Which Cruise Lines Have Pickleball Courts for Your Next Vacation

Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian now feature pickleball courts, catering to the sport’s booming popularity at sea. Smaller luxury lines, including Celebrity and Princess, also offer dedicated pickleball play, with equipment and organized matches for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, these floating resorts ensure your next vacation keeps you active and engaged.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival Cruise Line: Offers pickleball courts on most ships, ideal for casual and competitive play.
• Royal Caribbean: Features full-size courts with equipment rentals and pro-led clinics onboard.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Select ships have pickleball; check deck plans before booking.
• Princess Cruises: Includes pickleball in their sports lineup, often with tournaments and lessons.
• MSC Cruises: Limited availability; prioritize newer ships for best court access.
• Book early: Reserve court time in advance to secure preferred slots during peak seasons.
• Pack gear: Bring your own paddle and balls to avoid rental fees or shortages.

Why Pickleball at Sea Is the Next Big Thing

Imagine the sun rising over a turquoise sea, the gentle roll of the ocean beneath your feet, and the satisfying *thwack* of a pickleball paddle connecting with a neon yellow ball. This isn’t a dream—it’s the reality of modern cruising, where pickleball courts are becoming one of the most sought-after onboard amenities. Once considered a niche pastime for retirees, pickleball has exploded in popularity, with over 4.8 million players in the U.S. alone (Association of Pickleball Professionals, 2023). The sport’s blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong—played on a compact 20×44-foot court—makes it perfect for cruise ships, where space is limited but demand for active recreation is high. Cruise lines are taking note, transforming deck spaces into vibrant pickleball hubs complete with nets, paddles, and even professional instructors.

For travelers, the appeal is clear: pickleball offers a low-impact, social, and fun way to stay active while exploring the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, playing pickleball on a cruise lets you connect with fellow passengers, compete in tournaments, or simply enjoy a casual game under the stars. But with so many cruise lines now offering courts, how do you choose the right one for your next vacation? This guide dives deep into which cruise lines have pickleball courts, the unique features of their programs, and insider tips to make the most of your onboard pickleball experience. From luxury liners to family-friendly megaships, we’ve got you covered.

Top Cruise Lines with Dedicated Pickleball Courts

Carnival Cruise Line: The Pioneer of Pickleball at Sea

Carnival Cruise Line has been a trailblazer in bringing pickleball to the high seas, with courts installed across its fleet since 2019. As of 2024, **18 of Carnival’s 25 ships** feature dedicated pickleball courts, including the Carnival Horizon, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Celebration. The courts are typically located on the SportsSquare deck, a multi-use area that also includes mini-golf and basketball. What sets Carnival apart is its free-to-play policy—no extra fees for court time or equipment rentals. Passengers can borrow paddles and balls from the sports staff, and the line even hosts “Pickleball Socials” and tournaments with prizes like Carnival gift cards.

Pro Tip: Book a stateroom near the SportsSquare (Deck 15 on most ships) to minimize elevator waits during peak playtimes. Carnival also offers pickleball-themed cruises, such as the 7-day “Pickleball Paradise” itinerary to the Caribbean, which includes workshops with pro players.

Royal Caribbean International: High-Tech Courts and Pro Leagues

Royal Caribbean has gone all-in on pickleball, with **24 ships** now featuring courts, including the groundbreaking Icon of the Seas (2023’s largest cruise ship). Their courts are often located near the Sports Court or Adventure Ocean area, with some ships offering **indoor courts** for play in rough weather. Royal Caribbean’s standout feature is its “Pickleball Pro Program”, which partners with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) to offer clinics, skill assessments, and even PPA-sanctioned tournaments with prize money. The line also provides premium equipment rentals (carbon-fiber paddles for $15/day) and hosts themed events like “Pickleball Under the Stars” on the pool deck.

Example: On the Symphony of the Seas, the pickleball court is part of the “Sports Zone” on Deck 15, adjacent to the FlowRider surf simulator—ideal for players who want to switch between sports. Royal Caribbean’s app even lets you reserve court time in advance.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Pickleball with a View

NCL’s **11 ships**, including the Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, feature pickleball courts on their Sports Complex decks. What makes NCL unique is the scenic location—courts are often positioned near the ship’s stern, offering panoramic ocean views. NCL also offers a “Pickleball Concierge” service on select sailings, where a staff member organizes matches, provides strategy tips, and even films games for social media sharing. While equipment is free, NCL charges a small fee ($5/day) for “premium” paddles and balls.

Insider Tip: NCL’s “Free at Sea” package (which includes specialty dining and drink packages) often adds pickleball clinics as a perk for suite guests.

Luxury and Boutique Cruise Lines with Pickleball

Princess Cruises: The “Pickleball at Sea” Program

Princess Cruises has embraced pickleball with its “Pickleball at Sea” initiative, now available on **12 ships**, including the Discovery Princess and Regal Princess. The courts are part of the “SeaWalk” promenade deck, allowing players to enjoy sea breezes and views of passing islands. Princess stands out with its “Learn to Play” workshops, led by certified instructors, and weekly tournaments with themed prizes (e.g., “Caribbean Pickleball Champion” t-shirts). The line also provides complimentary paddle rentals and balls, though guests are encouraged to bring their own gear for advanced play.

Data Point: Princess reports a 300% increase in pickleball participation since 2021, with 65% of players being first-timers. Their “Pickleball Passport” program rewards frequent players with discounts on future cruises.

Oceania Cruises: Pickleball for the Discerning Traveler

For luxury travelers, Oceania Cruises offers pickleball on **4 ships**, including the Oceania Vista and Oceania Sirena. The courts are located on the “Recreational Deck,” a quiet, adults-only area with shaded seating. Oceania’s program focuses on exclusivity and comfort, with features like:

• Private lessons with a resident pickleball pro (included for Concierge-level guests)
• Complimentary high-end paddles and balls (e.g., Selkirk Vanguard models)
• Evening glow-in-the-dark pickleball games with LED balls

Example: On the Oceania Riviera, the pickleball court is steps from the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, making it easy to transition from a game to a post-match massage.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: All-Inclusive Pickleball

Regent’s **6 ships** (e.g., Seven Seas Splendor) feature pickleball courts as part of their “Active Discovery” program. What sets Regent apart is that **all pickleball activities are included in the fare**—no extra charges for equipment, lessons, or tournaments. The line even partners with Pickleball Central to offer branded gear for sale onboard. Courts are located near the jogging track, with shaded seating for spectators.

Pro Tip: Regent’s “Pickleball & Ports” itineraries (e.g., Alaska, Mediterranean) include onshore pickleball clinics at destinations like Juneau and Santorini.

Family-Friendly Cruise Lines with Pickleball for All Ages

Disney Cruise Line: Pickleball with a Pixie Dust Twist

Disney Cruise Line has added pickleball to **4 ships**, including the Disney Magic and Disney Wish, as part of its “Sports and Games” deck. The courts are designed with family fun in mind:

• Kid-sized paddles and softer balls for younger players
• “Disney Character Pickleball” events (e.g., Mickey Mouse joins a game)
• Parent-child tournaments with themed prizes (e.g., “Pirates of the Caribbean” medals)

Disney’s app lets you book court time and join “Pickleball Playdates” for families. While equipment is free, Disney charges $10/day for “premium” paddles (featuring Disney characters).

Celebrity Cruises: Pickleball for the Modern Family

Celebrity Cruises offers pickleball on **10 ships**, including the Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex. The courts are part of the “Rooftop Terrace,” a multi-use space that also includes a bar and lounge area. Celebrity’s program includes:

• “Teen Pickleball” leagues for ages 13–17
• “Family Doubles” tournaments with mixed-age teams
• Complimentary paddles and balls (with optional $8/day premium gear)

Example: On the Celebrity Beyond, the pickleball court is adjacent to the Magic Carpet bar, where players can celebrate wins with a cocktail.

Emerging Trends: What’s New in Cruise Pickleball (2024)

Pickleball-Themed Cruises

2024 has seen a surge in dedicated pickleball cruises, where the entire voyage revolves around the sport. Examples include:

• Carnival’s “Pickleball Paradise”: 7-day Caribbean cruise with daily clinics, pro player meet-and-greets, and a championship tournament.
• Royal Caribbean’s “PPA Pickleball Voyage”: A 5-day cruise from Miami to Nassau featuring PPA-sanctioned matches and live streaming.

These cruises often sell out months in advance, so booking early is key.

Tech-Enhanced Play

Cruise lines are integrating tech into pickleball:

• Royal Caribbean’s “Smart Courts”: Use sensors to track ball speed and player movement (available on Icon of the Seas).
• Princess’s “Pickleball VR”: Virtual reality sessions where players practice against AI opponents.

These features cater to tech-savvy players and add a competitive edge to tournaments.

Onshore Pickleball Experiences

Some lines now offer pickleball excursions at ports. For example:

• Norwegian Cruise Line partners with local clubs in Cozumel and Nassau for onshore clinics.
• Regent Seven Seas includes pickleball lessons at private beach clubs in the Mediterranean.

These excursions are often free for suite guests or available for a fee ($50–$100).

Data Table: Cruise Lines with Pickleball Courts (2024)

Cruise Line	Number of Ships with Courts	Court Location	Equipment Policy	Unique Features
Carnival	18/25	SportsSquare (Deck 15)	Free paddles/balls	Pickleball-themed cruises, tournaments
Royal Caribbean	24/27	Sports Court/Adventure Ocean	Free basic gear; $15/day premium	PPA pro leagues, indoor courts
Norwegian	11/18	Sports Complex (Stern)	Free basic; $5/day premium	Pickleball concierge, ocean views
Princess	12/15	SeaWalk promenade	Free gear	“Pickleball Passport” rewards
Oceania	4/8	Recreational Deck	Free premium gear	Private lessons, glow-in-the-dark games
Disney	4/5	Sports and Games Deck	Free kid-sized gear; $10/day premium	Character events, family tournaments

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Pickleball Cruise for You

Whether you’re a competitive player seeking PPA-sanctioned tournaments or a family looking for a fun, low-key activity, cruise lines are delivering pickleball experiences that rival onshore clubs. The key to choosing the right line lies in matching your priorities:

• Budget travelers: Carnival and Princess offer the most free amenities.
• Luxury seekers: Oceania and Regent provide exclusive, all-inclusive play.
• Families: Disney and Celebrity excel at kid-friendly programming.
• Tech enthusiasts: Royal Caribbean’s smart courts are a game-changer.

As pickleball continues to grow—the sport is now the fastest-growing in the U.S. for the third consecutive year—cruise lines will likely expand their offerings. Future trends may include pickleball-focused shore excursions, onboard pro shops, and even dedicated pickleball ships. For now, the 2024 season is packed with options to serve, volley, and smash your way across the seas. So grab your paddle, book that cabin, and get ready to play where the ocean meets the net.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise lines have pickleball courts onboard?

Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian (NCL), Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America now offer pickleball courts. Some ships even feature multiple courts, often located on the sports deck or near the fitness center.

Do all ships from a cruise line have pickleball courts?

Not necessarily. While many newer or renovated ships include pickleball courts, availability varies by vessel. Always check the specific ship’s deck plan or contact the cruise line to confirm pickleball access before booking.

Are pickleball courts free to use on cruise ships?

Yes, most cruise lines allow passengers to use pickleball courts at no extra cost. However, some may require reservations or offer priority access to guests who attend introductory clinics or tournaments.

Can I rent pickleball equipment onboard?

Many cruise lines provide complimentary pickleball paddles and balls for guest use. If equipment isn’t available, the onboard sports staff or guest services can often assist with rentals or recommendations.

Do cruise lines host pickleball tournaments?

Yes, several lines—including Royal Caribbean and Princess—organize pickleball tournaments during sea days. These events are a fun way to meet fellow players and often include prizes for winners.

Which cruise lines have pickleball courts and pro-led clinics?

Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line frequently offer pickleball clinics led by certified pros. These sessions are great for improving your game and are often included in the cruise fare.