbean island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, in 2025.
- Four Countdown Cruises in 2026 and 2027 bring PPA players aboard for coffee chats, trivia, and organized play.
- Joe Chantry, the line’s Vice President of Entertainment & Enrichment, says pickleball is “one of the most popular sports among our guests.”
Cruise Passengers Can Now Play Pickleball at Sea and on a Private Island
Pickleball has become a way for players to meet people, stay active, and plan trips around the sport. Holland America Line has been building the game into its cruises, and The Pickleball Weekly Magazine detailed the program in an October 7 feature by Alexandra Sinopoli.
The offer reaches beyond the serious player. Guests do not need to be competitive or book a special sailing to take part, and the line provides lessons and equipment at no charge.
From a 2022 Partnership to a Private Island
Holland America has been the exclusive cruise line partner of the PPA and Major League Pickleball from 2022. Pickleball courts are available across the fleet, so a guest on a regular cruise can play.
In 2025 the line added dedicated pickleball courts at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, its private Caribbean island. The article does not give the number of courts there. Chantry said the line is always looking for ways to create experiences that guests cannot find anywhere else, and called the island “a perfect example.”
The timeline in the article runs in four steps: fleetwide pickleball through the PPA partnership in 2022, the island expansion in 2025, the start of the Countdown Cruises in 2026, and a Private Island Invitational in March 2027.
What the Countdown Cruises Include
The Countdown Cruises are four sailings across 2026 and 2027. They feature appearances by PPA players, exclusive onboard programming, and chances to play at Half Moon Cay. Listed activities include coffee chats with pros, trivia, and organized pickleball.
The Private Island Invitational follows in March 2027. The article describes it as an exclusive professional pickleball competition at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, held on a special Caribbean cruise.
The article does not list ports, sailing dates, trip lengths, ship names, or prices for the Countdown Cruises. Players interested in a sailing would need to get those details from Holland America.
A Typical Day on a Pickleball Sailing
On the special sailings, Chantry described a day that mixes court time with ordinary cruise activities. A guest might start the morning with open play or a clinic and spend time with a pro. The rest of the day can go to exploring a port, relaxing on the ship, dining, or joining another pickleball or social event. Chantry called the result “the best of both worlds.”
Chantry said guests who are newer to the game or play for fun will find plenty to do. “You can expect a lot more than just time on the court,” he said.
Four Features Holland America Highlights
The article lists four features of the program:
- Matches come with a view: friendly games on courts that overlook the sea.
- Improve your game at sea: complimentary onboard lessons for all.
- Pack less, play more: complimentary pickleball gear whenever guests want it.
- Make new connections: guests can connect, compete, and create lasting memories.
Time With the Pros
Special programming can include professional-led clinics, lessons, meet-and-greets, coffee chats, and other events. Chantry said the line is thrilled to work with talent from the PPA. What excites him most, he said, is giving guests the chance to interact directly with the pros. He described it as a “much more personal experience than most fans would typically have at a tournament.”
Why Pickleball and Cruising Pair Up
Chantry sees a shared quality in the two. “At their core, both are about connection,” he said. A pickleball game can start with four strangers and end with plans for another game. A cruise, with several days of shared meals and activities, creates a similar setting.
On the ships, he said, pickleball demand has grown. “We’ve seen that enthusiasm firsthand on our ships. It’s actually one of the most popular sports among our guests,” Chantry said. The article says Holland America has seen increased pickleball demand across its 11 ships. Chantry also said travelers increasingly want experiences that reflect their interests.
What Travelers Should Know
For players planning a pickleball trip, the program has two tiers. Any Holland America guest can find courts, free lessons, and free gear on a regular cruise. The Countdown Cruises and the March 2027 Invitational add pro appearances and the private island courts. The Pickleball Weekly feature is an overview, so it leaves out the booking details a traveler would need.
Image: Depositphotos
