A blend of tennis, ping pong and badminton, pickleball originated in Washington State in the 1960s when three friends improvised a new game for family fun using an old badminton net, ping pong paddles and a plastic ball. Over the past six decades the pastime has evolved into a mainstream sport, now widely recognized as one of the fastest-growing activities in the United States.
Participation has surged—more than tripling in recent years—as pickleball appeals to a wide range of ages and skill levels. The game’s slower, lightweight ball and compact court make it beginner-friendly and space-efficient: a standard pickleball court requires roughly one-third the area of a tennis court, allowing facilities to add courts without the footprint tennis demands.
Unsurprisingly, cruise lines have embraced the trend, offering onboard courts and equipment to meet guest demand. Many operators provide loaner paddles and balls, while more committed players often pack their own gear. Adding pickleball aligns with broader wellness and lifestyle trends, giving guests a social, active option that fits easily into cruise itineraries.
Major cruise brands have taken significant steps to incorporate pickleball into their onboard offerings. Holland America Line, for example, became the official cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association and retrofitted its fleet with refreshed pickleball courts. Each ship features a sports director who leads beginner lessons, organizes casual play and runs passenger tournaments, ensuring both newcomers and experienced players can find opportunities to play.
“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and for many of our guests it’s part of their daily lifestyle, so it made perfect sense to weave it even more deeply into the Holland America Line experience,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president, Guest Experience and Product Development, Holland America Line. Guests can play across diverse settings at sea, from scenic Alaskan itineraries to the white sands of the line’s private island destination, where courts are also available.
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Other lines have responded to passenger interest as well. Princess Cruises converted select tennis courts to pickleball and is adding dedicated courts to newer ships. Silversea and a wide array of mainstream operators, including Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, MSC, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas and Royal Caribbean, now offer courts on many itineraries. On the river-cruise side, AmaWaterways was among the first to introduce pickleball to its guests, reflecting demand for accessible onboard activities that combine social interaction with light exercise.
Industry observers note several reasons cruise lines are adopting pickleball: it attracts older, often more affluent travelers who value wellness and community; it requires minimal equipment and space; and it fosters social engagement among passengers. With onboard programming that ranges from casual drop-in play to structured lessons and tournaments, cruise lines are creating environments where guests can maintain active routines, try a new sport or connect with others while at sea.
As pickleball continues to grow, expect additional ships and itineraries to add courts, expand programming and tailor experiences for players at every level. Whether experienced competitors or curious first-timers, cruisers now have more opportunities than ever to pick up a paddle and enjoy the game while traveling.