The pickleball craze continues! Not content to dominate community parks around North America, the sociable, ‘tennis light’ paddle sport is taking root in holiday destinations – not just on land resorts and hotels, but also at sea, and, in the latest twist, overwater! 

Pickleball on the Rivers of Europe

AmaWaterways made waves when it became the first river cruise line to introduce a full-sized pickleball court (pictured, below). That’s courtesy of the extraordinary (for river cruise ships) size of the AmaMagna, the largest river cruise ship in Europe, about double the width of most other cruise ships. 

That’s just enough extra space to accommodate a regulation-sized pickleball court that debuted at the beginning of the 2024 European river cruise season. The addition to the amenities on the AmaMagna’s Sun Deck allows guests of all ages to take a swing while the ship is docked in the heart of picturesque towns along the Danube river. 

Sports and wellness innovation is standard for AmaWaterways. It pioneered active river cruising almost 20 years ago by introducing bikes on board, which has become almost standard on many river cruises today.

European-based Amadeus River Cruises also offers guests the opportunity to play pickleball on the top deck of the Amadeus Silver III.

Recognizing the growing popularity of the sport and the weather and motion conditions that limit onboard play, Amadeus launched specialized pickleball itineraries in 2023 that included shore excursions and pre- and post-cruise extension packages for even more guests to be able to visit local clubs and courts to play. 

Pickleball at Sea

On the decks of an ocean-going cruise ship, it’s easier to find space and create controlled conditions for a pickleball court, with basketball, tennis, volleyball courts already in play on many of the bigger ocean vessels. 

Cruise lines are answering the growing call to provide opportunities to play what the Sports and Fitness Industry Association calls “America’s fastest-growing sport.” 

Holland America Line is the “exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickeball Association,” with all its ships featuring courts with top-deck views and equipment available for a match anytime weather allows.

Celebrity Cruises (pictured above), Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and now, even British luxury line Cunard on its new ship the Queen Annehave all embraced the pickleball trend.  

But not all ships on every cruise line have pickleball, even if one or two (sometimes the newest ships only) in the fleet include a court. In addition, some courts are indoors and some are not full sized.

Ask your trusted travel advisor for the pickleball scoop on your next cruise if you are very picky about how you play your favorite paddle sport!

Pickleball Overwater the Adriatic Sea

And now, one cruise operator has taken pickleball to another level - taking it off the deck and overwater. Explorateur Journeys’ 30-guest mega-yacht Aretha has a new, inflatable pickleball court (pictured, top, courtesy of Via Croatia), which allows guests to play over the water of the Adriatic on its Croatian itineraries. 

The court is held steady and strong adjacent to the ship and besides the overwater experience, cruise guests along this journey are also treated to the chance to play in a variety of extraordinary settings such as the sparkling islands of Šćedro Brac. 

It's an incredibly indulgent scenario, playing in turquoise blue water, surrounded by secluded islands and ancient ruins, clay roofs and hillside vineyards. Beyond the gaming, the journey is paired with delightful gastronomic experiences, deeply enriching cultural immersions and plenty of time to hop into the sea for refreshing swims.

The newly refurbished vessel features 15 cabins with room for up to 30 guests in the group plus 12 crew members onboard​, and features watertoys, a slide, jet skis, Jacuzzis, pool onboard cinema, massage facilities and fabulous cuisine for all guests on board its 7 night chartered itineraries. 

So many holiday destinations are embracing the pickleball phenomenon these days, you don’t have to give up your routine fun on the pickleball court – and it’s a fun way to meet new friends on vacation!

START YOUR ACTIVE TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist/ expert.

Image credits as noted or courtesy of their respective cruise line/ operator. 

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