The fastest-growing sport in the world - pickleball - is coming to Celebrity Cruises ships in 2023 as the company is adding pickleball courts to 9 ships in the fleet.
Whether a first-time player/an avid pro, travelers can enjoy panoramic ocean views and open-air courts while playing the popular sport, a hybrid of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong.
Open to players of all skill levels, pickleball is to be offered complimentary to all guests who sail on a participating cruise ship. Passengers can enjoy pickleball at their leisure pending court availability/as part of organized events and tournaments led by the activities team. Separate times are scheduled for adult play of 18+, or family play of 6+ years.
Passengers can bring their own equipment onboard/use the pickleball net, paddles, and balls provided by Celebrity.
Keith Lane (Celebrity's Senior VP of Hotel Operations) said they were excited to offer the social, fun and trending activity to both new/seasoned cruisers alike, "whether traveling solo, as a couple, or as a group.”
“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 9 Celebrity liners now fitted with pickleball courts include two EDGE Class/fleet's largest ships (Beyond and Apex, also the 2023 debuting Ascent), plus the vessels Constellation, Eclipse, Equinox, Infinity, Millennium, Solstice, and Summit.
Court locations vary by ship. On Edge Series ships (Beyond, Apex, Ascent), pickleball is played at the Rooftop Garden.
On Solstice Series ships including Eclipse, Equinox, and Solstice, pickleball is offered on the Sports Deck (Deck 15).
On Millennium Series ships Constellation, Infinity, Millennium, and Summit, players head to the Sports Court (Deck 12).