Holland America Line Named Exclusive Cruise Partner of the Professional Pickleball Association

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Dec 15, 2022

Free pickleball courts, lessons and tutorials to feature fleetwide

SEATTLE, December 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — A leader in cruising is joining forces with the fastest growing sports leader in the United States, through an exciting new partnership. Holland America line has been named the exclusively official cruise line of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and is committed to expanding its at-sea pickleball experience for guests.

All ships in Holland America Line’s fleet feature pickleball courts with stunning upper deck views that will be refreshed by February 2023, including the addition of new PPA Tour partner logos. Beginning in February and rolling out fleet-wide by April 2023, free beginner lessons will be offered by onboard instructors who will teach passengers the rules and basics of the game of pickleball, including where the “kitchen” and what it means to hit a “dink”. ” shot.

“We are excited to provide our customers with an elevated pickleball experience on their journey…”

All ships in the Holland America Line fleet feature pickleball courts with stunning upper deck views that will be refreshed by February 2023, including the addition of new PPA Tour partner logos. Beginning in February and fleet-wide deployment by April 2023Free beginner lessons will be offered by instructors aboard the ship who will teach passengers the rules and basics of the game of pickleball, including where the “kitchen” is and what it means to hit a “dink.”

“We like to say that travel unites us, but so does sports, and Holland America Line is proud to be the premier and exclusive partner of the PPA. We are excited to provide our customers with an elevated pickleball experience so that they travel to spectacular and scenic cruise destinations,” said kacy cole, Vice President of Marketing for Holland America Line. “Reflecting its rapid growth as the fastest growing sport in the United States, pickleball is the most popular sport on our ships. It’s wonderful to see guests uniting around their shared love of the game. – and the ever-changing landscape provides the perfect backdrop for pickleball.”

In addition to onboard activations, “How to Play Pickleball” instructional videos will be featured on stateroom television programming. Passengers will be able to purchase branded pickleball starter kits from shipboard retail stores from 2023.

“Pickleball has become extremely popular among travel and leisure business categories because it is uniquely accessible, compatible with a variety of brands, and transcends a wide range of age groups and lifestyles,” said Connor Pardo, commissioner and CEO of the PPA Tour. “Holland America Line has embraced and engaged pickleball in a very exciting way and will bring engaging 360-degree collaborations between its cruise line and the sport we all love.”

In addition to onboard activations, Holland America Line will be featured on branded panels at land-based PPA tournaments across the United States, PPA merchandise and tour promotional materials.

Holland America line shares a deeper connection with PPA beyond the game – pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in washington statea short ferry ride from Seattle where Holland America Line is headquartered.

“Playing pickleball is about making new friends, from the neighborhood or around the world. This ageless sport welcomes players young and old, fast or slow,” said Therese Haynie, founding board member of the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association and instructor for the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association. “It’s a fun game to teach and even more fun to learn. Now with pickleball on board ships thanks to this wonderful partnership, cruisers and players have one more adventure to experience and take home.”

For more information on Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line at Twitter, Facebook, instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media through the homepage at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line
Holland America line, part of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK), has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly designed itineraries, extraordinary service and real connections to every destination. Providing an ideal mid-size ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years – longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line 11 ships offer a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills every evening at Music Walk, and restaurants feature exclusive selections from a culinary board of world-renowned chefs.

About the PPA Tour
The Professional Pickleball Association is the professional tour for the sport of pickleball, hosting events and leaderboards for the top male and female pickleball players from around the world and awarding nearly $3 million in annual prizes offering equal play and pay. With over 20 events in 2022 at world-class facilities like the Lindner Family Tennis Center in CincinnatiRiviera Country Club in Californiaand the Darling Tennis Center and Mandalay Bay at Vegas, the PPA Tour is the leading provider of professional and amateur events. Founded in 2018 and based in Salt Lake City, UT, the PPA Tour offers an unparalleled experience for all, inviting players to compete and “play where the pros play”, as well as offering unparalleled venues, food/drink, live entertainment, experiences VIP, giveaways and games, meet-and-greet pro gamers, shopping, vendors, and more. For more information, visit www.patour.com. See Player Profiles and follow us on social networks Twitter instagram Youtube Facebook LinkedIn.