Pickleball has been described as the world’s fastest growing sport. The hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong is definitely on the radar of cruise lines, with Celebrity Cruises the latest to get onboard, announcing the addition of pickleball courts to nine of its ships.
Open to players of all skill levels, pickleball will be offered at no charge to all guests who sail on a participating ship. Guests can enjoy pickleball at their leisure pending court availability, or as part of organized 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 are invited to 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).