Friday, April 12, 2024

Mediterranean Pickleball Cruise on Odyssey of the Seas

pickleball cruise

Free beginner lessons are also offered, where guests can learn the rules and basics of playing pickleball. Pickleball is a paddle ball sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a lightweight plastic ball (similar to a whiffle ball) over a net. The game spread through word of mouth and eventually became popular at YMCAs and community centers across the United States. Today, pickleball is played by millions of people in hundreds of countries around the world. Its popularity is due in part to its accessibility; the game is easy to learn and doesn’t require a lot of expensive equipment.

What should I wear to play pickleball?

We’re excited to offer our guests an elevated pickleball experience as they travel to spectacular and scenic cruise destinations,” said Kacy Cole, vice president of marketing for Holland America Line. Though not the most up-to-date in terms of pickleball offerings, Cunard does provide a unique experience. Their “paddle tennis” courts are netted and covered in grass/turf, which makes the game a bit more challenging.

Celebrity Cruises: Exclusive and Eventful

From Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line to Holland America and Princess Cruises, you’ll be able to satisfy your pickleball craving. Virgin Voyages’ ship Valiant Lady offers pickleball in a shared sports court that’s also used for dodgeball and basketball. Regent Seven Seas’ two newest ships, Splendor and Explorer, as well as its upcoming ship Grandeur all feature dedicated, screened two-sport courts (for pickleball and paddle tennis) located on deck 12 aft. In this article, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about pickleball on cruise ships, including which cruise lines offer it as an included activity. With pickleball available on 9 Celebrity Cruise ships, Celebrity doesn’t just offer open-air courts; they have free play time, adult-exclusive time, and family-exclusive time. Not to mention, you can participate in events and tournaments while cruising.

How will pickleball’s growing popularity affect the cruising industry?

Surrounded by the iconic scenery of Mount Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri, the Port of Naples offers breathtaking views. It also serves as a popular starting point for exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum or catching a ferry to the enchanting islands of Capri and Ischia. The port itself is a bustling hub offering a mix of commercial, passenger, and recreational services, making it a highlight of any visit to Naples.

We started our curated Pickleball Cruises in 2021 due to the growing demand of the sport. We are more than just a game, we are the entire experience with learning, practice, private instruction and dedicated court time. With our exclusive Pickleball At Sea Group Cruise offerings AND the experience of being onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship—this truly is the ultimate vacation experience. Experience America’s Last Frontier aboard Ovation of the Seas®, an immense and daring vessel navigating through Alaska. Observe breathtaking panoramic views from North Star®, the highest point on a cruise ship, while immersed in stunning blue glaciers and magnificent waterfalls traveling through Endicott Arm. Indulge in a variety of globally-inspired cuisine and robot-crafted beverages as refreshing as the crisp mountain air outside after your adventures on land.

Cruise Line Adds “Glacier Day” to Its Alaskan Cruise Itineraries

Picking up on the pickleball craze - Travel Weekly

Picking up on the pickleball craze.

Posted: Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

As you traverse the Last Frontier aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, delight in an unforgettable vacation where every moment is a treasured memory, and the pristine Alaskan beauty leaves you in awe. In fact, Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas hosted a pickleball cruise on a six-night Western Caribbean cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, sailing from November 27 to December 3, 2022. The theme cruise went all-out for the pickleballers, with clinics and drills from pro pickleball players (yes, there are pros in this sport) and indoor courts reserved just for the players. A cruise vacation caters to anyone who is looking for relaxation, adventure or just some fun in the sun.

What is pickleball? Cruises are jumping on this sports trend - The Points Guy

What is pickleball? Cruises are jumping on this sports trend.

Posted: Sat, 08 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The sport’s official rulebook was published in March of 1984, and by 1990 the game was being played in every US state. Cruise lines follow trends when designing, adding, and removing activities to their ships, and Royal Caribbean is no exception. Golfing simulators, inline skating, and a boxing ring are just some of the cruise ship activities Royal Caribbean has implemented and later phased out. If you're curious about this new athletic craze, which appeals to players of all ages and ability levels, you've come to the right place. I'll tell you all you need to know and help you find a cruise ship where you can volley on your next voyage.

Royal Caribbean: Play Indoors or Out

With Pickleball in Paradise, every moment on the ship is an opportunity to hone your skills, refine your strategies, and bond over your favorite game, unaffected by rain or wind. Both of Crystal Cruises’ ships offer two dedicated pickleball courts, ensuring that you can enjoy the sport in a luxurious setting. Carnival says it will be adding pickleball to more and more of its cruise ships. Also, avid players have often packed their paddles and used the basketball courts onboard to stay sharp with practice while hitting without the nets. As of 2024, Carnival Cruise Line offers pickleball on 18 ships. Ocean cruise lines have been racing to install pickleball courts on cruise ships, of course.

You might even meet some fellow pickleball enthusiasts and make some unforgettable memories along the way. So pack your paddle and comfy shoes, and take your game to the high seas. The game can be played one-on-one, but matches are usually conducted two-against-two, with members of the same team standing on the same side of the net. The ball is volleyed back and forth until a fault is committed, determining whether the serving team receives a point or must rotate servers.

Carnival Conquest and Glory have dedicated pickleball courts, while the other ships offer pickleball in the basketball court space. Sixteen of the Royal Caribbean ships offer pickleball, mostly in shared sports courts with designated times. However, some ships offer the option to play indoors, ensuring you can enjoy the sport come rain or shine.

pickleball cruise

The courts are also covered in grass turf instead of hard flooring. All three of Cunard’s current ships and the upcoming Queen Anne feature net-enclosed paddle tennis courts. Now that you have some context on pickleball and its popularity, you can see why cruise lines are jumping on the court.

We highly recommend cruising with a valid US-passport especially in case of emergencies. Passports must not expire within six months of the return travel date. Join us July 31-August 11, 2024 and play pickleball as you cruise past the beautiful landscape and glaciers of Alaska. Court times are offered for adults, and dedicated times are for families with kids. Additionally, tutorial videos on the game are available on in-cabin TVs, and passengers can purchase souvenir pickleball starter kits. Additionally, pickleball can be played by people of all ages and skill levels, making it an excellent option for families and recreational players alike.

To find when pickleball is offered onboard, check the Cruise Compass or Royal Caribbean app. More often than not, Open Play Pickleball is offered in the mornings of your cruise, from around 8AM to 11AM. It’s located on the outdoor Sports Court (or indoor SeaPlex on Quantum Class ships).

In this case, Vicki Freed, one of the executives from Royal Caribbean, availed herself on the court to play with fellow passengers. I took advantage of this opportunity and paddled a few balls. Celebrity Cruises has added pickleball courts to nine of the ships in its fleet. The Edge-class ships with pickleball include Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Apex, where the courts are located at the Rooftop Garden. The Solstice-class ships Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Solstice have pickelbll on the Sports Deck on Deck 15. And finally the Millennium-class ships Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Summit offer the game at the Sports Court on Deck 12.

For those who book by June 1, 2023, there is a $50 OBC early booking bonus. The court is always open, and it has dedicated hours for pickleball open play. Guests can check their Princess Patter or the Princess app for timing.

Numerous Royal Caribbean ships offer pickleball sessions on the sports courts. The nicest is the setup on Odyssey of the Seas in the indoor SeaPlex sports area. Oceania’s two Oceania-class ships, Marina and Riviera, offer pickleball on their upper deck sports court. The line’s first Vista-class ship, Vista, will also include pickleball. As part of the partnership, the line has added brand-new pickleball courts to all the vessels in its fleet. It now also sells PPA equipment in its onboard shops, and its fitness staff offers beginner lessons to anyone hoping to learn how to play.

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