Holland America Line Celebrates National Pickleball Day with Fleetwide Festivities and Onboard Tournament

In celebration of National Pickleball Day on Aug. 8, Holland America Line brought the excitement of America’s fastest-growing sport to the high seas with fleetwide festivities filled with friendly competition, themed activities and a specialty cocktail.

Guests aboard Rotterdam got in on the action with a spirited Pickleball Day Tournament, complete with round-robin matches, prizes and support from fellow cruisers. Thanks to Holland America Line’s exclusive partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association, tournament winners took home a special prize package featuring PPA-branded paddles, shirts and hand towels — perfect mementos for pickleball fans.

“Pickleball is one of our most popular activities on board, and guests especially love playing out on deck with an unbeatable view that changes day by day,” said Saul Orr, senior manager, cruise programming for Holland America Line. “As the exclusive cruise line partner of the PPA, we were excited to bring even more activities to our courts for National Pickleball Day and help guests create unforgettable moments at sea.”

Across the fleet, the celebration included expanded play time, pickleball lessons led by the ship’s sports director, and a pickleball-themed cocktail: the “Backspin Spritz” is made with De Lijn Gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Holland America Line’s branded Sparkling Wine, club soda, lemon juice, mint leaves and cucumber ribbons. Guests of all skill levels were invited to join in the activities and enjoy the day in a scenic setting.

All Holland America Line ships are outfitted with pickleball courts that offer panoramic ocean backdrops, complimentary equipment for shipboard use, and beginner-friendly lessons throughout the voyage.