Pickleball Waves: Riding the New Sports Tide on the High Seas

Aboard the Holland America Nieuw Statendam cruise ship, setting sail from Copenhagen to Rome, the classic game of shuffleboard is making way for the burgeoning popularity of Pickleball. Mike and Marga Kidd, seasoned Pickleball players from Canyon Lake, California, effortlessly sweep a match against the author and his wife, Kerry, initiating them into the competitive yet exhilarating realm of Pickleball on the high seas. Though novice players from Kelowna, B.C., the couple quickly falls in love with the sport, finding themselves amidst daily tournaments and tutorials, making the most of sea days and onshore excursions.

The cruise experience is enriched as they interact with the ship’s sports director, Vikas Sharma from India, learning the ropes of scoring, dinking, driving, lobbing, and mastering backhand punches and cross-court shots. The gatherings draw boomer couples, the demographic that coincidentally resonates with the essence of cruising and Pickleball. Holland America, seizing the trend, has fostered a partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association, thereby training Vikas to tutor others, equipping the open-air Deck 11 with the necessary gear, and even retailing Pickleball equipment onboard.

The narrative unfolds the charm and challenge Pickleball brings to the cruising experience. It's more than just a game; it's an avenue for social engagement, learning, and a fresh way to enjoy the cruise voyage besides the usual onshore excursions and luxurious stays at ports. The recounting extends beyond the Pickleball court, encapsulating the essence of a fulfilling cruise adventure—highlighting the unison of sports, camaraderie, and the unique essence of exploring the high seas while indulging in a sport that’s sweeping across America.