The World’s Fastest Growing Sport Comes to Celebrity

Fans Can Ride the Wave of the Hottest Sport on Nine of the Cruise Line’s Ships

The world’s fastest growing sport is coming to the world’s greatest cruise ships. Celebrity Cruises, the first cruise line to be Forbes Travel Guide star-rated, is adding pickleball courts to nine of its ships in the fleet. Whether a first-time player or an avid pro, travellers can enjoy open-air courts and panoramic ocean views while playing the popular sport, a hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.  

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a relatively new racquet/paddle sport for two/four players (singles/doubles), which is akin to a combination of tennis, Ping-Pong and badminton,

Currently in the U.K., the sport has an estimated 7,000 players, although Pickleball England is aiming for 25,000 members by 2025. In the US, the sport’s popularity has grown rapidly by over 40% between 2019 and 2021, making it the fastest ever growing sport in America

The Five Rules of Pickleball

1️⃣ No Volleys in the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), (also known as “the kitchen”).

2️⃣ The ball must bounce at least once each side per volley.

3️⃣ Serves must be taken from the base line.

4️⃣ Serves must not land in the Non-Volley Zone.

5️⃣ The game ends from 11 points. However, the winner must have two clear points so a match can go up to 21 points

You can find full description of rules HERE

Pickleball on Celebrity Cruises

Open to players of all skill levels, pickleball will be offered complimentary to all guests who sail on a participating ship. Guests can enjoy pickleball at their leisure pending court availability, or as part of organised events and tournaments led by the ship’s activities team. Separate times will be scheduled for adult play 18 and over, or family play of six years and older.  Guests can bring their own equipment onboard, or use the pickleball net, paddles and balls provided by Celebrity Cruises. 

“We are so excited to offer this social, fun and trending activity to both new and seasoned cruisers alike, whether travelling solo, as a couple, or as a group,” said Keith Lane, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Celebrity Cruises.  “And, imagine playing on the ship’s top deck with views of some of the world’s most amazing places all around you. What an experience!”  

The nine Celebrity Cruises’ ships now offering pickleball include: two Edge Series ships – Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Apex; plus Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit.

 Court locations vary by ship. On Edge Series ships Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Apex, pickleball is played at the lush and roomy Rooftop Garden. On Solstice Series ships including Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Solstice, pickleball will be offered on the Sports Deck (Deck 15). Meanwhile, on Millennium Series ships Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Summit, players can head to the Sports Court (Deck 12).

For more information and to book a sailing with Celebrity Cruises, call 0800 441 4054, visit www.celebritycruises.com or talk to your travel agent.