What Is Pickleball at Sea? Holland America's Courts, Lessons, and Island Play

Pickleball at sea is exactly what it sounds like: the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., played on a top-deck court with nothing but open ocean beyond the baseline. Holland America is the first and exclusive Official Cruise Line of the Professional Pickleball Association, bringing complimentary courts, beginner lessons, competitive tournaments, and private island play to every sailing in its fleet.

Whether you've been playing for years or you're still fuzzy on what a dink shot is, here's everything you need to know about the most popular sport at sea.

Which Holland America Line Ships Have Pickleball Courts?

Every ship in Holland America's fleet features a dedicated top-deck pickleball court, included with your cruise fare. No matter which sailing you choose, the court comes with the view.

Pickleball is currently available on:

• Eurodam
• Koningsdam
• Nieuw Amsterdam
• Nieuw Statendam
• Noordam
• Oosterdam
• Rotterdam
• Volendam
• Westerdam
• Zaandam
• Zuiderdam

Fun Fact: Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, just a short ferry ride from Seattle, where Holland America Line is headquartered. The sport and the cruise line have been neighbors for decades.

Want to know more about these ships? Read our guide: The Difference Between Holland America Ship Classes

Onboard Pickleball: Courts, Lessons, and Tournaments

Holland America's pickleball program runs the full range, from a casual first-timer rally to serious on-deck competition. Here's what's waiting on every sailing.

Open Court Play

Courts are open to all guests whenever weather permits, with paddles and balls provided at no additional charge. No reservation required. No skill level needed. Just show up, grab a paddle, and play.

Complimentary Beginner Lessons

Never touched a paddle? Shipboard instructors offer complimentary beginner lessons covering the rules, the court layout, and the basics of the game, like where "the kitchen" is and how to hit a dink shot.

In-stateroom tutorial videos are also available on the ship's TVs for guests who want a head start before their first lesson. First-timers are often rallying confidently by the end of a single session.

Onboard Tournaments

For guests who want to take the competition up a notch, onboard pickleball tournaments are offered on select sailings. Check the daily Navigator newsletter early in your voyage for sign-up details and scheduled event times.

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The courts have a way of bringing people together. It's not unusual to arrive alone and leave with a new doubles partner, a good story, or both.

Play Pickleball on Holland America's Private Island

A private island pickleball court is not something most players ever expect to find on a cruise itinerary. Holland America made it a reality, opening four courts at Half Moon Cay, the cruise line's award-winning private island in the Bahamas.

The courts are tucked in the island's sports area alongside basketball, volleyball, and soccer, giving active guests a full outdoor lineup steps from one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Play a competitive set in the morning, then spend the afternoon exactly as you please: snorkeling the natural lagoon, relaxing in a private cabana, or letting the kids loose at the waterpark while you find a shaded beach chair and do nothing at all.

Half Moon Cay is consistently ranked as one of the highest-rated Caribbean ports by guests, and pickleball is now part of what makes a day ashore so memorable.

The Cruise Web Advantage: Half Moon Cay is included on nearly every Holland Ameria Caribbean itinerary, but sailings and schedules vary. Our Cruise Experts can confirm which itineraries include a Half Moon Cay stop and help you find the best timing and value for your travel dates.

Tips for Playing Pickleball at Sea

A few things to keep in mind before your first on-deck rally:

1. Wear court shoes or athletic sneakers with a solid grip. Top-deck courts move with the ship, and good footing matters for lateral play.
2. Start each morning with the Navigator newsletter. It covers court hours, lesson schedules, tournament sign-ups, and any weather-related closures.
3. Sign up for beginner lessons early in your sailing. Shipboard instructors keep sessions welcoming and hands-on, and first-timers are often rallying confidently by the end of their first session.
4. Plan for morning court time when possible. Winds tend to build later in the day on open-deck courts, and temperatures are cooler.
5. Although standard balls are provided, consider packing specialty wind-resistant balls because sea days can get breezy.
6. Pack sunscreen and a water bottle before you head up. Top-deck courts are fully exposed, and direct sun on a Caribbean sailing is more intense than it feels mid-rally.

Book Your Holland America Pickleball Cruise

The Cruise Web's Holland America specialists know the fleet, the itineraries, and the promotions worth stacking. Whether you're planning a Caribbean sailing with a stop at Half Moon Cay, or an Alaska voyage with top-deck courts and glacier views, we handle the details so all you have to focus on is your backhand.

Every Holland America booking through The Cruise Web includes:

• No booking fees
• Access to exclusive promotions and offers
• Personalized service from our Holland America Line specialists
• Expert guidance on itineraries, ships, cabin categories
• Support from booking through embarkation and beyond

Talk to our Holland America Cruise Experts at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com for any of your travel needs!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball on Holland America Line

Is pickleball included in the Holland America Line cruise fare?

Yes. Pickleball courts and equipment are included with your cruise fare at no additional charge. Complimentary beginner lessons taught by shipboard instructors are also offered throughout each sailing.

Which Holland America Line ships have pickleball courts?

Top-deck Pickleball courts are available fleet-wide on Holland America Line.

Do I need to bring my own paddle?

No. Paddles and balls are provided on all Holland America Line ships at no additional charge. Branded pickleball starter kits are also available for purchase in the onboard retail shops for guests who want to take the game home.

What skill level is required to play?

None. Holland America Line offers complimentary beginner lessons taught by shipboard instructors, covering the rules, court layout, and game basics, including what "the kitchen" is and how to hit a dink shot. In-stateroom tutorial videos are also available for guests who want to learn before stepping on the court. Experienced players can sign up for onboard tournaments on select sailings.

Can I play pickleball at Half Moon Cay?

Yes. Holland America Line opened four pickleball courts at Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, in December 2025. The courts are located in the island's sports area and are available to guests during their island visit. Relax Away, Half Moon Cay is included on nearly every Holland America Line Caribbean itinerary.

Are pickleball courts available the entire cruise?

Courts are open whenever weather and safety conditions allow. In rough weather or high winds, courts may close temporarily. The daily Navigator newsletter and cruise app will reflect current availability and any scheduled lessons or tournament events.

What is Holland America Line's relationship with the Professional Pickleball Association?

Holland America Line is the first and exclusive Official Cruise Line of the Professional Pickleball Association, a partnership established in December 2022. The collaboration brought PPA-branded courts, certified beginner instruction, competitive onboard tournaments, and in-stateroom tutorial content to every ship in the fleet.