Holland America to Host First Professional Pickleball Association Invitational Held on a Private Island
New partnership introduces the iconic dessert on board during the 2026-27 Caribbean season in anticipation of 30 years of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Seattle, Wash., Sept. 30, 2026 — It’s an island so remote that no one lives there full-time, but now RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ will be home to the first-ever professional pickleball invitational on a private island, offering guests a one-of-a-kind opportunity to combine a Caribbean vacation with pickleball.
Holland America Line, the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP) announced the first “Private Island Invitational” will take place on the cruise line’s private island during a Caribbean voyage departing March 7, 2027. The event comes as Holland America Line celebrates the 30th anniversary of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, marking three decades of memorable experiences on the award-winning private island. Nieuw Statendam’s seven-day Eastern Caribbean: San Juan & St. Thomas cruise will include an unforgettable day of pickleball play on March 13 on the island. The invitational will feature professional players on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’s four new pickleball courts.
“At Holland America Line, we believe experiences are too good to hurry through,” said Kacy Cole, Holland America Line’s chief marketing officer. “That's why bringing the first-ever professional pickleball invitational to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay feels like a perfect fit, combining the excitement of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports with the unmatched beauty of one of the Caribbean’s most extraordinary islands in a way only Holland America can.”
Leading up to the event, the cruise line will host four Countdown Cruises featuring special onboard pickleball programming, giving guests the opportunity to meet pros and celebrate the sport before the Private Island Invitational.
“This exciting new offering from the PPA, MLP and Holland America Line, the Private Island Invitational competition at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, shows how pickleball is a sport that can truly be enjoyed anywhere,” said Jacob Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer for PPA & MLP. “We can’t think of a better setting for a professional invitational than next to the pristine beaches of this tranquil private island.”
Countdown Cruises serve up pickleball fun
Leading up to the Private Island Invitational cruise, Holland America will offer four select Caribbean sailings featuring special pickleball onboard programming and island play at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, with appearances by PPA players. Throughout those Countdown Cruises, guests will have up-close access to the players at events, including coffee chats with a PPA pro, pickleball-themed trivia, meet-and-greet with a PPA pro, onboard lessons with a PPA pro and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay PPA pro clinic.
Each Countdown Cruise will feature appearances by pickleball professionals, giving guests multiple opportunities to interact with the sport’s top talent while enjoying Holland America Line’s award-winning Caribbean itineraries. Specific details about the pros on each cruise will be announced in the coming months.
The Countdown Cruises include:
· Nov. 20, 2026 — 9-day Southern Caribbean, Nieuw Amsterdam
· Dec. 12, 2026 — 7-day Western Caribbean: Greater Antilles and Mexico, Zuiderdam
· Jan. 2, 2027 — 7-day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove and Bahamas, Eurodam
· Jan. 23, 2027 — 7-day Eastern Caribbean: Amber Cove and Bahamas, Eurodam
The Private Island Invitational at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay builds on Holland America Line’s popular onboard pickleball program, available across the fleet. Every ship features at least one pickleball court with ocean views, provided equipment, beginner instruction and open play, giving guests of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
For more information about Holland America Line or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.