The American obsession with pickleball rages on. Last year, nearly 14 million people played pickleball in the U.S., according to a 2023 study by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. That’s a growth rate of almost 224% over the past three years, easily making pickleball the fastest-growing sport in the country since 2020.
From retirees to college students, the game is attracting diverse crowds, creating its own subculture. Entrepreneurs and professional athletes have jumped on the craze, and now the travel industry is trying to capitalize on it. Cruise lines, traditional resorts, and even pickleball-specific vacation planners are offering coaching sessions and competitions at exotic locales. It seems everyone wants to take part of the pickle pie.
Here are some money-saving tips and the top places you can go if you want to dink, drive, and drop away from home, all with the joy of pickleball.
1. ‘Dink’ on a Pickleball Cruise
Nowhere is the growth of pickleball more evident than on cruise ships. Who would’ve thought? Companies like Carnival Cruise Line have jumped wholeheartedly on the bandwagon, installing dedicated pickleball courts on vessels such as the Carnival Conquest. Norwegian Cruise Line has also followed suit with dedicated courts available on the Norwegian Prime and Norwegian Viva. This trend has likely contributed to the soaring demand for cruises.
Those dedicated courts are particularly appealing for seasoned pickleball players wanting to maximize their game time. Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity do offer pickleball but often use mixed-use courts shared with other sports like volleyball and basketball. It’s Holland America, though, that's taken things up a notch. Touted as the “exclusive cruise line of the Professional Pickleball Association,” their entire fleet features dedicated courts on the top deck. Imagine hitting those drop shots against the backdrop of Alaskan fjords or enjoying the Mediterranean Sea as you play!
During your sailing, Holland America also offers complimentary beginner’s lessons and organized tournaments, ensuring players of every skill level can participate. For those who prefer river cruising, AmaWaterways does not disappoint either—the AmaMagna boasts dedicated pickleball facilities right on its top deck, allowing enthusiasts to play as they drift down the Danube River.
If you're worried about lugging your own gear along, many cruise lines have public paddles available. But let’s be honest—if you're considering this type of trip, you've likely already got your trusty paddle and balls packed.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs for cruises can vary significantly based on duration and amenities. A seven-day cruise with Carnival might set you back under $700 per person, whereas luxury options with Regent Seven Seas could run around the $7,000 mark. To help offset these costs, savvy travelers often turn to travel rewards credit cards. If you have one of those bad boys, you can redeem points for cruise bookings.
2. Resorts Embrace Pickleball
From the sea to sandy beaches, resorts are now leaning heavily on the pickleball wave. Properties like the exclusive Club Med are jumping on the trend, offering authentic pickleball experiences as part of their all-inclusive packages. Being able to have morning sessions followed by afternoon lounging at the beach just seems to be too good to pass up. Both casual and competitive players are welcome, and skilled partners often facilitate organized games. Some resorts even offer coaching, allowing players to level up their game during their stay.
Beloved vacation spots such as Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Mexico are embracing amateur tourneys, making it easy to enjoy the sport on vacation and perhaps win some bragging rights to take back home.
3. Healthy Choices That Stand Out
Yes, there’s more! With growing interest, the number of travel options involving pickleball is only going to multiply. Always on the hunt for well-rounded experiences, many destinations are combining pickleball with wellness retreats. Destination spas and health resorts often include pickleball courts among their amenities. Enjoying healthy meals, fitness classes, and tricky rounds of pickleball feels like the ultimate way to escape your worries.
A few such resorts are already making waves: the Canyon Ranch introduces pickleball classes as part of its vacation wellness offerings. Players taking to the court after indulging themselves with promised relaxation perks find the balance refreshing.
4. Ultimate Travel Packages
Besides traditional offerings, various travel agencies now offer fully curated pickleball vacations. Such packages combine stays at resorts with organized leagues, games against professionals, and even specialized clinics catering to different skill levels. Some agencies focus on well-known pickleball destinations across the U.S., such as Florida and California, putting together attractive deals. The experience is just as much about the game as embracing the camaraderie and community surrounding pickleball.
Simply traveling to famous pickleball events nationwide is slowly gaining interest as well. Sports enthusiasts often plan their vacations around dominating matches, inspiring rising players to seek training from their idols. Charity matches organized by top players frequently highlight these events, allowing fans to enjoy excellent sportsmanship.
5. Plan Smart and Save
Traveling during the off-peak seasons helps you save significantly. Early summer or late fall often brings lower rates, regardless of the venue. Look for package deals encompassing pickleball lessons, accommodations, and maybe even free equipment rentals. Shopping around could yield some excellent deals.
And as always, utilizing travel rewards credit cards can lead to discounts, perks, and more, especially when booking trips centered around pickleball. Remember to check availability and note if specific times fill up quickly—especially those coaching sessions!
