Holland America Will Host Pickleball Tournament in 2027
The cruise line will hold a professional invitational on its private island in March 2027.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Cruises
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Holland America Line will host a professional pickleball invitational at Half Moon Cay on March 13, 2027. The tournament is part of a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard the Nieuw Statendam.
Why it matters
The event is part of a broader marketing strategy to merge luxury Caribbean vacations with professional pickleball competitions. Holland America is leveraging the sport's popularity to enhance its private island offerings during its 30th anniversary year.
The professional invitational will take place on a seven-day cruise itinerary featuring four newly constructed pickleball courts on the island. Holland America Line maintains a fleet of 11 vessels that visit 400 ports worldwide.
The players
Holland America Line
This Seattle-based cruise line has been in operation for 150 years.
The details
The cruise line will also host four Caribbean Countdown Cruises between November 2026 and January 2027, featuring clinics and meet-and-greets with PPA players. Onboard, the company provides equipment, beginner instruction, and open play for guests across its entire fleet.
Timeline
November 20, 2026: First Countdown Cruise departs on Nieuw Amsterdam.
December 12, 2026: Second Countdown Cruise departs on Zuiderdam.
January 2, 2027: Third Countdown Cruise departs on Eurodam.
January 23, 2027: Fourth Countdown Cruise departs on Eurodam.
March 13, 2027: Professional pickleball invitational tournament play occurs.
Travel Outlook
This tournament reflects the industry-wide effort to capitalize on the rise of pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Cruises are increasingly programming activities that mirror the land-based lifestyle habits of travelers to maintain year-round relevance.
Travelers interested in the event should plan to book the March 7, 2027, cruise aboard the Nieuw Statendam to guarantee access to the tournament activities. Those looking for instruction can already utilize existing pickleball courts and beginner classes available across the fleet.
The takeaway
Travelers should prioritize booking early if they want to participate in specialized themed cruises. Integrating hobbies like pickleball into vacation planning can offer a more tailored experience for active passengers.
What happens next
Specific details regarding the professional players featured on each Countdown Cruise will be announced in the coming months.
Further reading
For more information on current cruise trends and upcoming events, visit the Cruises section.
More information
To review itineraries or book your trip, visit the Holland America cruise booking portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chatham Daily News.
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